Continuing Yesterday’s Story: The 37-Hour Ordeal to Bring a Body Down from Everest’s Death Zone
After bringing the body down to a point approximately 100 meters above Camp 3, we finally returned to Camp 2. By the time we reached camp, it was around 4:00 a.m. We had dinner and went straight to sleep after an exhausting day of work.
As a result, we spent most of the following day resting in our tent. During the daytime, there was heavy traffic of climbers moving through Camp 3 on their summit attempts, so our team planned to move later in the evening and continue bringing the body down during the night.
The Night Descent
At around 4:00 p.m., we left Camp 2 and headed up to the location where we had left the body. By the time we arrived, the sun had already set. As darkness approached, we switched on our headlamps and resumed the difficult task of carefully lowering the body.
Slowly and cautiously, we moved past Camp 3 and continued toward Crampon Point. The section closer to Crampon Point was particularly dangerous and exposed. A deep crevasse lay below us, and even a small mistake could have resulted in a serious accident. We proceeded with the utmost care throughout the descent.
It was around 2:00 a.m. when we finally reached Crampon Point with the body. From Camp 4, over the summit, and back down to Crampon Point and Camp 2 during this recovery operation, it had taken us approximately 37 hours of continuous work to bring a single body down to a location where a helicopter could safely land.
Working for such an extended period above 8,000 meters had taken a significant toll on our physical condition. After a few days of rest, we resumed our work on the Everest mission.
The Reality of High-Altitude Recovery
Reading, writing, and listening to these stories may seem easy, but carrying out such work at extreme altitude is incredibly difficult. Managing oxygen supplies for every team member, transporting the necessary equipment, and ensuring the safety of the entire operation are major challenges. That is why rescue and recovery missions in these environments are not only difficult but also extremely expensive.
Our team successfully brought the body to a location where a helicopter could land. We then returned to Base Camp, and the following day the body was flown by helicopter from Base Camp to Kathmandu.
This mission would not have been possible without the dedication, teamwork, and commitment of many people. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved.
Summit and Recovery Team
Phurba Gyalgang Sherpa
Lakpa Tenji Sherpa
Palchen Bhote
Lhakpa Sherpa
Myself
Organizers and Support Team
Babu Sherpa
Phinjo Sherpa
Major Aditya Karki (Campaign leader)
Captain Mauricio
Lakpa Sherpa
Camp 2 Cook: Phurwa Sherpa
Base Camp Cook: Santa Gurung
And all the team.
Why Are Rescue Operations Above 8,000 Meters So Expensive?
Many people wonder why rescue and recovery operations above 8,000 meters are so expensive. Here are a few examples:
1. Specialized Equipment
A single pair of high-altitude mountaineering boots can cost between USD 1,200 and USD 1,500. During rescue operations, even new boots can be quickly damaged by constant crampon use.
2. High-Altitude Clothing
A down suit can cost USD 1,500 or more, even when purchased locally. It can be damaged very quickly while working; even small objects or minor contact can tear it. Once damaged, it must be repaired or replaced, which adds to the overall cost.
3. Training and Experience
Successful rescue work requires far more than simply reaching the summit. It demands highly trained and experienced mountaineers. Technical training takes years of dedication and involves substantial financial investment.
4. Oxygen Supplies
Oxygen is one of the largest expenses. Each oxygen cylinder can cost around USD 600, and a rescuer may require three to four cylinders during a mission. Additional oxygen must also be carried for safety.
5. Regulators, Masks, and Rescue Equipment
Regulators and masks are expensive and can easily be damaged or lost in extreme conditions. A complete setup may cost USD 1,000 or more. In addition, ropes, anchors, hauling systems, and other rescue equipment add significantly to the overall cost.
For these reasons, rescue and recovery operations above 8,000 meters are neither simple nor inexpensive. They require highly skilled personnel, specialized equipment, extensive planning, and a willingness to accept significant risk.
A Final Note
There is much more to share, but I feel that making these stories too long may make them harder to read. So, for today, I will stop here.
I look forward to sharing another experience in the next chapter.
Primary Source:
Firsthand account from a member of the Everest recovery team (2025/2026 season)