Brief: Sherpa Guide Rescued on Everest After Days Missing
A Sherpa guide who had been presumed dead after vanishing on Mount Everest was found alive, crawling toward base camp nearly a week later. This incredible survival story has been described as “nothing short of a miracle.”
Dawa Sherpa, 52, lost contact around May 29 while descending the mountain with a Polish climber. The climber arrived safely, but Dawa did not, leading to concerns for his life.
On Thursday morning, a cleanup team from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee spotted him navigating the dangerous Khumbu Icefall, located just above base camp. Rescuers quickly provided him with food and water before airlifting him to a hospital in Kathmandu, where his family awaited.
At that point, his loved ones had began funeral preparations. His teenage daughter, Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, shared that they learned of his rescue through news reports. Initially uncertain, they requested photos to confirm it was indeed their father. “We were very happy when we found out,” she said.
His wife, Damu Sherpa, also expressed relief after receiving calls from friends and local news stating that Dawa was alive.
Dawa was discovered still wearing his climbing gear and is currently receiving treatment for frostbite and other complications. However, he remains conscious and able to communicate. His daughter noted, “He recognized me and is doing well. We are happy.”
The Nepali mountaineering community has praised Dawa’s survival skills, noting that he managed to endure alone without food, water, or supplemental oxygen in the harsh conditions of Everest.
As for how Dawa became separated from his climber or why the search was delayed, those details remain unclear. His rescue coincided with a particularly busy climbing season on Everest, where over 1,000 climbers successfully reached the peak, despite five reported fatalities among climbers and guides.
This remarkable story continues to capture attention, showcasing both human resilience and the challenges posed by the world’s highest mountain.
