How did the C.I.A. lose a nuclear device in the Himalayas?
The American government still refuses to acknowledge that anything ever happened.
From The Times
December 19, 2025

Buried beneath the rock and ice of the Himalayas, in one of the most remote places on earth, lies a sensational chapter of the Cold War, and it’s not over yet.

A U.S. plan to spy on China from the Himalayas ended with the abandoning of a nuclear device that contained nearly a third of the total amount of plutonium used in the Nagasaki bomb.

Article Image

The New York Times

It hasn’t been seen since. →

Your daily guide to understanding what’s happening — and why it matters. Hosted by Katrin Bennhold, for readers around the world.

Sign up for the World newsletter.

Your daily guide to understanding what’s happening — and why it matters. Hosted by Katrin Bennhold, for readers around the world.

Get it in your inbox

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this message because you signed up for updates from The New York Times.

To stop receiving From The Times, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

LiveIntent LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018