Over 1,000 tourists stuck in Manthali due to adverse weather

MANTHALI (RAMECHHAP), OCTOBER 18:  More than 1,000 tourists are stranded in Manthali due to adverse weather conditions in Lukla. Both domestic and international tourists typically fly from Manthali to Lukla in Solukhumbu to trek and visit the Sagarmatha region and other destinations.

Tourists arriving in Manthali from various locations, including Kathmandu, are unable to depart due to the poor weather affecting flights to Lukla. Some have opted to travel to alternative destinations, while others are heading to Solukhumbu via land routes, as conditions have not improved.

Prajjwal Guragain, Information Officer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in Ramechhap, stated that no regular flights have operated from Manthali to Lukla since Monday due to the adverse weather in the Khumbu area. "Tourists have been stuck here since Monday. While some flights operated on Wednesday, operations were affected again later that day," he noted.

On Thursday, helicopters from various companies managed to transport 135 tourists to Phaplu and Surke in Solukhumbu. The number of tourists in Manthali is increasing daily due to flight disruptions, creating challenges in finding accommodations.

According to the Hotel and Tourism Entrepreneurs Association of Ramechhap, hotels and homestays in Manthali are fully booked. The number of tourists heading toward Sagarmatha Base Camp from Manthali via Lukla has risen, as autumn is the ideal season for visiting the area.

Hiron Shah, Chief of CAAN in Ramechhap, mentioned that up to 55 flights operate daily from Manthali airport during favourable weather conditions.

 

 

 

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