Kathmandu: Six Indian tourists have gone missing during a trek to Shey-Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, following severe snowfall across the high Himalayan region, officials confirmed.

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The Indian nationals, comprising two women and four men, disappeared while travelling from Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality toward Shey-Phoksundo Lake. They were last reported missing in the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas between Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality.

Local guides suspect the trekkers became stranded following intense snowfall linked to the atmospheric influence of Cyclone Arnab in the Bay of Bengal.

According to local authorities, the group advanced toward the high-altitude zone despite explicit warnings from residents that crossing the mountain passes would be hazardous due to heavy snow. They are believed to have become trapped during their return journey.

Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal confirmed that “the tourists became stranded while returning from Dho towards Phoksundo Lake.”

She added, “They had been warned by locals about the difficult weather and mountain conditions but proceeded with their journey.”

Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality Chairman Dhawa Samduk Gurung noted, “Mobile phone communication is unavailable in the mountain passes between Wards 4 and 8, making it difficult to obtain information about the tourists’ whereabouts and current condition.”

According to records from the District Administration Office, “A total of 244 tourists have reached Upper Dolpa. Of them, 149 are Nepali nationals, 44 are from SAARC countries, and 51 are citizens of other foreign countries.”

In light of the deteriorating weather, district authorities have urged all visitors to avoid hazardous routes and remain in secure locations. Tourist arrivals to the Shey-Phoksundo Lake region have grown steadily, with official data indicating that 4,882 tourists visited the site during the first 11 months of the 2082/83 fiscal year.

Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri stated, “Six Indian tourists remain out of contact, according to the latest information.”

He further noted that “authorities have requested the concerned agency to arrange a helicopter for search and rescue operations.”

Search and rescue operations face severe obstacles due to continuing snowfall and adverse weather across the high-altitude terrain. The lack of cellular connectivity and deep snow accumulation have complicated efforts to pinpoint the tourists' exact location and status.

A specialised unit of the Nepal Army has been deployed to conduct search operations and assist in the rescue effort.

ANI