Indian Tourists Stranded in Nepal's Shey-Phoksundo National Park Amid Heavy Snowfall

Six Indian tourists, including two women, are stranded in Nepal's Shey-Phoksundo National Park due to heavy snowfall. Rescue efforts are underway, but a technical issue with a helicopter has caused delays. The group ventured into the area despite warnings from their guide. Authorities have identified their location and are mobilizing security personnel for their rescue. This incident highlights the risks tourists face in Nepal's mountainous regions, where heavy snowfall can lead to dangerous situations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 1, 2026, 16:52 IST

Rescue Efforts Underway for Stranded Tourists

Kathmandu: A group of six Indian tourists, including two women, has been trapped in the Shey-Phoksundo National Park area of Nepal since Saturday afternoon due to severe snowfall. Authorities have mobilized security forces and are actively working on their rescue, officials reported on Sunday.

The tourists had traveled to the Dho region in Ward No. 8 of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality, located approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. Heavy snow has blanketed the area, as confirmed by Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Dhakal.

Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, is situated in this rural municipality at an elevation of 3,600 meters, with a depth of around 145 meters.

Dhakal informed the media that the location of the stranded tourists has been identified, and an Army helicopter is en route for their rescue. "We are hopeful for a swift rescue," he stated.

However, the operation has encountered delays due to a technical issue with a Nepali Army helicopter stationed in Surkhet, as reported by a local news outlet.

Authorities are currently seeking an alternative helicopter to facilitate the rescue mission.

Despite warnings from security personnel and their Nepali guide, the tourists ventured into the area. Dhakal noted that they left the guide and proceeded towards the lake despite the adverse weather conditions.

Communication with the group was lost on Saturday night, and the guide reached out to the District Administration Office in Dolpa, indicating that the tourists might be stranded due to the heavy snowfall. However, all communication was completely cut off by Sunday morning.

"We cannot classify them as missing since we have pinpointed their location," Dhakal added. The tourists have been identified as Moumita Halder, Piyali Koley, Jajla Trivedi Kumar, Aditya Singha, Diplina Bishwas, and Rajesh De, according to a press release from the district administration office.

Security personnel are being deployed, and a rescue helicopter is anticipated to arrive shortly, as stated in the press release.

Stranded tourists due to heavy snowfall is not an uncommon occurrence in Nepal's Himalayan regions. In October 2025, 15 trekkers, including three British women, were rescued after being trapped by heavy snow in Mustang's Hidden Valley.

In November of the previous year, two Nepali tourists were also rescued by helicopter after being stranded in snow near the Mustang-Dolpa border, according to local media.