German Climber Wolfgang Waschiczek Dies After 1,700-Metre Fall From Nepal’s Ama Dablam

A 57-year-old German climber, Wolfgang Waschiczek, died after falling an estimated 1,500 to 1,700 metres while descending from Nepal’s Mount Ama Dablam, becoming the first reported fatality on the mountain during the 2026 autumn climbing season.

Waschiczek had successfully reached the summit of the 6,812-metre Himalayan peak on October 25 with his guide, Sonam Lama. The two returned to Camp III, situated at around 6,200 metres, that evening and stayed overnight after borrowing sleeping equipment and other gear from fellow climbers.

The climber went missing on the morning of October 26 while preparing to descend. According to expedition officials, Lama briefly left the camp to return borrowed equipment after asking Waschiczek to wait with his safety gear. When the guide returned within minutes, the German climber was missing.

A subsequent search-and-rescue operation involving a helicopter located Waschiczek’s body at approximately 4,500 metres. His remains were recovered and transported to Kathmandu for a post-mortem examination, officials said.

Reports from Nepalese expedition sources indicated that Waschiczek was not wearing his crampons when he disappeared. Fellow climbers reportedly suspected that he might have attempted to descend alone, but the exact circumstances leading to his fall have not been independently established.

Gokul Thapa of Real Himalaya Pvt Ltd, which provided logistical support for the expedition, confirmed the recovery. Reports also identified Snowy Horizon Treks as involved in the expedition arrangements.

Ama Dablam, located in Nepal’s Khumbu region in Solukhumbu district, near Mount Everest, is among the Himalayas’ popular climbing destinations. The mountain is renowned for its dramatic appearance, steep slopes, exposed ridges and technically demanding routes, making the descent particularly challenging.

Nepal’s autumn climbing season, which runs from September to November, attracts mountaineers from across the world. More than 300 climbers had obtained permits to attempt Ama Dablam this season, according to reports citing climbing-permit figures. Local accounts indicated that more than 200 climbers had already reached the summit.

The death comes days after two Japanese climbers were reported dead on Gangapurna West in western Nepal following a period of difficult mountain conditions. Earlier in 2026, several mountaineers also died on peaks in Pakistan, highlighting the continuing risks of high-altitude climbing across the region.