KATHMANDU, AUGUST 9 The bodies of three foreign climbers and two Nepali guides who went missing in an avalanche on Yalung Ri in Dolakha nine months ago have been recovered, bringing an end to a long search for the five climbers. A recovery team led by Phurba Tenzing Sherpa retrieved all five bodies from an altitude of around 5,400 metres (17,800ft) on Yalung Ri in the Rolwaling region on Sunday morning. The recovery came after the team waited for three days in the region for a break in the weather. A brief window of favourable conditions finally allowed the helicopter team to reach the site and collect the remains. According to Phurba Tenzing, managing director of Dreamers Destination Treks, the team finally got the break they needed after three days, allowing them to recover all five bodies during a brief spell of good weather. The recovery was reportedly carried out using a Heli Everest helicopter piloted by captains Priya Adhikari and Pastenji Sherpa, with Phurba Tenzing and local rescuer Baburam Thakuri also involved in the operation. The recovered bodies would be airlifted to Kathmandu once weather conditions permit, it has been reported. The five climbers were among seven members of an expedition who were swept away by a massive avalanche while ascending Yalung Ri (5,630m) on November 3, 2025. The missing climbers were Italian-Canadian Marco Di Marcello, Italian Markus Kirchler, German Jakob Schreiber, and Nepali guides Padam Tamang and Mere Karki. The bodies of Italian climber Paolo Cocco and French national Christian Andre Manfredi had been recovered on November 5, two days after the avalanche. The search for the remaining five was suspended after hardened snow made excavation impossible. The operation resumed after melting ice exposed the remains at around 5,000 metres, which were spotted by local workers earlier this week. The recovery of all five bodies now brings closure to the families after months of uncertainty.