Himlung Rescue Paused After 4 Bodies Recovered, NNMGA Says

The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association said rescuers recovered four bodies from Himlung Himal Base Camp, while 12 kitchen workers remain missing after a large avalanche.

The association said its team temporarily paused the search because about 14 feet of snow covered the base camp. Freezing temperatures and unstable conditions made a manual search difficult and dangerous.

The update did not identify the four people whose bodies were recovered. It also did not clarify whether the total included two climbing guides whom the association previously reported dead.

Led by IFMGA mountain guide Mingma G. Sherpa, the rescue team climbed the mountain hoping to find survivors, according to the association. The team conducted an extensive search before suspending the operation.

NNMGA said it would continue monitoring snow and mountain conditions. Recovery efforts will resume when the area is considered safe.

The eight-member volunteer team included Mingma G. Sherpa, Pasang Kaji Sherpa, Pimba Tenzing Bhote, Ashish Gurung, Tsering Pemba Sherpa, Bikram Karki, Dandu Sherpa and Pasang Rinzi Sherpa. All were identified as IFMGA mountain guides.

According to the association, the guides participated voluntarily and without payment, placing themselves at risk during the search and recovery mission.

NNMGA thanked Imagine Nepal and Himalayan Holidays for supporting and coordinating the operation. It also credited Prabhu Helicopter and Heli Kailash for aviation assistance.

The association recognized Nepal Police personnel in Chame, Manang, for local support and coordination. It said other rescuers, guides, helicopter crews, authorities and individuals also assisted but may not appear in its current list or photographs.

Earlier NNMGA reports said 16 people from several expedition companies were missing after the avalanche, including 14 kitchen workers and two climbing guides. The two guides were subsequently found dead, while the search continued for the kitchen staff.

A rescue team reached the accident area by helicopter, but deep snow, severe weather and unreliable communications complicated efforts to determine who was safe and who remained missing.

NNMGA offered condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.