Key Takeaways:
- Six Indian tourists stranded by heavy snowfall in Upper Dolpa
- Nepal Army helicopter rescue operation under way
- Communication difficulties complicating rescue coordination
- Authorities say travel to Upper Dolpa had already been restricted due to weather conditions
A Nepal Army helicopter has been mobilised to rescue six Indian tourists stranded by heavy snowfall in Upper Dolpa after their journey was disrupted while returning from Shey Phoksundo Lake.
The tourists became stranded in Danigarh of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality-8, where snowfall over the past several days blocked routes and left them unable to continue their journey towards Upper Dolpa.
According to Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal Dhakal, the stranded tourists have been identified as Momita Haldar, Piyali Kole, Jajala Trivd Kumar, Aditya Singh, Dip Lina Biswas and Rajesh D.
Authorities said communication has been difficult because the area lacks mobile network coverage. However, the group has reportedly been able to maintain contact with Nepal Army personnel deployed for security duties in Shey Phoksundo National Park.
The District Security Committee authorised a helicopter rescue operation after receiving reports that the tourists remained stranded in the remote mountain region.
Officials said authorities had suspended travel towards Upper Dolpa from October 29 because of deteriorating weather conditions. However, the tourists had continued their journey beyond the restricted area before becoming trapped by snowfall.
The incident comes as changing weather patterns and fresh snowfall continue to affect trekking and travel across several high-altitude districts, prompting authorities to urge tourists and residents to remain alert and follow official advisories.