Foreign climbers and local guides killed in Nepal avalanche

Tengrinews.kz – An avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal claimed the lives of seven people — five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides, according to CNN.

A representative of the local Armed Police Force, Shailendra Thapa, reported that five others were injured at the base camp located at an altitude of 4,900 meters.

The nationalities and identities of the foreign climbers have not yet been confirmed.

Last week, weather conditions in Nepal began to worsen, bringing snowfall in the mountains.

Rescuers reached the site on foot. A rescue helicopter attempted to approach the area but was forced to turn back due to poor weather conditions. Thapa stated that another attempt would be made at dawn on Tuesday.

Yalung Ri, a 5,600-meter peak, is considered suitable for beginners with little high-altitude climbing experience.

Nepal is home to eight of the world’s fourteen highest mountains, including Mount Everest. Spring is the most popular climbing season when weather conditions are favorable.

However, in autumn — between the monsoon and winter — hundreds of foreign climbers arrive in the country to summit smaller peaks.