A Nepali mountain guide who had gone missing while descending from Mount Makalu in Sankhuwasabha district has been found dead after an extensive search operation in the remote Himalayan region.
The deceased has been identified as Phurba Wangdel Sherpa, 40, of Walung in Makalu Rural Municipality–1. Sherpa had gone missing during the return journey after successfully participating in a Makalu climbing expedition.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Kumar Prasad Mainali of the District Police Office Sankhuwasabha, Sherpa’s body was recovered on Monday from the Makalu High Camp area.
Sherpa Went Missing Alongside Iranian Climber
Authorities said Sherpa disappeared while descending from higher camps together with an Iranian climber identified as Abolji Gojali, who remains missing.
Sherpa had joined the expedition as a guide supporting Indian and Iranian climbers after departing for the Makalu expedition on Magh 1, 2082 BS. The accident reportedly occurred while the team was descending from Camp IV to Camp III after completing the summit climb.
One Indian climber who was part of the expedition was later found safe.
Difficult Terrain Hampered Search and Rescue Efforts
Immediately after the incident, search operations were launched using a helicopter operated by Kailash Air. However, the missing climbers could not initially be located due to severe terrain and weather conditions.
After aerial reconnaissance, a ground rescue team proceeded on foot toward the suspected accident site. Police said the search mission involved an eight-member rescue team led by Mohan Lamsal, operator of Makalu Adventure.
The operation continued for several days in one of Nepal’s most geographically isolated mountain regions.
Remote Geography Adds Challenges in Makalu Region
Police officials stated that the accident site lies in an extremely remote area located approximately seven days’ walk from the Makalu Police Post. The region lacks reliable transportation and communication services, making rescue operations highly difficult.
The Makalu region is widely regarded as one of Nepal’s most rugged and inaccessible high-altitude areas, posing significant challenges for both climbers and emergency responders.
Body Airlifted to Kathmandu for Post-Mortem
Following recovery, Sherpa’s body was airlifted by Kailash Air helicopter to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, search efforts are continuing for the missing Iranian climber, who has yet to be located despite prolonged rescue attempts.
Growing Risks in High-Altitude Expeditions
The incident once again highlights the dangers associated with Himalayan mountaineering, particularly in remote peaks such as Makalu, where unpredictable terrain, altitude, and limited rescue infrastructure create life-threatening conditions.
Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain at 8,485 meters, is considered one of the most technically demanding peaks in the Himalayas.
The death of veteran guide Phurba Wangdel Sherpa has cast a shadow over the climbing season in eastern Nepal, while rescue teams continue efforts to locate the missing Iranian climber. The tragedy underscores both the risks faced by mountain workers and the immense challenges of conducting rescue missions in Nepal’s remote high-altitude regions.
