Six Indian tourists went missing while traveling to Shey Phoksundo, the deepest lake in Nepal. Local authorities confirmed that these tourists, including two women and four men, disappeared while traveling from wards 4 and 8 of the rural municipality of Dolpo Buddha towards the lake.
Adverse Weather Conditions and Local Warnings
The tourists were last reported in the Numla and Bagla areas between wards 4 and 8 of the Shey Phoksundo municipality. Local guides believe that the tourists may have become trapped due to heavy snowfall in this Himalayan region, which is affected by the Arnab storm in the Bay of Bengal.
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According to local officials, the tourists continued their journey despite warnings from residents that crossing the mountains was difficult due to snow, and it is believed they became trapped in the snow while returning.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Juno Hamal, head of the Dolpo district office, confirmed that "the tourists became trapped while returning from Dho towards Phoksundo Lake." He added: "They were warned by locals about the adverse weather and mountainous conditions but continued their journey."
Dawa Samduk Gurung, head of the Shey Phoksundo municipality, also stated that "mobile communications are not available in the mountain passes between wards 4 and 8, making it difficult to obtain information about the status and location of the tourists."
According to information from the district office, "the total number of tourists who have reached Upper Dolpo is 244, of which 149 are Nepali citizens, 44 are from SAARC countries, and 51 are from other foreign countries."
Due to adverse weather conditions, the district office has urged tourists to avoid hazardous areas and remain in safe locations. The influx of tourists to the Shey Phoksundo area has increased in recent years, and according to available data, 4,882 tourists visited this lake in the first 11 months of the 2082/83 fiscal year.
Anil Raj Giri, deputy chief of the Dolpo police, announced: "The six Indian tourists are still out of contact according to the latest information." He added: "Officials have requested the relevant agency to arrange a helicopter for search and rescue operations."
Search and rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions in the Himalayan region. The lack of mobile communications and thick snow has made it difficult to determine the location and status of the tourists. A team from the Nepal Army has also been dispatched to find the tourists and assist in their rescue.
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