The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has expressed heartfelt condolences to mountaineers, trekkers, and guides who lost their lives during peak climbing and trekking expeditions in the Manaslu, Rolwaling, and other trekking regions due to unseasonal heavy rainfall and snowfall.
TAAN also extended its best wishes for the safe identification, rescue, and return of all missing tourists, guides, and support staff, as well as a speedy recovery for those injured in the extreme weather.
Appreciation for Authorities and Stakeholders
The association expressed gratitude to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority for providing timely weather forecasts during the disaster period.
TAAN also acknowledged the important roles played by district administration offices, security forces (Nepal Police, Armed Police, Nepali Army), protected area managers, local governments, tourism professionals, trekking agencies, mountain guides, local communities, and media personnel in search, rescue, and restoring tourism activities affected by heavy rain and snow.
Challenges in Disaster Management and Trekker Safety
Despite these efforts, TAAN highlighted several challenges faced during disasters:
- Lack of integrated tourist data
- Limited real-time technological support
- Incomplete disaster preparedness
- Insufficient resources for immediate search and rescue
TAAN pointed out that these gaps hindered the ability of central authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board, and TAAN itself, to fully perform their responsibilities during emergencies.
The association also noted that the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS), established to ensure the safety of trekkers and trekking staff, has not been fully implemented. As a result, the destinations and locations of foreign trekkers and support staff could not be accurately identified, delaying rescue operations. Additionally, unprepared trekking without guides has increased risks for domestic trekkers, leading to accidents and fatalities.
Call for Mandatory TIMS and Pre-Preparation
TAAN strongly urged the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, and local authorities to implement the following measures:
- Foreign trekkers must obtain TIMS cards before undertaking treks.
- Domestic trekkers must acquire adequate pre-information and hire trained guides before trekking.
TAAN Secretary Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa emphasized that these measures are crucial for ensuring safe trekking experiences for all visitors. TAAN Chairman Sagar Pandey further highlighted that the lack of preparation and absence of guides has increased fatalities and accidents among domestic trekkers.
Commitment to Coordination and Awareness
TAAN reaffirmed its readiness to coordinate with Nepal Tourism Board and local authorities to fully implement TIMS and educate domestic trekkers about trekking destinations, preparation requirements, and safety protocols.
The association reiterated that trekker safety is a shared responsibility, and proactive planning, technological support, and community involvement are essential to prevent accidents and safeguard lives during Nepal’s unpredictable weather events.
