MYAGDI, OCTOBER 30 — In a major rescue operation, security forces in Myagdi district successfully rescued 72 stranded tourists, including 17 foreign nationals, from the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) after heavy snowfall blocked the trekking routes.

The tourists were trapped due to intense snowfall that hit the Hidden Valley area along the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, which connects Myagdi to Mustang. Responding swiftly, teams from the Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal Police, and local residents were mobilized to carry out the rescue mission.

According to APF Deputy Superintendent of Police Leela Bahadur Bhujel, all the stranded tourists have been safely brought down to Humkhola. Some 20 tourists who had lost their way in the snow were rescued using cables and ropes, while snow was cleared along the Maurice Herzog route to make their descent possible.

The Annapurna Base Camp, located at an altitude of 4,190 meters, witnessed continuous snowfall and poor weather since Monday night, forcing trekkers to halt their journey. Tourists staying at Humkhola, Phutphute, Sadhikharka, Gufaphant, Bhusket Mela, and Panchakunda were also safely evacuated.

While the weather improved briefly on Wednesday, fresh snowfall resumed on Thursday morning, continuing to affect trekking activities in the region.

Authorities have advised trekkers to check local weather forecasts and coordinate with local authorities before starting any high-altitude treks in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions.