Heavy rain and snow in the upper parts of Solukhumbu District have made trekking routes difficult to navigate. Seven foreign travelers were rescued after becoming stranded near Island Peak (6,165 m) due to more than 0.5 meters (over 1.5 feet) of snow in the high-altitude trails. The snowfall and blizzard conditions have affected local travel and access to high mountain passes and destinations.
Seven Foreign Nationals Rescued from Snowbound Trails near Island Peak – AREA REPORT: Solukhumbu Champion Namgyal, 15 Jan 2024. Thanga quickly responded to a high alert issued to 24 districts by the Disaster Management Authority.
The snow buildup has disrupted the main routes leading to Everest Base Camp. Local leaders, Nepal Police, and community members from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality worked together to bring the stranded climbers to safer areas. Hundreds of trekkers were already in the Khumbu/Everest region, with officials estimating about 583 domestic and 648 foreign nationals were present before travel restrictions were enforced. Currently, this number may exceed 1,200, as security forces are closely coordinating with expedition leaders and tea house operators for trekkers.
Travel restrictions have been placed on the high alpine Everest region – LIMITED TRAVEL: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality chairperson Laxman Adhikari confirmed that trekking is now heavily restricted in the district. Areas such as Thukla, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Thoraksep, Gokyo, and other high passes are off-limits for trekkers, guides, and porters.
Staff from local administration and security agencies are on high alert for any search and rescue operations if the weather worsens.