Kathmandu, 02 November (H.S.): Six Indian tourists stranded in Nepal’s Upper Dolpa region due to heavy snowfall were safely evacuated by helicopter on Monday morning. The group comprised two women and four men.

The tourists had lost contact on November 1 after heavy snowfall disrupted their journey through the mountainous region. A helicopter rescue operation was carried out on Monday morning. The aircraft, which took off at 6:30 am, first evacuated the two women and brought them safely to Dunai, the district headquarters. Both were reported to be in stable health. The helicopter subsequently returned to the site and successfully evacuated the remaining four men.

Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal Dhakal confirmed that all six Indian tourists had been rescued safely. She said their health conditions were normal.

The District Administration Office, Dolpa, received information on November 1 that the tourists had become stranded due to heavy snowfall. Although efforts were initiated to evacuate them, the rescue operation was delayed because of adverse weather conditions and difficulties in arranging a helicopter.

According to the District Administration Office, the Indian tourists had travelled to Upper Dolpa without obtaining the requisite administrative permits. They became stranded near the Numa La and Bagala passes while returning from Dho in Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality towards Phoksundo Lake in Shey-Phoksundo.

In view of the adverse weather and heavy snowfall, the administration and local residents had advised against travelling through the mountainous region. However, the tourists encountered difficulties after taking the risky route without obtaining the necessary permissions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar