Tragic Avalanche Claims Lives of Seven Climbers in Nepal

Sun Nov 30 2025 23:06:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating avalanche near Yalung Ri mountain results in the deaths of seven climbers, prompting continued search and rescue efforts for those still missing.

An avalanche struck near the Yalung Ri mountain base camp in northeastern Nepal, killing seven climbers including five foreigners. The incident occurred early on Monday morning, with rescuers currently searching for five individuals believed to be buried under deep snow.

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, according to the district police chief.

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 reported on Monday that a rescue helicopter had landed in the Na Gaun area of Dolakha - a five-hour walk from the Yalung Ri base camp.

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

Mahato noted that rescue efforts were hindered by poor weather and logistical issues, complicating helicopter flights and ground access.

The Kathmandu Post reported that the group was preparing to climb the nearby Dolma Khang peak (6,332m) and had planned to ascend Yalung Ri (5,630m) as part of their acclimatization schedule.

Separately, the bodies of two Italian climbers who went missing while attempting to scale another mountain in Nepal were recovered. Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo were part of a group that became stranded on the Panbari mountain in western Nepal.

Autumn is a popular season for trekkers and mountaineers in Nepal; however, severe weather and avalanches remain risks, especially following recent Cyclone Montha, which has impacted weather conditions in the region.