In what rescuers are calling a miraculous survival story, a veteran Sherpa guide who disappeared on Mount Everest was found alive nearly a week later after enduring some of the world’s harshest conditions. His family had already begun funeral rituals, believing he had died on the mountain, when they received the unexpected news that he had been rescued.
Missing Sherpa Found Alive on Mount Everest
Dawa Sherpa, a 52-year-old mountain guide, was discovered alive on Mount Everest after being missing for almost a week.
According to rescuers, he was found crawling through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall, one of the most challenging sections of the mountain, located above Everest Base Camp.
The discovery stunned both rescue teams and his family, who had already assumed the worst after days without contact.
His survival under such extreme conditions has been described as extraordinary.
Disappearance During Everest Descent
Dawa reportedly went missing around May 29 while descending Mount Everest.
He had been guiding a climber from Poland and reportedly turned back before reaching the summit.
While the climber safely returned to base camp, Dawa never arrived, raising immediate concerns about his safety.
Given the dangers associated with high-altitude climbing, many feared he had died somewhere on the mountain.
Rescue Team Makes Remarkable Discovery
The breakthrough came when a cleanup crew working for the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee spotted Dawa in the Khumbu Icefall.
Rescuers found him alive but in extremely poor condition.
According to reports, he was crawling toward base camp when he was discovered.
The Khumbu Icefall is known for its unstable ice formations, deep crevasses, and constantly shifting terrain, making survival there especially difficult.
The fact that Dawa managed to stay alive in such an environment for several days amazed experienced climbers and rescue personnel.
Emergency Rescue and Medical Treatment
After locating him, rescuers immediately transported Dawa to safety.
He was provided with food and water before being evacuated by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu.
Medical teams began treating him for frostbite and other complications caused by prolonged exposure to the harsh mountain environment.
Family members reported that despite his injuries, he remained conscious and was able to communicate with them.
Doctors continue monitoring his recovery.
Family Had Already Begun Funeral Rituals
The emotional impact of the rescue was particularly significant for Dawa’s family.
His daughter, Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, revealed that relatives had already begun traditional funeral ceremonies after concluding that he had died.
The family initially struggled to believe reports that he had been found alive.
According to his daughter, they requested photographs before accepting the news.
Only after seeing images of Dawa did they realise that the rescue reports were genuine.
The confirmation transformed what had been a period of mourning into a moment of celebration.
Wife and Daughter Awaited His Arrival
Dawa’s wife, Damu Sherpa, said the family first learned about the rescue through local news reports and phone calls from friends.
The family then travelled to meet him as he was brought to Kathmandu for treatment.
His daughter later confirmed that he recognised her and was able to speak.
The reunion provided an emotional ending to days of uncertainty and grief.
Survival Called a Miracle
Officials from Nepal Mount Everest hiking company described Dawa’s survival as nothing short of miraculous.
According to the company, he spent nearly a week alone without food, water, or supplemental oxygen.
The challenge was made even greater because the fixed ladders used to cross sections of the Khumbu Icefall had reportedly already been removed for the season.
Surviving under such conditions is considered exceptionally rare, even among experienced climbers and guides.
Many in the mountaineering community have described the rescue as one of the most remarkable Everest survival stories in recent years.
Questions Remain About Disappearance
Although Dawa has been rescued, several questions remain unanswered.
Authorities have not yet explained how he became separated from his client during the descent.
It also remains unclear why rescue efforts did not locate him sooner after he was reported missing.
Helicopters were reportedly deployed during the search but failed to spot him.
Investigators and climbing officials may continue examining the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Record-Breaking Everest Season
Dawa’s rescue occurred at the conclusion of a historic climbing season on Mount Everest.
Nepal issued a record 494 climbing permits this year, leading to more than 1,000 climbers and guides reaching the summit.
Despite the successful season for many climbers, officials reported several fatalities on the mountain.
The incident serves as another reminder of the dangers that continue to exist on the world’s highest peak, even for highly experienced guides.
