Australian Climber Dies Descending Nepal's Himlung Himal

Chin Tark Chan, a 49-year-old Australian mountaineer, died after falling ill during his ascent of the 7,126-meter Himlung Himal in Nepal's Annapurna range. Despite efforts by sherpa guides and attempts at helicopter evacuation, harsh weather conditions and high altitude prevented successful rescue and retrieval of his body. Chan's family has launched a fundraiser to support Nepal's sherpa communities and high-altitude rescue teams, recognizing the risks sherpas face and their limited support. The expedition company, 8K Expeditions, confirmed his death and noted he had chosen to climb with fewer sherpas than recommended. Nepali authorities grounded helicopter flights following an unrelated crash, further complicating rescue efforts. Chan's body remains on the mountain, with plans to bring it down and return it to his family once conditions allow.