A climber has died in her partner’s arms after a horror avalanche struck high on one of the world’s tallest mountains in Nepal.

Shelley Johannesen was descending from the summit of Mount Makalu — the world’s fifth-highest mountain — when disaster struck on Monday.

The 53-year-old, from Oregon in the US, was climbing with partner Dave Ashley and two Nepali guides when the avalanche tore through the mountain about 7315m above sea level.

“I am heartbroken to share that my beloved Shelley Johannesen passed away in the early morning hours on Nepal’s Mount Makalu on Monday,” Mr Ashley wrote in a social media statement.

“She died in my arms high on the mountain due to injuries sustained from an avalanche.”

Ms Johannesen, who co-founded US adventure company Dash Adventures, had only just reached the summit before beginning her descent.

According to reports in The Kathmandu Post, medics attempted to save the mother of three at the scene but she died from her injuries on the mountain.

Her body was flown to a hospital in Kathmandu.

Friends and fellow climbers paid tribute to the experienced mountaineer, who described herself as a high-altitude climber and adventurer.

“Shelley was not just an incredible person, but lived her life with no limits and chased her passions around the world,” Mr Ashley said.