"When the storms started, we started to worry and I thought I was going to die," says one of the Isaeli trekkers, now being treated in Kathmandu military hospital for frost bite to his hands and feet, sustained after a night in temperatures of minus 20 degrees with no guide.
Three Israelis were among at least 20 people killed and another 12 Israelis were injured on Tuesday and Wednesday when heavy snowstorms and avalanches swept across the area of central Nepal popular with tourists from all over the world.
The trekker said the group of 20 tourists from all over the world continued along the route until one of the guides said that the bad weather and the snow had covered the path markers and that they had to go immediately Muktinath, at the foot of the Thorung La pass.
"It was clear to everyone that if we did not reach shelter, we would all die together," he said. "We went with the local guide and at 8pm he left the group and abandoned us all alone and helpless."
After the group realised that they were all alone, they spent the night in sub-zero temperatures and strong winds until they were eventually rescued.
"We are trying to find the guide," he adding that he hoped the injured would recover quickly.
Also among the injured Israelis is Linor Kajan, 22, who is also being treated for frost bite at the Kathmandu hospital.
Shmuel Kajan, Linor's father, told Ynet that his daughter was suffering from frost bite to her feet after 24 hours stranded outside. "It is very hard for them to walk," he said. "My daughter is traumatized from what she saw there, from the evacuation of the injured to the removal of the many bodies." He said the weather had caught them totally unawares.
Kajan said that he had spoken to his daughter twice since she had arrived at the Kathmandu hospital. He said Linor and her companions had been caught up in an avalanche.
"When the storm started, the group split into two. They decided not to go up the mountain, which saved the lives of my daughter and her friend," he said.