A Sherpa guide missing for nearly a week on Mount Everest has been found alive in dramatic circumstances after being discovered crawling near the Khumbu Icefall, close to Everest Base Camp.
The 52-year-old guide, identified as Dawa Sherpa, disappeared on May 29 while descending from the summit with a Polish climber. While his client safely returned to base camp, Dawa failed to arrive, sparking urgent concerns over his condition in the world’s most extreme environment.
He was eventually located by a cleaning team from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, which was operating in the area as part of seasonal mountain cleanup efforts. The team found him weak and exhausted, slowly moving across icy terrain just above base camp.
Rescuers immediately provided emergency aid, including food and water, before he was airlifted by helicopter to Kathmandu’s HAMS Hospital for further treatment. He is reported to be suffering from frostbite and severe exhaustion after surviving days in harsh high-altitude conditions.
The guide’s family, who had begun mourning rituals after losing contact, were later informed of his survival, leading to emotional reunions following confirmation of his rescue, according to news agencies.
Earlier search efforts, including helicopter operations, were unable to locate him during the week he was missing. Officials have not yet clarified why a full ground search was delayed.
The incident comes during a busy Everest climbing season, when hundreds of climbers and guides are attempting summit bids before routes become unsafe later in the year.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on how Dawa Sherpa survived alone in the extreme conditions or why he was separated from his client during descent.
