Upper Dolpo closed to trekkers because of snow
Travel to Upper Dolpo has been suspended since 29 October. Six trekkers who went anyway got stuck in the snow on their way back from Phoksundo Lake and had to be flown out by helicopter.
The authorities suspended travel to Upper Dolpo on 29 October because of the weather. Several days of snowfall blocked the trails in Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Six Indian trekkers carried on regardless. They got stuck at Danigad, on their way back from Phoksundo Lake, in an area with no mobile signal. A Nepal Army helicopter flew them to Dunai, the district headquarters, on 2 November. All six are fine.
If you were planning to go to Dolpo
- The suspension covers Upper Dolpo. Lower down, around Phoksundo Lake, it has snowed as well, so check in Dunai or with your agency before heading up.
- Upper Dolpo needs a special permit and a guide. A closure ordered by the administration applies to everyone, permit or not.
- Rescues are slow out there: no signal and few helicopters. Make sure your insurance covers mountain evacuation (see our travel insurance page).
November is still a great month for trekking in Nepal. In the far west, though, the high mountains can close overnight.
Source: The Himalayan Times
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