MUSTANG: The Nepali Army has begun a two-day “High Altitude Search and Rescue” exercise in Mustang district.
The exercise, organized by the Indra Baks Battalion based in Jomsom of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality, started on Thursday.
According to the battalion, the training aims to minimize risks and accidents in high Himalayan regions caused by oxygen deficiency, extreme cold, and geographical remoteness, while also strengthening search and rescue operations in difficult terrain.
More than 55 personnel are participating in the exercise, including four teams from Bhairavi Dal Gulma in neighboring Manang district, the Indra Baks Battalion, and the Military High School Kaisang.
Indra Baks Battalion chief Major General Gaurav Dhoj Khand said the exercise is intended to enhance the Nepal Army’s technical skills and operational capacity in conducting rescue missions in high-altitude areas.
He said the training includes simulated rescue operations for trekkers and travelers trapped in glaciers, mountain gorges, and avalanche-prone areas.
On the first day, participants conducted a model rock-climbing exercise using ropes on a large rocky cliff near the Battalion headquarters.
According to the battalion, the second day of the exercise on Friday will focus on glacier rescue operations near the Military High School in Gharpajhong Rural Municipality-5, located at an altitude of around 4,000 meters above sea level.
The drill will include simulated rescue scenarios involving trekkers stranded in glaciers and avalanche zones.
Representatives from the Armed Police Force Nepal’s 33rd Battalion and the District Police Office, Mustang, were also present.
Officials believe such high-altitude rescue exercises will help improve emergency response capabilities for both domestic and foreign tourists trekking in the Himalayan region.
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