Two professional mountain guides, Mr. Riten Tashi Sherpa and Mr. Ashish Gurung, have departed for the Mera Peak region to conduct a search and rescue operation. The mission has been initiated under the coordination of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) with support from the IFMGA/NNMGA (International and National Mountain Guides Associations).
Korean Climber and Sherpa Guide Missing
According to NMA, the operation was launched after reports emerged that a 46-year-old Korean climber, Mr. TAEJUN PARK, and his Sherpa guide, Temba Sherpa, went missing on October 4. The pair had set out around 3:00 a.m. to summit Mera Peak but lost contact during the ascent due to worsening weather conditions.
As per the initial information, the two were last spotted around 300 meters below the Mera Peak summit, near the high camp area. Continuous snowfall and strong winds have severely hampered communication and visibility, complicating the rescue efforts.
Weather Conditions Hamper the Search
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported unstable weather in the Mera Peak and Khumbu regions, with heavy snowfall, fog, and high wind speeds affecting mountaineering activities. The rescue team has been advised to proceed with extreme caution due to the risks of avalanches and frostbite.
NMA Coordinates Multi-Agency Response
The Nepal Mountaineering Association has been actively coordinating with local authorities, helicopter operators, and rescue partners to ensure a rapid and efficient response. Both Riten Tashi Sherpa and Ashish Gurung are certified IFMGA/NNMGA mountain guides with extensive experience in high-altitude search and rescue missions. The NMA expressed deep concern over the missing climbers and assured that every possible effort is being made to locate and retrieve them safely.
Prayers for Safe and Successful Mission
The association and the mountaineering community have extended heartfelt wishes for the safety and success of the rescue team. Family members of the missing climber and guide are being kept informed of the operation’s progress.
Mera Peak, located in the Makalu Barun National Park region, stands at 6,476 meters and is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking peaks. Despite being considered technically moderate, unpredictable weather and altitude-related risks often pose serious challenges for climbers.
