Kathmandu, 4 Oct: The District Administration Office, Kaski has requested tourists not to embark on treks due to the possibility of snowfall and heavy rainfall in the high mountainous regions.
The administration has made this request as a forecast of moderate to heavy rainfall across the country and Gandaki Province until October 6 has been issued, increasing the likelihood of snowfall. Assistant Chief District Officer Shivprasad Lamsal informed that public notices have been issued to alert people to avoid trekking in world-famous areas like Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Mardi Himal Base Camp, Model Machhapuchhre Trek, Kapuche Lake Trail, and Khumai, among others.
Safety Concerns Prompt Trekking Restrictions
He stated, “There is a possibility of snowfall in the high mountainous regions. Therefore, focusing on the safety of lives, we request everyone not to go to any trekking routes for trekking.” In previous years, trekking routes in the area used to be crowded with trekkers during the Dashain holidays. This year, however, the tourism sector has been affected after the administration’s request to avoid trekking, accompanied by the forecast of heavy rain and snowfall. During the Dashain and Tihar holidays, hotels and restaurants along the trekking routes used to be packed with tourists.
Similarly, the administration has warned that disaster-related incidents like floods, landslides, inundation, and snowfall could occur due to the rainfall and urged everyone to remain alert. It has also requested people to contact the relevant local level, people’s representatives, nearby police unit, or security agencies if any such incidents occur.
The foreign nationals who had gone to climb Kumbhakarna have returned
The foreign climbers who had gone to scale Mount Kumbhakarna in Taplejung have relocated to a safe location after receiving a weather warning. They have decided to return to a hotel until the weather conditions improve. According to tourism and hotel entrepreneur Chirring Sherpa from Ghunsa, the climbers have moved down to the Jongga Hotel in Ghunsa, which is one camp below Khambachen.
This year, French nationals Benjamin and Nicolas had arrived to attempt the ascent of Mount Kumbhakarna, which stands at 7,710 meters. They had also attempted to climb the same mountain last year but were unsuccessful. After their previous attempt failed, they returned this year to try again. Entrepreneur Sherpa informed that they plan to resume their ascent once the weather improves.
District Administration Activates Disaster Preparedness
Meanwhile, the District Disaster Management Committee Coordinator and Chief District Officer, Shiva Raj Sedhain, has issued a public notice, urging caution from October 4 to 7. He has also directed various security and relief agencies—including the Nepali Army’s Durga Dal Gulm in the district, the District Police Office Taplejung, the Armed Police Force Nepal No. 1 Gulm Headquarters Kanchanjanga, and the Nepal Red Cross Society, along with other social organizations—to remain on standby with necessary manpower and equipment for immediate disaster response and rescue operations if needed.
