Heavy snowfall hits Annapurna, Manaslu and Mustang; Trekking suspended in high himalayas – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 28

A fresh spell of snowfall and rainfall has swept across Nepal’s western and northern Himalayan regions, severely affecting trekking activities in some of the country’s most popular high-altitude destinations – including the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Manaslu Circuit, and Mustang. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has attributed the sudden change in weather to the combined influence of westerly winds and a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, which has pulled in significant moisture and triggered widespread precipitation across Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces.

In Kaski district, the Annapurna Base Camp area at 4,130 meters has been blanketed in snow since Monday night, halting all trekking activities. According to Annapurna Rural Municipality officials, the trail to ABC has been closed until October 31, with trekkers advised to remain in safe lodges or descend to lower altitudes.

Snowfall has also reached Machhapuchchhre Base Camp, located along the popular route to ABC. “The snowfall began Monday evening amid a surge in post-Tihar visitors, mostly domestic tourists,” Jaganras Gurung, Chair of the Chhomrong Tourism Management Committee said to the RSS. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project confirmed that most trekkers who reached ABC on Monday had already begun descending before the snow intensified.

In neighboring Gorkha district, heavy snowfall has covered northern villages of Chumnubri Rural Municipality – including Samagaun, Syala, Lho, Chhule, and Nile – forcing locals and livestock indoors. Tourists attempting to cross the Larke Pass (5,106m) were stranded midway due to poor visibility and worsening conditions. Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local rescue teams have been mobilized to assist and coordinate with local municipalities in facilitating rescues and safe passage.

Authorities in Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang have issued similar alerts, urging residents, farmers, and trekkers to stay put. The District Administration Office in Myagdi has warned of potential snowfall and rainfall around Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani-Poon Hill, Dhampus, and Mohare Danda, advising travelers to refrain from trekking or ascending until the weather clears.

The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) also issued a nationwide advisory urging climbers and trekkers to avoid high Himalayan passes and remain connected with their guides and agencies. “We sincerely urge all climbers, guides, and trekkers to prioritize safety as weather conditions in the Himalayas have deteriorated due to continuous snowfall,” said NMA President Fur Galje Sherpa. The association has requested trekking companies to coordinate closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of their teams.

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) followed with a national safety advisory on Tuesday, cautioning travelers and tourism operators about worsening conditions. Citing DHM forecasts, the Board said heavy snowfall is expected across Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces through October 29, with risks of flooding and avalanches in districts such as Gorkha, Manang, Myagdi, Dolpa, Humla, Jumla, Nawalpur, and Kaski. NTB urged all trekkers to check forecasts regularly, carry warm waterproof gear, and avoid camping near rivers or unstable slopes. It also appealed to hotels, homestays, and trekking companies to provide safe accommodation to stranded tourists at reasonable rates.

Satellite analysis by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, with input from meteorologist Krishna Bhakta Manandhar, indicated increasing cloud cover from the west and southwest, forecasting continued light to moderate snowfall above 3,800 meters on October 28. A severe cyclonic storm developing over the West-Central Bay of Bengal is expected to influence weather across northern India and Nepal by October 30, potentially bringing an additional 20–40 cm of snow in regions such as Dhaulagiri, Mustang, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Rolwaling, Khumbu, and Kanchenjunga.

At Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, both domestic and international flights experienced delays on Tuesday due to poor visibility. According to the airport officials, International flights were held briefly, while only Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations were possible. Flights to mountainous airfields, including Lukla, Simikot, and Jomsom, were also disrupted. However, no cancellations were reported.

With the trekking season in full swing following the festival holidays, the weather has caused major setbacks for tourism in Annapurna, Pokhara, and Mustang. Authorities continue to advise travelers to remain cautious, follow official updates, and avoid venturing above the snowline until conditions improve.