Five people, including climbers and mountain guides, have lost their lives during mountaineering expeditions in Nepal’s Himalayas in the 2026 spring climbing season, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
Stating on Tuesday, Information Officer Himal Gautam confirmed that the deaths occurred during expeditions on Mount Everest and Mount Makalu.
Deaths Reported Since Baisakh 20
According to the department, the fatalities were recorded between Baisakh 20 and the present period of the ongoing spring climbing season. Among the deceased are three Nepali climbers and two foreign nationals.
As of May 12, 2026, authorities confirm that three climbers have died on Everest, including a 21-year-old Sherpa guide who fell into a crevasse near Camp III during a load-carrying mission on the Lhotse Face. The Everest fatalities also include climbers Bijay Ghimire Bishwakarma, 35, and Lakpa Dendi Sherpa, 51.
On nearby peaks, two additional fatalities were reported, one each on Makalu and Makalu II. American climber Shelley Johannesen, 53, died on Makalu while descending, and Czech climber David Roubinek, 38, died on Makalu II.
Foreign Climbers Also Among the Deceased
The deceased foreign nationals include Czech climber David Rubinek and American citizen Johansen Shelly. According to officials, David Rubinek, who was participating through IAM Trekking Company, died on Makalu II, while Johansen Shelly, associated with Seven Summit Treks, died during the Makalu expedition.
Risks Remain High During Spring Climbing Season
Nepal’s spring climbing season, which attracts hundreds of mountaineers from around the world, is considered the busiest period for Himalayan expeditions. However, unpredictable weather, altitude sickness, avalanches, and extreme terrain continue to pose significant risks for climbers and guides.
Tourism and mountaineering authorities have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and reiterated the importance of safety, preparedness, and experienced support teams during high-altitude expeditions.
