The bodies of eight more climbers missing following the avalanche at Himlung Himal in Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality–5 of Manang have been recovered, taking the confirmed death toll from the incident to 15. According to Krishna Prasad Poudel, Assistant Chief District Officer of Manang, four bodies were recovered in the morning and another four were located and recovered in the afternoon on Thursday. The latest recovery comes as search and rescue teams continue operations in the avalanche-affected area.
Death Toll Rises to 15
The avalanche struck the Himlung Himal region on Ashwin 11 (September 27), resulting in multiple climbers being reported missing. Before Thursday’s recovery, seven bodies had already been recovered from the avalanche site. With eight additional bodies found today, the number of confirmed fatalities has reached 15. One person remains missing, and search and recovery efforts are continuing in the area. The latest recovery from Himlung represents a significant development in the operation, although difficult terrain, high-altitude conditions and deteriorating weather continue to pose challenges for rescue personnel.
Bodies Being Transported to Chame and Phu Village
The recovered bodies are being transported from the remote mountain area to safer locations. Poudel said that two bodies have been brought to the district headquarters at Chame, while six bodies have been transported as far as Phu Village. Further transportation has been temporarily suspended because it was already dark and helicopter operations could not continue. The remaining bodies are expected to be transported onward on Friday, subject to weather and operational conditions.
Nepal Army Helicopter Supports Recovery Operation
A Nepal Army helicopter was used on Thursday to transport the recovered bodies from the mountain area. The helicopter operation has provided critical logistical support in moving the victims from the remote avalanche site, where transportation by road is not possible and the high-altitude terrain makes ground recovery extremely difficult. Authorities are expected to continue the transportation and recovery process as weather and daylight conditions permit.
NNMGA Deploys Specialized Search and Rescue Team
The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) has deployed an 11-member specialized search and rescue team to the Himlung Himal region to assist in locating missing climbers and recovering the bodies. The team comprises experienced mountain rescue personnel familiar with high-altitude operations. It has been working in coordination with local authorities and other agencies involved in the response. The search operation remains focused on locating the one person still reported missing following the avalanche.
Nepal Army Also Works on Landslide and Power Infrastructure
Alongside the Himlung recovery operation, a Nepal Army team is also involved in emergency response activities in other parts of Manang. At Thado Khola in Chame Rural Municipality–4, a landslide had blocked the flow of the Marsyangdi River. The Nepal Army, in coordination with local residents and other security agencies, has been working to clear the obstruction and restore the river’s flow. The army team is also working to restore an electricity transmission line that was disrupted by the incident.
Search and Recovery Continues Amid Difficult Mountain Conditions
The Himlung avalanche occurred at the mountain’s base camp in the morning of Ashwin 11 (September 27). The incident triggered a major search and recovery operation involving mountain guides, security agencies, local authorities and other personnel.
With 15 bodies now recovered and one person still missing, authorities and rescue teams continue to focus on completing the search operation and safely transporting the recovered victims. The difficult high-altitude terrain, weather conditions and limited access remain major challenges for the teams working in the affected area. Further updates on the remaining search and transportation operations are expected as authorities continue the response.
