Every year, climbers in Nepal's high peaks face the risk of getting lost or stranded, where every moment counts in search and rescue operations. To address this, the Government of Nepal now mandates the use of tracking devices for all climbers in peaks above 6,000 meters. While battery-powered options like GPS trackers and transceivers are the primary options for searchability, their reliability can falter in extreme conditions. Thus, Nepal Himalaya can use a backup passive SAR technology that works without batteries. Among these, RECCO's innovative reflectors stands out, adding an extra layer of backup safety in expeditions and transforming how SAR operations are conducted in Nepal Himalaya. Here's what you need to know about this game-changing technology and its role in mountaineering safety.
Understanding RECCO: the Technology
Developed by Magnus Granhed (Swede) in response to his personal avalanche experience in 1973, RECCO officially came into existence 10 years later as an avalanche rescue system. RECCO's system is based on harmonic radar technology (a tracking system that uses radio waves and special passive tags to detect and locate objects) and consists of two main components:
- A passive reflector, which requires no batteries or activation, is light and costs low, practically lasting a lifetime if not damaged
- An active detector, either handheld or helicopter-mounted operated by mountain rescue teams
Detection Range:
- The SAR helicopter detector scans 1 km² in approximately 6 minutes, searching from a height of 100 meters above and using a 100-meter-wide search corridor.
- The R9, developed in 2009 is a groundbreaking piece of technology that weighs just 1 KG and can be carried by professional rescuers to locate the victim.
- 20 meters through packed snow,
- 30 meters through avalanche debris,
RECCO recommends carrying 2 pieces of reflectors on the front and hind part of the body for optimal reflection performance. However, it works with a single reflector too when applied as per the application instruction.
Global Tech, now in Nepal
The RECCO system is currently used by over 900 ski resorts and rescue teams in 32 countries. It's also integrated in outdoor gears from 150+ brands, making it a standard in alpine rescue. Products like jackets, backpacks, helmets, boots, and harnesses are now being designed with built-in RECCO reflectors, which has started in Nepal as well. Nepal has become the latest addition to this global SAR ecosystem. For a country housing 8 of the world's 14 highest peaks, with expeditions conducted every year all over Nepal, the timing couldn't be more significant.
As of 2025 Spring, 13 RECCO detectors are deployed in Nepal covering the major areas of trekking and mountaineering, including, Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, along with a RECCO helicopter base stationed in Kathmandu.
Why it Matters in Nepal?
Avalanches, crevasse falls, and climbers getting lost continue to pose major threats on Nepal's mountaineering. With climbing traffic increasing and environmental risks worsening, early detection and rapid search capability can save lives. In high-altitude emergencies, time is critical, and RECCO's wide-area and, battery-free technology is designed to operate with zero to minimal maintenance. With every minute stretched, the chance of survival thins. This is also the reason that the mountain expeditions in Nepal have to use an advanced SAR technology to make the most of every minute.
In response to increasing fatalities, the Government of Nepal has now mandated SAR gear for expeditions above 6,000 meters starting from the spring of 2024. RECCO reflectors are among the solutions that meet this regulatory requirement.
Deployment and Training in Nepal
Nepal's adoption of RECCO began long before this official integration. Since 2012, handheld RECCO detectors have been used by SAR units in select operations. In 2017, Bruno Jelk, a renowned head of Swiss rescue, initiated a RECCO training in Kathmandu with Simrik Air with both helicopters and R9 detectors. More recently, in January 2025, a large-scale RECCO SAR training took place in Kathmandu and Annapurna.
Participants included:
- 3 helicopter pilots from Simrik Air
- 6 certified mountain guides from the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA)
- Led by Bruno Jelk, Matthias Hofer, and Tshering Pande Bhote (Nepalese IFMGA Guide)
Currently, 10 handheld detectors are positioned across partner organizations in Nepal including NNMGA, NMIA, Simrik Air, Seven Summit Treks, Heli Everest, Adventure 6000, Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition, and others.
Where can you get a RECCO Reflector in Nepal?
For individuals preparing to climb or, clothing outfitters who are seeking to integrate the RECCO reflector to their products, RECCO products are easily accessible at:
| Location | Availability |
| NNMGA Office, Naxal | Official distributor of reflectors |
| NMIA, Naxal | Integrated into training programs and expedition gear |
| Everest Outfit, Thamel | Gear with built-in reflectors and standalone units |
| The North Face Shop, Kathmandu | Gear with built-in reflectors and standalone units |
| Seven Summit Treks, Kapan | Contact Point for products or RECCO related information |
In the end
RECCO is not a replacement to more active forms of SAR devices like transceivers or live GPS tracking but is a backup safety tool. A transceiver makes a climber/skier searchable to their companions while the RECCO reflectors makes a person searchable to rescue professionals and the helicopter SAR team. In case a transceiver or a GPS live tracker fails due to battery or other issues (physical damage), the RECCO reflectors serve as the ultimate resort in locating a missing person. Considering the nature of Himalayan mountains, the biggest perk of this technology is its power/maintenance-less design.
In 2022, a climbing Sherpa got caught in an avalanche between Camp I and II in Manaslu. Immediate efforts were taken to find him deploying SAR helicopter with R9-equipped search party and about 5 hours later, his body was found. He didn't survive the avalanche but his body was recovered.
The official establishment of RECCO SAR technology places Nepal's mountaineering ecosystem on par with some of the best SAR systems in the world. With trained teams, spread out detectors, mandatory regulation, and retail availability, mountaineering in Nepal could witness a safer practice amidst growing numbers.
But the long-term impact will depend on how consistently climbers, agencies, and authorities adopt this mindset of preparedness. RECCO is not a gadget-it's a shift in the rescue paradigm: from hoping to find, to being searchable.
