Australian Mountaineer Dies on Himlung Himal Near Summit After Illness
Experienced climber Chin Tark Chan fell ill at around 6,800 metres and died during descent on 7,100-metre Himlung Himal in Nepal
An Australian man has died while attempting to climb the 7,100-metre-high Himlung Himal in Nepal’s remote Nar-Phu region, near the Tibetan border.
The climber, identified as Chin Tark Chan, 44, had been reported ill on Monday at approximately 6,800 metres above sea level and succumbed on Wednesday during his descent from about 6,500 metres.
According to his evacuation provider, he showed symptoms likely consistent with snow-blindness and mobility loss.
A helicopter rescue was deemed unsafe at his altitude due to Nepali aviation limits and adverse weather conditions.
Sherpas from the expedition firm 8K Expeditions carried him to a lower camp where he was found to have frostbite on his fingers and toes.
Despite efforts, further descent or evacuation proved impossible and he died before a safe window opened.
Chan was climbing with a group of nine climbers and ten sherpas under the management of the expedition company.
The managing director of 8K Expeditions noted that Chan had previously attempted the peak and had undertaken seven to eight climbs in Nepal before.
He had chosen to climb with one sherpa despite advice to take two.
The remote nature of Himlung Himal, soaring over the Tara-River gorge and considered a serious endeavour for seasoned mountaineers, adds to the risk.
Nepali authorities’ temporary grounding of helicopters after an unrelated crash further complicated rescue efforts.
The Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed consular assistance is being provided to Chan’s family and extended its deepest condolences.
Efforts to recover his body remain suspended due to poor weather.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched in Chan’s memory to support the sherpa community and high-altitude rescue teams who helped during his final expedition.
The climber, identified as Chin Tark Chan, 44, had been reported ill on Monday at approximately 6,800 metres above sea level and succumbed on Wednesday during his descent from about 6,500 metres.
According to his evacuation provider, he showed symptoms likely consistent with snow-blindness and mobility loss.
A helicopter rescue was deemed unsafe at his altitude due to Nepali aviation limits and adverse weather conditions.
Sherpas from the expedition firm 8K Expeditions carried him to a lower camp where he was found to have frostbite on his fingers and toes.
Despite efforts, further descent or evacuation proved impossible and he died before a safe window opened.
Chan was climbing with a group of nine climbers and ten sherpas under the management of the expedition company.
The managing director of 8K Expeditions noted that Chan had previously attempted the peak and had undertaken seven to eight climbs in Nepal before.
He had chosen to climb with one sherpa despite advice to take two.
The remote nature of Himlung Himal, soaring over the Tara-River gorge and considered a serious endeavour for seasoned mountaineers, adds to the risk.
Nepali authorities’ temporary grounding of helicopters after an unrelated crash further complicated rescue efforts.
The Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed consular assistance is being provided to Chan’s family and extended its deepest condolences.
Efforts to recover his body remain suspended due to poor weather.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched in Chan’s memory to support the sherpa community and high-altitude rescue teams who helped during his final expedition.
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