An experienced Sherpa guide, Dawa Sherpa, 52, was rescued after being missing for six days on Mount Everest. He survived for approximately a week without food, water, or supplemental oxygen and is being treated for frostbite. The climbing season saw over 1,000 summits due to China closing the northern route.
Mount Everest experienced its busiest climbing season to date, with more than 1,000 individuals successfully reaching the 8,849-meter summit. This increase in activity on the Nepal side of the mountain is attributed to China's decision to close the northern route through Tibet for climbing expeditions. The Nepal route thus became the primary access point for climbers this season. In a separate incident, an experienced Sherpa guide, Dawa Sherpa, 52, was rescued after being missing for approximately a week without food or oxygen. He vanished on May 29 and was found by a cleaning team near the Khumbu Icefall. He is currently receiving treatment for frostbite and other complications. Five climbers and guides died on Everest this season. Dawa Sherpa was returning with a Polish climber after failing to reach the summit when he went missing between Camp III and Camp IV. Chris Thrall, a climber, recounted his last sighting of Dawa Sherpa, who was spotted alive by a cleaning crew as he slid slowly down the mountain.
The rescue highlights the extreme risks faced by climbers and guides on Mount Everest, particularly during peak seasons with high traffic. It also underscores the challenges of survival in extreme environments and the importance of rescue efforts.