KATHMANDU: Henry B Todd, a veteran British mountain outfitter, has died at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in Kathmandu.

According to sources, Todd died of a stroke today at around 12:00 noon at HAMS Hospital. The Edinburgh-based expeditioner had undergone a successful heart surgery at HAMS on October 28. He was admitted at HAMS on October 27.

Todd organized over 70 major expeditions, including 45 to peaks above 8,000 meters.

Todd first joined an Everest expedition in 1989 and had visited Nepal almost every year since. The Scotsman attempted to climb Mt. Everest via the West Ridge in 1989 and successfully summited other major peaks, including Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. He also attempted Annapurna in 1988.

Throughout his career, Todd climbed with legendary figures such as Jerzy Kukuczka, Anatoli Boukreev, and Scott Fisher among others. Through his UK-based company - Ice8000, his most notable first Everest expedition was in the spring of 1995, when eight team members reached the summit via the North Ridge. In Everest climbing, Todd was often referred to as “the mayor of Base Camp,” or “the governor.” A Canadian magazine once termed him “the Toddfather.”

The 6-foot-3-inch tall Todd considered Nepal his second home. “Nepal will not forget his contributions to Himalayan mountaineering, and his legacy will remain forever,” said Iswari Paudel, Managing Director of Himalayan Guides Nepal Treks and Expeditions, also Todd’s longtime business partner.

Paudel confirmed that Todd’s family and the British Embassy in Kathmandu have been informed of his passing, and final rites are being planned.

Meanwhile, Todd's family has announced his death, saying: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of my dad Henry Todd, aged 80, on 2 November 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal.It has been a shock to all. Henry (or the Toddfather) was a remarkable mountain guide, a loving father and grandfather and a dear friend to many. His larger than life personality and aura intrigued many. He had the most incredible life and had experiences most of us can not imagine, from surviving plane crashes, avalanches and earthquakes which made him almost seem indestructible. Throughout his life, he changed countless lives and helped make the dreams of others come true. His spirit and dedication to the mountains and the people around him will never be forgotten. A memorial to celebrate Henry’s life is being planned for the beginning of next year. Details will be shared at a later date. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him."