Two foreign climbers die on Ama Dablam; four trekkers die along the route
French and South Korean climbers perish in separate incidents on Ama Dablam as four others die of altitude-related illnesses during Nepal’s peak autumn trekking season.
Two foreign climbers have died in separate incidents on Mount Ama Dablam (6,812m) in the Khumbu region this autumn season, authorities said.
According to the Department of Tourism, Hugo Lucio Colonia Lazaro, a French national, fell ill after successfully summiting the peak on October 22. He was airlifted from Camp III and taken to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu, where he died the following day. The expedition was organized by Himalaya Vision Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
In a separate incident, Hong Khy Park, a South Korean climber with the 8K International Ama Dablam Expedition 2025 Autumn organized by 8K Expedition, died between Camp I and Camp II on October 25 while ascending the mountain.
The Department said it is coordinating with relevant authorities to repatriate the bodies of both climbers.
Ama Dablam, located in Nepal’s Khumbu region, is one of the country’s most iconic yet technically demanding peaks. It attracts experienced mountaineers from around the world, particularly during the busy autumn climbing season.
Meanwhile, at least four trekkers have died from altitude-related illnesses this week along various trekking routes across the Himalayas, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
Three deaths were reported in Manang and one in Kaski on Saturday.
In Manang, Ram Thapa Magar, 44, of Narpabhumi Rural Municipality, died of altitude sickness while returning from Phu village.
Similarly, Dil Bahadur Gurung also died after falling ill from altitude sickness while carrying a heavy load for tourists.
Another porter, Samba Ghale, also died in Yakkharka, Narpabhumi-4, due to altitude sickness while returning from carrying supplies for trekkers.
In Kaski, Surajman Shrestha of Kathmandu died in Annapurna Rural Municipality-11 after falling ill from altitude sickness. He was staying at the View Point Hotel when he passed away.
Separately, a Spanish trekker who became ill while returning from the Kanchenjunga Base Camp was rescued by helicopter and flown to Kathmandu for treatment.
Nepali porters transport supplies for tourists across remote trekking routes. However, many lack proper gear and awareness of the risks they face. Often underdressed and wearing flip-flops even on snow-covered trails, they endure harsh conditions with little access to nutritious food or even warm water. As a result, they are vulnerable to hypothermia and altitude sickness—conditions that too often go unnoticed and uncared for.
