Two tourists have gone missing at Badimalika, a religious and tourist destination in Bajura district, after the area was lashed by heavy snowfall and rainfall, district police have confirmed. Citing Naresh Bahadur Shahi, information officer at the District Police Office, Bajura, and a police inspector, authorities said one of the missing has been identified as Manish Bohara, a 20-year-old resident of Bedkot Municipality. The two visitors had travelled to the high-altitude site before the severe weather moved in, and a search operation to trace them is currently underway, though police have so far released few details about the circumstances of the disappearance.

Heavy Snowfall and Rainfall Hit Badimalika

The two tourists had travelled to Badimalika when heavy snowfall, accompanied by rainfall, swept across the area, according to information shared by the District Police Office and carried by Khabarhub and Ratopati. Police say the pair went missing following the snowfall and rain, making the weather the central factor in the incident as authorities work to establish exactly what happened.

Badimalika lies in the hills of Bajura in Sudurpaschim Province, and the shrine area sits at a considerable altitude, where conditions can change quickly. Fresh snow can cover walking trails, sharply reduce visibility and make steep or exposed sections difficult to cross, particularly for visitors who are not familiar with the route. Bajura is one of the more remote hill districts of Nepal's far west, and travel to its high-altitude sites typically involves footpaths rather than vehicle roads, which adds to the challenge of moving safely once snow settles.

While police have not disclosed exactly where the two tourists were last seen or how long they had been in the area, the confirmation that the disappearance followed heavy snowfall and rainfall underscores the kind of sudden weather that can catch travellers in Nepal's hill districts unprepared.

One Tourist Identified as 20-Year-Old Manish Bohara

Of the two missing tourists, one has been identified as Manish Bohara, aged 20, of Bedkot Municipality, according to Shahi. The identification is the most concrete detail released so far in a case where much remains unknown. Authorities have not made public the name, age or home district of the second tourist, nor have they confirmed whether the two were travelling together or arrived at the destination separately.

Police have also not said when the tourists were last in contact with anyone or who reported them missing. Such details are often established as search teams speak with local residents, lodge operators and other visitors along the route, and further information may emerge as the operation continues. For now, the District Police Office has confirmed only the location, the weather conditions and the identity of one of the two missing individuals.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Location: Badimalika religious and tourist destination, Bajura district
  • Missing: Two tourists
  • Identified: Manish Bohara, 20, of Bedkot Municipality
  • Weather: Heavy snowfall and rainfall in the area
  • Status: Search operation ongoing, according to the District Police Office

Search Operation Underway in Difficult Terrain

The search for the missing tourists is ongoing, police confirmed. The District Police Office has not yet provided details on the number of personnel involved, the specific areas being combed or whether conditions on the ground are allowing teams to move freely. In cases of this kind, snowbound trails and slippery terrain can slow rescuers considerably, and operations in high-altitude areas of Nepal are often paced by the weather itself, with teams needing clear windows to advance safely.

The incident comes as a reminder of the risks that heavy snowfall can pose in the country's hill and mountain districts, where travellers, pilgrims and herders can be caught out by rapidly deteriorating conditions. Badimalika, known for its temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, draws devotees and tourists alike, and that popularity means a steady flow of visitors along trails that can become hazardous when extreme weather strikes. Establishing the whereabouts of the two tourists will depend on both the progress of the search and a break in the conditions that triggered the emergency.

What Happens Next

Officials have indicated that the search will continue, and further details about the missing tourists and the progress of the operation are expected as police release more information. As of the latest update, there has been no confirmation of the tourists' whereabouts or their condition, and no announcement on when additional details might be shared.

The situation remains fluid, and the news of the disappearance is being followed closely in the district and across the far-western region. This story will be updated as more information becomes available from the District Police Office, Bajura, and other authorities involved in the search.