Heavy Rain and Snowfall Batter Himalayan Regions of Nepal, Impacting Hundreds of Tourists

The Himalayan districts of Manang and Mustang are currently grappling with a severe weather event, experiencing heavy rainfall and the first significant snowfall of the season. This adverse weather is attributed to the combined effect of western winds and a low-pressure system stemming from the Arabian Sea.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) reported “heavy rainfall” over the last 24 hours, defining precipitation between 50 to 100 mm as heavy. Specifically, Chame in Manang recorded 64.4 mm, while Jomsom in Mustang recorded 51.2 mm.

While lower regions experienced rain, higher elevations, including Muktinath and Upper Dolpa, were blanketed by a thick layer of snow. Initial reports indicate over five inches of accumulation in the Muktinath area.

This early snowfall has significantly disrupted normal life and obstructed travel routes. The sudden and intense weather shift has led to immediate safety concerns for travelers.

The District Administration Office of Mustang has issued a critical advisory, urging all pilgrims and tourists to halt travel above Kagbeni to the revered Muktinath temple. This is due to the dangerous conditions caused by deep snow on the narrow, winding road, which increases the risk of accidents. 

The tourism sector is already seeing significant disruption, particularly in major trekking areas. Approximately 800 to 900 tourists, predominantly domestic, have been forced to turn back from Tilicho Base Camp, and security teams are actively working to clear snow from roads to aid the safe descent of stranded travelers.

Similarly, trekkers in the Tsho Rolpa and Rolwaling areas have had to retreat to lower villages like Na and Beding for shelter.

In response to the crisis, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has issued a nationwide safety alert, strongly cautioning all mountaineering and trekking teams, as well as domestic and international tourists, against non-essential travel in the high Himalayan and hilly regions.

The NTB has explicitly advised tourists currently on the trails to remain in secure shelters until conditions improve. Furthermore, the board has appealed to all local tourism operators, including hotel, homestay, and resort owners, to prioritize the welfare and safety of their guests, ensuring they provide necessary shelter and reasonable rates during this emergency.

The DHM has warned that the adverse weather, including the possibility of heavy rain and snowfall, is likely to persist tonight in the high-altitude areas of Gandaki, Bagmati, and Karnali provinces. This forecast has prompted the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to urge the public to maintain extreme caution.