Kathmandu – Planning a trek or a road trip this weekend? You may want to wait. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has urged domestic and foreign tourists to stay alert as Cyclone Arnab is expected to bring heavy rain and snowfall to Nepal.
According to the weather forecasting division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the cyclone will begin affecting weather in various parts of the country from the night of October 29. Heavy rain, thunder and lightning, and strong winds are likely on October 30 and 31.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has said Koshi, Bagmati, Madhesh, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces could see moderate to heavy rainfall. In high-hill and Himalayan areas, heavy snowfall, snowstorms and avalanches are also possible, prompting the board to ask travellers and trekkers to take special care.
The rain could trigger landslides and flash floods and push up water levels in rivers. Mountain roads and routes along riverbanks are most at risk, and both road and air travel could be disrupted.
The board has advised people to avoid non-essential travel during heavy rain, and to postpone treks and tours in high-hill and Himalayan areas until the weather improves. Tourists who are already in affected areas have been asked to stay in safe places.
Travellers should also keep away from riverbanks, landslide-prone slopes and other risky areas, check official weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out, and follow instructions from local authorities and security agencies.
For help and updates, travellers can call 1155 for weather information, 1234 for disaster assistance, 100 for Nepal Police, 1114 for the Armed Police Force and 1144 for the Tourist Police.
The advisory follows earlier forecasts of rain and snowfall across Nepal from Kartik 11. With the autumn trekking season in full swing, the board’s message is simple: follow official updates, plan around the weather, and do not take risks on the road or the trail while the storm passes.
