Authorities issue nationwide advisories; trekkers urged to stay safe and delay high-altitude travel
KATHMANDU, October 28
Heavy snowfall and rainfall have disrupted trekking activities across Nepal’s major Himalayan regions, including the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Manaslu Circuit, and Mustang, after an intense weather system swept through the country’s west and north.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) said the latest weather disturbance is the result of westerly winds interacting with a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, pulling moisture into the Himalayan belt and triggering widespread precipitation across Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces.
Annapurna Region: Trails Closed, Trekkers Stranded
In Kaski district, heavy snowfall since Monday night has blanketed the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), forcing the closure of all trekking routes until October 31. Local authorities from Annapurna Rural Municipality have advised trekkers to remain in safe lodges or descend to lower elevations.
Nearby, Machhapuchchhre Base Camp also saw fresh snow. “The snowfall began Monday evening, just as post-Tihar visitors began arriving,” said Jaganras Gurung, Chairperson of the Chhomrong Tourism Management Committee. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) confirmed that most trekkers at ABC had started descending before conditions worsened.
Manaslu and Mustang: Trekkers Advised to Halt Movement
In Gorkha, villages such as Samagaun, Lho, Syala, Chhule, and Nile are buried under snow, forcing residents and livestock indoors. Trekkers attempting to cross Larke Pass (5,106m) were stranded midway due to low visibility and freezing conditions. Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and local rescue teams have been deployed to assist stranded groups and coordinate safe passage.
Similar warnings have been issued in Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang, where snowfall has intensified across high-altitude zones. The District Administration Office in Myagdi has cautioned travelers about possible avalanches and slippery trails around Ghorepani, Mohare Danda, and Dhampus, urging all trekking activities to pause until conditions stabilize.
National Alerts and Safety Warnings
The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) released a nationwide advisory, calling on climbers, guides, and trekking agencies to suspend high-Himalayan travel.
“We urge all climbers and trekkers to prioritize safety,” said NMA President Fur Galje Sherpa. “Continuous snowfall and poor visibility have made conditions dangerous across the Himalayas.”
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) also issued a national safety notice Tuesday, citing DHM forecasts predicting continued snow through October 29. The NTB warned of flooding, avalanches, and road blockages in districts including Gorkha, Myagdi, Dolpa, Humla, Jumla, Manang, Nawalpur, and Kaski.
NTB urged trekkers to carry warm, waterproof clothing, monitor weather forecasts regularly, and avoid camping near riverbanks or unstable slopes. The Board also appealed to hotels, homestays, and trekking companies to provide safe and affordable shelter for stranded travelers.
Flights Delayed, Tourism Impacted
At Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, poor visibility caused delays in both domestic and international flights on Tuesday. While major international routes operated under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), mountain flights to Lukla, Jomsom, and Simikot were disrupted.
Ongoing Weather Concerns
Meteorologists from the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association reported persistent cloud buildup from the west and southwest, forecasting continued light to moderate snowfall above 3,800 meters. A cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal is expected to further influence weather patterns by October 30, potentially bringing an additional 20–40 cm of snow in regions such as Dhaulagiri, Mustang, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Rolwaling, Khumbu, and Kanchenjunga.
With the autumn trekking season at its peak, the sudden weather change has dealt a setback to tourism in the Annapurna and Mustang regions, affecting both local livelihoods and tour operations.
Authorities have urged all travelers to remain patient, prioritize safety, and avoid venturing above the snowline until weather conditions improve.