Solukhumbu, Sept 27: Heavy snowfall in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu has disrupted tourist movement in the high Himalayan areas, prompting authorities to restrict travel to high-risk areas.
Chief District Officer Kaman Singh Thapa Magar said more than half a metre of snow has accumulated in some areas. Tourists who had travelled to higher elevations for trekking and mountaineering have been prevented from moving further into hazardous areas.
“Heavy snowfall is continuing in the upper areas. We have received reports of more than half a metre of snow in some places,” Thapa Magar said. “Working with local authorities, residents and police, we are keeping tourists in safe locations.”
Seven foreign tourists stranded near Imja Tse, also known as Island Peak, in the Everest region have been rescued. Thapa Magar said the tourists were European nationals of Chinese origin. Local representatives and residents helped move them to safety after snowfall made travel difficult.
Island Peak, at about 6,165 metres above sea level, is a popular mountaineering destination inside Sagarmatha National Park. The trekking route from Dingboche towards Chhukung via the Imja River connects with the main Everest Base Camp trekking corridor.
Authorities have coordinated with local governments and security agencies to prevent more tourists and trekkers from travelling to higher areas while the adverse weather continues.
More than 1,200 tourists are currently in the Everest region, according to the district administration. Authorities are monitoring their condition through local governments, police and other agencies.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has issued an advisory urging tourists, trekkers, climbers, guides and porters to check weather conditions before travelling and avoid unnecessary movement in risky areas.
Ward 4 Chairman Laxman Adhikari said tourist safety remains the priority as weather conditions deteriorate.
The rural municipality reported snowfall in high-altitude areas including Thukla, Gorakshep and Gokyo.
The Nepal Tourism Board notes that weather can change rapidly in the Everest region because of its high-altitude terrain. Low temperatures, rain and snowfall can disrupt trekking and mountaineering.
Thapa Magar said local authorities, police, the district administration and residents are prepared to conduct further rescues if snowfall intensifies.
The administration has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to high-altitude areas until weather conditions improve and to follow official safety advisories.
People’s News Monitoring Service
Login to add a comment