Experts witness climate toll Himalayas from mountain flight

Nepali and international experts observed a rapid retreat of snow cover on some of the world’s highest peaks.

KATHMANDU – Nepali and international experts observed a rapid retreat of snow cover on some of the world’s highest peaks during an aerial survey over Mount Everest and other Himalayan mountains on Sunday, in a flight aimed at highlighting the visible impacts of climate change.

The mountain flight, conducted on the final day of the Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025, was led by Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri. The group included 24 foreign delegates and Nepali climate experts.

After observing the mountains, Minister for Forests and Environment Shahi said the direct impact of climate change was visible on the Himalayas.

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“In the past, wherever you looked, you would see snow-covered mountains. But now, black rocky hills have started to appear. The mountains that once looked completely white now appear as black peaks,” he said. “This mountain flight has shown the direct impact of climate change on the Himalayas. Foreign experts and guests, too, observed it first hand.”

The team flew past several major Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Ama Dablam, Gaurishankar, Makalu and Langtang. Experts on board noted that glaciers appeared diminished and snowlines had retreated.

Here are some photographs the Post’s photojournalist Angad Dhakal captured from the mountain flight.