Missing Everest trekker Dawa Sherpa found alive after seven days

Kathmandu – Dawa Sherpa, a 57-year-old from Okhaldhunga, who was missing for seven days in the treacherous Khumbu Icefall region of Everest, has been found alive.

Rescuers have described his ordeal amidst the darkness of snow, lack of oxygen, and extreme cold as an ‘incredible survival journey’.

On Chaitra 13, he had set off towards the Everest region from Ramhiti, Kathmandu, through the ‘Himalayan Travels Adventure’ company. Dawa Sherpa, working as a cook, had ascended towards the mountains.

According to his family, he was last seen between Camp 1 and Camp 2. However, he suddenly lost contact while heading towards Camp 4.

Dawa’s wife, Damu Sherpa, stated that the company failed to provide clear information in the initial days. They were told he was seen around Camp 3 or Camp 4, but the actual situation was not clearly communicated to the family. The family alleges that no formal report of his disappearance was given for more than three days.

Meanwhile, Dawa faced some of the toughest moments of his life in the harsh terrain of the mountains. He crawled his way to Camp 3, where he found some food to eat. While descending, he took shelter in a crevice overnight.

The next morning, a team of six engaged in cleaning the Khumbu Icefall area found him. He was spotted crawling in the snow near the Camp One Point area close to the Everest Base Camp. The team immediately rescued him and took him to a safe location.

After the rescue, he was airlifted to Kathmandu and admitted to HAMS Hospital. According to doctors, his condition is stable, but he has severe frostbite on his hands and feet. Special treatment with warm water is ongoing to restore sensitivity.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism is preparing to investigate the incident of his disappearance during the Everest expedition. The incident has once again raised questions about the safety and management of workers in the mountainous regions.

Photo: Nepal Photo Library