A four-member rescue team, including two senior international mountain guides, has departed for Samagaun in the Manaslu region of Gorkha to launch a search operation for two Italian climbers who went missing on Panpari Himal (6,887 metres) since October 28.
The rescue team, coordinated by the Nepal National Mountain Guides Association (NNMGA), comprises two IFMGA-certified guides, Narendra Shahi (Naren) and Pasang Kaji Sherpa, along with aspirant guide Kusang Sherpa and Italian expedition leader Vatler Perlino. According to NNMGA, the team left for the Manaslu area early this morning and is expected to reach the base camp area shortly.
“Three mountain guides and expedition leader of the Italian team, Vatler Perlino, have left for Samagaun of Gorkha for a search mission,” the association said in an official statement. The team will coordinate with the Department of Tourism (DoT) and local authorities in Gorkha to carry out ground and aerial reconnaissance once weather conditions permit.
Two Italian Climbers Missing Since October 28
The missing climbers have been identified as Farronato Stefano and Caputo Alessandro, both members of the Italian Panpari Q7 Expedition. According to the Department of Tourism, the pair went missing on October 28 after being trapped in heavy snowfall while attempting to descend from Camp I. Since then, they have remained out of communication, and no signs of their location have been confirmed.
Information provided by expedition leader Vatler Perlino indicates that the team was stranded at Camp I during a severe snowstorm and failed to make contact following the incident. The Italian Embassy in Kathmandu has also been informed of the situation, and coordination is underway to facilitate rescue efforts.
The expedition was organized by the Kathmandu-based Sherpa Alpine Trekking Service, which specializes in international mountaineering logistics and support. The agency has been in close contact with both the rescue team and the concerned authorities to expedite operations.
Challenging Weather Hampers Rescue Efforts
Rescue and climbing activities in the Manaslu region have been severely impacted over the past week due to adverse weather conditions brought on by Cyclone Montha. The cyclone caused widespread rain and heavy snowfall across Nepal’s mountain districts, disrupting expeditions and stranding multiple groups at high altitudes.
For nearly six consecutive days, continuous snow and poor visibility made aerial rescue impossible, forcing authorities and rescue teams to wait for a weather window. The region’s difficult terrain, coupled with deep snow accumulation and avalanche risks, continues to pose challenges for ground operations.
The Manaslu Conservation Area and the local government of Chumnubri Rural Municipality have extended logistical support for the mission. Local residents and lodge operators in Samagaun have also pledged assistance by providing resources and guiding information about the area’s trails and terrain conditions.
Coordinated National and International Effort
The Nepal National Mountain Guides Association (NNMGA), which represents professional guides certified under the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), has taken the lead in mobilizing skilled rescuers for the mission. Both Narendra Shahi and Pasang Kaji Sherpa are among Nepal’s most experienced high-altitude guides with extensive expertise in rescue operations.
An official from the Department of Tourism stated that coordination between the NNMGA, local authorities, the Nepal Army, and the Italian Embassy is ongoing to ensure all possible support is extended for the rescue. “The situation remains uncertain, but every effort is being made to locate and retrieve the missing climbers as soon as weather conditions allow,” the official said.
Helicopter support is being considered, pending clear skies, to carry out an aerial survey of Panpari Himal, located northeast of the Manaslu massif. The mountain, though less frequented than nearby peaks, is known for its steep ridges and unpredictable weather, making rescue operations particularly complex.
Hope Amid Difficult Conditions
Despite the tough circumstances, the rescue team remains determined. The NNMGA emphasized that the mission is being conducted with utmost urgency and professionalism, combining both ground search techniques and technical climbing expertise to maximize the chances of success.
Family members of the missing climbers and the international mountaineering community are closely monitoring developments, expressing concern and hope for a positive outcome. As conditions slowly improve in the Manaslu region, authorities anticipate that the coming days will be critical in determining the fate of the missing climbers. The mission underscores the inherent challenges of Himalayan expeditions and the vital importance of swift, coordinated rescue responses in Nepal’s high mountains.
