Six Indian Tourists Rescued After Snowfall in Nepal

Six Indian tourists were rescued safely on Monday after becoming stranded due to heavy snowfall in the Shey-Phoksundo National Park area of Nepal. The group, comprising two women and four men, had been out of contact since November 1 as severe weather affected the mountainous region.

Police said the tourists were rescued by a private helicopter on Monday morning and taken for medical treatment. All six are undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Dune, in Dolpa district, and their condition is reported to be out of danger.

Private Helicopter Rescues Six Indian Tourists

Binaya Singh, Police Inspector and spokesperson for the District Police Office in Dolpa, confirmed that the tourists were rescued after being stranded by heavy snowfall.

According to Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Dhakal, the group had travelled to the Dho area in Ward No. 8 of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality, approximately 300 kilometres northwest of Kathmandu. The area was covered in heavy snow, making movement difficult and creating challenges for rescue teams.

The tourists were trapped at Numla and Wagla passes while returning from a visit to Shey Phoksundo Lake. Heavy snowfall on Saturday had affected the route, leaving them unable to continue their journey safely.

Army Helicopter Rescue Attempt Disrupted by Bad Weather

Rescue efforts had begun on Sunday when an army helicopter flew towards the affected area. However, adverse weather conditions prevented the aircraft from landing, forcing authorities to suspend the operation.

The rescue was eventually completed on Monday morning with the assistance of a private helicopter. The tourists were then transported for medical attention in Dune.

Tourists Had Been Warned Against Travelling in the Area

Local authorities and residents had warned visitors about heavy snowfall and advised against travelling through the mountainous region. Despite these warnings, the Indian tourists had visited Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality’s Ward No. 8.

According to the District Administration Office, the tourists had also travelled to Upper Dolpa without obtaining the required administrative permits, the OnlineKhabar news portal reported.

The incident highlights the risks associated with travelling in Nepal’s remote Himalayan areas during periods of severe weather. Heavy snowfall can quickly block mountain passes, restrict access to settlements and make rescue operations difficult.

Shey-Phoksundo Lake: A High-Altitude Himalayan Destination

The tourists had visited Shey Phoksundo Lake, located within Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality in Dolpa district. The lake is recognised as Nepal’s deepest lake and lies at an altitude of approximately 3,600 metres above sea level.

It has an estimated depth of 145 metres and is surrounded by the mountainous landscape of the Shey-Phoksundo region. Its remote location and high altitude make weather conditions an important consideration for visitors planning a trip.

Similar Snowfall Rescue Incidents Reported in Nepal

Tourists becoming stranded due to heavy snowfall is not unprecedented in Nepal’s Himalayan regions. In October 2025, 15 trekkers, including three British women, were rescued after being trapped by heavy snowfall in Mustang’s Hidden Valley.

In November last year, two Nepali tourists were also rescued by helicopter after becoming stranded in snow near the Mustang-Dolpa border.

The latest incident once again highlights the importance of following local weather advisories and administrative instructions before travelling through remote mountain areas. Authorities regularly warn visitors about the dangers of sudden snowfall, particularly around high-altitude passes where weather conditions can change rapidly.

All six Indian tourists have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment. Police said their condition is out of danger.