Helicopter rescue begins for six Indian tourists trapped in snow in Dolpa

A helicopter rescue operation has begun for six Indian tourists trapped by snowfall in the upper Himalayan region of Dolpa.

The group, two women and four men, got stuck at Danigad in She-Phoksundo Rural Municipality after thick, frozen snow blocked the trail. They were caught in the snowfall while returning from Dho in Dolpobuddha Rural Municipality to Phoksundo Lake.

The District Administration Office, Dolpa, received word on Kartik 14 that they were stranded. The group had entered the Himalayan region without the required administrative permission and after leaving the designated trekking route.

Movement of all trekkers in upper Dolpa had been halted from Kartik 12, and locals had also warned against travelling. There is no mobile network where the tourists are, so phone contact with them has not been possible.

According to Chief District Officer Junu Hamal Dhakal, the group is in contact with Nepal Army personnel deployed for the security of Shey Phoksundo National Park.