KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 31

At least three French alpinists who we’re reportedly attempting to climb a 6,000-metre peak in the Mt Everest region have gone missing in an avalanche since yesterday, sources at the Khumbu region said.

A rescue mission conducted by a team of Kailash helicopter led by senior captain Claudio spotted their tents and climbing material near Minbo La glacier below Mt Amadablam this morning, sources said.

“It seems that they we’re attempting climb Minbo Ider without obtaining permit from the government or Nepal Mountaineering Association,” a source at the Department of Tourism confirmed, saying that they had no connection with Nepali agencies.

The incident was reported only after French pilot Claudio received a call from their families for a search mission, sources added. “The rescue team also spotted a huge avalanche above 6,000 m where their tents and climbing gears were perished.” The details are yet to come. Search mission is still underway.