Nine climbers killed in separate avalanche tragedies on Yalung Ri, Panbari Himal – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 4

At least nine climbers, seven on Yalung Ri in Dolakha and two on Panbari Himal in the Manaslu region, have been confirmed dead in two separate avalanche incidents triggered by recent heavy snowfall across the Himalayas.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato of the District Police Office, seven climbers, including five foreigners and two Nepali guides, died after being swept away by an avalanche near Yalung Ri (6,920m) under Gaurishankar Rural Municipality-9 on Monday morning. It has been reported that the avalanche struck around 10:30 a.m., catching the climbers as they were attempting to ascend the peak.

Among the deceased are three Italian nationals, one French, one German, and two Nepalis, according to expedition organizers. The victims include Italians Paolo Cocco, Marco Di Marcello, and Markus Kirchler, German climber Jakob Schreiber, and French trekker Christian Andre Manfredi. Nepali mountain guides Padam Tamang and Mere Karki also lost their lives in the tragedy.

Five injured climbers, three Nepalis and two French nationals, were airlifted to Kathmandu on Tuesday morning for treatment. The rescued include Nima Gyalzen Sherpa, Lakpa Tamang, and Sun Bahadur Gurung of Yatri Treks, and French nationals Isbelle Solange Thaon and Didier Arman Berton. The rescued climbers are being treated in various hospitals in Kathmandu including Era Hospital and HAMS Hospital.

“Efforts are underway to retrieve the bodies from the avalanche site,” police said, adding that a joint rescue team from all three security agencies have been mobilised.

Other climbers evacuated from Rolwaling included actor Chhulthim Dolma Gurung, Raj Gurung, Kaji Sherpa, and climate advocate Carole Fuchs of France, none of whom were seriously injured.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in the Manaslu region, two missing Italian climbers, Farronato Stefano and Caputo Alessandro, were found dead inside their tent at Camp I of Panbari Himal (6,887m).

The pair had gone missing since October 28 after being trapped by heavy snowfall.

Their bodies were discovered on Tuesday at an altitude of 5,242 meters by a rescue team led by IFMGA guides Narendra Shahi and Pasang Kaji Sherpa, with support from Sherpa Alpine Trekking Service.

Climbing and trekking activities across several Himalayan regions have been severely disrupted in recent days due to Cyclone Montha, which brought widespread snow and rain, increasing avalanche risks.