Team deployed to rescue tourists

By Hari Krishna Sharma 

Mustang (Muktinath), Nov 1: A rescue team has been deployed to assist 15 people, including three British women trekkers, who were stranded while descending towards Marpha of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality–2 after circling Mount Dhaulagiri.

Following heavy snowfall since Monday, the trekking route had become unrecognisable, leaving the group stranded in the Hidden Valley of Tukuche Himal in Thasang Rural Municipality–1. In response, a joint rescue operation by the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force Nepal and Nepal Police was mobilised on Wednesday.

According to Chief District Officer (CDO) Bishnu Prasad Bhushal, the rescue team has reached Aalubari, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,700 metres above sea level. “Snowfall has continued since early Friday morning. Both the ascending and descending routes have now been identified,” said CDO Bhushal, adding that information had been received indicating the stranded team was currently at Dampus Lake.

The operation involves a specialised team led by Captain Prashant Bista of the High Altitude Training School, who has previously climbed Mount Annapurna—the world’s tenth highest peak—along with several smaller summits. The team is equipped with the necessary tools, including ropes, as some sections of the trail require abseiling to reach the stranded group.

The Hidden Valley, situated at an altitude of 5,100 metres above sea level, lies between the world’s seventh highest mountain, Mount Dhaulagiri and Mount Sita and above the Tukche Peak. The 10-member rescue team comprises trained personnel from the Nepali Army’s High Altitude Training School, Indrabox Battalion, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, who are all skilled in mountain search and rescue operations.

The group, which had embarked on the trek through Kathmandu-based Secret Himalaya Trade and Expedition travel agency, was reportedly well-stocked with food supplies despite being trapped by heavy snowfall.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, which links Myagdi to Mustang through a chain of Himalayan ranges, is one of the most challenging and adventurous trekking routes. However, trekkers often face problems due to poor communication networks, harsh geography and lack of basic infrastructure, including route markers and signboards.