Six Indian tourists go missing during trek near Nepal's Shey Phoksundo Lake

Officials have confirmed that six Indian tourists, who were trekking towards Shey Phoksundo Lake, known as the deepest lake in Nepal, have gone missing. These tourists include two women and four men. It has been reported that they went missing while traveling from ward number 4 and 8 of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality towards Shey Phoksundo Lake, located between ward number 4 and 8 of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality.

According to a Hindustan Times report, these tourists were last seen in the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass area. Local guides suspect that the tourists may be stranded due to heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region. The report states that heavy snowfall has occurred in this area under the influence of Cyclone Arnab, which is developing in the Bay of Bengal.

Dolpa's Chief District Officer Junu Hamal has confirmed that the tourists were stranded while returning from Dho towards Phoksundo Lake. She further stated that despite warnings from local people about the bad weather and mountainous conditions, they proceeded with their journey. According to local officials, despite warnings that it would be difficult to cross the mountain passes, they moved towards high-altitude areas and it is believed that they got stuck in the snow while returning.

Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality Chairman Dhawa Samduk Gurung stated that mobile phone connectivity is unavailable on the mountain paths between ward 4 and 8, making it difficult to obtain information about the current status and whereabouts of the tourists. Dolpa's Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri stated that according to the latest information, the six Indian tourists are out of contact. Authorities have requested the concerned agency to arrange a helicopter for search and rescue operations.

Currently, search and rescue efforts are being hindered due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions in the high Himalayan region. A team of the Nepal Army has been deployed to help search for and rescue the missing tourists. According to data from the District Administration Office, a total of 244 tourists have reached Upper Dolpa, of which 149 are Nepali citizens, 44 are from SAARC countries, and 51 are other foreign nationals. The number of tourists in the Shey Phoksundo Lake area is increasing, with 4,882 tourists visiting Phoksundo Lake during the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2082/83. In view of the bad weather, the district administration has requested tourists to avoid dangerous areas and stay in safe places.