Kathmandu: Fifteen tourists, including both foreign and domestic, have been stranded due to continuous snowfall in the Hidden Valley along the round-Dhaulagiri trekking route, which stretches from Myagdi to Mustang via the foot of the Dhaulagiri Mountain.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the group consists of three British women and twelve domestic tourists. They became stranded in the valley after continuous snowfall from Monday night blocked the trekking route while they were traveling from Mudi, Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality-4 in Myagdi, via the Italian base camp to Marpha, Gharapjhong Rural Municipality-2 in Mustang.
The tourists, who are situated in the Hidden Valley at an altitude of 5,100 meters above sea level between Dhaulagiri and Sita Himal, are confirmed to be safe, as stated by Myagdi’s Chief District Officer Badri Prasad Tiwari. “British tourists who went trekking from the Secret Himalaya Trek and Expedition Travel Agency in Kathmandu requested arrangements for a helicopter rescue on Tuesday evening as walking was difficult. They were in contact until Wednesday morning and are safe,” CDO Tiwari reported.
Efforts to dispatch rescue teams from the district administration offices and security bodies in Myagdi and Mustang faced challenges due to the incessant snowfall. The valley can only be accessed by land and air once the snowfall stops and the weather clears, as there are no hotels or houses where the tourists are currently camping.
Binaya Lama, manager of Secret Himalaya Trek and Expedition, confirmed that the three British trekkers, Mary Rippe, Caroline Wilson, and Emily Cats, are in Hidden Valley. Lama mentioned that the trekking guides have requested rescue via satellite phone. A helicopter sortie could be conducted if the snowfall ceases and weather conditions improve, allowing for safe passage once the snow melts and the path becomes visible. Currently, there is no mobile or internet access available in the area.