Fifteen people, including foreign climbers and Nepali guides, have remained out of contact after an avalanche struck near the base camp of Yalung Ri Himal in the Rolwaling region on Monday morning.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato said that the group, which included both Nepali and foreign mountaineers attempting Dolma Khang, was at the area hit by the avalanche at around 9 am. Their condition remains unknown.

Local residents from Na Gaun said that although authorities were requested for immediate rescue early in the morning, the response has been delayed. They attributed the delay to the area being a restricted zone for helicopter flights, which required special administrative clearance.

Police said that search and rescue operations are underway. Helicopters have been dispatched to the avalanche site to locate the missing climbers and guides.

Authorities have yet to confirm the nationalities of the missing foreign climbers.