6 Indian tourists missing while trekking in Nepal, rescue operation underway amid heavy snowfall

November 1, 2026

Kathmandu: Six Indian tourists have gone missing while trekking in Nepal. They were heading to Shey-Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake. Local authorities confirmed the tourists’ disappearance after heavy snowfall in the area. The missing include two women and four men.

According to information, the tourists were heading to Shey-Phoksundo Lake from Wards 4 and 8 of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality. They were last seen near the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass, located between Wards 4 and 8 of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality.

Local guides fear that the tourists may have been stranded due to heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region. It is reported that Cyclone Arnab, developing in the Bay of Bengal, has also affected the weather in the region.

According to local officials, tourists were warned in advance that crossing the mountain passes might be difficult due to snowfall. Despite this, they headed for higher altitudes. It is feared that they got stuck in the snow while returning.

Bad weather and snowfall hamper rescue

Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal stated that the tourists were stranded on their way back from Dho to Phoksundo Lake. He said that locals had warned them about the bad weather and difficult mountain conditions, but they continued their journey despite this.

Meanwhile, Dhawa Samduk Gurung, Chairman of the Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality, stated that mobile network is not available in the mountain passes located between Ward Nos. 4 and 8. This is making it difficult to gather information about the location and current condition of the missing tourists.

Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri stated that according to the latest information, six Indian tourists are unreachable. Officials have requested the relevant agency to arrange helicopters for the search and rescue operation.

Heavy snowfall and bad weather are also hampering the relief and rescue operations. Thick snow and lack of mobile network in the area are making it difficult to locate the tourists. A Nepal Army team has also been deployed to assist in the search and rescue.

244 Tourists Present in Upper Dolpa

According to the District Administration Office, the total number of tourists arriving in Upper Dolpa is 244. These include 149 Nepali citizens, 44 citizens of SAARC countries, and 51 other foreign tourists.

In view of the bad weather, the district administration has appealed to tourists to avoid risky areas and stay in safe places.

The number of tourists visiting Shy-Phoksundo Lake has increased in recent years. According to available data, 4,882 tourists visited Phoksundo Lake in the first 11 months of the financial year 2012/13.

Amid heavy snowfall and difficult mountainous terrain, the search for six Indian tourists is currently underway.