Nepali Everest climber found alive six days after going missing

TIBET: A Nepali climbing guide who went missing on Mount Everest for six days and was feared dead has been found alive in a dramatic survival story after managing to crawl his way back toward base camp in extremely harsh conditions.

According to officials, 50-year-old climber Dawa Sherpa, known as “Hilary,” went missing on May 30 in the upper reaches of the world’s highest peak. As days passed without any trace of him, hopes of finding him alive faded, and his family began mourning his presumed death.

However, on Thursday morning, a team from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee spotted him crawling down near Everest Base Camp. He was immediately rescued and airlifted by helicopter to Kathmandu for medical treatment.

Officials and rescue teams said Dawa Sherpa is conscious and under treatment in the intensive care unit of HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu. Doctors confirmed that he is suffering from severe cold exposure, frostbite, and dehydration, though his condition is now stable.

His daughter, Mendo Lhamu, said she could hardly believe the news when she received a call informing her that her father had been found alive. She added that the family broke down in tears of relief after receiving confirmation from rescue workers.

Former British Royal Marine and climber Chris Thrall, who was with Dawa Sherpa during the expedition, said they had successfully reached the summit together on May 29. However, while descending through the dangerous “death zone” the next day, Dawa Sherpa became exhausted and stopped after placing his backpack on the ground.

Thrall said Dawa smiled and indicated he would continue on his own. Shortly after, Thrall stopped to assist a Polish climber who was struggling after running out of oxygen, and in the process became separated from Dawa Sherpa.

Due to severe weather conditions, a descent that normally takes around two hours stretched into an 11-hour struggle, during which Dawa Sherpa went missing.

Nepali authorities said low climber traffic near the end of the season made search efforts difficult. However, they credited Dawa Sherpa’s experience, strength, and determination for helping him survive and eventually make his way back.

At least five climbers have died during attempts to summit Mount Everest in the current climbing season.