Missing Everest Guide Found Alive After 6 Days
"A miracle." That is how the mountaineering community is describing the survival of Dawa Sherpa, a guide who was found alive on June 4 after being missing for nearly a week on Mount Everest.
Kathmandu, Nepal – Dawa Sherpa, a 52-year-old guide for Himalayan Traverse, was found alive on Thursday, June 4, 2024, after being missing since May 29. He was discovered crawling down the snowy slopes by a cleaning crew and has been transported to a hospital in Kathmandu.
Timeline and Location
His disappearance began during an unsuccessful summit attempt with a Polish climber. While the client reached base camp, Dawa Sherpa did not.
- Last Seen: May 29, descending the mountain.
- Last Known Location: The Yellow Band, above Camp 3, at an altitude of approximately 7,200 meters.
- Found: The morning of June 4, by a cleaning crew from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee.
- Location of Rescue: The Khumbu Icefall, just above base camp (5,300 meters).
- His Condition Upon Discovery: He was crawling down the snowy slopes, alive but severely weakened.
Rescue and Medical Status
The cleaning crew provided Dawa Sherpa with food and water before he was evacuated by a rescue helicopter.
He survived the six-day ordeal without food, water, or supplemental oxygen.
He was flown to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu for treatment. Medical officials report that he is conscious and has sustained frostbite. His daughter confirmed that he is speaking and recognized her. He is currently being treated for frostbite and other complications.
Family and Community Response
Initially, Dawa Sherpa’s wife, Damu Sherpa, and their daughter, Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, had begun funeral rituals, believing him to be deceased.
The family first learned of his survival through local news and a phone call. They requested photographs for confirmation before fully accepting the news.
Ang Tshering Sherpa, a prominent figure in the mountaineering community, attributed Dawa Sherpa’s survival to his conditioning as a Sherpa, calling the event a "miracle."
Climbing Season Context
This incident occurred during what has been reported as the busiest climbing season on record for Mount Everest.
- More than 1,000 climbers and guides were on the mountain in May.
- The season saw a late start due to a large ice block on the route above base camp.
- At least five individuals have died on the mountain this season in separate incidents.