KATHMANDU: The body of a Korean climber who went missing on Mera Peak has been recovered, while his Nepali mountain guide has been rescued safely, officials confirmed on Monday.

According to Tulsi Singh Gurung, President of the Nepal National Mountain Guides Association (NNMGA), the incident occurred on Saturday when 46-year-old Korean climber and Nepali Sherpa guide Temba Sherpa went missing due to deteriorating weather conditions in the Mera Peak area of Solukhumbu district.

A search and rescue team, led by IFMGA-certified mountain guides Riten Tashi Sherpa and Ashish Gurung, was deployed from Kathmandu on Sunday with the coordination of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The team successfully completed the mission on Monday, recovering the climber’s body and rescuing the Nepali guide from around 5,800 meters, Gurung said.

Preliminary reports suggest that the Korean climber succumbed to hypothermia after being trapped in snow during the descent following their summit attempt.“We have recovered the Korean climber’s body and safely rescued the Nepali guide,” Gurung said. “It appears that the climber passed away due to prolonged exposure to extreme cold.”

Both Riten Tashi Sherpa and Ashish Gurung are experienced international mountain guides, specially assigned by NNMGA for the professional rescue mission.

Standing at 6,476 meters, Mera Peak is Nepal’s highest trekking peak and one of the country’s most popular climbing destinations. Although not technically difficult, it poses significant challenges due to altitude and weather. The summit offers panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, attracting hundreds of climbers each year.

In a statement, NNMGA extended its gratitude to the entire search and rescue team for their “dedication, professionalism, and swift response” in completing the operation.