Immigration department urges three-day halt to Himalayan trekking, citing snowstorm riskहिमपात जोखिमका कारण तीन दिन उच्च पहाडी तथा हिमाली क्षेत्रमा पदयात्रा रोक्न अध्यागमन विभागको अनुरोध

The department also asked trekkers who already hold permits for restricted areas in high hill and Himalayan regions not to trek, and asked tourists to stay in safe places throughout the period. It asked tourists who had already entered designated trekking areas not to move around at random and to stay only in safe places or shelters.

The department directed trekking agencies, trekkers, guides and all other stakeholders to strictly follow the notice and to enforce it.

The department said the precaution was meant to avert human accidents in the adverse weather. Department director Surya Prasad Chapagain, who issued the notice on 27 October, urged everyone to take precautions against the risks the adverse weather could bring.

In Mustang, the District Administration Office and Lomanthang Rural Municipality have also asked people not to trek in high Himalayan areas on 29-31 October (Kartik 12-14), citing the likelihood of adverse weather. Chief District Officer Parshuram Pokharel said precautions had been requested because cold could increase, landslides could hit roads, and road and air transport could be affected.

Lomanthang Rural Municipality chair Tashi Norbu Gurung asked transport operators, drivers, traders and tourists not to take vehicles toward the Korala border point, saying snowfall could make roads slippery, cause accidents and block them. The rural municipality asked that travel and vehicle movement toward Korala be suspended until the weather becomes favourable.