Kathmandu, 26 September (H.S.): Climbing activities at Mount Everest Base Camp and surrounding high-altitude areas have been suspended until further notice following heavy snowfall. Seven foreign tourists who were stranded amid the snowfall and adverse weather conditions have been safely evacuated to secure locations.

Heavy snowfall began in the high-altitude areas of the Khumbu region in Solukhumbu district, Nepal, following continuous rainfall. More than half a metre of snow has reportedly accumulated at several locations, disrupting the movement of tourists and mountaineers.

Taking safety concerns into consideration, the administration has prohibited tourists and trekkers from proceeding towards high-altitude areas considered risky. Arrangements are being made to accommodate tourists currently in the upper areas at safe locations through coordination among the local administration, elected representatives, local residents and police.

Solukhumbu Chief District Officer Kaman Singh Thapa Magar said heavy snowfall has been continuing in the upper areas of Khumbu. He said reports indicate that more than half a metre of snow has accumulated at several places.

Seven foreign tourists became stranded in the Imja Tse, also known as Island Peak, area of the Sagarmatha region due to the heavy snowfall. According to the administration, the tourists have been brought to safety. A rescue operation was carried out with the assistance of local representatives and residents despite the adverse weather and difficult terrain.

Imja Tse, also known as Island Peak, is one of the prominent mountaineering destinations in the Khumbu region of Sagarmatha National Park. It stands at an elevation of approximately 6,165 metres above sea level.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the trekking route from Dingboche towards Chhukung via the Imja Khola connects with the main trekking route leading to the Everest Base Camp area.

In view of the adverse weather conditions, the administration has also coordinated with local government bodies and security agencies to restrict the entry of additional tourists and trekkers into the upper areas. More than 1,200 tourists are currently present in the Everest Base Camp area.

The local administration, police and other concerned agencies are continuously monitoring the situation of these tourists. The administration has appealed to tourists and mountaineers not to proceed into high-risk areas in view of the weather conditions and to follow instructions issued by the local authorities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar