Six Indian tourists go missing during trek to Nepal’s Shey-Phoksundo Lake
The six tourists lost contact while travelling through the snow-hit Numla and Bagla Pass areas; Nepal Army teams have joined the search operation
Six Indian nationals went missing during a trek to Nepal’s Shey-Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in the country. Nepal government officials said that contact with the missing tourists has yet to be established, adding that the incident took place following heavy snowfall in the area.
Six Indian tourists lose contact during trek
According to an ANI report, the missing tourists include two women and four men who were travelling from Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality towards the Shey-Phoksundo Lake. The report further stated that the Indian tourists went missing in the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas between Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality.
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Local officials said that despite warnings from residents that crossing the mountain passes would be risky and difficult in the wake of heavy snowfall, the tourists continued with their journey towards the lake.
Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal said, “the tourists became stranded while returning from Dho towards Phoksundo Lake”, adding, “They had been warned by locals about the difficult weather and mountain conditions but proceeded with their journey.”
Army team deployed
The District Administration Office stated that 244 tourists have reached Upper Dolpa, including 51 foreign nationals from countries outside the SAARC region. The group also comprises 149 Nepali citizens and 44 visitors from SAARC countries.
"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," the office said.
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"Six Indian tourists remain out of contact, according to the latest information,” said Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri, adding "authorities have requested the concerned agency to arrange a helicopter for search and rescue operations."
A Nepal Army team has been deployed to search for the tourists and assist in the rescue operation.