Six Indian Tourists Go Missing In Nepal's Dolpa Region During Shey-Phoksundo Lake Trek

Kathmandu [Nepal], November 1 (ANI): Six Indian tourists have gone missing during a trek to Shey-Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake of Nepal, after heavy snowfall in the area, officials confirmed. The India tourists, who include two women and four men, are confirmed to have gone missing while travelling from Ward Nos.

4 and 8 of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality towards Shey-Phoksundo Lake. They were last reported missing in the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas between Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality. Local guides suspect that the tourists may have become stranded following heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region, reportedly influenced by Cyclone Arnab developing in the Bay of Bengal.

According to local officials, the tourists proceeded towards the high-altitude area despite warnings from residents that crossing the mountain passes would be difficult due to snowfall. They are believed to have become trapped in the snow while returning.

Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality Chairman Dhawa Samduk Gurung said, “Mobile phone communication is unavailable in the mountain passes between Wards 4 and 8, making it difficult to obtain information about the tourists' whereabouts and current condition.” According to the District Administration Office, “A total of 244 tourists have reached Upper Dolpa.

Of them, 149 are Nepali nationals, 44 are from SAARC countries, and 51 are citizens of other foreign countries.” Tourist arrivals in the Shey-Phoksundo Lake area have been increasing in recent years. According to available data, 4,882 tourists visited Phoksundo Lake during the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2082/83.

Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri said, “Six Indian tourists remain out of contact, according to the latest information.” Further adding, “Authorities have requested the concerned agency to arrange a helicopter for search and rescue operations.” Six Indian tourists went missing during a trek to Shey-Phoksundo Lake in Nepal.

They were last reported missing in the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas due to heavy snowfall. The tourists went missing after heavy snowfall hit the area, possibly influenced by Cyclone Arnab. They proceeded into high-altitude areas despite warnings from locals about difficult weather.

Authorities have requested a helicopter for search and rescue operations. A team from the Nepal Army has also been deployed to locate and assist the missing tourists.