Tragedy Strikes Nepal: Avalanche Claims Seven Climbers

Wed Nov 05 2025 03:23:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An avalanche on Yalung Ri mountain in Nepal has resulted in the tragic deaths of seven climbers, including five foreign nationals. Rescue operations continue for the remaining climbers as authorities express concerns over poor weather conditions hindering efforts.

In a devastating incident, seven climbers died from an avalanche on the Yalung Ri mountain in northeastern Nepal, according to expedition agency Seven Summit Treks. The tragic event occurred during an acclimatization climb. Rescuers are still searching for five climbers believed to be buried under the snow, while eight others were rescued and are receiving medical treatment. Challenging weather conditions have compromised rescue operations, with concerns raised about the timely response. Autumn is known for better weather in Nepal, but the risk of severe weather remains high.

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 said.

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

Rescuers located two bodies and are still searching for the remaining five, who are believed to have been buried by snow. Eight others have been rescued and are in the capital Kathmandu receiving treatment for their injuries.

All these climbers were part of a group that set out over an hour before the avalanche hit, the district police chief told BBC Nepali.

The bodies of the other five deceased climbers may be 10-15 feet below the snow, said Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Seven Summit Treks. It will take time to find them.

Those killed include two Italians, a Canadian, a German, a French national, and two Nepalis who served as guides.

Local deputy superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato told the BBC that a rescue helicopter had landed in the Na Gaun area of Dolakha, five hours’ walk from the Yalung Ri base camp.

One of the injured climbers said they had repeatedly called for help, to no avail. Had the rescue arrived on time, more lives could have been saved, he told the newspaper.

Mr. Mahato commented that rescue efforts were hampered by poor weather and logistical issues, which made it difficult to fly helicopters or reach the site on foot.

The Kathmandu Post reported that the group was preparing to climb the nearby Dolma Khang peak, which has an elevation of 6,332m (20,774ft). They had planned to climb the 5,630m Yalung Ri as part of their acclimatization schedule.

Separately, the bodies of two Italian climbers who went missing while attempting to scale another mountain in Nepal have been recovered, officials confirmed. Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo were part of a three-man group that became stranded along with three local guides last week on the Panbari mountain in western Nepal.

The group had been granted permission to climb the 6,887m peak, but lost contact following heavy snowfall. Their bodies were recovered on Tuesday and have been flown to Kathmandu.

Autumn is a popular season for trekkers in Nepal, as weather conditions and visibility have tended to be better, but the risk of severe weather and avalanches remains. Last week, Cyclone Montha triggered heavy rain and snowfall across Nepal, leaving many hikers stranded.