Army Joins Search for Six Missing Indian Trekkers in Nepal

No mobile signal reaches the mountain passes where six Indian trekkers have gone missing. Rescuers cannot learn whether the group has found shelter or how they are doing. The Nepal Army has sent a team to search near Shey-Phoksundo Lake, while authorities seek a helicopter to reach the snowbound area. The six include two women and four men. ^1,2

The group was travelling from Dho toward Phoksundo Lake when contact was lost near the Numla and Bagla passes, in Nepal’s remote Dolpa district. Local officials say residents warned the trekkers that heavy snowfall made the crossing dangerous, but they continued. Guides suspect the group became stranded on the return journey. Deep snow and rough terrain have slowed the search. ^1,3

Those passes connect high-altitude areas where weather can quickly cut off travel and communication. Snowfall has affected parts of Dolpa, while lower areas have had rain. The tourists’ exact whereabouts and condition are unknown. The cause of the snowfall is also unclear: some local accounts link it to Cyclone Arnab, but no independent evidence has confirmed a direct connection. Without a confirmed location, rescuers do not know where to focus their efforts. ^1,2

Rescuers have two immediate tasks: search the passes and find a way to reach the missing group. Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri said authorities requested helicopter assistance, and the Nepal Army team is on the ground. Officials have also urged visitors to avoid risky routes and stay in safe places as bad weather continues. ^1,3