Authorities have ramped up their warnings to Nepal trekkers, especially those in the Annapurna and Manaslu areas, where trails have been closed at least until Friday.
Cyclone Montha has advanced from the east coast of India and arrived yesterday evening in the western and northern mountains of Nepal. With it came snowfall at a relatively low altitude.
A village at 2,800m in the Mustang region, yesterday morning. Photo: Susil Babu Takhali/The Himalayan Times
Annapurna and Manaslu passes closed
Officials have closed the trail to Annapurna Base Camp, one of the most popular treks in Nepal until Friday at least. There is snow from Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), the government told The Himalayan Times. In lower areas, such as Ghorepani-Poon Hill, Dhampus, and Mohare Danda, the problem will be heavy rain.
Warnings for the Manaslu region and Mustang advise villagers to remain indoors and keep their livestock safe and sheltered. Tourists should take precautions and keep in contact with their local agents for updated information.
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warns about rising water level in several rivers and possible flash floods in certain areas. For updated and regional information, check the DHM bulletins here.
Thorung La Pass, near Manaslu BC, on a good day. Photo: Adventure Vision Treks and Travels
Tourists stranded
The first incidents have been reported in the Manaslu region, where tourists attempting to cross the Larke Pass (5,106m), the highest point on the Manaslu trek, were stranded midway due to poor visibility and worsening conditions, The Himalayan Times reported.
“Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local rescue teams have been mobilized to assist and coordinate with local municipalities in facilitating rescues and safe passage,” the paper reported.
An unknown number of tourists are also stranded at Annapurna Base Camp after heavy snowfall and worsening weather, according to 24 Ghanta Nepal: “The Nepal Police and Armed Police Force…have deployed a rescue team along the Maurice Herzog trail.” This trail leads to the north side of Annapurna, south of the high pass of Thorong La, which is also currently closed.
The news channel also reports on heavy snowfall today in the upper sections of the Khumbu Valley, such as Dingboche, on the way to Everest Base Camp.
