Heavy snowfall in Khumbu, seven foreign trekkers stranded at Island Peak brought to safety

After heavy snowfall in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu, seven foreign tourists stranded in the Imja Tse, or Island Peak, area have been brought to a safe location. Snowfall began in the upper areas following continuous rainfall.

According to Chief District Officer Kaman Singh Thapa Magar, more than half a meter of snow has accumulated in the high-altitude areas. He said the tourists are Europeans of Chinese origin, and that they were rescued through cooperation among local elected representatives, residents and security agencies.

Tourists who had gone up for trekking and mountaineering have been barred from proceeding toward risky locations. CDO Thapa Magar said efforts to keep tourists in safe places are continuing in coordination with local government, residents and police.

Meanwhile, in Dolpa too, concerns have grown over the safety of trekkers in the mountain areas due to adverse weather. According to the District Administration Office, Dolpa, details are still awaited on whether the roughly 102 tourists who had entered Shey Phoksundo National Park by Asoj 8 have left the district; most of them are foreign nationals.

The risk has increased in upper Dolpa because snowfall can occur at any time and there is insufficient shelter infrastructure for immediate refuge. The administration has urged relevant agencies and stakeholders to check on the tourists' status and provide necessary facilitation.