Kathmandu, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Nepal has suspended the issuance of trekking permits for restricted areas in its high-hill and Himalayan regions from October 29 to 31, citing forecasts of heavy snowfall, snowstorms and a heightened risk of avalanches.
The Department of Immigration announced the decision after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority advised tourists against travelling to the affected areas during the three-day period.
A special post-monsoon bulletin issued by the Nepal Meteorological Department warned that Cyclone Arnab in the Bay of Bengal was intensifying and could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and dangerous snowfall conditions to several parts of Nepal.
The Department of Immigration, which issues permits to foreign nationals visiting restricted areas, also urged trekkers who had already secured permits to postpone their journeys. Those who had already begun their treks were advised to remain in safe locations.
The department called on trekking agencies, guides, trekkers and other stakeholders to comply with the advisory to reduce the risk to human life.
Separately, the disaster management authority warned that adverse weather could disrupt road and air transport services as well as normal daily activities. It advised people to avoid non-essential travel, stay away from high-risk locations and exercise particular caution near riverbanks vulnerable to flooding.
Residents and visitors were also urged to monitor weather forecasts and early warnings issued by official agencies.
The latest advisory comes amid continuing concerns over Nepal’s vulnerability to extreme weather and mountain hazards. The source report also refers to devastating floods on August 26, following the formation and breach of a natural dam after a river was blocked by an avalanche near the Nepal-China border.
According to the report, the disaster killed around 1,500 people, while more than 5,000 remained missing, citing the disaster management authority. The floods destroyed or damaged settlements, roads, bridges and power infrastructure, with the World Bank estimating physical damage at approximately $1.66 billion.
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