Dawa Sherpa was left abandoned near the upper reaches of Mount Everest on May 29-30, 2026. He survived by crawling toward Everest Base Camp over six days before being found on the morning of June 4 by a Nepali team working on waste cleanup and route setting [1, 2].
He was immediately airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment at HAMS Hospital, where he is receiving care for frostbite, dehydration, and a fractured thigh bone [1, 2]. Doctors reported on June 5 that his condition is stable and improving. "He can speak slowly. Family members met him. He's now out of danger," said Nishan Shrestha, the hospital manager [2].
Dawa Sherpa's exact age is reported as either 52 or 57 years old, depending on the source [1, 2]. He was initially hired by Himalayan Traverse as a guide for a British climber, but his permit was shared with another operator, 8K Expeditions [2]. The latter company conducted an aerial search on June 3 that failed to locate him before his discovery the next day [2].
Dawa's wife, Damu Sherpa, said, "I do not remember how this week went – we thought he was no more, and had already begun his last rites." She demanded an independent probe into alleged rescue delays and negligence by the expedition companies responsible. "There should be some investigation against the company – they delayed search and rescue for him," she said [1]. She added, "What would happen if he had died there in the mountains? We want justice." [2]
Karma Gyalje Sherpa, an Everest guide and relative, called his survival "a miracle," noting the harsh environment and lack of food over six days [1].
Dawa Sherpa’s survival highlights serious questions about rescue operations on Everest. The next significant update will come as investigations into the circumstances and rescue efforts progress.
