In a deeply tragic turn of events, the mountaineering community mourns the loss of two of Nepal’s most respected Sherpa guides, Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje, who went missing following a massive avalanche on Annapurna. After four days of exhaustive search operations involving aerial and ground rescue teams, Seven Summit Treks has confirmed the suspension of the search and officially declared the two climbers lost.
Avalanche Strikes Above Camp II
The incident occurred on April 7, 2025, at around 12 PM Nepal time, when a powerful avalanche swept down from above Camp II, located at an elevation of over 5,600 meters. At the time, the team was ferrying oxygen cylinders in preparation for a summit push. Sherpa guides Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje were caught in the avalanche. Another team member, Pemba Thenduk, was also swept but miraculously survived. He immediately began searching for the missing climbers and was later joined by fellow Sherpas Nawang Thindu, Nima Wangdak, Lakpa Temba, and Mingtemba.
Despite their determined and tireless efforts, there was no sign of the missing guides. The avalanche had significantly disrupted the climbing route between Camp II and Camp III, complicating rescue operations further.
Relentless Search Ends in Heartbreak
In response to the emergency, Seven Summit Treks launched immediate aerial search missions, with Captain Sobit Gauchan flying search sorties until nightfall on the day of the incident. Additional helicopters and rescue teams were mobilized over the following days, supported by experienced Sherpas on the ground.
Two search helicopters and five Sherpas were deployed as part of the rescue mission. However, after four days of relentless searching in the treacherous and unstable terrain, no trace of Ngima or Rima could be found. With each passing hour, the possibility of survival beneath the massive snow and ice diminished.
“Despite every effort we made, it has been four days, yet we have not found any trace of either of the two men,” said a spokesperson from Seven Summit Treks. “It is no longer possible for anyone to survive this long under the mass of snow and ice, and prolonging search efforts on the slopes of Annapurna would mean risking the lives of other Sherpas and members too. Thus, with a heavy heart, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the search and bid farewell to Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje.”
Remembering Two Legendary Sherpa Guides
The loss of Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje is a devastating blow to the mountaineering community. Both were experienced, dedicated, and respected guides working full-time with Seven Summit Treks.
Ngima Tashi was a pioneering climber who had summited 18 peaks above 8,000 meters, including Everest seven times, and had participated in multiple rope-fixing missions on major expeditions. Just recently, on November 27, 2024, he, along with Fura Tshiring, completed the first ascent of Yasa Thak (6,141 m), a newly opened peak in Solukhumbu. The achievement marked a personal milestone for Ngima, who was filled with pride and joy at the feat.
Rima Rinje, too, was a seasoned climber who had successfully summited 8,000-meter peaks on seven occasions, including Everest four times. Passionate about professional development, Rima was actively pursuing training and skill enhancement to advance his career in guiding. He was seen as an invaluable asset to the guiding community.
An Irreplaceable Loss for the Mountaineering World
Ngima and Rima were more than just skilled climbers; they were dedicated mentors, teammates, and pillars of strength on the mountain. Their contributions to the mountaineering world were immense, and their absence will be felt deeply.
“The climbing community has lost two of the finest climbers and guides,” Seven Summit Treks shared. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje. Their strength, skill, and spirit were an integral part of our team, and their loss is immeasurable.”
As the snow settles once more on the slopes of Annapurna, the memory of these two brave Sherpas will live on in the hearts of all who knew them. Their legacy, forged in courage and devotion to the mountains, will inspire generations of climbers to come.
