An Spanish climber has been stranded above the Makalu Base Camp in Makalu Rural Municipality–2, Sankhuwasabha district, due to continuous snowfall and adverse weather conditions. The stranded climber, identified as Jesus Martinez Novas, was trapped at an altitude of around 5,700 metres after attempting to ascend beyond the base camp earlier this week.
Rescue Operation Hampered by Bad Weather
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kumar Prasad Mainali at the Sankhuwasabha District Police Office, rescue efforts have been underway since Tuesday, but operations have been severely affected by poor visibility, continuous rainfall, and heavy snow in the high Himalayan region.
“We have requested a helicopter for the rescue, but the bad weather has made it very difficult to operate,” DSP Mainali said, adding that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local guides and rescue teams. Despite several attempts, rescue flights could not reach the location due to dense fog and worsening weather conditions around the Makalu region.
Continuous Rain and Snowfall in High Himalayan Areas
Sankhuwasabha, home to the Makalu-Barun National Park and the world’s fifth-highest mountain, Mt. Makalu (8,485 metres), has been experiencing non-stop rain and snowfall since Tuesday. The sudden change in weather has led to disruptions in trekking and mountaineering activities, stranding climbers and support staff in various high-altitude camps.
Authorities have described the current situation as critical, with snow accumulation and freezing temperatures posing risks to both trekkers and rescuers. The Makalu Base Camp route, which lies above 4,800 metres, is known for its steep terrain and exposure to unpredictable mountain weather, making rescue missions extremely challenging.
Helicopter Rescue Awaiting Weather Clearance
Rescue teams, including local police, tourism officials, and helicopter service providers, are on standby to initiate an aerial rescue once the weather improves. A helicopter evacuation plan has already been approved, but flight clearance depends on a safe weather window.
DSP Mainali confirmed that efforts are being made to keep contact with nearby expedition teams to assess the climber’s condition and provide any possible ground support until air rescue becomes feasible. “We are doing everything possible within our means,” Mainali said. “However, continuous snow and low visibility have grounded all rescue helicopters for now.”
District Administration Issues Safety Advisory
In light of the worsening weather, the District Administration Office, Sankhuwasabha, has issued an advisory urging all trekkers and mountaineers not to venture above 4,000 metres until further notice. The notice warns that continuous snow and rain have made trails slippery and increased the risk of avalanches and frostbite in higher regions. The administration has advised trekking agencies, guides, and climbers to remain at lower altitudes until conditions stabilize. Officials further stated that communication with remote mountain regions has become difficult, with several areas facing intermittent power and network disruptions due to heavy snowfall.
Mountaineering Community on Alert
The mountaineering community in eastern Nepal has expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for better weather forecasting systems and rapid-response rescue mechanisms in remote high-altitude regions.
Experts have long warned that the Makalu and Barun regions, while less crowded than Everest or Annapurna, pose higher logistical and weather-related challenges for climbers. Frequent snowstorms, narrow valleys, and steep ridges often make rescue operations time-consuming and risky. Local tourism entrepreneurs have also urged the government to establish permanent rescue and communication posts along major trekking routes in Sankhuwasabha to ensure quicker response in emergencies.
Efforts Continue Despite Harsh Conditions
As of Thursday morning, rescue teams remain on high alert, awaiting an improvement in weather to conduct an aerial mission. Officials said they remain hopeful that the Italian climber will be rescued safely once the weather clears. Authorities are coordinating with the Department of Tourism, local police, and helicopter companies to ensure immediate evacuation once visibility and wind conditions improve.
