KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 23
The bodies of two Japanese climbers who went missing while attempting Gangapurna in Manang have been found at around 6,300 metres on the mountain's southern side, ending a five-day aerial search.
The bodies of Hidesuke Taneishi and Tetsu Hashimoto were located on Friday morning, according to the rescue team. They will be airlifted to Kathmandu, it has been reported.
The climbers went missing on October 15 while attempting the 7,455-metre peak in alpine style with a Nepali guide acting as a base camp staff. They had arranged the expedition through Kathmandu-based Cosmo Adventure. Police said contact with the climbers was lost at around 7,050 metres, and the guide informed the company on October 16.
An aerial search began on October 19, involving Altitude Air Senior Captain Sobit Gauchan, climber Pasang Rinzee Sherpa and drone pilot Manish Maharjan. The team searched around Manang village over several days without finding the climbers.
On October 21, the team found the climbers' bags and trekking poles in the Machhapuchhre Base Camp area of Kaski and returned to search the area. The operation was coordinated with the Japanese Embassy and the climbers' families, according to Cosmo Adventure chairman Vijay Sharma.