Tragedy Strikes as Seven Italian Climbers Go Missing in Nepal

Thu Nov 06 2025 03:08:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amidst a harsh weather system in Nepal, seven Italian climbers remain unaccounted for following avalanches in the Dolakha district. Rescue operations are underway, but officials confirm three deaths linked to the climbing expeditions.

Following a series of avalanches in Nepal's Dolakha district, seven Italian climbers are reported missing while three others have been confirmed dead. The Italian team faced disasters while trying to scale the Dolma Khang peak amid severe weather conditions. Local authorities and rescue teams are striving to locate the missing individuals.

Italy is facing a tragic situation as news breaks that seven of its citizens are missing in Nepal after attempting to climb the Dolma Khang peak, situated in the northeastern part of the country.

The Italian expedition, which aimed to ascend the 6,332-meter (20,774-feet) mountain in Dolakha district, encountered severe weather earlier this week, resulting in deadly avalanches. It is reported that three other Italian climbers lost their lives in these incidents.

A senior Italian diplomat from India has arrived in Kathmandu to assist in coordination with local authorities and search operations for the missing climbers.

Recent updates indicate a chaotic scene on the mountain. In addition to the confirmed fatalities, there remains uncertainty surrounding the status of seven other climbers, notably Marco Di Marcello and Markus Kircheler, who were in the area of Yalung Ri, affected by the avalanche on Monday.

Rome's foreign ministry has confirmed the identity of those deceased, while families of the missing are anxiously awaiting news. Reports state that the satellite signal from Mr. Marcello's radio indicates movement, raising hopes for his survival. Meanwhile, rescue efforts at the Dolma Khang base camp continue under challenging conditions, with authorities confirming that additional search teams are being mobilized.

The weather pattern in Nepal has recently been alarming, marked by heavy snowfall and avalanches that have caused injuries and fatalities among climbers and local guides alike. Cyclone Montha has compounded these dangers by unleashing heavy rains and snow over the past week, leading to disastrous conditions in the popular climbing regions.

Authorities are grappling with reports that are often conflicting regarding the number of missing climbers and their nationalities. Further coordination with the trekking agency that facilitated the expedition is also underway to gather more information about those still unaccounted for.

Additionally, three climbers, including an Italian named Paolo Cocco, have been confirmed as fatalities after being reported missing while attempting to scale the Panbari peak.

As the autumn season typically invites climbers to Nepal due to clearer weather and optimal visibility, the threats of severe weather and avalanches remain a persistent danger in the Himalayas, a fact reinforced by last week’s tragic events.