KATHMANDU: Seven climbers, including five foreigners and two Nepalis, were killed after an avalanche struck near the base camp of Yalung Ri Mountain in Rolwaling, Gaurishankar Rural Municipality-9, Dolakha, on Monday morning.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato, a team of 15 — comprising foreign climbers and Nepali guides — was hit by the avalanche around 9 a.m. while heading toward Yalung Ri, part of the Gaurishankar and Rolwaling mountain range.

The condition of several climbers remains unknown.

Police confirmed that the deceased include three Americans, one Canadian, one Italian, and two Nepalis.

Four climbers are still missing, while four others sustained injuries.

The avalanche struck as the expedition team was preparing to summit the 5,630-meter Yalung Ri peak.

Survivors said the snow mass swept across the route with devastating force, leaving them buried or separated from their teammates within seconds.

Ward Chairperson Nimgeli Sherpa said rescue efforts were delayed despite repeated calls to authorities early in the morning.

He added that permission issues for flying helicopters in the restricted Rolwaling region further slowed the response.

Security agencies, including the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, have been mobilized for search and rescue operations.

A helicopter was dispatched but could not reach the site due to adverse weather conditions, police said.

According to one of the injured climbers, the group had originally planned to climb Dolma Khang (6,334 meters) after summiting Yalung Ri.

The team had spent the night in Na village before proceeding toward Yalung base camp.

DSP Mahato said the avalanche report reached authorities late, which caused additional delays in rescue deployment.

“We are continuing the search under challenging terrain and weather,” he added.