Surkhet, November 3
Helicopter rescued six Indian tourists stranded in upper Dolpa after heavy snowfall on Monday morning.
The six tourists, two women and four men, had been out of contact since November 1 because of the snowfall. They were rescued by helicopter on Monday morning.
The helicopter, which took off at 6:30 am, first rescued the two women and brought them to Dunai, the district headquarters. Their health condition was normal. The helicopter then returned to the site to rescue the remaining four men, who were also brought to safety.
Chief District Officer of Dolpa, Junu Hamal Dhakal, confirmed the safe rescue of all six Indian tourists. She said their health condition was normal.
The District Administration Office, Dolpa, was informed on November 1 that the tourists had been stranded due to snowfall. Although efforts were made to rescue them, the operation was delayed due to adverse weather conditions and difficulties in arranging a helicopter.
Travelled along risky route without permission
According to the District Administration Office, the Indian tourists had travelled to Upper Dolpa without obtaining the required administrative permits.
They were stranded in the area around Numla and Wagla passes while returning from Dho in Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality towards Phoksundo Lake in Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality-8.
Given the adverse weather conditions and the risk of heavy snowfall, the administration and residents had advised against travelling in the mountainous region. However, the tourists encountered difficulties after taking the risky route without obtaining the required permits.
