May 27, 2023: A well-known climber from Germany has been reported missing on Mt Kanchenjunga, located in eastern Nepal, according to sources. Luis Stitzinger, the expedition leader of German operator Amical Alpin, has been out of contact since May 25, after successfully scaling the world’s third-highest peak without using supplemental oxygen. The absence of any communication has raised concerns among the mountaineering community.

Thaneswar Guragai, General Manager at Expedition organizing company, confirmed that a search mission has been launched to locate the missing alpinist. Luis was last spotted descending at approximately 8,500 meters. The search operation aims to cover the area where he was last seen.

On May 25, Luis Stitzinger, accompanied by Adrian Laza, Vadim Pirmin Druelle, Vibeke Andrea Sefland, He Jing, Waldemar Kowalewski, Flower Waganku Wayta, Pemba Sherpa, Nuri Sherpa, Chhepal Sherpa, Chhiring Bhote, and Ang Tenji Sherpa, successfully reached the summit of Mt Kanchenjunga. Their achievement marked a significant milestone for the team.

Luis, born in Füssem in 1968, is an officially certified mountain and ski guide who has had a passion for mountaineering since his childhood. He has been an active figure in Germany’s mountaineering community for many years, successfully conquering numerous peaks without relying on bottled oxygen.

Among his notable achievements, Luis has skied down Gasherbrum II at 8,035 meters, Nanga Parbat at 8,125 meters, Broad Peak at 8,051 meters, K2 at 8,611 meters, Manaslu at 8,163 meters, Shisha Pangma at 8,027 meters, and the north face of Pik Lenin at 7,134 meters.

As the search for Luis Stitzinger intensifies, the mountaineering world eagerly awaits any news of his whereabouts, hoping for a safe return for the experienced climber.

Luis Stitzinger