Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Department of Tourism (DoT) has urged mountaineers, trekkers and tourists to exercise extreme caution as adverse weather could increase the risk of heavy snowfall, snowstorms and avalanches in high-altitude areas over the coming few days.
In a weather advisory issued on Wednesday, the DoT said the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology had forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds in various parts of the country from Wednesday night to Sunday.
“The anticipated rainfall could trigger soil erosion, floods and landslides, while high-altitude areas could face heavy snowfall, snowstorms and avalanches,” the DoT said in its advisory. “As the weather system could also affect trekking trails and mountaineering areas, we urge tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to high-altitude regions and exercise extra caution if they are already there.”
The DoT also advised tourists to plan their upcoming trips and mountaineering expeditions only after reviewing the latest weather forecasts issued by the government and relevant official agencies.
The department further urged concerned authorities to ensure that tourists who have obtained permits for trekking and mountaineering in the Himalayan region have easy access to necessary health services.
