Heavy snowfall affects tourists, locals in Khumbu area

SOLUKHUMBU, APRIL 29: Heavy snowfall has been occurring in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu district since Sunday, severely affecting daily life.

Both tourists and local residents are facing difficulties in mobility due to the snow. Karma Sherpa, Senior Vice-Chairperson of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), who is currently in the Khumbu area, reported that tourists in the Gokyo area are struggling after trekking routes were blocked by snowfall.

"The snow has covered the trails. Some trekkers have encountered significant hardships moving forward. However, the exact number of those affected has yet to be determined," Sherpa added.

Meanwhile, an American tourist trekking in the Sagarmatha area has gone missing. According to Lamakaji Sherpa, Chairperson of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, the 63-year-old U.S. citizen had entered the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint on Wednesday and has been out of contact since then. Search efforts have been hampered by the heavy snowfall.

Expeditions to Mt. Everest have also been impacted, with most climbers currently stationed at base camp.

The local administration and relevant authorities are coordinating rescue and management efforts, prioritizing the safety of tourists and residents in the affected areas.