Avalanche in Dolakha’s Rolwaling Region Leaves 8 Tourists Missing, 3 Dead, and 4 Injured
Dolakha, Nepal A devastating avalanche in Rolwaling region of Dolakha district has left eight tourists missing, three confirmed dead, and four others injured, according to local authorities. The incident occurred near Yalung Ri Peak (5,630 meters) on Monday morning, marking one of the most serious mountaineering disasters in Nepal this season.
Yalung Ri Avalanche Nepal: How the Tragedy Happened
The Dolakha avalanche 2025 struck around 8 AM while a group of 15 climbers including both Nepali and foreign mountaineers—was attempting to scale Yalung Ri in the Rolwaling Valley.
Officials say the climbers were hit by a sudden Himalayan avalanche triggered by recent heavy snowfall and unstable ice layers at high altitude.
According to DSP Gyan Kumar Mahato, Chief of Dolakha Police, “The avalanche occurred unexpectedly while the group was ascending Yalung Ri. Rescue teams are currently mobilized to locate those missing.”
Rescue Efforts Underway in the Rolwaling Valley
Authorities immediately began a large-scale rescue operation in Dolakha, involving the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police. However, harsh weather conditions and poor visibility have made helicopter access extremely difficult in the Rolwaling Valley avalanche zone.
Helicopters from Heli Everest have been granted special permission to fly in the restricted Rolwaling area, but strong winds and low clouds have delayed the mission. Local guides and climbers from Na Village are assisting ground rescue teams in the search for survivors.
Missing Climbers in Nepal’s Dolakha Avalanche 2025
The 15-member team was divided into smaller groups, with one group reportedly preparing to climb Dolma Khang (6,000 meters) after completing their Yalung Ri expedition. Locals said the group included two foreign climbers and several Nepali guides.
So far, the identities of the missing climbers in Nepal have not been made public, as authorities are still contacting families and expedition companies for verification.
Local Response and Rescue Delays
Residents of Na Village—one of the closest settlements to the avalanche site—reported hearing about the incident around 10 AM. They immediately contacted local authorities and helicopter operators. However, due to legal and permit delays, rescue flights were unable to take off for several hours.
“By the time the helicopter was cleared to fly, the weather had worsened. The terrain and snowfall have made it very hard for rescuers,” a local climber told Explore All About Nepal.
Rolwaling Valley: A Beautiful but Dangerous Destination
The Rolwaling region lies between the Everest and Langtang ranges, known for its pristine natural beauty and spiritual heritage. The valley is home to peaks like Yalung Ri, Gaurishankar, and Dolma Khang, attracting experienced climbers seeking solitude away from crowded trails.
However, this region is also one of Nepal’s most avalanche-prone zones. The combination of steep slopes, heavy snow, and unpredictable weather makes mountaineering in Rolwaling Valley extremely challenging, especially during late autumn.
Authorities Urge Caution After Avalanche in Rolwaling Region
After the Yalung Ri avalanche Nepal, authorities have warned climbers and trekkers to avoid high-altitude routes in Dolakha until weather conditions stabilize. The District Administration Office Dolakha has set up an emergency coordination center to manage rescue logistics and weather monitoring.
The government and local rescue agencies continue to monitor the situation closely. Officials say the search for missing climbers in Dolakha avalanche 2025 will continue as soon as weather allows.
The avalanche in Rolwaling region serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by climbers in Nepal’s Himalayas. Rescue operations remain ongoing amid extreme weather and remote conditions. Further updates are expected as soon as authorities release official statements regarding the identities of the missing and deceased climbers.
