Seven Climbers Killed in Deadly Avalanche on Himalayan Peak
In a tragic mountaineering disaster, at least seven climbers, including five foreigners and two Nepali guides, lost their lives after being caught in an avalanche on Yalung Ri mountain in north-eastern Nepal. The avalanche struck near the mountain’s base camp in Dolakha district at around 9:00 a.m. local time (03:15 GMT) on Monday, officials confirmed.
According to the expedition agency Seven Summit Treks, rescuers have recovered two bodies so far, while search operations continue for the remaining climbers believed to be buried under 10 to 15 feet of snow. Eight other climbers were injured and have been airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment.
The victims include two Italians, a Canadian, a German, a French national, and two Nepalis working as mountain guides. All were part of a group attempting to acclimatise before climbing the nearby Dolma Khang peak, which stands at 6,332 metres.
Harsh Weather Hampers Rescue Operations in Dolakha
Local police chief Gyan Kumar Mahato told BBC Nepali that a rescue helicopter reached the Na Gaun area, about a five-hour walk from Yalung Ri base camp. However, poor weather conditions and difficult terrain have severely slowed down rescue efforts.
“Strong winds and heavy snowfall have made access to the site extremely difficult,” Mahato said, adding that search teams are battling sub-zero temperatures and unstable snow layers that continue to threaten rescuers.
The Kathmandu Post reported that one of the survivors criticised the slow response time of the rescue teams. “Had the rescue arrived on time, more lives could have been saved,” the survivor said, recalling that they had repeatedly called for help after the avalanche hit.
Authorities are working with local guides, army personnel, and international mountaineering agencies to ensure all missing climbers are accounted for.
Yalung Ri and Dolma Khang: Popular Yet Perilous Peaks
Yalung Ri, standing at 5,630 metres, is a popular training peak for climbers seeking acclimatisation before tackling higher Himalayan summits. The group involved in the accident was reportedly preparing to ascend Dolma Khang, a higher and more technically demanding peak nearby.
Mountaineering experts say that the Dolakha region’s snow conditions have been unusually unstable this season due to unpredictable temperature changes. Avalanches in this area are often triggered by sudden weather shifts, making it one of the most dangerous climbing routes in Nepal during early winter.
A local guide familiar with the terrain explained that heavy snowfall over recent days had made Yalung Ri’s slopes particularly risky. “Even minor tremors or sound can trigger a snow collapse,” he said.
Two More Bodies Found in Separate Panbari Mountain Tragedy
In a separate incident, two Italian climbers missing on Panbari mountain in western Nepal were recovered on Tuesday. The duo had been part of a three-member team that lost contact with base camp on 28 October, following a spell of intense snowfall.
Rescue authorities said the search for the third missing climber continues, though hopes of survival are fading due to extreme cold and difficult access. The Italian embassy in Kathmandu has been informed, and coordination is underway for the repatriation of the bodies.
These back-to-back mountaineering tragedies have reignited discussions about safety regulations and emergency preparedness in Nepal’s adventure tourism industry.
Nepal’s Mountaineering Sector Faces Safety Challenges
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, draws thousands of mountaineers every year. However, frequent avalanches, unpredictable weather, and limited rescue infrastructure continue to pose challenges.
Experts argue that while Nepal’s tourism authorities have strengthened mountain safety protocols, remote locations like Dolakha remain difficult to monitor in real time. Many expeditions rely on private rescue arrangements, which often delay responses during emergencies.
Officials have called for enhanced communication systems, GPS-based tracking, and mandatory rescue insurance for climbers in remote regions.