Nepal's Massive Rescue Operation: Over 1,500 Tourists Evacuated From Himalayan Snowstorm

Nepali security forces have successfully rescued more than 1,500 tourists who were stranded in the high-altitude regions of Manang following severe snowfall and hazardous weather conditions.

According to the Nepal Army's official statement, numerous tourists who were trekking toward Tilicho Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,919 meters, have been forced to return from the base camp after heavy snow accumulation rendered the trails impassable and created unsafe conditions.

The Nepal Army announced on social media platform X: "A rescue team deployed from the New Bhairavidal Gulm has assisted approximately 1500 individuals, including over 200 foreign tourists who were stranded, in reaching safety with cooperation from the local administration, elected representatives, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local residents."

Local authorities report that between 800 and 900 tourists have made their way back from Tilicho Base Camp within the past 48 hours.

"Following the heavy snowfall in higher elevations, nearly one thousand tourists have descended to Khangsar, which is the final settlement before reaching Tilicho Lake. Many others are also making their way down due to the severe snowfall and unfavorable weather conditions," Chyolpa Gurung, ward chair of Ngisyang Rural Municipality-9, informed ANI during a telephone conversation.

Manang's District Administration Office has indicated that efforts are underway to clear snow from the trekking paths, while simultaneously issuing advisories to trekkers to postpone their visits.

"We are attempting to clear the pathways, but the snowfall is considerable. We have requested that trekkers and tourists who remain in lower-elevation areas cancel their planned visits until after this week concludes," Naba Raj Poudyal, chief district officer (CDO) of Manang, confirmed to ANI.

A district-level security task force has been mobilized to handle both road clearance and rescue operations.

Security personnel, equipped with appropriate tools including shovels and excavators, are actively working to remove blockages from the road, with motorcycle traffic already resuming in certain areas.