Avalanche in Nepal Kills 15 Workers Preparing a Himalayan Mountain Camp

At least 15 Nepali workers have died after an avalanche buried a mountain camp on Mount Himlung in central Nepal, one of the deadliest incidents of the country’s autumn climbing season.

The avalanche struck the base camp on Sunday as Nepali workers were preparing the site for foreign climbers expected to arrive for the autumn mountaineering season.

Mount Himlung rises to 7,126 meters (23,380 feet) in Nepal’s Manang district, near the country’s northern border. The mountain is a popular destination for climbers attempting high-altitude expeditions in the Himalayas.

Rescuers spent several days searching through heavy snow after the avalanche buried tents and equipment at the base camp. On Thursday, rescue teams recovered eight additional bodies, bringing the confirmed death toll to 15.

One worker remained missing as rescue operations were temporarily suspended because of continuing hazards on the mountain. Officials said further efforts could resume if weather and mountain conditions become safer.

The people killed or missing were Nepali nationals working at the camp. They were preparing tents, fixing ropes and carrying out other work needed before foreign climbing teams arrived.

Experienced mountain guides led the recovery operation, digging through more than four meters of snow in some areas. Ten other people who had been part of the group were located and rescued earlier.

The foreign climbers had not yet arrived at the base camp when the avalanche struck, meaning the disaster primarily affected the Nepali workers preparing the expedition site.

Nepal’s mountain tourism industry provides employment for thousands of people, including guides, porters, cooks and other support workers. These workers often operate in difficult and dangerous conditions while supporting international climbing expeditions.

The avalanche occurred during a period of severe weather in Nepal. Heavy rain and other extreme conditions have recently caused additional floods and landslides in parts of the country.

For families waiting in Kathmandu, the recovery operation has brought the difficult task of identifying and bringing home the victims. Authorities and rescue teams continue to monitor the mountain as they assess whether conditions will allow the search for the remaining missing worker to resume.

Sources

• Associated Press — October 2, 2026.
• Reuters — October 1, 2026.
• Al Jazeera — October 2, 2026.