A nuclear generator filled with plutonium disappeared atop the Himalayas during a secret, failed CIA mission that is yet to be fully disclosed.

The device was taken to the mountains by a team of American and Indian mountaineers to spy on China, a recent New York Times report revealed. After it was lost, the governments of both countries tried covering it up as fears of environmental safety and radiation risks created panic.

The incident took place in October 1965.

The mountaineers' mission was to carry a monitoring device, which would be powered by a portable nuclear generator, to the top of the Nanda Devi, a highly dangerous and inaccessible peak in the range standing at 25,645 feet.

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