Trekkers urged to avoid high-altitude routes

BY HARI KRISHNA SHARMA,Muktinath (Mustang), Jan. 29: The Mustang District Administration Office has urged trekkers not to undertake journeys on five popular high-altitude trekking routes that connect the district with neighbouring areas, citing heavy snowfall since last night.

Following the snowfall, trekking has been suspended on the Saribung Pass, which connects Mustang and Manang, the Meso Kundo Pass, the Thorong La Pass, the Yakkhark route linking Mustang with Dolpa, and the Dhaulagiri trekking route’s Dhamphus Peak section connecting Myagdi and Mustang. 

These routes lie at extreme elevations and have been deemed highly risky during snowfall. 

According to the district administration, Yakkhark stands at around 5,800 metres above sea level, Thorong La Pass at 5,400 metres, Saribung Pass at 6,000 metres, and Dhamphus Peak at 5,100 metres.

Heavy snowfall has been reported in Mustang’s upper Himalayan regions, including the Dhamphus Peak area along the Dhaulagiri trekking route. Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma said trekking routes entering Mustang from three neighbouring districts had become extremely dangerous due to snow accumulation. 

“We have received information that snow has piled up to four feet in some trekking areas. Rescue operations would be extremely difficult if tourists get stranded,” she said.

Although trekkers often attempt the Thorong La Pass even in the month of Magh (January/February) under the Annapurna Circuit, the Saribung Pass linking the Damodarkunda area of Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality-4 in Upper Mustang with the Nar-Phu Valley of Manang, is considered the most hazardous.

Since mid-October, security agencies in Mustang have rescued stranded domestic and foreign trekkers on foot and by air from high-risk routes. In the Damodarkunda area, food supplies and essential materials sufficient for nearly two months have also been stockpiled at rest houses, with facilitation from the District Administration Office, to assist pilgrims and tourists affected by snowfall.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged travellers to check weather forecasts before setting out, as rainfall accompanied by snow has disrupted daily life in the region.