Unseasonal snowfall and rain leave tourists stranded in Khumbu

By Santosh Raut

Solukhumbu, Nov 1: Thousands of tourists have been stranded in the Khumbu region due to unseasonal snowfall and continuous rain during the peak trekking season. For the past four days, bad weather has disrupted air and road travel, leaving around 5,500 tourists and their guides stuck in different parts of the region.

According to Lukla-based tourism entrepreneur Toya Shrestha, more than 600 tourists are currently waiting at Tenzing-Hillary Airport for flights, while many others are stuck in Surke, where road vehicles can reach.

“There is a shortage of accommodation in both Lukla and Surke, and even foreign tourists are struggling to find places to stay,” Shrestha said. “Those unable to get rooms in hotels are staying in small teashops, while Nepali travellers are facing even greater difficulties.”

Aman Chandra Jha, Senior ATC Officer at the Civil Aviation Authority in Lukla, said that flights have been grounded due to poor visibility, though helicopters are still operating between Lukla and Phaplu. Tourists waiting in Ramechhap are hoping to fly to Lukla once the weather clears.

Normally, Tara, Sita and Summit Air operate about 30 regular and non-scheduled flights between Ramechhap and Lukla each day, but all services have been suspended. Authorities have also advised caution in movement due to the risk of more snow and rain.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Manojit Kunwar from the Solukhumbu District Police Office, 1,490 tourists are currently in the Everest Base Camp area, 220 in Gorak Shep, 235 in Lobuche, 1,000 in Dingboche and 35 in Thukla. “Limited movement is still taking place, but many are waiting for conditions to improve,” he said.

Hotel entrepreneur Lamakaji Sherpa said that Namche hotels can accommodate about 3,500 tourists, so there is no major shortage of food and lodging. He also said that hotels charge normal rates despite the high demand.

However, Sherpa added that bad weather during the main trekking season has affected the flow of visitors and tourism businesses. “Many tourists who had just arrived in Lukla are now turning back, which will impact local tourism for the rest of the season,” he said.

Meanwhile, some vehicle operators are reportedly taking advantage of the situation by charging excessive fares on the Surke-Salleri road route. “Earlier, the fare used to be around Rs. 3,000 per person, but now some are charging up to Rs. 10,000,” said one local entrepreneur. A reserved jeep now costs between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 60,000. Hoteliers fear such practices could give a negative impression to tourists.