Nepal Avalanche Kills at Least 15 Expedition Workers on Mount Himlung

A devastating avalanche struck the base camp of Mount Himlung Himal in Nepal’s Manang district on September 27, 2026, killing at least 15 Nepali expedition workers who were preparing the site for upcoming climbing expeditions. The workers were pitching tents and securing ropes at the 7,126-metre mountain, near the Chinese border, when the avalanche buried the camp under several metres of snow. Rescue teams recovered 15 bodies, including eight on Thursday, October 1, after days of search operations. One worker remained missing, and officials said the chances of finding the person were slim. Foreign climbers had not yet arrived at the camp when the disaster occurred.

The tragedy is among the deadliest mountaineering incidents in Nepal in recent years and highlights the risks faced by local guides and support workers who help sustain the country’s climbing tourism industry. Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, attracts thousands of climbers and trekkers annually, providing employment to local communities. However, extreme weather, avalanches and other mountain hazards continue to threaten lives. The disaster also comes as Nepal faces the aftermath of severe flooding and landslides, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Mount Himlung remains a popular destination for climbers seeking to scale peaks above 7,000 metres.