Sherpa Guide’s Incredible Survival Story on Mount Everest

A Sherpa guide found alive after nearly a week on Mount Everest has amazed rescuers with his extraordinary survival. Dawa Sherpa, 52, vanished around May 29 while descending the peak, sparking fears of his death. Despite lacking food, water, and supplemental oxygen, he managed to survive the harsh conditions of the world’s highest mountain.

Dawa had been guiding a Polish climber, who safely returned to base camp, when he disappeared. Search efforts began after he failed to rejoin his client, leading to the assumption that he had died on the mountain.

A cleanup crew from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee discovered Dawa Sherpa crawling through the hazardous Khumbu Icefall on Thursday morning, just above base camp.

Rescuers carried Dawa to safety, provided food and water, and transported him by helicopter to a Kathmandu hospital. There, he reunited with his wife and daughter, who had begun funeral rites due to the belief that he was lost.

Upon hearing of the rescue, his teenage daughter, Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, expressed disbelief but joy once they received confirmation through photos. His wife, Damu Sherpa, said the family learned of his survival through news and calls from friends.

Dawa, still wearing his climbing jacket, is receiving treatment for frostbite and other complications. He is conscious and has recognized his family members.

The Nepal Mount Everest hiking company highlighted his miraculous survival. Despite the removal of fixed ladders from Khumbu Icefall, Dawa navigated the area alone without essentials for nearly a week.

There are still questions about how Dawa was separated from his client and why rescue efforts were delayed. Helicopters were sent out but did not locate him initially.

Dawa’s rescue came at the end of a busy Everest climbing season, marked by a record number of permits issued by Nepal. While over 1,000 climbers and guides reached the summit, five climbers and guides lost their lives during the season.