An American climber died after being caught in an avalanche while descending Makalu, police said on Tuesday.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Kumar Prasad Mainali of the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha, 53-year-old Shelley Johannesen sustained critical injuries after an avalanche struck between Camp II and Camp III of Makalu at an altitude of around 7,200 metres. Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain on Earth, with a summit at an elevation of 8,485 metres.

Police said she died at around 8am on Monday while undergoing treatment at the site.

Information about the incident was received by the District Police Office on Monday afternoon through Roshan Silwal, an employee of Seven Summit Treks.

Police said the incident site lies in an extremely remote area, making it impossible for a police team to reach immediately. 

The District Police Office said further details about the incident are being collected.