Snowfall Halts Trekking in Annapurna, Manaslu & Mustang Alert

 Based on the latest reports, trekking in Nepal's popular Annapurna, Manaslu, and Mustang regions has been officially suspended due to severe, unseasonal snowfall. The table below summarizes the key details of the affected areas.

Region	Status & Key Impact	Official Closure Period
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)	Trail closed; tourists stranded at ABC; trekkers moved to safer locations-1-2-7.	Until at least October 31-2-3.
Manaslu Circuit	Tourists stranded at high altitudes, notably on the Larkya La Pass (5,106m); rescue teams deployed-1-2-4.	No specified end date; suspension active-1-2.
Mustang	Roads and trails blocked; travel to Muktinath halted; life disrupted-2-6-9.	No specified end date; suspension active-2-9.

❄️ Official Advisories and Rescue Efforts

Major national bodies, including the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), have issued nationwide safety advisories -

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. They are urging all climbers, guides, and trekkers to avoid high Himalayan passes and prioritize safety -

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Rescue operations are actively underway across the affected regions:

• Annapurna Region: The Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have deployed rescue teams along the Maurice Herzog Trail. Efforts have been made to bring tourists down from the Base Camp to safer locations like Narchyang and Bhurung Tatopani -
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• Manaslu Region: In the Chumnubri Rural Municipality, rescue teams are working to assist tourists stranded midway on the Larkya La Pass due to poor visibility and deep snow -
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• Broad Impact: Reports indicate thousands of trekkers have been affected across these Himalayan districts -
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🌨️ The Cause: A Perfect Storm of Weather Systems

This severe weather event is the result of multiple meteorological factors converging over Nepal. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) attributes it to the combined influence of westerly winds and a low-pressure system from the Arabian Sea, which pulled significant moisture into the region -

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Compounding this situation is Cyclone Montha. After making landfall on India's southeastern coast, the storm system has moved north, bringing widespread precipitation and leading to forecasts of continued rain and snow in the Himalayas -

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. The DHM has warned of risks including flash floods in several rivers and landslides in hilly areas -

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🛑 Advice for Travelers and Outlook

If you are currently in Nepal or have an upcoming trek, here is the essential guidance from authorities -

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• Follow Official Instructions: Adhere to all directives from the District Administration Offices, Nepal Tourism Board, and your trekking agency.

• Remain in Safe Locations: If you are already on a trail, stay in your lodge or a safe shelter. Do not attempt to trek through the snow.

• Postpone Your Trek: If you were planning to start a trek in the affected areas, officially suspended until at least October 31 -
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  . Delay your plans until authorities give the all-clear.

• Stay Informed: Monitor official weather bulletins from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and updates from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) -
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The situation remains dynamic, with weather forecasts indicating a potential for more snow later in the week due to the influence of Cyclone Montha -

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. The safety of all travelers and the local communities is the paramount concern.

I hope this overview helps you stay informed and safe. Would you like more detailed information on alternative trekking routes or official contact channels for assistance?