Austrian climber dies on Ama Dablam

Martin Hornegger, 64, who began his descent on Saturday morning after summiting the peak, was found dead at the base of the mountain in the evening

Apr 28, 2025 | Everest Chronicle

An Austrian climber has died on Mount Ama Dablam (6,812 meters) while descending after a successful summit, Nepalese officials confirmed on Saturday.

Martin Hornegger, 64, went missing during his descent on Saturday morning after reaching the summit. According to a statement from the Department of Tourism, rescuers found his body at the foot of the peak around 4:40 p.m.

His body has been transported to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for a post-mortem examination. The Department, in coordination with his outfitter, Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition, is arranging for his body to be repatriated to Austria.

Ama Dablam, often referred to as one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalayas, is known for its challenging, technical route that requires climbers to navigate snow, ice, and rock.

As of April 21, the Department of Tourism had issued 80 climbing permits for Ama Dablam for the spring season.

Related Articles

For Sherpas, by Sherpas

A pair of Sherpa entrepreneurs have introduced affordable high-quality technical gear into the Nepali market.

Dec 07, 2021 | Everest Chronicle

Thanks to COVID, Confusion Reigns around Extension of Everest Permits

Last spring, many expedition organizers and climbers cancelled their expeditions due to rampant COVID-19 infections at Everest Base Camp, nearly all of whom want to climb again. But Nepal’s Department of Tourism is giving mixed messages around the possibility of extending unused climbing permits.

Jan 22, 2022 | Everest Chronicle

Kami Rita Eyes 26th Ascent of Mount Everest

Kami Rita Sherpa, the legendary guide who has summited Mount Everest more than any other human in recorded history, is planning to climb the world’s highest peak one more time. Sherpa, who first climbed Everest in 1994, was planning to summit the peak twice last year. He later aborted his second attempt after reaching Camp III due to bad dreams. This year, he will be guiding a team of American climbers.

Feb 02, 2022 | Everest Chronicle

Jost Kobusch just doesn’t care 

The ambitious German mountaineer speaks to Everest Chronicle about his second attempt to climb Everest solo, in winter, and without supplemental oxygen.

Feb 07, 2022 | Dewan Rai

When a summit isn’t actually a summit, but still somehow is

Mingma G’s bold and public ascent to the true summit of Manaslu should have ended the debate over the mountain’s highest point entirely. But instead, it seems to have brought up more questions than answers.

Feb 11, 2022 | Dewan Rai

Bad weather delays Cho Oyu winter ascent 

Gelje Sherpa’s team is now considering a second push to the summit of Cho Oyu after strong winds and deteriorating weather conditions ended their summit bid. Another team led by Mingma Dorchi and Pioneer Adventure is at their base camp waiting for a weather window.

Feb 21, 2022 | Everest Chronicle

Everest expedition operators fear another chaotic year

With the ongoing covid pandemic, travel restrictions to China, and continued global uncertainty, Nepal’s expedition operators are facing another difficult year.

Feb 24, 2022 | Dewan Rai