An American mountaineer has died while attempting to summit Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, located in eastern Nepal. According to Inspector Abhishek Shrestha of the District Police Office, 39-year-old American national Alexander Pancoe died during his expedition on Sunday night. He was attempting the climb via the route under Makalu Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha district.
Alexander Pancoe had been part of an expedition organized by Himalayan Guides, a local trekking company. Inspector Shrestha reported that Alexander Pancoe reached Camp III during the climb and was descending back to Camp II when he passed away. The exact cause of death has yet to be determined.
He was part of a team that included three other foreign nationals and four Nepali members. The group had entered Sankhuwasabha through Solukhumbu on April 27 to begin their journey to Makalu. Police say efforts are underway to retrieve his body from the mountain. The region is geographically remote, located about 12 days’ walking distance from the district headquarters of Khandbari. The lack of transportation and communication services has added difficulty to the recovery mission.
According to the District Police Office, coordination is ongoing with the trekking company to airlift the body using a helicopter. A police team was dispatched to the location on Monday afternoon as soon as authorities received information about the incident.
Other members of the expedition, including those from France, are reported to be safe. Makalu, standing at 8,485 meters (27,838 feet), is known for its steep slopes and technical climbing challenges, making it one of the most difficult peaks in the Himalayas. Despite its allure for seasoned climbers, the region’s remoteness and harsh conditions pose serious risks to adventurers.
