Annapurna Conservation Area reports 21 deaths from high-altitude sickness

GANDAKI, AUGUST 22: The Annapurna Conservation Area, a globally renowned destination for trekking, reported 21 deaths due to altitude sickness during the fiscal year 2080-81 BS (2023-24). Of these, six were Nepali.

According to Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the deceased included 11 Indians, two Malaysians, one Ukrainian, and one Briton. Most of the casualties occurred in the Muktinath area of Mustang. Some individuals suffering from altitude sickness were rescued by helicopters. Dr. Kadariya mentioned that ACAP began archiving such incidents last year.

"A journey to high altitudes demands special care and should be undertaken gradually, allowing time to adjust to the atmospheric conditions," he said. "If altitude sickness is detected, one should promptly descend."

The human skeleton of a Swedish national, who had gone missing during the Mardi Peak trek, was recently discovered after seven months.

Solo trekking along long routes is not recommended. It should be done in a group or with a guide.

ACAP welcomed 222,180 foreign tourists last year. Of these, 117,845 were from Asian countries, and 104,256 were from other regions. The highest number of arrivals—35,265—was recorded in the month of Chaita (March-April), while the lowest, 5,401, occurred in the month of Saun (July-August), the first month of the fiscal year.

Dr. Kadariya noted that approximately 50,000 more people visited the area last year compared to the previous fiscal year. A total of 172,510 people visited the area in the fiscal year 2079-80 BS (2022-23), including 89,777 from South Asia and 82,733 from other regions.

The Annapurna Conservation Area, spanning 7,600 square kilometers, covers 89 wards of 16 local levels in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi, and Mustang. Rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, civilization, unique mountain life, and culture, the Annapurna Conservation Area is one of the most sought-after trekking routes for people from around the world.