At least three climbers — a French national and two Nepalese — were killed after being hit by an avalanche near Yalung Ri mountain in Nepal’s Dolakha district on Monday morning, police confirmed.
The avalanche struck around 9 a.m. local time near the mountain’s base camp. Four other climbers — two Italians, a German, and a Canadian — are still missing, with rescue operations hampered by poor weather and difficult terrain.
The victims were part of a 12-member group of trekkers and local guides who had set out about an hour before the avalanche hit. Five Nepali guides managed to return to base camp with non-critical injuries.
“Three bodies have been seen, and rescue teams are searching for four more,” said Police Deputy Superintendent Gyan Kumar Mahato.
Local media reported that the group had been preparing to climb nearby Dolma Khang peak, which stands at 6,332 meters (20,774 feet).
Meanwhile, rescue efforts continue in western Nepal for two missing Italian climbers attempting to scale Panbari mountain. Their teammate, 65-year-old Velter Perlino, was rescued earlier along with local guides.
Autumn is typically a prime season for mountaineering in Nepal, but recent extreme weather — intensified by Cyclone Montha — has brought heavy snowfall and avalanches, leaving several trekkers stranded across the Himalayas.
