Indian Tourists Rescued from Snowy Dolpa District in Nepal
Rescue Operation in Dolpa
Representational Image
Kathmandu, Nov 2: A helicopter rescue operation successfully retrieved six Indian tourists who were stranded in the remote Dolpa district of western Nepal due to heavy snowfall. This operation took place on Monday morning, as confirmed by a senior police official in the area.
The group had lost contact since October 31 because of the severe weather conditions.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Anil Raj Giri, who heads the District Police Office in Dolpa, stated that once the tourists were located, a helicopter was dispatched to bring them to Dunai, the district headquarters.
All six individuals were reported to be in stable health following their rescue.
According to DSP Giri, the tourists were found in the Danigadh region of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality, where they had been trapped by harsh weather.
The group was trekking from Dho Tarap to the scenic Shey-Phoksundo Lake when they encountered the heavy snowfall.
Authorities initiated rescue efforts on October 31 after receiving reports about the stranded tourists. However, the operation faced delays due to challenging weather and logistical issues in arranging a helicopter.
It was noted that the Indian tourists had entered Upper Dolpa without the necessary administrative permits, which are required for foreign nationals visiting restricted areas in the district.
Giri emphasized that local authorities had previously cautioned the tourists against traveling in the region due to deteriorating weather conditions associated with Cyclone Arnab in the Bay of Bengal.
On October 27, Nepal's Department of Immigration halted the issuance of trekking permits for restricted areas in the high hills and Himalayan regions from October 29 to 31, citing the risk of heavy snowfall, snowstorms, and avalanches.
This decision was made following a warning from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, which advised tourists to refrain from traveling to these areas during that period.
The authority also recommended that individuals take precautions, as disruptions to road and air transport services and other daily activities were anticipated. They urged people to avoid non-essential travel during this time.