Russian Embassy Thanks Nepal Government and Army for Rescuing Tourists

Dragon Media Newsroom

The Russian Embassy in Nepal has thanked the government and the Nepal Army for helping evacuate Russian tourists stranded in Jagat, Gorkha, after flooding in the Budhi Gandaki River.

The Embassy expressed its appreciation for the measures taken by both the central authorities and the Gorkha district administration. It said the tourists felt supported when a Nepal Army helicopter arrived to evacuate them.

The number of Russian tourists visiting Nepal is increasing, the Embassy said, adding that confidence in receiving assistance during emergencies is important for the country’s tourism development. It said both Nepali and Russian partners were working to sustain this positive trend.

The Embassy noted that Russian media had been paying particular attention to natural disasters in Nepal since the devastating floods on the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in August. Russian media had closely covered the situation of the tourists stranded in Jagat this week, and the Embassy welcomed their safe evacuation.

The Embassy also raised concerns about insurance coverage for tourists trekking in the Himalayas. It said tourists’ insurance policies do not cover helicopter evacuation in the event of flooding. Trekkers on the ground are also sometimes told that their evacuation should be arranged by tourism or insurance companies.

The Embassy said relevant government agencies and tourism associations should discuss the issue, noting that similar situations occur regularly. It said the previous incident had taken place on Annapurna just a week earlier.

The Embassy reiterated its thanks to the government and the Nepal Army for assisting Russian citizens.