Avalanche Toll on Manaslu: A Glimpse into a Deadlier Autumn Season

The snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas have claimed two more lives, bringing the death toll to four this autumn season on Mount Manaslu. An Indian-origin climber and his Nepalese guide were found buried in their tent at Camp 3, highlighting the unpredictable fury of nature that even seasoned mountaineers can face.

Worsening weather conditions have become increasingly common on Manaslu this autumn. Climbers had been warned of an impending spell of bad weather, but some teams pressed on with their summit attempts anyway. Dhrubajyoti Guha and Fursemba Sherpa’s decision to continue ultimately proved fatal.

Autumn has become a particularly deadly season in the Himalayas, with conditions that can shift from calm to catastrophic in hours. The region’s unstable weather patterns have been exacerbated by climate change, making it difficult for climbers to assess risks. This is evident in the 24 reported mountaineering fatalities across the Himalayas and Karakoram this year.

The deaths on Manaslu are part of a larger trend: this autumn season has seen at least four fatalities on Mount Manaslu alone, with over 480 foreign climbers and more than 500 Nepali guides and support staff descending upon the mountain. While some teams had begun ascending in anticipation of favorable weather from Monday, meteorologists warned of another spell of bad weather around Wednesday.

Guha, a seasoned ultra-endurance trail runner with nine Everest summits under his belt, and Sherpa, an NMA-registered guide from Nepal’s Makalu region, were both experienced climbers. Their expertise could not save them from the avalanche that swept through Camp 3, serving as a stark reminder of nature’s power.

The incident highlights the importance of respecting nature’s unpredictability and the need for climbers to be vigilant in assessing risks. In an era where social media often trivializes mountaineering feats, it is essential to acknowledge the risks involved and the sacrifices made by those who venture into the high mountains.

The rescue efforts, led by Makalu Adventure’s Mohan Lamsal, demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of Nepalese guides in responding to emergencies. However, the fact that rescuers could not bring the bodies down due to continuing snowfall and avalanche risk underscores the challenges faced by climbers and support staff during this autumn season.

The increasing number of fatalities in the Himalayas and Karakoram raises questions about the sustainability of mountaineering tourism in these regions. While climbing has become a significant contributor to local economies, the risks involved cannot be ignored. The 2026 autumn season on Manaslu serves as a warning: the mountains are becoming increasingly treacherous due to climate change.

Climbers and support staff must adapt to these changing conditions or risk facing more devastating losses in the future. In the aftermath of this tragedy, it is crucial for climbers, guide associations, and expedition organizers to re-evaluate their strategies and protocols. The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) should work closely with local authorities and international partners to implement measures that prioritize climber safety and mitigate the risks associated with mountaineering in these regions.

The mountains will always be a siren’s call for adventurers, but it is our responsibility as climbers, writers, and observers to sound the alarm when nature’s fury claims lives. The Manaslu avalanche serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human existence in the face of an unforgiving environment.