The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) has confirmed that two of the 16 people reported missing following an avalanche on Himlung Himal in Manang have been found dead, while the search continues for the remaining 14 people. According to the association’s latest update, a total of 14 kitchen staff members and two climbing guides went missing after the avalanche struck the area. The missing individuals were associated with different companies operating in the mountain region.
Two Mountain Climbing Guides Found Dead
Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) said its two missing climbing guides have been located, but both were found deceased. The association has not yet released the identities of the two guides. The confirmation means that two people from the group of 16 missing personnel have been found dead, while 14 kitchen staff members remain unaccounted for. The association said the incident followed an avalanche in the Himlung Himal area. Search and rescue efforts are being coordinated to locate those still missing.
Rescue Team Reaches Phu Village
NNMGA has provided a further Search and Rescue Update, stating that its search and rescue team has reached Phu Village. According to the latest update, the team will begin the search and rescue operation tomorrow morning. The team is expected to proceed with the field operation from Phu Village toward the affected area. The development marks the next phase of the ongoing rescue effort as personnel prepare to search for the 14 missing kitchen staff members.
Rescue Team Deployed by Helicopter
Earlier, an NNMGA rescue team comprising Mingma G., Pasang Kaji Sherpa, Ashish Gurung and Tsering Pemba Sherpa was deployed toward the accident site by Prabhu Helicopter. The team has been mobilized to support the search and rescue operation in the avalanche-affected area. Given the challenging high-altitude terrain and conditions, the operation is being carried out with careful coordination.
Additional Rescuers on Standby
NNMGA has also stated that four additional members of the rescue team are waiting at the airport and are prepared to be deployed immediately if required. The additional rescuers are expected to strengthen the operation depending on the requirements at the site and prevailing conditions. The association is coordinating the deployment of rescue personnel as the search enters its next stage.
14 Kitchen Staff Still Missing
With the two climbing guides confirmed dead, the immediate focus of the operation remains the 14 kitchen staff members who are still missing. NNMGA has not yet publicly released the identities of the missing personnel or provided further details about the companies they were working for. The association is expected to provide additional information as the search progresses and further details are confirmed.
Search Operation to Begin Monday Morning
The rescue team’s arrival at Phu Village provides a base for the next phase of the operation. According to NNMGA’s latest update, the team will commence the search tomorrow morning, September 28, as efforts intensify to locate the missing personnel. The operation will depend on weather, terrain and conditions in the avalanche-affected area. Further updates are expected from the association as the search and rescue mission continues.
Himlung Himal and High-Altitude Risks
Himlung Himal, located in the Manang region, is among Nepal’s high-altitude mountaineering destinations. Expeditions in such areas depend on a large support network involving climbing guides, kitchen staff, porters and other mountain workers. The incident highlights the risks faced by personnel working in Nepal’s high-altitude mountain regions, where avalanches, extreme weather, difficult terrain and limited accessibility can complicate emergency response and rescue operations. NNMGA said it would continue to provide updates on the search and rescue mission as more information becomes available.
