After continuous rain and snowfall finally subsided, trekkers have started returning from the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) area in Myagdi district. The heavy snowfall that began on Monday night forced several trekkers to halt or turn back midway along the which passes through Narchyang in Annapurna Rural Municipality–4. This route is a popular trekking path that leads to the Annapurna Base Camp, one of Nepal’s most renowned adventure destinations.
According to local authorities, dozens of trekkers who had embarked on the journey earlier this week decided to return for safety reasons after discovering the trails were covered in thick snow and the weather wasextremely cold. The sudden change in weather disrupted trekking activities, forcing some groups to take shelter at temporary rest points until the conditions improved.
Local Trekker Shares Experience of Harsh Weather
Tika Purja Pun, a local trekker from Beg, Raghuganga Rural Municipality–1 in Myagdi, shared her recent experience of being caught in the unexpected snowfall. She said she had stayed the entire day on Tuesday at Bhuskhet Shelter due to heavy snow and cold weather. “We tried to continue our journey on Wednesday and reached Panchakunda Lake, but the trail to the base camp was frozen with ice and snow. We couldn’t go further,” Pun said. “After the weather improved slightly, we walked down to Humkhola.”
Many trekkers like Pun faced similar challenges, as the steep and icy trails made walking extremely difficult. With limited visibility and no proper shelter facilities in some sections, returning was the only safe option. However, even after descending to Humkhola, many found it difficult to secure vehicles to return to Narchyang, as the road network was disrupted and transport services had not resumed fully.
About 150 Trekkers Stranded Due to Weather
According to reports, around 150 trekkers were stranded along the Maurice Herzog Trail on Tuesday due to the combined impact of heavy rainfall and snowfall. Following the situation, the local administration imposed a temporary restriction on trekking in the area until Kartik 14 (October 30), as a safety measure.
Chief District Officer (CDO) Badri Prasad Tiwari said, “We have suspended trekking towards the Annapurna Base Camp until the weather stabilizes. The decision aims to ensure the safety of all visitors and prevent any accidents caused by slippery trails or snow-blocked routes.”
The Maurice Herzog Trail, named after the French mountaineer who first climbed Annapurna I in 1950, attracts hundreds of domestic and international trekkers each season. However, the unpredictable mountain weather often poses challenges, especially during the transition between autumn and winter.
Rescue and Coordination Teams Deployed
To ensure the safety of trekkers and assist those stranded, a joint rescue and coordination team comprising members of the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local rescue volunteers led by Indra Singh Sherchan has been mobilized. The team, in coordination with Annapurna Rural Municipality, has moved toward the base camp area to assess the situation and provide necessary support.
Inspector Sagar Timilsina of the District Police Office, Myagdi, informed that all tourists in the district’s major trekking zones are currently safe. “We have been closely monitoring the condition of trekkers and have not received any reports of casualties or injuries so far,” Timilsina said. The police have also urged trekkers and guides to follow official instructions and avoid high-altitude routes until further notice.
Rescue Efforts Extended to Dhaulagiri Region
Meanwhile, rescue efforts have also been extended to the Dhaulagiri Circular Trail, another popular trekking route that connects Myagdi to Mustang. A group of three British nationals and twelve Nepali Sherpas and guides traveling from Mudi in Myagdi toward Marpha in Mustang were also stranded due to the same weather system. A security team has been dispatched from Jomsom to rescue and assist them.
Authorities have emphasized that sudden changes in mountain weather during late October are common and can pose serious risks to trekkers unfamiliar with the terrain. The District Disaster Management Committee has advised all tourism operators to inform visitors about weather forecasts and ensure they are adequately equipped before beginning high-altitude treks.
Tourism Impact and Precautionary Measures
The temporary halt in trekking activities has affected tourism-related businesses in Myagdi, including lodges, guides, and transport operators. However, local officials believe that once the weather clears and trails are deemed safe, trekking will resume, especially as the autumn season is one of the busiest for mountain tourism.
The incident has once again highlighted the need for stronger early-warning systems, better communication networks in high-altitude areas, and improved rescue preparedness. With the gradual improvement in weather conditions, authorities expect trekkers to safely return or continue their journeys in the coming days. For now, as the rain and snow have stopped, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all trekkers and restoring normal tourism activities along the Annapurna Base Camp trail.
