Alive on Everest: Dawa Sherpa Found Six Days After Disappearance

A Nepali Sherpa guide, missing for nearly a week on Mount Everest, was discovered alive by a cleaning crew and rescued to the astonishment of his family, who had already begun funeral rites.

Discovery and Rescue

Dawa Sherpa, 52, was found on Thursday morning by a cleaning crew from the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee near the Khumbu Icefall, just above base camp. The crew spotted him crawling toward camp on snowy slopes and quickly carried him to safety. He was provided with food and water before being transported by rescue helicopter to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu.

According to reports, he is conscious and has sustained some frostbite.

Disappearance and Search

Dawa Sherpa was guiding a Polish climber for Himalayan Traverse, a Kathmandu-based expedition company. He was last seen at the Yellow Band above Camp 3 (approximately 7,200 meters) while descending on May 29.

While his client reached base camp safely, Dawa Sherpa did not. Search efforts were initially delayed, and helicopter searches were unable to locate him.

Family Reunion

Dawa Sherpa's wife, Damu Sherpa, and daughter, Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, were at the hospital upon his arrival. Both reported that the family had already begun funeral rituals before learning of his survival.

Damu Sherpa stated that she first heard the news from local news reports and a phone call. Mendo Lhamu Sherpa said the family requested photos to confirm his identity before feeling certain of the rescue.

Season Context

May 2026 was the busiest climbing season on record for Mount Everest, with over 1,000 climbers and guides. Reports indicate at least five other deaths occurred on the mountain during that season. The season started late due to a large ice block on the route above base camp.