Heavy Snowfall Cripples Life in Mountain Districts

Life across the Himalayan districts of Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi has been severely disrupted after heavy snowfall blocked key roads, stranded trekkers, and complicated rescue operations. Authorities say rescue efforts are underway but have been slowed by a shortage of vehicles and continued snowfall.

In Manang, security personnel have been carrying out rescue operations since Wednesday morning to evacuate those trapped by the snow. However, the lack of vehicles and blocked roads has made the task difficult.

Chief District Officer Nawa Raj Poudyal said that the available vehicles are themselves stuck in the snow, creating a shortage for ongoing rescue work. “Rescue efforts are in progress, but vehicle scarcity has posed a serious challenge,” he said.

Authorities have managed to rescue visitors stranded at Tilicho Lake Base Camp, while temporary shelters have been arranged at Khangar. Snow along a 25-kilometer stretch of road has been cleared to reopen movement. Many tourists have taken refuge in homestays and private houses, and all foreign visitors are reported safe so far.

In Mustang, heavy snowfall since early Wednesday has blanketed several areas, disrupting vehicular movement along the Charang–Lho Manthang road section. According to DSP Tshiring Kippa Lama of the District Police Office, mobility between Thurlungphant and Lho Manthang remains obstructed due to thick snow.

Security personnel stationed at the Border Out Post in Nhechung have already cleared snow from the Chhoser–Korala road section, while traffic has resumed between Kagbeni and Muktinath, which had earlier been blocked. The upper Mustang region has witnessed heavy snow, while lower areas recorded rainfall.

Meanwhile, 15 trekkers—three British women and 12 Nepalis—have been stranded in Hidden Valley, located at an altitude of 5,100 meters between Dhaulagiri and Sita Himal, in Myagdi district following continuous snowfall since Monday night.

According to Myagdi’s Chief District Officer Badri Prasad Tiwari, the group, including British nationals Mary Rippe, Caroline Wilson, and Emily Cats, had contacted authorities via satellite phone on Tuesday evening to request helicopter rescue. They are safe but unable to continue trekking due to deep snow and poor visibility.

Rescue teams from Myagdi and Mustang have been mobilized, but deployment has been hampered by the persistent snowfall. Officials said helicopter rescue will be attempted once the weather clears, as the area lacks accommodation and has no mobile or internet connectivity.

Binaya Lama, manager of Secret Himalaya Trek and Expedition, which organized the trip, said guides accompanying the trekkers have requested immediate aerial evacuation. “We are in constant contact through satellite communication. Once conditions improve, a helicopter can be sent for rescue,” Lama said.

Heavy snowfall has also been reported in the Everest region above Dingboche. – With inputs from RSS