A Nepali Sherpa guide, Dawa Sherpa, was found alive on June 4, 2026, after six days missing on Mount Everest. The 52-year-old, known as 'Hillary,' was discovered crawling near Base Camp by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), a team responsible for route maintenance and cleanup. He was last seen on May 30 descending from the summit with a Polish climber but did not reach Base Camp. His family had begun funeral rituals, believing he was dead.
Dawa Sherpa was airlifted to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu, where doctors treated him for frostbite, cold injuries, and trauma. He is conscious and undergoing further evaluation. His wife, Damu Sherpa, expressed relief, stating they had given up hope. His daughter, Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, confirmed he recognized her during a hospital visit.
The rescue was described as a 'miracle' by the mountaineering community. Pemba Sherpa of 8K Expeditions, which coordinated the search, noted that Dawa survived by eating biscuits and ice after losing his gear. The delay in organizing a search team was not explained, but helicopters initially failed to locate him.
This season, five climbers have died on Everest, including three Nepalis involved in preparations. Over 1,000 climbers reached the summit, making it the busiest season on record.