Six Indian tourists stranded in Dolpa after days of heavy snowfall have been safely rescued by helicopter and brought to Dunai, the district headquarters. The tourists were stranded at Danigarh in Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality–8 while travelling towards Upper Dolpo after visiting the popular Shey Phoksundo Lake. The rescue was carried out on Monday morning after heavy snowfall made it difficult for the group to continue their journey through the remote mountain region. All six tourists were safely airlifted, bringing relief to the visitors who had been unable to move forward for several days.
Six Indian Tourists Safely Rescued from Danigarh
According to Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal Dhakal, the six Indian nationals were rescued by helicopter and transported safely to Dunai. The tourists have been identified as Momita Haldar, Piyali Kole, Jajala Trived Kumar, Aditya Singh, Diplina Biswas and Rajesh D. The group had completed their visit to Shey Phoksundo Lake and was heading further into Upper Dolpo when heavy snowfall left them stranded at Danigarh. Their journey through one of Nepal’s most remote Himalayan regions was interrupted as snow-covered trails made further movement difficult.
Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Travel in Upper Dolpo
Heavy snowfall over the past several days created challenging travel conditions in the area, leaving the tourists unable to continue their planned journey. Upper Dolpo is known for its rugged mountain terrain, remote settlements and high-altitude trekking routes, where changing weather conditions can significantly affect travel. During periods of heavy snowfall, trekking routes can become difficult to navigate, while access to emergency assistance may also be limited due to the region’s remote geography. The situation made helicopter evacuation necessary to bring the stranded visitors to safety.
Chief District Officer Dhakal said that an attempt had been made to evacuate the tourists on Sunday. However, technical problems prevented the rescue operation from being completed that day. The helicopter rescue was successfully carried out on Monday morning, allowing all six tourists to be brought safely to Dunai. The successful operation provided timely assistance to the visitors after several days of uncertainty caused by the adverse weather.
Shey Phoksundo and Upper Dolpo’s Adventure Tourism Appeal
Dolpa is among Nepal’s most distinctive destinations for adventure and nature-based tourism. The region attracts travellers with its remote Himalayan landscapes, traditional settlements, unique local culture and trekking opportunities. Shey Phoksundo Lake is one of Dolpa’s best-known attractions, drawing visitors with its striking turquoise waters and dramatic mountain surroundings. Upper Dolpo, meanwhile, offers a more remote travel experience for trekkers seeking less-explored Himalayan routes.
The incident highlights the importance of weather awareness, proper travel planning and emergency response arrangements for tourists visiting remote mountain destinations. Travellers exploring Upper Dolpo are encouraged to check local weather conditions and seek guidance from local authorities and experienced tourism professionals before continuing their journeys.
