Annapurna Conservation Area Experiences 25 Deaths from Altitude Sickness in One Year

Pokhara. 25 people have died from altitude sickness within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in a single year. According to the ACAP office Pokhara, most cases were in Mustang. In the fiscal year 2082/083, 5 more people died in various accidents.

In Mustang alone, 15 people died from altitude sickness. Among them, 8 Indian and 4 Nepali citizens in Muktinath, 1 Nepali in Damodar Kund, 1 Nepali in Lomantang, and 1 Mexican citizen died, informed ACAP Director Dr. Rabin Kadel.

Manang saw the highest number of Nepali deaths. Among the 8 people who died in Manang, 3 Nepali porters/guides in the Nar-Phu region, 1 Nepali guide on the Annapurna Circuit, 1 Nepali tourist, 1 Indian, 1 Japanese, and 1 Singaporean citizen died.

Last year, 1 Spanish citizen also died from altitude sickness in the Mardi Himal area. 1 Nepali citizen died on the way to Annapurna Base Camp. Besides this, lives were also lost due to accidents during trekking.

Two Indian tourists who went missing in Manang due to heavy snowfall were later found dead. 1 Australian climber died after falling in the Himlung Himal in Manang. 1 Nepali trekker who went missing on the Mardi Himal route was found dead, and 1 German trekker died after falling on the Khopra trek, informed Kadel.

He urged tourists to take precautions against altitude sickness. 'Going to altitude is risky in itself. Preparation is necessary for this,' he said. 'One should never travel in a hurry at altitude. If you get altitude sickness, descend as quickly as possible.' He also mentioned that awareness is being raised by placing boards in various places.