Three British and Irish women are fighting for survival in one of the world's most remote mountain regions, stranded for days in Nepal's treacherous Hidden Valley as military rescue teams battle brutal conditions to reach them.
The experienced trekkers, whose identities remain undisclosed, became trapped in the Dolpo district's unforgiving landscape after being caught in severe weather conditions that have hampered all rescue attempts.
Desperate Rescue Mission Underway
Nepal's army has launched an urgent aerial and ground operation to extract the women from the 5,000-meter high valley, described by seasoned mountaineers as one of the most challenging terrains in the Himalayas. Multiple rescue flights have been forced to turn back due to violent winds and near-zero visibility.
"This is one of the most complex rescue missions we've faced this year," a senior Nepal Army officer revealed. "The weather is our enemy, and time is running out."
Communication Breakdown
The women last made contact with authorities three days ago, reporting they were safe but unable to move from their location due to snow-blocked passes and deteriorating conditions. Their satellite phone has since fallen silent, raising concerns among rescue coordinators.
Local guides familiar with the region describe the Hidden Valley as a "beautiful but deadly" passage that claims lives almost every year. The area is particularly notorious for its sudden weather changes and altitude sickness risks.
International Concern Grows
Foreign Office officials from both Britain and Ireland are working closely with Nepalese authorities, providing critical support and liaising with the women's families. A spokesperson confirmed they were "providing consular assistance to three women following an incident in Nepal."
The incident highlights the growing dangers facing adventure tourists in remote Himalayan regions, where rescue infrastructure remains limited and weather can turn deadly within hours.
Race Against Time
Rescue teams are now considering a dangerous ground approach as weather forecasts predict further deterioration over the coming days. The window for a successful extraction is rapidly closing with temperatures expected to plummet to -15°C tonight.
Experienced mountaineers following the situation express grave concern, noting that every hour counts in such extreme altitudes where hypothermia and altitude sickness can prove fatal within days.
