Avalanche in Nepal Claims Lives of Three Climbers, Four Feared Dead

At least three climbers, including a French national and two Nepalese citizens, have died after an avalanche struck near the base camp of Yalung Ri mountain in north-eastern Nepal today.

The incident occurred at 09:00 local time (03:15 GMT) on November 3, 2025, in the Dolakha district, impacting a group of 12 trekkers and local guides. Local deputy superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato confirmed that “three bodies have been seen and rescue teams have to find four more,” identifying two Italians, a German, and a Canadian as those currently missing and presumed dead. Five Nepali guides who were able to return to base camp sustained injuries, but they are not considered life-threatening.

The group was reportedly preparing to ascend the nearby Dolma Khang peak, which reaches an elevation of 6,332m (20,774ft). Rescue efforts are being hampered by challenging weather conditions and logistical difficulties in reaching the remote location, a five-hour walk from the landing site of a rescue helicopter in the Na Gaun area of Dolakha. Nepal is a popular destination for mountaineering, but avalanches pose a significant risk, particularly during the autumn trekking season. You can find more information about avalanche safety in Nepal on dedicated travel resources.

Separately, a search continues for two Italian climbers, Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo, who went missing last week while attempting to scale Panbari mountain in western Nepal. This latest incident underscores the inherent dangers faced by those attempting to summit the world’s highest peaks and highlights the importance of preparedness and safety measures. For more on the challenges of high-altitude mountaineering, see the British Mountaineering Council.

Authorities say search and rescue operations will continue as weather permits, with a focus on locating the four missing climbers.