MUSTANG, Oct 28: Trekking activities to the Annapurna Base Camp and other high-altitude destinations in Myagdi and Mustang have been suspended following the current changed weather system.
According to local authorities, tourists have been advised to remain at their accommodations due to risks posed by snow-covered roads and trekking routes. Ward Chairman Pramesh Gurung of Waragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality–1, Mustang, said that transport and hiking have become impossible as snow continues to accumulate.
“There is no possibility of operating transport or trekking due to snow accumulation,” Gurung said. “Tourists have not left their lodges as it would be risky. We have also requested them not to leave.”
The Department of Meteorology, National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority and the District Administration Offices of Myagdi and Mustang jointly issued a public notice on Monday urging people to avoid trekking due to the forecast of rain and snowfall. The warning has led to a significant drop in tourist numbers across popular trekking routes.
New route to reach Annapurna Base Camp
Areas including Muktinath, Lomanthang, Charang, and other upper Mustang regions have witnessed light snowfall, while rainfall has affected several trekking destinations in Myagdi such as Annapurna Base Camp, Panchkunda Lake, Ghodepani, Khopralek, Mohredanda, and Kokhedanda.
Hotel entrepreneur Tej Gurung of Humkhola — the entry point of the Maurice Herzog Trek connecting the Annapurna Base Camp — reported that there has been no movement along the trail since this morning.
“Earlier, around 500 tourists arrived daily, but only about 200 came on Monday,” Gurung said. “Today’s trekking program has been postponed due to rain and snowfall.”
Similarly, Lok Bahadur Pun, Ward Chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality–4, said that tourists who had reached the base camp via the Maurice Herzog Trek were brought down to Narchyang and Bhurung Tatopani by midnight on Monday.
Hotelier Dam Bahadur Pun from Ghodepani said trekkers heading to Pun Hill and nearby destinations have also halted their journeys.
“Tourists have been staying in their rooms since morning after breakfast,” Pun said. “We’ve advised them to postpone trekking due to the cold, the risk of losing the trail in the snow, and possible accidents.”
Local authorities have urged all trekkers and guides to follow safety instructions and remain updated on weather conditions before resuming travel.
