Himalayan Border Guards Brave Extreme Cold to Secure Nepal’s Borders

Even in the harshest winter, armed personnel patrol the borders, staying constantly active to protect the nation. Walking through deep snow is no easy task; every step carries risk. Slippery terrain, potential avalanches, and temperatures near zero do not stop their progress.

At Chhangru in Byas Rural Municipality–1, Darchula, the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal’s Post Number 50 in Gulm is completely covered in snow. Surrounded by white mountains, frozen courtyards, and icy rooftops, the personnel carry out their daily routine. The temperature in the area ranges from –6°C to 23°C. Currently, about one and a half feet of snow has accumulated around Gulm. Clouds bring additional snowfall, and the high mountains and chilling winds make life more challenging. This is not an adventure scene; it’s the daily routine of security personnel stationed in the high Himalayas. Despite the freezing cold and snowfall, they patrol the border without risking their duties.

For over a month, the water pipes have been frozen, forcing personnel to use nearby stream water. Gulmpati Funindra Shahi of APF Post 50 said, “We either boil the stream water or melt ice to drink, as there’s no other option.” Staying warm by fire is part of daily life, as temperatures below zero can numb hands and feet. Deputy Superintendent Shahi and Inspector Shailendra Chhetris lead the personnel, who risk their lives patrolling every day.

“This is a sensitive area. We are stationed at the tri-junction borders, including Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. Nepal-China boundary marker number 1 is also here,” said Shahi.

Despite harsh terrain, lack of roads, and basic infrastructure, the personnel maintain high morale. Supply routes are difficult; Nepal’s road construction to Chhangru from Byas-4 Tusarpani is ongoing, while in India, roads are built but currently blocked by snow. Indian security forces receive regular helicopter supply drops, along with heaters and winter gear, but Nepalese personnel face more challenging conditions.

Before snowfalls, personnel depended on pre-stocked supplies, but now the accumulation of snow has made transport even for essentials difficult. “We spend days clearing snow to keep paths open,” Shahi said. Patrols from Chhangru to Gaga continue, though dense snow currently prevents reaching higher regions. Cooperation with Indian personnel remains cordial, with regular information exchange and meetings.

The Post Number 50 in Chhangru was established on Ashoj 9, after the government decided to create Gulms in the area following the issuance of Nepal’s topographic map including Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura in Jestha 2077. Geographic remoteness and extreme weather have always made this Himalayan region sensitive and challenging.

Expanding Security Presence from Terai to Himalayas

The Armed Police Force has recently expanded patrols from Lali in Lekam Rural Municipality–3 to Tingker in Byas Rural Municipality–1 along the Nepal–India–China borders. Previously limited to Darchula headquarters in Khalanga, the APF now covers from Lali to Tingker. Additional units were deployed following the topographic map publication. APF Battalion 44 in Khalanga oversees Post 50 in Chhangru, while Darchula has ten Nepal-India border points.

Security units cover border areas in Byas Rural Municipality–1 including Sitapul, Mal, Sunsera Malghatte, Tigaram, and Badugaun. The Post Number 50 oversees Tingker Chhiyalek and Dumling BOPs. Darchula has a 198-kilometer border with India and 75 kilometers with China. Despite snow and extreme conditions, border personnel continue their duties with pride, maintaining Nepal’s territorial security.