MOUNT EVEREST — Dawa Sherpa, a 52-year-old climbing guide, disappeared on Mount Everest on May 29 while descending the mountain. He was found alive six days later by a cleaning crew near the Khumbu Icefall.
A search operation began after he failed to arrive at base camp. 8K Expeditions coordinated the search efforts, and rescue helicopters were deployed but could not locate him. A cleaning crew from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee discovered him on Thursday morning, crawling down snowy slopes. This committee installs climbing routes each season and removes equipment afterward.
Rescuers provided him with food and water and carried him to safety. A medical helicopter then transported him to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu. He sustained frostbite on his hands but was conscious and stable upon his arrival at the hospital.
His wife, Damu Sherpa, and teenage daughter, Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, had begun multi-day funeral rituals before learning he survived. "We first heard that he was still alive on the local news and from a person we know who called with the news that he is being brought down." Damu Sherpa said. His daughter said, "When we first heard about the rescue, we could not be sure if that person was indeed our father. So to be certain, we asked for photos to be sent and then only we were sure and very happy."
He works for Himalayan Traverse, a guiding company based in Kathmandu. He was guiding a Polish climber, who reached base camp safely before his disappearance. He was last seen near the Yellow Band, which is an area located above Camp 3. He originates from the town of Okhaldhunga, located south of the mountain.
More than 1,000 climbers and guides summited the mountain in May. At least five individuals have died on Mount Everest during the current season. The climbing season started later than usual because a large ice formation near base camp required two weeks to clear. Base camp on Mount Everest is situated at an elevation of 5,300 meters.
Pemba Sherpa, executive director of 8K Expeditions, commented on the survival. "As far as I know, no one has survived alone at that altitude on Everest so far. This is a miracle to have survived for six days alone and descended safe. I think he must have lived inside the tents to keep himself safe." Pemba said.