Full Breakdown
Bodies of Missing Japanese Climbers Recovered on Nepal’s Gangapurna West
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Two Japanese mountaineers, Hidesuke Taneishi and Tetsu Hashimoto, were found dead on the southern flank of Gangapurna West in Nepal’s Manang district after a week-long search. The rescue team located their bodies at roughly 6,300 m, and the remains were air-lifted to Kathmandu for post-mortem examination.
Background & Context
Gangapurna West (7,455 m) lies adjacent to the Annapurna massif and has been open to foreign expeditions since 2014. The Japanese pair were attempting a first ascent in alpine style, organized through Kathmandu-based Cosmo Adventure, which provided local logistics and a Nepali guide.
Timeline
- August 27 – Taneishi and Hashimoto began their expedition from Manang.
- October 10 – The climbers started their ascent.
- October 15 – Contact was lost at approximately 7,050 m.
- October 19 – A three-person rescue team launched aerial and drone searches.
- October 21 – Searchers recovered the climbers’ bags and trekking poles near base camp.
- October 23 – Bodies were recovered on the southern side of the mountain.
Data & Statistics
- Peak elevation: 7,455 m (24,485 ft).
- Location of bodies: reported at 6,210 m and around 6,300 m.
- Distance of fall: roughly 900 m, consistent with a slab avalanche.
- Search duration: four days of combined helicopter and drone operations.
- Team composition: senior pilot Sobit Gauchan (Altitude Air), drone pilot Manish Maharjan, and IFMGA-certified mountain guide Pasang Rinzee Sherpa.
Official Statements & Responses
Pasang Rinzee Sherpa, a rescue-team member, described the operation as “efficient, safe and cheaper” because of drone use launched from a helicopter drop-off point above 5,000 m. He noted the climbers’ last camp was near 7,000 m, with gear indicating they had descended about 100 m below the summit before the incident. Sobit Gauchan coordinated the aerial component and emphasized the experimental nature of the drone-assisted search. Kumar Chhetri, chairman of Cosmo Adventure, confirmed the bodies were recovered and are awaiting family decisions. Vijay Sharma said the effort was conducted in coordination with the Japanese Embassy and the climbers’ families.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact altitude of the bodies: independent reports cite 6,210 m, while Explorersweb, The Himalayan Times, and Manila Times mention “around 6,300 m.” No source provides a definitive measurement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As planned, we began searching from the southern side and located the bodies at 6,210 metres,” — Pasang Rinzee Sherpa
- “They appear to have left their gear at around 7,000 metres, and we have also found some clues suggesting they may have fallen towards the Annapurna side,” — Pasang Rinzee Sherpa
- “The rescue team this morning spotted the bodies at an altitude of around 6,300 meters,” — Kumar Chhetri