SOLUKHUMBU: The movement of tourists who reached high-hill area has been affected after heavy snowfall in Solukhumbu’s Khumbu region.
Snowfall had started in the upper belt of Khumbu following torrential rainfall. Chief District Officer Kaman Singh Thapa Magar informed that over half a meter snow has piled up in the higher areas of Khumbu.
Due to the snowfall, tourists who had ascended to the upper regions for trekking and mountaineering have been restricted from moving further into risky areas.
“There is heavy snowfall in the upper areas. We have received reports that in some places, more than half a meter snow has accumulated. Keeping safety of tourists in priority, coordination is being done with the local authorities, locals, and police to put them in safe places, ” he further said.
Seven foreign tourists stranded in the Imja Tse (Island Peak) area of the Everest region following heavy snowfall, have been rescued.
According to CDO Thapa Magar, the tourists are reported to be European citizens of Chinese origin.
As movement in the upper areas became difficult due to the snow, they were brought to a safe place with the help of local representatives and residents.
Imja Tse, or Island Peak, is an important mountaineering destination in the Khumbu region within Sagarmatha National Park.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the trekking route from Dingboche via Imja Rivulet towards Chukung connects with the main hiking trail of the Everest Base Camp area.
Island Peak is locally known as Imja Tse which in area is about 6,165 meters above sea level.
Due to adverse weather, local authorities and security agencies have coordinated to prevent more tourists and trekkers from going to higher areas.
Currently, more than 1,200 tourists are reportedly in the Everest region, according to officials.
The administration said they are continuously monitoring their situation through local authorities, police, and other concerned agencies.
Laxman Adhikari, ward chairperson of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-4, shared that the municipality has issued notices for tourists and trekkers to be cautious due to bad weather.
“Since the weather is unfavorable, we are prioritizing tourist safety. People are advised not to go further up unnecessarily in risky conditions,” he said.
