The bodies of two missing Italian climbers have been recovered from Pangbari Himal after five days of being stranded in harsh winter conditions. The climbers, 67-year-old Stefano Farronato and 37-year-old Alessandro Caputo, were found buried under snow at the first camp of the mountain, authorities confirmed.
According to Raj Kumar Shrestha, Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Gorkha District Police Office, both climbers could not continue their ascent due to severe snowfall and were trapped while attempting to descend.
Recovery and Rescue Operations
The bodies of Farronato and Caputo were airlifted by helicopter to Samagaun. The tragic discovery follows a series of rescue operations for other expedition members who were also stranded on the mountain.
Earlier, 65-year-old Italian climber Vatler Perlino was rescued on Saturday via helicopter. Alongside him, three Nepali support staff, Pemba Rinji Sherpa, Dawa Chhiri Sherpa, and Pasang Tamang, were also evacuated and sent to Kathmandu for medical treatment, according to DSP Shrestha.
Details of the Incident
The team had been on a mountain expedition on Pangbari Himal, facing extreme snowfall and difficult terrain, which prevented them from returning to base camp. The remaining three Italians and their Nepali companions had been trapped since last Wednesday, prompting a coordinated search and rescue operation by local authorities and helicopter teams.
This incident underscores the risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering in the region, particularly during unpredictable weather conditions. The Nepal National Mountain Guides Association had earlier reported that the team became unreachable at Camp I due to heavy snow, which hindered communication and progress.
Authorities Stress Safety in Himalayan Expeditions
Local authorities have urged climbers and expedition teams to carefully monitor weather forecasts, hire experienced guides, and follow safety protocols. DSP Shrestha stated, “The mountain conditions are unpredictable. Climbers must exercise extreme caution, especially during the winter season, to prevent such tragic incidents.”
The recovery of Farronato and Caputo marks the conclusion of a tense search operation, while highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness, timely rescue coordination, and awareness of weather-related hazards in Nepal’s high mountains.
