The trekkers are reported to be among an eight-strong team making their way to the summit of Nanda Devi, the second highest peak in India. The path the group were planning on taking was hit by a “heavy” avalanche, according to mountaineers. British guide Martin Moran is leading the team which includes American climbers and at least one Australian national and an Indian guide. 

Australia’s ABC news contacted Mr Moran’s wife but she reportedly declined to comment. 

Mr Moran, 59, originally from Sheffield, land his group departed from Munsiyari on May 13 with the aim of scaling the 7,816 metre  peak in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. 

They failed to return to base camp on May 31. 

Moran Mountain, the company he runs, leads expeditions both in the UK and abroad.

The last update posted on the firm’s Facebook page on May 22 read: “The Nanda Devi team has reached their second base camp at 4870m, their home for the next week.

“After a recce of the route they will be making a summit attempt on an unclimbed peak at 6477m. In the words of Royal Robbins: ‘A first ascent is a creation in the same sense as is a painting or a song’. We wish them all the very best of luck and an incredible climb.”

Sydney woman Ruth McCance, who is in her 40s, is reportedly one of the missing eight climbers. 

The Australian department of foreign affairs and trade said it was providing assistance to the family but declined to give any more details. 

A statement released said: “‘The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that may be among a group of trekkers missing in the Nanda Devi area of India.

“Due to privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further information.”

A rescue team which includes police, medical personnel and the State Disaster Response Fund was sent out after people at the camp told the district administration the group of eight were missing, according to NDTV.

The missing trekkers were originally part of a group of 12 but four decided to backtrack. 

This is a breaking news story and is being updated.

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