Sherpa deaths confirmed on Annapurna
The Seven Summit Treks team have confirmed the deaths of missing Sherpa’s Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje.
“With profound sadness, we share the heartbreaking news that, after days of relentless search efforts, we have not been able to locate our Sherpa Guides Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje, who went missing in an avalanche on Annapurna.
“Despite every effort we made, deploying 2 search helicopters, assisted by 5 Sherpas from the immediate moment of the disaster, it has been 4 days, yet we have not found any trace of either of the two men. It is no longer possible for anyone to survive this long under the mass of snow and ice and prolonging search efforts on the slopes of Annapurna mean we are risking the lives of other Sherpas and members too. Thus, with a heavy heart, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the search and bid farewell to Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje. We have lost two of our finest Sherpa Guides. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.
“On 7 April, 2025, at around 12 PM Nepal time, a massive avalanche swept down from above Camp II (+5,600 meters) while our team was ferrying oxygen cylinders in preparation for the summit push. Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje were caught in the avalanche. Pemba Thenduk, who was also swept, managed to hold his ground and immediately began searching for them. He was soon joined by Nawang Thindu, Nima Wangdak, Lakpa Temba, and Mingtemba. Despite the tireless efforts of these five brave Sherpas, there was no sign of the missing men.
“Both Ngima and Rima were experienced climbers and had recently completed an acclimatization climb of Chulu West in preparation for this expedition.
Aerial support was mobilized immediately. Captain Sobit Gauchan flew search missions until nightfall on the first day, and additional helicopters and ground teams continued searching in the following days. The avalanche had severely disrupted the route between Camp II and Camp III, making recovery efforts extremely difficult.
“Both Ngima and Rima were excellent climbing guides and were working full time with Seven Summit Treks.
“Ngima, a pioneer who led many rope fixing missions on big mountains, had climbed 18 8000-meter mountains including Everest 7 times and multiple 7000- and 6000-meter mountains.
“Recently, on November 27, Ngima Tashi with Fura Tshiring had made the first ascent of Yasa Thak (6141 m), a newly opened peak in Solukhumbu. Ngima was overwhelmed with joy on his very own first ascent of a Himalayan Mountain – a feat he was proud of and so were we.
“Rima Rinje too was an experienced climber / guide. He had made altogether 7 successful 8000er expeditions with Everest 4 times. Rima was well aware of the trainings and skill development courses that he wanted to take to eventually climb up the ranks of guiding. Rima was an asset to us.
“The climbing community has lost two of the finest climbers/guides. We extend our deepes condolences to the families of Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje. Their strength, skill, and spirit wer an integral part of our team, and their loss is immeasurable.
“We carry them with us in every step we take forward.”
