Three Die on Everest in Two Weeks, Bringing Season Death Toll to 5
Three people have died on Everest in the past two weeks, bringing the total number of deaths in this year’s climbing season to 5, as the number of climbers attempting the “roof of the world” continues to rise.
A Nepali Sherpa guide died after falling into a crevasse on Mount Everest, marking the third death within just two weeks on the world’s highest peak, Reuters reported on May 12.
Everest Remains Attractive Despite Middle East Conflicts
Nepali officials said that conflicts in the Middle East are affecting tourism and international travel, but Everest continues to attract a large number of climbers this season.
“Despite the conflict in the Middle East impacting tourism, trekking, and travel, Everest is attracting more and more climbers,” said Himal Gautam, an official from Nepal’s Department of Tourism.
According to the Nepal Mountaineering Expedition Operators Association, experienced climbing teams are completing the fixing of ropes to the summit of Everest and are expected to finish by the end of this week. This will allow expeditions to begin their journeys if weather conditions are favorable.
Nepal Issues Record 492 Permits
Nepal currently has over 400 Himalayan peaks open for climbing, but most visitors focus on about 20 famous peaks, with Everest at 8,849 meters being the most sought-after destination.
This climbing season, which runs from April to May, Nepal issued 492 Everest permits at a fee of $15,000 per person. This figure is up from 478 permits issued in 2023 and exceeds the numbers of the following two years.
Recent Fatalities
The most recent fatality was Phura Gyaljen Sherpa, 21, who slipped on snow and fell into a crevasse near Camp III at approximately 7,200 meters, according to Nisha Thapa Rawat, a Nepali tourism official.
Previously:
Bijay Ghimire Bishwakarma, 35, died while acclimatizing in the Khumbu Icefall on Everest.
Lakpa Dendi Sherpa, 51, also died on his way to base camp earlier this month.
In addition to Everest, two other deaths were recorded in the Himalayan region last week. This brings the total number of fatalities in Nepal’s Himalayan peaks this climbing season to 5.
Route Opening Delayed by Icefall
Last month, a massive ice block and smaller ice fragments delayed the opening of the route to the summit of Everest for nearly two weeks, leaving hundreds of climbers stranded at base camp.
Primary Sources:
Reuters – Coverage of Everest deaths (May 12)
Nepal Department of Tourism – Announcement on climbing permits
Nepal Mountaineering Expedition Operators Association – Rope-fixing updates
Himalayan Database – Everest fatality statistics