Five Russian mountaineers lost their lives during an expedition on Mount Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh highest peak, according to reports from a Kathmandu-based expedition organizer. The climbers, who were tackling the 8,167-meter (26,788-foot) mountain, were reported missing on Sunday. Their bodies were discovered by a rescue helicopter on Tuesday.
Pemba Jangbu Sherpa from I AM Trekking and Expeditions confirmed that the recovery of the bodies remains uncertain due to the complexities involved, including the need for extensive planning, manpower, and specialized equipment to retrieve them from such a high-altitude location.
Of the five climbers, two had successfully reached the summit, while the others turned back before completing the ascent. Communication was lost with the base camp team after the climbers began their descent.
The autumn climbing season in Nepal, which is less popular than spring, started last month. This season offers fewer crowds and lower permit fees, attracting a smaller number of climbers.
A record number of climbers are gathered in Tibet to pursue the goal of summiting all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters (26,250 feet).