6 Indians Missing During Trek to Nepal's Deepest Lake
Six Indian tourists have gone missing during a trek to Nepal's deepest lake, Shey-Phoksundo, after heavy snowfall trapped them in mountain passes.
A daring expedition to the depths of the Himalayas has turned into a rescue mission after Indian tourists missing Nepal officials confirmed that six Indian nationals have vanished during a trek to Shey-Phoksundo, the deepest lake in Nepal. The group, consisting of four men and two women, disappeared amid heavy snowfall that has blanketed the high-altitude region.
Trapped in the High Passes
The tourists were traveling from Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality toward the Shey-Phoksundo Lake. According to reports, they were last seen in the treacherous Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas. Local guides believe the group became stranded due to sudden and intense snowfall, which was reportedly triggered by the development of Cyclone Arnab in the Bay of Bengal.
Tragically, the group had been cautioned against the journey. Local residents had warned the tourists that crossing the mountain passes would be extremely difficult given the current weather conditions. Despite these warnings, the group proceeded into the high-altitude terrain and is now believed to have become trapped in the snow during their return journey from Dho toward Phoksundo Lake.
Communication Blackout and Rescue Hurdles
The search operation is facing severe logistical challenges. Dhawa Samduk Gurung, Chairman of the Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality, highlighted a critical issue: the total lack of mobile phone connectivity in the mountain passes between Wards 4 and 8. This communication blackout has made it nearly impossible for authorities to track the tourists' location or determine their current condition.
Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal confirmed that the tourists ignored local warnings about the mountain conditions before they went missing. Meanwhile, Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri stated that the six individuals remain out of contact.
Mobilizing the Search
To combat the harsh environment and the thick layer of snow, the following measures have been taken:
- Army Deployment: A team from the Nepal Army has been deployed to the region to locate and rescue the missing tourists.
- Air Support: Authorities have requested the arrangement of a helicopter to conduct aerial search and rescue operations, as ground movement is severely hampered.
A Growing Attraction with High Risks
The Shey-Phoksundo Lake region has seen a surge in popularity among adventure seekers. Data reveals that 4,882 tourists visited the lake during the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2082/83. Currently, the District Administration Office reports that 244 tourists have reached Upper Dolpa, including 149 Nepalis, 44 from SAARC nations, and 51 other foreign nationals.
In light of the ongoing crisis and adverse weather, the district administration has issued an urgent plea to all tourists to avoid risky areas and remain in safe locations to prevent further accidents in the volatile Himalayan terrain.