Six Indian Tourists Stranded Near Nepal’s Deepest Lake After Heavy Snowfall, Rescue Underway

Six Indian tourists, including two women and four men, have been stranded in Nepal's Dolpa district after heavy snowfall blocked trekking routes near Shey-Phoksundo Lake, the country's deepest lake. Authorities have located the group and initiated helicopter evacuation efforts, although a technical fault in a Nepal Army helicopter initially delayed the rescue operation.

The tourists were stranded in the Danigad area of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality-8 while travelling towards the lake. They lost contact near the Numa La and Baga La mountain passes while returning from Dho.

The group has been identified as Moumita Haldar, Piyali Koley, Jajala Trivedi Kumar, Aditya Singha, Dipalina Biswas and Rajesh De.

According to Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal Dhakal, the tourists continued their journey despite warnings from local residents, security personnel and their Nepali guide about worsening weather conditions. They reportedly left their guide behind and proceeded towards the lake. The guide alerted the District Administration Office on Saturday evening, October 31, after losing contact with them.

Officials subsequently identified the area where the tourists were stranded. Dhakal clarified that their location had been established, although communication with the group remained difficult.

A Nepal Army team was deployed to assist in the rescue. However, a technical problem involving an Army helicopter stationed at Surkhet delayed the planned evacuation. Authorities began looking for an alternative aircraft. Akashvani subsequently reported on November 1 that helicopter evacuation efforts were underway.

Heavy snowfall has disrupted movement across Upper Dolpa, while the absence of mobile network connectivity between the mountain passes has made communication difficult. Authorities were also considering using the Disaster Management Fund to cover rescue expenses.

Meanwhile, 244 tourists have reached Upper Dolpa, including 149 Nepali nationals, 44 visitors from SAARC countries and 51 other foreign nationals. The administration has advised visitors to avoid dangerous routes and remain in safe locations.

Shey-Phoksundo Lake is situated at approximately 3,600 metres and has an estimated depth of 145 metres. A total of 4,882 tourists visited the lake during the first 11 months of Nepal's 2025-26 fiscal year.