An Indian-German climber and a Nepali mountaineer have tragically lost their lives in an avalanche on Mount Manaslu in Nepal. The incident occurred as hundreds of mountaineers, including two Kenyan climbers, are attempting to summit the world’s eighth-highest peak. According to officials, the climbers who perished were Dhruba Jyoti Guha, an Indian-German national, and Fursemba Sherpa, a seasoned Nepali mountaineer. The avalanche struck at Camp III, a critical staging point for climbers aiming to reach the summit, after the two had moved up from Camp II the previous evening in preparation for an early summit attempt.
This tragic event has heightened concerns about the challenging conditions on Mount Manaslu, where heavy snowfall has already disrupted climbing activities during Nepal’s Autumn 2026 climbing season. The mountain, standing at 8,163 metres above sea level, is a popular destination for climbers from around the globe, drawn by the allure of conquering one of the world's highest peaks. However, the mountain is notorious for its unpredictable weather and treacherous terrain, which can quickly turn deadly.
Among those waiting for a safer weather window are Kenyan mountaineers Swabra Swaleh Breik and Daniel Moenga. The two have successfully completed their acclimatisation rotation, a crucial process that helps climbers adjust to the high altitude and prepare for the final ascent. They were poised for their summit push when heavy snowfall forced a pause in climbing activities. Like many others on the mountain, they are now in a holding pattern, awaiting improved weather conditions to safely continue their ascent.
The deaths at Camp III serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude climbing. Avalanches, extreme cold, and rapidly changing weather conditions are constant threats that climbers must navigate as they ascend the upper sections of Manaslu. The focus now shifts to monitoring weather conditions closely to ensure the safety of all climbers still on the mountain, including the two Kenyans who remain hopeful for an opportunity to make their final summit attempt.
As the climbing community mourns the loss of Guha and Sherpa, attention remains on the safety protocols and weather forecasts that will determine when climbers can safely resume their quest to conquer Mount Manaslu.
