Tourism in Nepal is gaining popularity due to its geographical aspects, cultural heritage, multiple festivals, religious significance and thrilling adventures. Among all of these amazing aspects, trekking is the most preferred one for those who are more into exploration rather than reaching to the destination. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) reported that exactly 76,425 number of tourists have visited Nepal in June, 2025. In this article, we are going to write about what might be the cause of trekkers missing in Nepal.
Travelers might get disturbed by uncertain weather fluctuations, encountering wild animals, losing path due to lack of GPS, map and networking access in the absence of appropriate guide and tools.
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Annual reporting of missing tourists in Nepal
Annually, around 12-15 tourists vanish while visiting unfamiliar mountainous region. The data of 2012-2013 revealed that among eight missing cases only two of them were found. Similarly, Nepal Police found that 16 travelers went missing from august 2016 to July 2017, three were found dead and three were saved alive.
However, 10 of them are still out of contact in 2018, three numbers of visitors were verified as missing, whereas there was confusion regarding missing case of seven of them. Contrary to this, only two missing cases were reported in the fiscal year 2019, they were found dead later. From the year 2021 to 2022, the Nepal Tourist Police reported that four tourists have been missing till date.
The total numbers of missing trekkers were six in the year 2023, due to problem of network error. However, five of them came in contact instantly after 2-3 days. As compared to 2023, highest number of travelers were found missing (more than seven) in 2024, one of the trekkers was found dead
Bellow are some reasons why trekkers missing in Nepal.
Trekking Without a Guide: The Riskiest ChoiceÂ
Are you planning of going for trek without any skilled tour guide? Many adventurers have been practicing this trend without knowing the adverse consequences.
According to government data, the main cause of missing trekkers in Nepal is solo trekking without hiring experienced local guides. In the remote Himalayan regions, where internet and telephone services are scarce or nonexistent. Hence, the risk of losing one’s way is significantly higher without expert assistance.
Nowadays, there are well-developed teahouses along most trekking routes, but communication, GPs tracking and medical facilities in Nepal’s high mountain regions remain limited — unlike the well-developed infrastructure found in the Alps of Europe or America.
Local guides and porters possess invaluable knowledge of the terrain. They are acclimatized to high altitudes, and can accurately interpret changing weather patterns. Therefore, hiring a local guide or a porter can enhance your safety and could save your precious life.
During 2019-2020, the number of trekkers who went missing was 360. However, the number was relatively low, accounting for only 54 lost travelers in the subsequent year.
According to Mani Raj Lamichhane – Chief of Nepal Tourism Board, approximately 40 -50 trekkers disappear every year in trail and tracking and rescuing them is challenging task.
Dangerous Terrain & Poor Trail Signage
The topography of Nepal offers spectacular view as well the risk of dangerous landscapes. Trekkers who love thrilling adventures often navigate through steep slope, uneven edge and rocks which is very dangerous leading to even death.
Similarly, inappropriate sign posting is also the major cause, basically in rural and high altitude areas. Unclear words in signage, poor visibility due to fog and directions written in local languages might lead them to wrong track and even back track. In the year 2024, several trekkers were missing due to poor trail signage and changing weather pattern in Mardi Himal Trek.
Particularly, the Everest 3 High Passes Trek trail is more remote, challenging and off the beaten path. Hence, hiring an expert local guide and porter is highly recommended.
Unpredictable Mountain Weather & Natural Hazards
Fluctuations in temperature, altitude, humidity and precipitation are some of the uncertain weather patterns. With increase in altitude, they might feel suffocated due to low availability of oxygen and air pressure including freezing temperature. So, it is imperative to be alert before trekking or mountaineering for those who are new as well as experienced one. Frequent earthquakes, flood and landslides, drought, avalanches, extreme hot and cold are some of the natural hazards which disrupts the pathway to the destination.
The data of April 2025 shows that due to unforeseen circumstance of avalanche in Annapurna Base Camp; a Chinese trekker was found dead roughly to the north of The Modi River.
Preparation for mountain weather
First and foremost, get continuous update of the weather forecast and plan your route properly. You must assure to have waterproof clothing, boots, gloves, hats, layer clothing to protect yourself from wind and fluctuating temperature. Beside these, having the right gear and the skilled tour guide is the most mandatory criteria.
Navigation Failures & Equipment Breakdown
Can you find a way without GPS? Climbers often face difficulty in navigating path due to blockage in signal, battery malfunction and outdated GPS system. In this case, trekkers must carry spare batteries as an alternatives. Nepal Tourism board, 2023 reported that the defect in navigating devices were the reason for the disappearance of more than 30% of climbers.
Unmanaged bag pack, broke laces of footwears, damaged clothing and shelter, problem in gear and trekking pole are some disturbing factors that increases stress. To overcome these problems, regular inspections and correct packaging of all equipment is necessary.
Altitude Sickness and Health Emergencies: After reaching above 2500 m altitude, trekkers might show the signs of headache, dizziness nausea, breathing problem because of low availability of oxygen. This condition is termed as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and also leads to confusion and direction loss to travelers. They might lose the trail and unable to find the correct path.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema: Fluid get accumulated in lungs instead of air leading to difficulty in breathing at an altitude of above 3200 meters. It doesnot only lead to physical problems such as difficulty in breathing, drop in oxygen level, dry or wet cough but also cause perplexity in accelerating the journey.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (Above 4300 meters): Most dangerous type of altitude sickness, caused by the buildup of water in brain and need emergency medication.
How to Prevent it?
Stay hydrated, balanced diet, climb gradually, use acetazolamide, oxygen tanks, adequate sleep.
Limited Rescue operation and Communication
Inadequate rescue services and poor communication while trekking is the serious issue that need to be concerned by authorities. Lack of instant helicopter rescue, emergency medical treatments, poor trail signage, rough and steep landscape results in slower rescue operations. Poor communication due to weak mobile signals or GPS device delays the reporting of missing case and prevent timely saving of life. It is evident that many trekkers have gone missing and some have been found dead due to limited rescue operations and communication gaps.
Ignoring Trekking Regulations
Trekking regulations are set up to protect every adventurer as well as promoting environmental peace. Unfortunately, some of them violets these rules by going solo trekking without guides and permit, throwing waste abruptly, ignoring trail routes and even engaging in hunting of wild animals. Solo trekking without guidance puts them at serious condition including injury and losing path.
Mountaineers or trekkers often face arduous terrain or get lost if they take shortcut path ignoring designated trail. Not only that, it can also negatively impact endangered wild species and local community. To avoid hazardous circumstances, it is mandatory to hire a licensed tour guide, get permits from authorities, follow official paths and carry required equipment.
Notable missing- Tourist Incidents
Nepal has seen several missing cases of international tourists because of various reasons across the years.
Mardi Himal Trekking: Michael Liu Blomberg, a Swedish trekker went out of contact December 30, 2023.
Manaslu trek: A Korean trekker, Jonjman Sung went missing in Gorkha while going for Manaslu trek in 2018.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking: Yi Cheng Yuan from China was found deceased on April 5th 2025 due to an avalanche near Chhomrung, Deurali.
Everest Trekking (2016): Nassim Nador, a French citizen, reported missing and assumed to be death.
Langtang Valley Trek (2018): An old French citizen named Herve Gueltas went for a trek in Langtang valley and died due to severe cold.
Cultural Superstitions and Local Beliefs
People in rural and mountainous regions still believe in traditional practices and often connect particular incident to spiritual causes. If a tourist dies or go missing while exploring, local may link the event to cultural beliefs. They might see it is a penalty given for their adverse actions like littering in sacred area and disrespecting their values. Mostly believed by the local people in the Annapurna region. However, this perspective show respect they hold for Nepalese culture and Traditions.
Lack of implementing rule for organized trek
The Nepal Government is facing difficulty in implementing rules regarding prohibition on solo trekking in mountainous region because of political instability and contrasting perspectives of local authorities. Thus, resulting in an increasing number of missing trekkers each year. The local authority (Pasanglhamu Khumbu Municipality) and owners of hotel have opposed the introduction of regulations banning solo trekking in Nepal.
Locals fears that there will be an upsurge in trekking costs if compulsory guidelines are enforced which directly reduces the number of visitors. Therefore, strict rules and regulations banning solo trekking must be implemented by the Government of Nepal in order to save people’s lives.
How to Stay Safe While Trekking in Nepal’s National Parks
Planning a trek to National Park of Nepal with Safety Protocols? Here are some steps to follow to ensure your trek with comfort and safety.
- Getting Permits and Registering the Trek: The first step is to get permit from concerned authority so that they could track you in case of emergency.
- Authorized Guide: Hiring a local guide can help you stay alert about weather conditions, overcome language barriers and assist with other safety protocols.
- Weather Predictions: It is imperative to check weather conditions prior to starting a trek.
- Equipment: Always bag pack your essentials such as waterproof jackets and pants, boots, sunglasses, comfort gear, micro spikes, trekking pole, sleeping bags, first aid kits, navigation tools (Maps, mobile, GPS device).
- Follow designated trail signage: To avoid path distraction.
- Respect local tradition and customs
- Acclimatization: Get proper sleep, rest and diet, stay hydrated, climb gradually to avoid health hazards.
- Communication: Stay connected with your family and friends.
- Encountering wildlife: The untold side
Trekking is not just about experiencing majestic views; it can also be got risky at the same time. National parks, conservation area and forest areas are home to several endangered flora and fauna. So, there is a high probability of encountering with wild animals.
If you are traveling through Sagarmatha National Park, you might spot a snow leopard and national flower (rhododendron). Similarly, musk deer and red panda can be seen while adventuring through the Everest region. Multiple evidences have been reported till date and it is recommended for trekkers to travel in group.
Illegal actions and Criminal Incidents
Though Criminal Incidents are rare, there are some reports of scams, theft, robbery, harassment in rural areas. Trekkers’ personal belongings such as wallet, mobile, cameras might get stolen along the way. Also, there might be some fraud acting as guide or unauthorized guide who charge expensive fee, mislead and even abandon them midway.
Several missing cases have raised suspicion condition, it is unclear about either the trekkers went out of contact because of natural hazards or other accidents. There are more such cases around Annapurna region as informed by the trekking police and offices.
