Indian Tourists Rescued from Heavy Snowfall in Nepal's Shey-Phoksundo National Park

In a dramatic rescue operation, six Indian tourists stranded in Nepal's Shey-Phoksundo National Park due to heavy snowfall were successfully airlifted to safety. The group had lost contact since November 1 and faced severe weather conditions. Despite warnings from local authorities, they ventured into the area, leading to their entrapment. Currently, they are receiving treatment in a local hospital, and their condition is stable. This incident highlights the risks tourists face in Nepal's mountainous regions, where heavy snowfall can lead to dangerous situations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 2, 2026, 11:00 IST

Rescue Operation in Nepal

Kathmandu: On Monday, six Indian tourists were successfully rescued after becoming stranded due to severe snowfall in Nepal's Shey-Phoksundo National Park, as reported by local police.

The group, consisting of two women and four men, had lost contact since November 1 due to the inclement weather. They were airlifted by a private helicopter on Monday morning, according to Binaya Singh, Police Inspector and spokesperson for the District Police Office in Dolpa.

Currently, all rescued individuals are receiving medical care at a government hospital in Dune, Dolpa district, and their health is stable, police confirmed.

The tourists had ventured into the Dho area of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality's Ward No. 8, located approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. The region was heavily blanketed in snow, as noted by Dolpa's Chief District Officer, Junu Dhakal.

Shey Phoksundo Lake, found within this rural municipality, is recognized as Nepal's deepest lake, sitting at an elevation of 3,600 meters with an estimated depth of 145 meters.

An army helicopter attempted to reach the area for a rescue operation on Sunday, but adverse weather conditions prevented it from landing, leading to a temporary halt in rescue efforts.

Despite warnings from local authorities regarding the hazardous snowfall, the Indian tourists proceeded to Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality Ward No. 8.

Reports from the District Administration Office indicate that the tourists traveled to Upper Dolpa without the necessary administrative permits, according to the OnlineKhabar news portal.

They became trapped at Numla and Wagla passes while attempting to return from Shey Phoksundo Lake due to heavy snowfall on Saturday, police stated.

Given the severe weather and risks associated with heavy snowfall, both the administration and local residents had advised against travel in the mountainous areas.

Stranded tourists due to heavy snowfall is a recurring issue in Nepal's Himalayan regions. In October 2025, 15 trekkers, including three British women, were rescued after being trapped by snow in Mustang's Hidden Valley.

Additionally, in November of the previous year, two Nepali tourists were airlifted after being stranded in snow near the Mustang-Dolpa border.