Tragic Losses on Annapurna Trekking Route

Five people lost their lives on the Annapurna Trekking route during the last fiscal year. The Annapurna Circuit Trek, renowned for its stunning beauty, is also one of the world’s most hazardous treks, ranking as the 10th most risky globally.

The deceased include one US citizen, one Indian national, one Briton, and two Nepali nationals. According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, chief of the Annapurna Area Conservation Project (ACAP) unit, the majority of fatalities are attributed to high-altitude sickness.

Among the deceased, a 69-year-old US citizen died after falling off a cliff at Khotro of Naso rural municipality-3 in Manang. A 35-year-old tourist from India succumbed to high-altitude sickness at Todanda of Manang Ngisyang rural municipality-9. The Briton was found dead in a hotel room in Meta, Narpabhumi rural municipality-2.

Two Nepali nationals also lost their lives: Hari Adhikari, 35, from Phulkharka in Ganga Jamuna rural municipality, a porter, died from altitude sickness near the Chulubes Camp in Manang Ngisyang-6. Dadhiram Dangi, 49, from Ghorahi Sub-Metropolis-9 in Dang, passed away near the Tiliho Basecamp, with his autopsy report still awaited.

Binod Gurung, Chair of the Tourism Entrepreneurs Association of Manang, emphasized the importance of understanding the weather conditions in Manang before embarking on the trek. “Weather in Manang demands a gradual adaptation process, and neglecting this may significantly increase the risk of high-altitude sickness,” Gurung stressed.

The tragic incidents underscore the need for trekkers to take necessary precautions and be well-prepared to navigate the challenging conditions of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.