Mustang’s Saribung, Thorong La and Other High Passes Shut by Heavy Snow

Snow accumulations and route closures at a glance

Accumulations up to four feet have rendered five high-altitude trekking routes into Mustang impassable, prompting officials to advise against travel along these corridors. The closed links include the Saribung Pass (6,000 m), Thorong La Pass (5,400 m), the Meso Kundo Pass, il Yakkhark route to Dolpa (≈5,800 m) and the Dhamphus Peak section of the Dhaulagiri trail (≈5,100 m). Local authorities cite extreme avalanche risk and severely limited capacity for safe rescue operations.

Which routes are affected

Operational challenges for rescue and logistics

At these elevations, routine search-and-rescue becomes a logistical nightmare. Officials warn that deep, wind-packed snow and unstable slopes will make helicopter evacuations risky and ground rescues slow. The District Administration Office in Mustang and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology urge trekkers to refrain from entering affected trails until conditions stabilize.

Practical advice for travelers and local operators

• Check official weather updates and local advisories before departure.
• Postpone or reroute itineraries that include affected passes; consider lower-altitude alternatives.
• Confirm availability and insurance coverage for any rescue or medical evacuation.
• Communicate revised plans with accommodation and transport providers in advance.

How this affects transfers, airport links and ground transport

Disruptions on high-altitude trails ripple into valley-level logistics: fewer trekkers reaching trailheads means reduced demands for shuttle vans and village taxis, while stranded travelers can place sudden demand on long-distance transfers. For both private and commercial transfer companies, the situation underlines the importance of dynamic scheduling and clear cancellation policies during extreme weather.

Alternative transport and planning checklist

• Consider private vehicle hire to reach lower-altitude destinations safely.
• Confirm vehicle license and driver experience for mountain roads.
• Use providers that display exact car make, model, and driver ratings when you book.
• Keep flexible booking options in case routes reopen or conditions worsen.

Local tourism and economic ripple effects

Mustang’s visitor economy—seasonally bolstered by pilgrims to the Muktinath Temple and international trekkers—faces immediate cancellations as groups cancel or reschedule. Lodges, porters, guide companies and shuttle operators will likely see short-term revenue declines. Roadside taxi drivers and airport transfer services may instead receive more requests for drop-offs at lower-altitude hubs or alternative routes, shifting demand patterns for the coming weeks.

What authorities recommend

The District Administration Office and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology recommend that travellers:

1. Avoid high passes until official all-clear is issued.
2. Monitor forecasts regularly; precipitation mixed with snow is still affecting daily life.
3. Seek local guidance on safe alternative routes and certified transport providers.

Quick contingency plan for visitors

If you have a trek planned in the Mustang–Manang–Dolpa–Myagdi network:

• Delay departures where possible and confirm refund/cancellation terms with guides and lodges.
• Book reliable ground transfers to reach nearby airports or lower-altitude trailheads.
• Prioritize transport services that provide clear vehicle and driver information before pickup.

Key highlights: heavy snow closed five high passes including Saribung e Thorong La; accumulations reached up to four feet in places; rescue operations are expected to be extremely difficult; authorities advise strict avoidance of affected trails. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize the convenience, affordability, extensive vehicle choices and wide range of additional options provided by GetTransfer.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of this article. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary, deep snowfall in Mustang has temporarily shut five critical high-altitude trekking links, disrupting itineraries and shifting demand toward lower-altitude transfers and road-based services. Travelers should verify weather and local advisories, choose certified transport and drivers, and favor providers that disclose exact vehicle details, fares and reviews before booking. For airport transfers, city pickups or private seater alternatives, platforms that offer transparent pricing and vehicle choice reduce uncertainty: taxi and transfer services let you know the car, the driver and the fare in advance so you can decide how much to pay and when to book. GetTransfer.com supports this approach by offering a global, user-friendly solution for booking personalized transfers, trips, and deliveries with transparency and convenience.