KATHMANDU, APRIL 12
The search operation for two Sherpa guides who went missing in an avalanche on Mt Annapurna has been officially suspended after four days of intensive efforts. The climbers-Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje-are now presumed dead.
The avalanche struck on April 7 at around 12 PM Nepal time, above Camp II (approx. 5,600 metres), as the team was ferrying oxygen cylinders in preparation for a summit push. Ngima and Rima were swept away, while fellow climber Pemba Thenduk narrowly survived and immediately began searching for them. He was later joined by four other Sherpas-Nawang Thindu, Nima Wangdak, Lakpa Temba, and Mingtemba.
Despite relentless efforts involving two helicopters and ground teams, no trace of the missing climbers has been found. Aerial support was deployed immediately, with Captain Sobit Gauchan flying search missions until nightfall on the first day, the Seven Summit Treks said. Additional helicopter sorties and ground searches continued over the next three days. However, treacherous conditions and disrupted routes between Camp II and Camp III severely hampered rescue operations.
"It is no longer possible for anyone to survive this long under the mass of snow and ice," Seven Summit Treks said in a statement, adding that continuing the search posed further risk to other Sherpas and team members. "With a heavy heart, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the search and bid farewell."
Ngima Tashi was a veteran mountaineer and pioneer who led numerous rope-fixing missions on high-altitude peaks. He had 18 successful ascents of 8,000-metre mountains, including seven summits of Mt Everest. In November 2024, he and fellow climber Fura Tshiring made the first ascent of Yasa Thak (6,141m), a newly opened peak in Solukhumbu.
Rima Rinje, also an accomplished guide, had completed seven 8,000-metre expeditions, including four ascents of Everest. He was committed to advancing his guiding career through further training and was considered a rising talent in the mountaineering community.
Both climbers were full-time members of Seven Summit Treks. Describing the loss as immeasurable, the company said, "Their strength, skill, and spirit were an integral part of our team, and their loss is immeasurable."
"We carry them with us in every step we take forward," the company added, while extending its deepest condolences to the families of the two climbers.
