MANANG, Sept 24: The District Administration Office, Manang, has temporarily banned trekking in high-altitude areas along the Annapurna trekking route due to forecasts of heavy rainfall and snowfall.
The administration issued a notice on Thursday, announcing the three-day suspension from Friday through Sunday.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in various parts of the country and snowfall in high Himalayan areas from Sept 25 to 27.
Royal Trek being promoted during Visit Nepal Year 2020
The District Security Committee, Manang, decided to suspend trekking to prevent possible loss of life arising from adverse weather conditions.
According to Assistant Chief District Officer Krishna Prasad Paudel, trekking will be prohibited during the period in areas including Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Ice Lake, Kangla Pass and Bhimthang, as well as other high-altitude areas of the district.
The administration said it has completely restricted movement in these areas due to the high risk of weather-related disasters.
It has urged domestic and foreign tourists already on trekking routes to seek shelter in safe locations or nearby hotels and lodges and remain there until weather conditions improve.
Trekking groups and tourism businesses have also been urged to follow all safety instructions issued by the authorities and avoid resuming travel until conditions become safer.