Langtang Lirung, with prayer flags in the foreground.

One of the world’s best known climbers has died on a Himalayan mountain.

Rescuers on Langtan Lirung reported today they had found the body of Slovenian Tomaž Humar on the 7,227m (23,710ft) peak. He had been in difficulties since he fell and broke his leg five days ago at about at 6,300m (20,669ft).

The celebrated mountaineer was on a solo climb.

The morning after his fall, 10 November, a helicopter with four Nepalese sherpas with rescue equipment were sent to his base camp. An aerial search was initially made but the team was unable to spot the climber.

The team returned to base camp.

The cover of Bernadette McDonald’s biography of the climber

Satellite phone contact was made with him that day, but a source at his base camp said he sounded very weak and said: “This is my last”.

His body was recovered early today after being spotted by a Swiss three-man rescue team. They are now attempting to bring his remains back to Kathmandu.

Ang Tshering Sherpa, chairman of Asian Trekking, said: “Asian Trekking is deeply grieved to hear about the untimely demise of our dear friend and a great climber.

“We pray for the eternal soul to rest in peace. Our heartful condolences to all his family and friends.”

In 2005, Mr Humar was rescued from the Rupal face of Nanga Parbat, the tale of which was told in Bernadette McDonald’s biography of the climber.

The father of two was 40.