A snowy landscape featuring a cluster of traditional buildings with flat roofs, nestled on a hillside. The structures are partially covered in snow, surrounded by trees with autumn-colored leaves. Snow-covered mountains rise in the background under a cloudy, overcast sky.

Cyclone Montha Disrupts Treks Across Nepal Himalaya

Anano Atabegashvili | October 29, 2025
Himalaya, News
A snowy landscape featuring a cluster of traditional buildings with flat roofs, nestled on a hillside. The structures are partially covered in snow, surrounded by trees with autumn-colored leaves. Snow-covered mountains rise in the background under a cloudy, overcast sky.

Photo: Sushil Babu Thakali/RSS

Authorities in Nepal have issued severe weather warnings and temporarily closed major trekking routes in the Annapurna and Manaslu regions after Cyclone Montha brought heavy snowfall and rain to the western and northern mountains of Nepal.The storm, which advanced from the east coast of India, reached Nepal on Thursday evening, bringing snow to unusually low altitudes and torrential rain to mid-hill areas.

Trails Closed and Tourists Stranded

According to The Himalayan Times, officials have closed the trail to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) – one of Nepal’s most popular treks – until at least Friday. Snow has accumulated above Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), while lower-altitude routes such as Ghorepani–Poon Hill, Dhampus, and Mohare Danda are facing heavy rainfall and slippery trails. In the Manaslu region, trekkers attempting to cross the Larke Pass (5,106m) were stranded midway after whiteout conditions and worsening visibility made progress impossible. Rescue coordination is ongoing.

“Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local rescue teams have been mobilized to assist and coordinate with local municipalities in facilitating rescues and safe passage,” The Himalayan Times reported.

Local authorities have also confirmed that an unknown number of tourists are stranded at Annapurna Base Camp, with rescue teams deployed along the Maurice Herzog Trail – a route leading toward the north side of Annapurna, just south of the Thorong La Pass, which is also currently closed due to heavy snowfall.

Warnings in Mustang and Manaslu

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has urged villagers in Mustang, Manaslu, and Annapurna regions to remain indoors and safeguard livestock, citing possible flash floods and rising river levels. Tourists are advised to stay in contact with local trekking agencies and guides for up-to-date information and avoid attempting high passes until conditions stabilize. For official updates, trekkers can follow the latest DHM weather bulletins online.

Snowfall Reaches Everest Region

The effects of Cyclone Montha are also being felt farther east. According to 24 Ghanta Nepal, heavy snowfall has been reported in upper sections of the Khumbu Valley, including Dingboche on the route to Everest Base Camp. While no major incidents have been reported in the Everest region so far, local operators warn that weather could worsen and urge climbers and trekkers to exercise caution.

A Temporary Pause in the Autumn Trekking Season

October is normally one of Nepal’s busiest trekking months, with clear skies and mild conditions. The arrival of Cyclone Montha has disrupted hundreds of expeditions and forced temporary closures across some of the country’s most popular trails.

As the storm gradually moves eastward, authorities expect conditions to improve over the weekend – but advise all travelers to remain alert, check official advisories, and delay high-altitude crossings until trails are declared safe again.