In light of heightened monsoon activity at a time when it was expected to subside, authorities in Myagdi have temporarily restricted tourist movement to the Maurice Herzog trail and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). The announcement was made by Annapurna Rural Municipality–4, which oversees the region.
According to a public notice issued by Ward Chairperson Lok Bahadur Pun, trekking to the base camp and the popular Maurice Herzog trail has been halted for Saturday and Sunday due to heavy rainfall and possible snowfall. Officials said that tourists may face hardships and heightened risks of accidents, including avalanches and landslides, if movement continued during adverse weather.
Annapurna Base Camp: A Popular Destination at Risk
The Annapurna Base Camp, located at the foot of the 8,091-meter-high Mount Annapurna, lies within the territory of Annapurna Rural Municipality–4 in Myagdi district. It is one of Nepal’s most sought-after trekking destinations, attracting hundreds of tourists daily, particularly during the autumn season.
With the Dashain holiday season underway, the number of trekkers had surged, with an estimated 100 visitors entering the base camp and surrounding trails each day. However, authorities warned that the unpredictable weather posed serious challenges to both trekkers and locals who depend on tourism for their livelihoods.
Warnings from Local Administration
In addition to the restrictions imposed by the local ward office, the District Administration Office (DAO) of Myagdi has also issued a public appeal urging tourists to avoid trekking until weather conditions improve. The DAO specifically requested visitors to refrain from traveling to popular tourist areas such as Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Mohare Danda, Gurja, Dhorpatan, and the Dhaulagiri Circuit.
Chief District Officer (CDO) Badri Prasad Tiwari emphasized that the decision was made in coordination with local authorities and security forces to safeguard lives. He noted that safety is the top priority as monsoon rains continue to trigger flash floods, landslides, and difficult trail conditions.
Transportation Restrictions in Myagdi Section of Beni–Jomsom Road
The impact of adverse weather is not limited to trekking routes. Authorities have also imposed restrictions on vehicular movement along the Myagdi section of the Beni–Jomsom road, a vital link connecting the tourism-rich Mustang district to the southern regions.
According to the District Administration, transportation services have been suspended from Saturday evening until Monday morning, with a daily restriction in place from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Officials explained that continuous rainfall has weakened road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents, landslides, and blockages on this mountainous highway. The closure of this critical route is expected to affect not only trekkers and tourists but also locals who rely on it for daily travel and transport of goods.
Meteorological Forecast and Precautionary Measures
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Meteorological Forecasting Division, has issued a warning of moderate to heavy rainfall across various parts of Gandaki Province and other regions of Nepal. The department cautioned that the ongoing monsoon pattern could intensify, leading to flash floods, road blockages, and disruptions in trekking and transport services.
Local authorities in Myagdi have therefore adopted a high level of preparedness. CDO Tiwari said, “We have taken precautionary measures in coordination with security agencies and local governments to minimize risks. The safety of tourists, as well as residents, is our top concern.”
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
The restrictions come at a time when the tourism sector was beginning to recover from previous setbacks. The Annapurna region is one of Nepal’s most important trekking zones, drawing both domestic and international travelers. The suspension of trekking activities during the Dashain holiday season, traditionally a peak period for tourism, is expected to have economic repercussions for hotels, lodges, porters, and guides who depend on steady tourist flow.
Hoteliers and trekking operators expressed concerns but acknowledged that safety must come first. “We were expecting good numbers during the festive season, but the weather is unpredictable. It is better to postpone trips than to risk lives” said a local lodge owner in Ghorepani.
Looking Ahead
Authorities have assured that restrictions are temporary and will be lifted as soon as weather conditions stabilize. Tourists who had planned their trips to Annapurna Base Camp and other trails have been advised to stay updated through official notices and coordinate with trekking agencies for rescheduling.
In the meantime, the local administration is closely monitoring the situation and working to clear blocked trails and roads whenever possible. Once conditions improve, officials expect trekking activities to resume, allowing tourists to continue exploring the scenic landscapes and cultural heritage of the Annapurna region.
The temporary halt in trekking and transportation in Myagdi highlights the growing challenges of managing tourism in Nepal’s mountainous regions during periods of unpredictable weather. While the decision has brought short-term disruptions, it underscores the importance of prioritizing safety in one of the country’s most popular trekking destinations.
As the monsoon season gradually winds down, both tourists and tourism operators remain hopeful that conditions will soon improve, restoring the vibrancy of the Annapurna trekking routes. Until then, authorities continue to urge caution, preparedness, and patience.
