A Nepali climber who was feared dead after going missing on Mount Everest for six days has been found alive, astonishing rescuers and his family. The climber, Dawa Sherpa, popularly known as “Hillary” among fellow mountaineers, survived alone in one of the harshest environments on Earth before making his way back toward safety.
Dawa Sherpa disappeared on the upper slopes of Mount Everest on May 30 while descending from the summit. The experienced guide, who is in his 50s, was last seen in extremely challenging weather conditions near the mountain’s dangerous high-altitude region. Search teams spent days looking for him but found no trace, leading many to believe he had not survived.
In a remarkable turn of events, members of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) discovered him alive near Everest Base Camp. According to rescuers, he was slowly crawling down the mountain when they found him. A rescue helicopter quickly transported him to a hospital in Kathmandu, where doctors confirmed that he was conscious and receiving treatment.
Medical staff reported that Dawa Sherpa suffered from frostbite, cold-related injuries, dehydration, and physical trauma. Despite his condition, he was awake and able to respond to medical personnel, giving hope for a full recovery.
His family had already begun preparing traditional prayers and rituals after losing hope of seeing him again. His wife said they were overwhelmed with joy when they learned he had been found alive. His daughter revealed that the family initially struggled to believe the news until rescuers shared photographs confirming his identity.
British climber Chris Thrall, who had summited Everest alongside Dawa Sherpa, described him as a strong and respected mountain guide. Thrall recalled seeing Sherpa resting during the descent before continuing down the mountain himself to assist another climber in distress.
This incredible survival story has become one of the most inspiring moments of the 2026 Everest climbing season. With more than 1,000 climbers reaching the summit this year, Dawa Sherpa’s miraculous return stands out as a powerful example of determination, endurance, and survival against overwhelming odds.
