The District Administration Office of Mustang has advised trekkers not to travel on five major high-altitude trekking routes following heavy snowfall in the region. Continuous snow since last night has made trekking extremely risky across several popular mountain passes linking Mustang with neighbouring districts.
The restricted routes include Saribung Pass connecting Mustang and Manang, Mesokanto La Pass, Thorong La Pass, the Yak Kharka route linking Mustang and Dolpa, and the Dhaulagiri trekking route’s Dampus Peak section connecting Myagdi and Mustang. These trails lie between 5,100 and 6,000 metres above sea level and are currently unsafe due to deep snow.
Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma said snow has accumulated up to four feet in some areas, making movement difficult and rescue operations challenging. She warned that even experienced trekkers could face danger under the present conditions.
Among the affected routes, Saribung Pass—connecting Upper Mustang’s Damodarkunda area with Manang’s Nar-Phu Valley—is considered the most dangerous. Since Kartik, security agencies in Mustang have rescued several domestic and foreign trekkers stranded on risky trails.
The administration has stored food and essential supplies in dharamshalas in the Damodarkunda area to assist pilgrims and tourists affected by snowfall. Travellers have been urged to check weather updates from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology before planning any journey, as snowfall and rain continue to disrupt daily life in the high Himalayan region.
