British News Agency

According to Dolakha District Police, the avalanche hit around 8:30 a.m. as a team of 15 climbers – five foreigners and ten Nepali high-altitude workers – were ascending Yalung Ri (5,630 meters). Four more Nepalis were injured in the tragedy.

Shortly after the avalanche, the injured climbers called for help from teammates staying in Na village. One of them said, “However, rescue operations could not be carried out in time, resulting in many casualties.”

The group had initially come to climb Dolma Kang (6,334 meters). Before attempting that summit, they planned to climb Yalung Ri as part of their acclimatization program. The team had spent the night in Na village before heading to the base camp.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato said, “The avalanche buried everyone on the slope. We received the information late, and harsh weather conditions delayed the emergency response.”

Mingma Sherpa from Seven Summit Treks, who led the rescue efforts, said two Italians, two Nepalis, one French, one Canadian, and one German climber were among the dead.

Rescue operations were severely hampered by bad weather. Mahato added, “As soon as we were informed, we coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and dispatched the Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police from Lamabagar. However, heavy snowfall and clouds grounded helicopters, and reaching the site on foot was extremely difficult.”