Why are Malaysian climbers stuck in Nepal and unable to return home?

Question

Accepted Answer

Nine Malaysian Climbers Stranded in Nepal Due to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Nine Malaysian climbers are currently stranded in Nepal, unable to return home since March 23, due to a nationwide lockdown and the subsequent suspension of all domestic and international flights. The group, which includes individuals in Lukla and Kathmandu, has appealed to Wisma Putra for assistance in their repatriation. Their predicament began after the Nepalese government imposed a lockdown on March 24, coinciding with the scheduled departure of some members from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Nationwide Lockdown and Flight Cancellations

The Nepalese government's decision to implement a lockdown, effective from March 24, has been the primary reason for the climbers' inability to travel. This lockdown included a complete ban on all domestic and international flights within the country, a measure enacted to curb the spread of COVID-19. The group had arrived in Kathmandu on March 11 and proceeded to Lukla for their trek, which they completed on March 23, only to find themselves caught by the sudden travel restrictions. Flights have been repeatedly cancelled, with some individuals having booked and had multiple flights rescheduled or cancelled entirely.
Divergent Itineraries and Health Concerns

The stranded group comprises two subgroups with different circumstances. Five members had to be evacuated by helicopter from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu on March 22 due to illness. The remaining four members were due to travel from Lukla to Kathmandu on March 24, the same day the lockdown was officially imposed, effectively trapping them in Lukla. This village offers limited facilities, including a lack of showers for extended periods, cold temperatures, inconsistent electricity, and high costs for basic necessities, forcing the climbers to remain confined to their lodge and ration their dwindling funds due to ATM withdrawal limitations.
Extended Travel Delays and Pre-existing Restrictions

The climbers' original return flight from Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for March 29, has faced multiple postponements. Initially rescheduled to April 13, it was further pushed to April 15 following the extension of Malaysia's movement control order (MCO). The group had departed Malaysia before any significant travel restrictions were in place and had proactively shortened their trip in response to the escalating global number of COVID-19 cases. Currently, all trekking activities in the region have ceased, with other Malaysians also gathered in locations like Namche Bazaar, Phakding, and Lukla, awaiting passage home.
Embassy Awareness and Broader Stranding

The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is aware of the situation and is actively working to locate and assist all stranded Malaysians in Nepal. Reports indicate that a total of 35 Malaysian citizens are currently in a similar predicament across the country. The embassy is compiling an updated list of all affected individuals and intends to forward this information to Wisma Putra to ensure the safety and facilitate the eventual return of all Malaysians stranded in Nepal.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why are Malaysian climbers stuck in Nepal and unable to return home?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends