KATHMANDU: The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has issued a safety advisory urging all climbers and trekkers to avoid traveling to high Himalayan regions and crossing mountain passes due to heavy snowfall reported across Nepal’s northern mountain belts.

In a notice released on Tuesday, the association requested mountaineering teams and trekkers currently in the high-altitude areas to remain at safe locations and stay in regular contact with their respective trekking agencies and the NMA for updates and coordination.

“We sincerely urge all climbers, guides, and trekkers to prioritize safety as weather conditions in the Himalayas have deteriorated due to continuous snowfall,” said NMA President Fur Galje Sherpa. “Those in higher regions should avoid crossing passes and stay connected with their team leaders and agencies.”

The advisory comes as the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecast continued snowfall for several more days in the high hills and Himalayan regions of Gandaki, Bagmati, Karnali, and Koshi provinces, influenced by a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea.

The NMA also called on all trekking and expedition companies to remain alert and coordinate closely to ensure the safety of their teams operating in affected areas.