Six Indian tourists, including two women, are currently stranded in the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in Nepal due to heavy snowfall that began on Saturday afternoon. Officials from the District Administration Office in Dolpa confirmed the situation. Security personnel have successfully located the group and are coordinating a rescue operation, with an Army helicopter expected to reach the area shortly.

The tourists had travelled to the Dho area in Ward No. 8 of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality, which has been heavily affected by the snowfall. Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Dhakal stated that the conditions have made the area difficult to navigate. Shey Phoksundo Lake, known as Nepal’s deepest lake, is situated at an altitude of 3,600 metres and has an estimated depth of 145 metres.

According to Dhakal, the rescue operation is progressing as planned. “We have located the area where they are stranded, and an Army helicopter is arriving to rescue them. We hope to rescue them soon,” she remarked. The tourists had reportedly ventured into the area despite warnings from both security personnel and their Nepali guide.

Communication Disruptions and Safety Concerns

Communication with the stranded tourists was disrupted on Saturday night, raising concerns about their safety. The guide managed to contact the District Administration Office in Dolpa that evening, indicating that the group might have been trapped due to the adverse weather conditions. However, by Sunday morning, all communication was lost.

Dhakal clarified that the tourists cannot be classified as missing, as their location has been identified. “We cannot say they are missing, as we have located the area,” she explained. The situation has prompted an immediate response from local authorities, who are focused on ensuring the safety of the tourists.

The tourists have been identified as Moumita Halder, Piyali Koley, Jajla Trivedi Kumar, Aditya Singha, Diplina Bishwas, and Rajesh De. The District Administration Office in Dolpa has issued a press release confirming their identities and detailing the ongoing rescue efforts.

Ongoing Rescue Operations and Local Support

Security personnel have been deployed to assist in the rescue operation, and efforts are being made to bring the six tourists to safety as quickly as possible. The presence of an Army helicopter is expected to significantly enhance the chances of a successful rescue. Local authorities are closely monitoring the weather conditions to facilitate the operation.

Officials have reiterated the importance of adhering to safety warnings in such challenging weather conditions. The tourists’ decision to continue towards the lake despite the heavy snowfall has raised concerns about the risks involved in such expeditions. Local guides are typically well-informed about the terrain and weather, and their advice is crucial for ensuring the safety of visitors.

As the situation develops, the local administration remains committed to ensuring the well-being of the stranded tourists. Continuous updates are being provided to the families of the tourists, and local authorities are working diligently to coordinate a safe return for the group. The community in Dolpa is also rallying to support the rescue efforts, highlighting the collaborative spirit in times of crisis.

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