Tragic Avalanche Claims Lives of Seven Climbers in Nepal

Wed Nov 05 2025 04:21:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An avalanche near the Yalung Ri mountain in Nepal has resulted in the deaths of seven climbers, prompting a major rescue operation in challenging conditions.

A devastating avalanche struck a group of climbers in northeastern Nepal, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including five foreigners. While authorities continue to search for those still missing, the rescue efforts have been complicated by adverse weather and logistical difficulties.

At least seven climbers, including five foreigners and two Nepalis, have died after being hit by an avalanche on a Himalayan peak in north-eastern Nepal, expedition agency Seven Summit Treks reported.

The incident occurred at 09:00 local time (03:15 GMT) near the base camp of the Yalung Ri mountain in Dolakha district.

Rescuers have located two bodies, while efforts to find the remaining five continue, as they are believed to be buried under significant snowfall. Eight other climbers have been rescued and are receiving treatment in the capital, Kathmandu.

All victims were part of a group that began their ascent over an hour before the avalanche struck, according to the district police chief.

The bodies of the other five climbers may be 10-15 feet below the snow, stated Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Seven Summit Treks. It will take time to find them. Among the deceased are two Italians, a Canadian, a German, a French national, and two local guides.

Rescue operations are being hampered by poor weather and logistical challenges, making it difficult for helicopters to reach the site or for rescuers to navigate on foot. One injured climber expressed frustrations over the delayed response, suggesting that timely intervention could have saved lives.

The group was preparing to climb the nearby Dolma Khang peak after acclimatizing by ascending Yalung Ri, which stands at 5,630 meters (18,471 feet).

In related news, the bodies of two Italian climbers attempting to summit a different mountain in Nepal have also been recovered following a search. The climbers had gone missing during a heavy snowfall while on the Panbari mountain.

While autumn is traditionally a popular climbing season in Nepal due to better weather conditions, the risk of severe weather remains significant, exemplified by recent events triggered by Cyclone Montha, which caused heavy rains and snowfall across the region.