Heavy Snow Strands Tourists in Nepal’s Manang, Over 1,500 Rescued

More than 1,500 domestic and international tourists were rescued from the Tilicho Base Camp and surrounding areas in Nepal’s mountainous Manang district after heavy snowfall disrupted trekking routes and accommodation.

Authorities said the sudden snowstorm on Tuesday morning affected trekkers heading to Tilicho Lake and along the Annapurna Circuit, leaving many unable to continue safely.

Rescue operations, led by Cholpo Bahadur Gurung, chairperson of Ngisyang Rural Municipality Ward No. 9, assisted tourists from base camp to Khangsar and Upper Manang, with some escorted onward to Chame, the district headquarters.

“One tourist required medical attention and was transported to Chame Hospital,” said Chief District Officer (CDO) Navaraj Paudel.

The heavy snowfall came amid increased trekking traffic following the Tihar festival, with thousands of visitors exploring the Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake.

The surge in tourist numbers strained accommodations across Upper Manang, Khangsar, and surrounding villages, forcing authorities to arrange temporary shelter at local offices.

The rescue operation involved teams from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, who helped manage both tourist safety and road accessibility.

Local hoteliers reported that many lodges were over capacity, with guests filling accommodations from Tal village to Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Upper Manang, Khangsar, and Tilicho Base Camp.

Trekking clubs and organizations from across Nepal, taking advantage of the festival holiday, contributed to the unusually high visitor numbers this year.

Despite the challenges, authorities emphasized that the rescue efforts ensured all tourists reached safer locations, highlighting the risks posed by unpredictable weather along high-altitude trekking routes in the Himalayas.