Heavy snow forces suspension of Annapurna Base Camp trekking

MYAGDI: Light rainfall accompanied by snowfall has disrupted tourism activities in Myagdi and Mustang districts, leaving trekkers stranded along popular mountain routes including the Annapurna Base Camp trail.

According to officials, snowfall since last night has made roads and trekking trails slippery and impassable. “The paths are covered with snow, making both vehicle movement and trekking unsafe,” said Pramesh Gurung, ward chair of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality –1. “We’ve asked all tourists to remain indoors for their safety.”

Authorities including the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, and the district administrations of Myagdi and Mustang had earlier issued warnings advising against travel or trekking due to expected rain and snow.

Light snowfall has been reported in upper Mustang areas such as Muktinath, Lo Manthang, and Charang, while in Myagdi, popular trekking spots including Annapurna Base Camp, Panchakunda Lake, Ghorepani, Khopra Ridge, Mohare Danda, and Khokhe Danda have also been affected.

Tej Gurung, a hotel operator at Humkhola, entry point to the Maurice Herzog trekking route leading to the Annapurna Base Camp, said movement along the trail has been completely halted since early morning. “Normally around 500 trekkers pass through daily, but only about 200 came on Monday. Today, all treks have been suspended due to rain and snow,” he said.

Annapurna Rural Municipality–4 ward chair Lok Bahadur Pun said tourists who had already reached Annapurna Base Camp via the Maurice Herzog trail were safely brought down to Narchyang and Bhrung Tatopani overnight.

Similarly, hotel operator Dambar Bahadur Pun from Ghorepani said trekkers have postponed their hikes and are staying indoors. “Those who came to view the sunrise from Poon Hill or continue their journey are staying inside due to the cold and slippery trails,” he said. “We’ve advised everyone to avoid trekking today as there’s risk of injury from falls or getting lost in the snow.”