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Six Indian tourists missing in Nepal's Dolpa after heavy snowfall
Heavy snowfall and no mobile coverage are hampering rescue efforts as authorities seek helicopter support for the six tourists.
Six Indian tourists, including two women and four men, went missing near the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas while traveling from Dho towards Shey-Phoksundo Lake in Nepal's Dolpa district.
Despite warnings regarding hazardous weather and snowfall, the group proceeded towards the high-altitude area; local reports link the adverse conditions to Cyclone Arnab developing over the Bay of Bengal.
Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality Chairman Dhawa Samduk Gurung said mobile phone communication is unavailable in mountain passes between Wards 4 and 8, hampering rescue efforts to determine the tourists' whereabouts.
Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri confirmed the six tourists remain uncontactable; authorities deployed the Nepal Army and requested aerial support for search and rescue operations.
The district administration advised travelers to avoid risky mountain routes until conditions improve, noting that 4,882 tourists visited Phoksundo Lake during the first 11 months of the fiscal year.