Daijiworld Media Network - Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nov 1: Six Indian tourists, including two women, have gone missing in Nepal's Dolpa district amid heavy snowfall while travelling towards the popular Shey Phoksundo Lake. Authorities have initiated preparations for a search and rescue operation, with a helicopter being sought to locate the group.
The missing tourists, comprising four men and two women, were travelling from Dho towards Shey Phoksundo Lake when contact with them was lost in the Numa La and Baga La mountain pass areas. The two passes are situated between wards 4 and 8 of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality.
Local guides suspect that the tourists may have become stranded along the route due to heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region. The adverse weather has been linked in reports to the impact of Cyclone Arnab, which developed over the Bay of Bengal.
According to local residents, the group had been warned that heavy snowfall would make crossing the mountain passes difficult. Despite the warnings, the tourists continued their journey and are believed to have become trapped in the snow while returning.
Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal said the tourists were returning from Dho towards Phoksundo Lake when they became stranded. She confirmed that local residents had cautioned them against travelling through the difficult mountain terrain amid the snowfall.
Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri said the six Indian nationals had not been traced so far. Authorities have approached the concerned agencies to arrange helicopter support for the search and rescue operation.
The operation is facing difficulties due to continuing snowfall and adverse weather conditions in the high-altitude region. Thick snow cover and the absence of mobile network connectivity have further complicated efforts to establish contact with the missing tourists and determine their exact location.
Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality chairman Dhawa Samduk Gurung said there was no mobile network coverage in the mountain passes between wards 4 and 8, making it difficult to obtain information about the group's whereabouts.
A team of the Nepalese Army has also been deployed to assist in locating the tourists and bringing them to safety, Chief District Officer Hamal said.
According to District Administration Office records, 244 tourists have reached Upper Dolpa, including 149 Nepali nationals, 44 visitors from SAARC countries and 51 tourists from other foreign countries.
In view of the deteriorating weather conditions, the district administration has urged tourists to avoid risky routes and remain in safe locations.
With contact still lost and heavy snowfall hampering rescue efforts, authorities are seeking helicopter assistance to locate the six Indians and evacuate them safely.