Australian Mountaineer Dies on Nepal’s Himlung Himal

An Australian climber has died while descending one of Nepal’s highest peaks, the 7,126-metre Himlung Himal in the Annapurna range.

The mountaineer, Chin-Tark Chan, 49, reportedly fell ill during his ascent, according to expedition organiser 8K Expeditions. Guides assisted him in beginning his descent, but he collapsed at around 6,100 metres and could not be revived.

Nepal’s Department of Tourism confirmed that efforts to recover his body have been hampered by heavy snowfall and poor weather conditions. “He collapsed at an altitude of 6,100 metres. Efforts are underway to retrieve the body,” said department spokesperson Himal Gautam.

8K Expeditions Managing Director Lakpa Sherpa said Chan’s family and the Australian embassy in Kathmandu had been informed. The body is expected to be flown to the capital by Sunday before being handed over to relatives.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it is providing consular assistance and extended condolences to Chan’s family. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a DFAT spokesperson said.

Consular support typically involves coordination with local and Australian authorities to assist with funeral arrangements or the repatriation of remains.