Missing Sherpa Guide Found Alive on Mount Everest After Six Days
Dawa Sherpa, an experienced guide feared dead after disappearing near the mountain's 'death zone,' completed a rare self-rescue to reach Base Camp.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links and update notes are below.
Fast summary
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- Dawa Sherpa was found crawling down toward Base Camp six days after being last seen above 7,500 meters.
- The 52-year-old guide is currently being treated in a Kathmandu intensive care unit for frostbite and is reported to be conscious.
- Expedition officials are calling the survival a 'miracle,' as solo survival at that altitude for nearly a week is unprecedented.
What happened
Dawa Sherpa, a veteran Nepali climbing guide who vanished last week on Mount Everest, has been found alive. He was spotted by a cleaning crew on Thursday as he was slowly sliding and crawling through the Khumbu Icefall toward Base Camp. Sherpa had been missing for six days after last being seen above Camp 3, an altitude of approximately 7,500 meters (24,600 feet), during his descent from the summit.
What's new in this update
Following his discovery, Sherpa was airlifted from the mountain and transported to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu. Dr. Nishant Dhakal of the hospital's intensive care unit confirmed that Sherpa is awake and speaking. His daughter, Mhendo Lhamo Sherpa, reported that he recognized her and is able to communicate, a significant development after his family had already performed last rite prayers for his soul.
Key details
Pemba Sherpa, executive director of 8K Expeditions, described the event as a 'true self-rescue.' While the guide has frostbite on his hands, he appeared to be in relatively good health despite the thin air and extreme exposure. Officials believe he may have survived the sub-zero temperatures by seeking shelter inside abandoned tents left at various campsites during the descent.
Background and context
The incident occurred during Everest's busiest season on record, with more than 1,000 people reaching the summit. The 2024 season has been marked by challenging conditions; climber Chris Thrall noted that a typical five-day summit push took his group 11 days. So far this year, five people have died on the mountain, including three Nepalis involved in mountain preparations.
What to watch next
Sherpa remains under observation in the ICU as medical staff treat his frostbite and evaluate the long-term effects of prolonged high-altitude exposure. His recovery comes amid internal criticism from some relatives regarding the initial pace of the search efforts, which may prompt further discussion on rescue protocols for local guides.
Why it matters
The survival of a climber after six days alone at extreme altitude is statistically improbable and highlights the physical resilience of Sherpa guides during the mountain's busiest recorded season.
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