Article content

Tour guides caught in the fierce snow storm that struck a Himalayan trekking route in Nepal last week died because they were so poorly equipped, rescue leaders and government officials said Monday.

Capt Adhikari, who led Nepalese army rescue efforts, helping more than 70 hikers to safety and recovering the bodies of 25, said local victims had been wearing casual clothes, including flip flops or sneakers.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Flip flops and $16 a day for a Himalayan trek: Guides died because they were so poorly equipped, Nepal says Back to video

Half of the dead were Nepali porters, guides and cooks, many of whom did not have any warm weatherproof coats or boots to protect them, he added. His comments came as the rescue team recovered the 40th victim of the blizzard and warned that some of the dead may not be recovered from the snow until next spring.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or

More than 500 trekkers and guides — including 300 foreigners — have been rescued since the blizzards struck.

Tour operators charge up to $3,250 for a three-week trek around the Annapurna circuit, but Capt Adhikari said “they’re not spending it on the porters.” Some carry equipment weighing up to 90 lbs. and earn as little as $16 a day.