A climber from the Czech Republic has died while attempting to scale Makalu II (Kangchung Tse) in Sankhuwasabha district, expedition officials confirmed.
The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old David Roubinek, who was part of an international expedition attempting the 7,678-metre peak, also known as Kangchung Tse, one of the less frequently climbed mountains in the Makalu region.
High-Altitude Illness During Summit Push
According to Pemba Jangbu Sherpa, managing director of I AM Treks and Expedition, the incident occurred during a summit push when the team had reached Camp III.
“Four climbers, including David, had moved to Camp III at around 7,400 metres to begin their ascent. After spending a night at that altitude, David developed symptoms of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a serious and potentially fatal condition,” Sherpa said. Despite immediate efforts by fellow climbers to assist him during descent, Roubinek passed away at approximately 7,200 metres, below Camp III, while being brought down.
Team Efforts to Rescue Climber
The expedition team quickly abandoned their summit attempt to focus on rescue efforts. Fellow climbers attempted to bring Roubinek down to a safer altitude after he fell ill. Earlier, team leader Lukas Madr, 23, along with two other members, had already withdrawn from the climb due to safety concerns. However, four members had continued their ascent before the incident occurred.
The team had undertaken the expedition in alpine style, meaning they were climbing without guide support, which adds to both the challenge and the risks involved in high-altitude mountaineering.
International Team on Technical Expedition
The seven-member expedition included climbers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Alongside Roubinek, the team comprised Josef Vojtech, Marek Blahuta, Petr Kadanka, Martin Ksandr, and Jana Vankova from Slovakia. The climbers had chosen Kangchung Tse for its technical appeal and relative isolation, as it sees far fewer expeditions compared to more popular Himalayan peaks.
Recovery Efforts Underway
Officials said efforts are currently underway to recover the climber’s body from the himalayan are. Due to the difficult terrain and high altitude, such operations are often complex and weather-dependent.
Rarely Climbed Peak Draws Experienced Mountaineers
Though considered a subsidiary summit of Mount Makalu, Kangchung Tse is regarded as a distinct and challenging peak in its own right. Its technical difficulty and limited footfall attract experienced climbers seeking less conventional routes in the Himalayas.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with high-altitude climbing, particularly on remote and less-traveled peaks where rescue support can be limited.
