Five bodies of Russian climbers yet to be retrieved from Dhaulagiri

MYAGDI: The bodies of five climbers who died during an expedition to Dhaulagiri peak are yet to be retrieved.

The bodies of climbers from Russia have remained at an altitude of 7,100 meters, making recovery efforts challenging due to adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain, according to Bharat Shrestha, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office in Myagdi.

The site is challenging for helicopter landings and cannot be reached on foot, which has hindered efforts to collect the bodies. Attempts to retrieve them by helicopter were unsuccessful on Wednesday (October 9), Thursday, and Friday.  The visibility issue caused by thick fog on Sunday prevented any aerial recovery attempts, he added.

The climbers had spent a night at the base camp before their ascent. They lost contact with authorities at 11 am on October 7 while at an altitude of 7,600 meters on the peak, which stands at 8,167 meters. They were confirmed dead on October 9.  The expedition was organized by IAM Trekking & Expedition for a total of 14 climbers, but nine decided to cancel their trip midway.

Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest peak in the world and is located in Dhaulagiri Municipality-14. According to the Department of Tourism, only 14 climbers received permits to attempt the ascent during the autumn season.