The story of Anjali Sharad Kulkarni – an experienced mountaineer from Mumbai – is one of them.
In May 2019, Anjali Kulkarni, 54, achieved her dream of standing on the summit of Everest. But just hours later, she collapsed on the mountain, becoming one of 11 people who died in just 9 days during that turbulent climbing season.
A video capturing her final moments went viral on social media, showing her struggling on the icy slopes, clinging to a rope as Sherpas tried to save her. Those images shocked the world, raising questions about overcrowding and the price of conquering the “roof of the world.”
Let’s explore Anjali Kulkarni’s haunting story and the lessons it leaves behind.
The Final Journey and the Challenges on Everest
1. Anjali Kulkarni: An Experienced Mountaineer
Anjali Kulkarni, along with her husband Sharad, was part of a six-member expedition led by Rabindra Kumar. Their goal was to conquer Everest as part of their quest to scale the Seven Summits (the highest peaks on each continent).
She was an experienced mountaineer, having summited peaks like Kilimanjaro and Elbrus, and was also a marathon runner. Her endurance and experience were undeniable.
2. May 22, 2019: A Moment of Victory and Tragedy
On May 22, 2019, Anjali Kulkarni stood on the summit of Everest. It was a triumphant moment she shared with her husband. But during the descent, she collapsed above Camp IV at 8,000 meters due to exhaustion and oxygen depletion, worsened by a crowded route.
A viral video shows her struggling weakly in the snow, tethered to a rope as Sherpas desperately tried to assist her. But she didn’t survive, passing away on May 23, 2019.
3. The Overcrowding Crisis: A Deadly Traffic Jam
The 2019 climbing season was marred by unprecedented congestion. Nepal issued a record 381 permits at $11,000 each, leading to bottlenecks in the Death Zone above 8,000 meters.
Kulkarni’s death was linked to a traffic jam near the Hillary Step, where a single rope caused hours-long delays, depleting climbers’ oxygen. Her husband Sharad recounted: “I saw my wife struggle for oxygen as her supply ran out, even as rescue teams were stuck in traffic.”
4. Nepal’s Role: Commercialization Over Safety
Nepal’s climbing industry generated $4.6 million from Everest permits in 2019, but lacked strict regulations. Kul Bahadur Gurung of the Nepal Mountaineering Association told AP News: “We lack rules to determine how many people can climb and when.”
This allowed over 750 climbers, including Sherpas, to crowd the same route. The absence of experience requirements or permit caps fueled the crisis.
5. Social Media Reactions and Calls for Change
Anjali Kulkarni’s story went viral on social media, with emotional comments:
“It’s heartbreaking to see her fight for life.”
“Everest is a graveyard!”
“How can they just walk past her? This is devastating.”
Images of climbers stepping over frozen bodies intensified public horror. Kulkarni’s story sparked debates about the ethics of commercial mountaineering and calls for reform to prioritize safety over revenue.
Lessons from a Tragedy
Anjali Kulkarni had 25 years of climbing experience, but even that couldn’t protect her from systemic failures. Her death is a haunting reminder of Everest’s dangers and the commercialization of the mountain.
Her story is a warning for anyone dreaming of conquering the “roof of the world”: success isn’t just reaching the summit – it’s returning home safely.