The avalanche occurred at around 6:45 AM at an altitude of about 5,800 metres in an area known as the "popcorn field" which lies on the route into the treacherous Khumbu icefall.
"Seven bodies have been recovered, while five others are buried in the snow at the area," Jeevan Ghimire, Managing Director of the Peace Nepal Treks, was quoted as saying by the Himalayan Times.
"Some Sherpas, ethnic group from the most mountainous region of Nepal, who went to fix ropes and ferry logistics for other climbers are still unaccounted for after the avalanche," he said.
Helicopters have been sent from Kathmandu to the Everest region to assist in the rescue operations.