Hundreds of tourists who are trekking along the Thorong La Pass Trekking (Annapurna Circuit) have been caught in a tight spot following the decision to prohibit trekking in the area for two days in view of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Muktinath in Mustang district.

The District Administration Office of Manang and Mustang have prohibited trekking on the Manang-Thorong La and Mustang-Thorong La-Manang trekking route on May 11 and 12. Helicopters have also been barred from flying in the area during the two-day period.

Hundreds of tourists have paid fees to Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) to embark on trekking along the circuit. Some of the trekkers have already begun their trek and some are preparing to leave soon.

ACAP Chief Binod Basnet said that trekkers will definitely face problems in maintaining their travel itinerary with the prohibition in effect adding that discussions are underway to facilitate the tourists. “Trekkers who have already embarked on the trek will face problems,” said Basnet, “It the government’s decision and we have to abide by it.”