Two Indian trekkers who became stranded in heavy snowfall while crossing the Thorong La Pass from Manang to Mustang were rescued safely on Wednesday evening by a joint rescue team of the Nepali Army and Nepal Police.
According to security officials, the persons were identified as 29-year-old Phanik Tony and 30-year-old Mitra Bindu, both residents of Kerala, India. The incident occurred after a sudden snowfall hit the Muktinath and Thorong La Pass region around midday on Wednesday, severely affecting visibility and covering trekking trails with snow.
Trekkers Lost Route Amid Heavy Snowfall
The two trekkers were travelling along the popular Annapurna Circuit trekking route from Manang toward Mustang through Thorong La Pass when they lost their way due to continuous snowfall and poor weather conditions. Authorities said the trekkers became stranded in an area known as Chisapani in Baragung Muktichhetra after they were unable to identify the snow-covered trail. Before the situation worsened, trekker Mitra Bindu managed to contact the Mustang District Police Office and informed authorities that the pair had become stranded while attempting to descend toward Mustang.
Rescue Team Mobilized Immediately
Following the emergency report, a joint rescue team comprising personnel from the Nepali Army and Nepal Police was mobilized to the area despite ongoing snowfall and difficult terrain. Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav Dhwaj Khand of the Indrabox Battalion stated that the rescue team successfully located the trekkers near Drum Camp in the lower section of Thorong La Pass at around 8:00 pm. “The trekkers were found safely despite challenging weather conditions and continuous snowfall,” he said. The rescue operation was carried out in difficult mountain conditions, with rescuers navigating snow-covered trails and freezing temperatures to reach the stranded tourists.
Popular Trekking Route Faces Weather Risks
Thorong La Pass, situated at an altitude of over 5,400 metres, is one of the highest and most challenging sections of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Sudden weather changes, snowfall, and poor visibility are common risks in the region, especially during seasonal transitions. Tourism and rescue officials have repeatedly advised trekkers to remain updated on weather forecasts and travel with proper guides and equipment while crossing high-altitude mountain passes.
Authorities Urge Caution for Trekkers
Following the incident, authorities urged both domestic and foreign trekkers to exercise caution while travelling in high Himalayan regions, particularly during unstable weather conditions. Rescue officials noted that rapid weather changes in the Annapurna and Mustang regions can quickly create dangerous situations for trekkers unfamiliar with the terrain. The successful rescue operation has been praised as an example of effective coordination between security agencies operating in Nepal’s mountain regions. Both trekkers were reported to be in safe condition after the rescue.
