A spokesman for Nepal's tourism ministry said that some missing climbers had been rescued, but more are still missing.
The avalanche occurred at around 6:45 am at an altitude of about 5,800 metres in an area known as the “popcorn field” which lies on the route into the treacherous Khumbu icefall.
The local guides had climbed up the slope early in the morning to fix ropes for climbers and prepare the route for mountaineers when the avalanche hit, officials said.
Himalayan Rescue Association in association with Nepal Army, Armed Police Force personnel and mountain guides carried out the rescue operation at the site, Nepal Trekking Association said.
