TAPLEJUNG: Around 250 domestic and international tourists trekking in the Kanchenjunga region have been stranded midway due to adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone ‘Arnab’, which developed in the Bay of Bengal.
Heavy snowfall in higher elevations and freezing temperatures in lower areas have disrupted trekking activities, leaving tourists travelling to and returning from the base camps unable to continue their journeys. Many have taken shelter in hotels and settlements along the trekking routes, with accommodation facilities reportedly filled to capacity.
According to photojournalist Rajiv Limbu, who is trekking to the Kanchenjunga base camp, all hotels in the Ghunsa area are occupied by domestic and foreign tourists. His team has been staying there for the past two days. Similarly, journalist Giriraj Baskota of Panchthar, who is also trekking in the region, said hotels along the routes were full. The area has experienced light rainfall, rising temperatures and snowfall in higher mountain areas.
Tourist numbers have increased in settlements along both the northern and southern Kanchenjunga base camp routes. These include Italitar, Lamatar, Amjilesa, Thangim, Gyabla, Phale, Ghunsa, Khambachen and Lonak in the north, and Yamphudin, Naya Jhoreni, Torongden, Seram and Ramje in the south.
Meanwhile, a group of foreign tourists heading towards Makalu base camp via the Lumbasumba Pass has been held up in Olangchungola. Tourism activist Hemraj Niraula said around 60 domestic and international tourists were currently staying in local hotels. Niraula is part of a Saraf Foundation team conducting research at the historic Dikichyorling Monastery in Olangchungola, located in Faktanglung Rural Municipality-7.
About half of the tourists in Olangchungola are heading towards Makalu base camp via the Lumbasumba route. Domestic tourists travelling to Singje through Olangchungola have also been unable to proceed because of the adverse weather.
The Armed Police Force personnel deployed for border security and the local ward office have issued notices advising people to remain in safe locations until weather conditions improve.
Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dahal said no disaster-related incidents had been reported in the district so far. He confirmed that approximately 250 domestic and foreign tourists were staying in settlements and hotels across the Kanchenjunga region, particularly in Olangchungola, Ghunsa and Yamphudin.
Authorities have advised tourists to prioritise safety and resume trekking only after carefully assessing weather conditions. Necessary precautions have been taken in coordination with security agencies and local governments. Local residents have also been alerted, Dahal said.
Taplejung remained cloudy throughout Thursday, with rainfall reported since the previous night and snowfall in higher elevations.
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