A total of 25 people lost their lives due to altitude sickness across the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) during the last fiscal year (FY 2082/83), according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The figures highlight the continuing risks faced by trekkers, pilgrims, guides, and local workers traveling in Nepal's high-altitude destinations.
According to Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Director of ACAP, Mustang recorded the highest number of altitude-related fatalities, with 15 deaths reported during the year. The victims included eight Indian pilgrims and four Nepali citizens in Muktinath, one Nepali at Damodar Kunda, one Nepali in Lo Manthang, and one Mexican national in Tukuche.
Manang reported eight altitude-related deaths, making it the second most affected district. Among the victims were three Nepali porters/guides in the Nar–Phu region, one Nepali trekking guide, one Nepali trekker, one Indian national, one Japanese national, and one Singaporean national along the Annapurna Circuit and surrounding trekking routes.
In addition, one Spanish trekker died from altitude sickness on the Mardi Himal trail, while one Nepali citizen lost their life on the route to Annapurna Base Camp.
Beyond altitude sickness, ACAP also reported five additional fatalities caused by trekking and mountaineering accidents during the same fiscal year. Two Indian trekkers who went missing during heavy snowfall in Manang were later found dead. An Australian climber died after falling on Himlung Himal, a Nepali trekker was found dead after going missing on the Mardi Himal trail, and a German trekker died after falling on the Khopra Ridge trail.
Dr. Kadariya urged all trekkers and pilgrims to take altitude sickness seriously and follow proper acclimatization practices.
“Traveling quickly to high elevations increases the risk of altitude sickness. If symptoms appear, descend immediately. High-altitude travel always carries risks and requires proper preparation,” he said.
To improve visitor safety, ACAP has installed awareness boards at several high-altitude locations and continues to educate trekkers about altitude-related health risks.
As Nepal's Himalayan trekking routes continue to attract increasing numbers of domestic and international visitors, tourism officials emphasize that responsible trekking, gradual ascent, adequate acclimatization, and awareness of altitude sickness symptoms remain essential for a safe mountain experience.
