Search ends for French climbers

Mountain guide Stefan Cieslar, one of the missing men

France has called off a search for four French climbers missing in Nepal.

The French government said conditions were too dangerous at this time of year to continue looking for the men.

The team set off in mid-October to climb the 19,340-foot (5896-metre)-high Mount Paldor, a trekking peak about 80km (50 miles) north of Kathmandu.

They were reported missing last week after failing to meet friends. Rescuers say the men, from the town of Grenoble, may have been hit by an avalanche.

Jean-Baptiste Moreau, Raphael Perrissin, Vincent Villedieu and Stefan Cieslar are all described as experienced climbers.

"A powerful avalanche... means there is no hope of finding the climbers quickly at this time of year and at that altitude," the French ministry of defence statement said.

A spokesman said that in view of the weather nothing more could be done before spring, the AFP news agency reported.

Six special Alpine troops sent to help look for them will now head back to France.