KATHMANDU, 30 October (H.S.): Nepali security forces have successfully rescued more than 1,500 tourists, including over 200 foreigners, who were stranded by heavy snowfall in the high-altitude Manang district of the Himalayas this week.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nepal Army announced the large-scale rescue operation, which was conducted in cooperation with the local administration, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local residents. The tourists became stranded after severe weather and heavy snowfall blocked trekking trails, creating unsafe conditions.

The affected area included the popular route to Tilicho Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,919 meters.

According to local officials, approximately 800 to 900 tourists had already turned back from the Tilicho Base Camp in the two days prior to the main rescue effort. The District Administration Office of Manang has since advised trekkers currently at lower elevations to cancel their plans until the end of the week due to the intense snowfall.

A dedicated security task force has been deployed for road clearance and rescue operations, with personnel using shovels and excavators to clear blocked trails. The unseasonably heavy snow, attributed to Cyclone Montha, has also led to the closure of trekking routes in the Everest region on both the Nepalese and Chinese sides .

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar