GANDAKI, July 23: A total of 25 trekkers died from altitude sickness in Nepal’s Annapurna region during the 2025/26 fiscal year, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
The fatalities included 12 Nepali nationals, nine Indians, and one each from Japan, Mexico, Spain and Singapore.
According to ACAP Chief Dr Rabin Kadariya, 15 deaths occurred in Mustang, eight in Manang, one at Annapurna Base Camp, and one on the Mardi Himal trekking route. Among the Nepali victims were four guides and porters.
16 tourists die of high altitude sickness in Mustang in FY 2025...
In addition to altitude-related deaths, five other trekkers died in falls and other trekking accidents during the same period.
One Indian tourist died during heavy snowfall while trekking in Manang, while an Australian climber died while descending from Himlung Himal in Manang. A Nepali trekker died on the Mardi Himal trail, and a German national died while trekking near Khopra Lake in Myagdi.
Altitude sickness cases are most common in the higher-altitude areas of Mustang and Manang. The region recorded 21 altitude-related deaths in fiscal year 2024/25 and 19 deaths in 2023/24.
Dr Kadariya said altitude sickness is particularly common among Nepali and Indian pilgrims traveling by road directly to Muktinath, as many ascend rapidly without allowing time for acclimatization.
“When traveling in high-altitude Himalayan regions, people should avoid gaining elevation too quickly and should ascend gradually with adequate rest,” he said. “Anyone experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness should immediately descend to a lower altitude.”
Authorities also noted that fatal falls during trekking occur every year and advised trekkers to travel in groups or hire licensed guides instead of trekking alone.
Guide Diwas Gurung said travelers should acclimatize properly and avoid ascending more than 500 meters in elevation per day, describing gradual ascent and sufficient rest as the best ways to prevent altitude sickness.
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