Kathmandu, Nepal – November 4, 2025
A tragic avalanche struck a mountaineering expedition on Nepal’s Mount Yalung Ri, killing at least seven climbers, including five foreign nationals and two Nepalis. The incident occurred in the remote Rolwaling Valley region of northeastern Nepal, a challenging and lesser-climbed sector of the Himalayas.

According to reports by The Kathmandu Post, the 15-member expedition team was ascending the 5,630-metre (18,471-foot) peak on Monday when the sudden avalanche swept through their camp. The victims include climbers from France, Italy, Canada, and Nepal. Four Nepali climbers remain missing as rescue missions continue under challenging weather conditions.

A Race Against Time in Harsh Conditions

Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato told local media that the avalanche “buried everyone on the slope” and that heavy snowfall and poor visibility significantly delayed rescue operations.

“We got the information late, and the difficult weather delayed immediate response,” Mahato said.

Among the deceased were three French mountaineers, one Italian, and one Canadian, as well as two Nepali citizens. Four Nepali survivors, who sustained injuries, were evacuated to safety on Tuesday.

One survivor detailed the harrowing ordeal, saying the team called for help, but assistance was slow to arrive due to severe weather.

“We shouted and cried for help, but no one could reach us,” the climber said. “We were told that a helicopter would come in four hours, but by then, several of our friends were gone.”

Helicopter rescue teams struggled to reach the site due to recent heavy snowfall and dense cloud cover, forcing delays until late Monday evening. Ground rescue teams have also been deployed and will resume their search at first light on Tuesday.

Harsh Climbing Conditions in Peak Avalanche Season

Mount Yalung Ri, known for its formidable mix of rock, ice, and snow, sits in the rugged Rolwaling Valley—often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Mount Everest. The mountain is typically attempted by seasoned alpine climbers familiar with remote, high-altitude terrains.

The climbing season in Nepal peaks during the spring, from April to May, when weather conditions are more predictable. Autumn expeditions—occurring in October and November—are considered riskier due to colder temperatures, shorter days, and unstable snow conditions. Before the avalanche, the region had been hit by a string of bad weather days, linked to Cyclone Montha, which also caused heavy snowfall across Nepal’s trekking routes and stranded dozens of trekkers.

Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, continues to be a global hotspot for serious climbers. Even so, the danger of avalanches, especially during volatile weather patterns, remains an ever-present threat.

In a separate incident, two Italian climbers were also reported missing in western Nepal while attempting a climb in another remote area—highlighting the escalating risks faced by mountaineers during this period.

Global Mountaineering Community in Mourning

As rescue operations continue, the international mountaineering community is expressing grief for the climbers lost. The tragedy is the latest reminder of the unforgiving nature of high-altitude exploration in the Himalayas—a region celebrated for its majestic peaks but known for unpredictable and life-threatening conditions.

Authorities are now working closely with the victims’ home countries to assist with identification and repatriation processes.