Six Indian tourists, including two women and four men, have gone missing in the high-altitude areas of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality in Dolpa following heavy snowfall, raising concerns over trekking safety in Nepal’s remote Himalayan region. The tourists were reportedly travelling towards the famous Phoksundo Lake through the Numa La and Baga La passes when they lost contact with local communities. The incident occurred amid continuous snowfall and worsening weather in Upper Dolpa, making search-and-rescue operations difficult. Authorities are collecting information about the missing tourists and coordinating with security agencies and local authorities to assess their situation and prepare for possible rescue operations.
Six Indian Tourists Reported Missing in High-Altitude Passes
According to local reports, the six Indian nationals went out of contact in the Numa La Pass and Baga La Pass areas of Ward No. 8 of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality. Residents informed the police after learning that the group had become unreachable while travelling towards Ringmo, the settlement near the popular Phoksundo Lake. The tourists, who arrived in Nepal to visit the Dolpa region, are believed to have faced difficulties as heavy snowfall affected the high-altitude trekking routes.
However, authorities have not yet confirmed whether the group is stranded along the trail or has managed to reach a safe location. Police have been attempting to gather information about the tourists’ whereabouts following the report from residents. The adverse weather and continuous snowfall have complicated efforts to establish contact and initiate search-and-rescue activities.
Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Trekking Routes in Upper Dolpa
High-altitude areas of Dolpa have been experiencing snowfall since Saturday, affecting several parts of the region. According to the District Administration Office, snowfall has been reported in the upper areas of Shey Phoksundo, Dolpo Buddha and Chharka Tangsong rural municipalities, while lower Dolpa has experienced rainfall. The accumulation of snow along mountain trails and high passes has disrupted movement, particularly in areas such as Numa La and Baga La.
These routes are important sections of trekking journeys in Upper Dolpa, but sudden weather changes and heavy snowfall can make travel increasingly difficult and dangerous. The challenging geographical conditions of the region, combined with limited access to remote mountain areas, have added further difficulties to rescue preparations. Authorities are continuing to collect information about trekkers who had already entered the affected areas.
Trekking Restrictions Had Been Issued Before the Snowfall
The District Administration Office, Dolpa, had already issued a warning against trekking in Upper Dolpa following forecasts of adverse weather conditions. From October 29 (Kartik 12), the administration had urged visitors to avoid trekking in high-risk areas and advised tourists already travelling through vulnerable locations to remain in safe places. According to the District Administration Office, a total of 244 tourists had reached various tourist destinations in Upper Dolpa. The group included 149 Nepali nationals, 44 visitors from SAARC countries and 51 tourists from other foreign countries.
Considering the potential risks of heavy snowfall, snowstorms and avalanches, the administration had requested coordination among concerned authorities to ensure tourist safety. Tourists and trekking operators had also been advised to avoid travelling through dangerous areas during unfavourable weather conditions. Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal said authorities were collecting information about tourists who had already reached the high-altitude areas and had made preparations for rescue and relief operations if required.
Authorities Coordinate Rescue and Relief Preparations
The District Administration Office has been coordinating with the District Emergency Operations Centre, security agencies, health institutions and local governments to prepare for possible search, rescue and relief operations. Authorities are working to establish the whereabouts and safety conditions of the six missing Indian tourists. However, as of the latest available report, their exact location and condition had not been confirmed.
Phoksundo Lake, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,600 metres above sea level, is one of Dolpa’s most prominent tourism attractions. Renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, turquoise waters and surrounding Himalayan landscapes, the lake attracts both domestic and international visitors and is an important highlight of trekking journeys in western Nepal. The incident once again highlights the importance of weather monitoring, timely travel advisories and proper safety coordination for trekking in Nepal’s remote high-altitude destinations, where sudden snowfall can rapidly change trail conditions and create serious challenges for travellers.
