Dawa Sherpa, a 52-year-old Nepali guide, was found and rescued on 4/6 after surviving nearly a week on Mount Everest without food, water, or oxygen. His survival has been described as "truly a miracle" by the Nepal Mount Everest company.

Dawa went missing on 29/5 in the area between Camp III and Camp IV, situated at altitudes of 7,200 m and 7,900 m respectively. He was returning with a Polish climber after an unsuccessful summit attempt. While Dawa's client returned to camp safely, how the two became separated remains unclear. They were among the last climbers to attempt Mount Everest before the current climbing season concluded.

Medical personnel next to a stretcher carrying Dawa Sherpa at a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 4/6. *Photo: Reuters*

Lama Kazi Sherpa, a member of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, stated on 4/6 that his team located Dawa Sherpa near the Khumbu Glacier and evacuated him to safety. The Khumbu Glacier is located at an altitude of approximately 5,500 m on the Nepali side of Mount Everest. Released images show Dawa being transported by helicopter to a hospital, still wearing his climbing gear from when he went missing.

Dawa's family reported he is being treated for frostbite and other complications and is recovering well. "He recognized me, can speak, and is still in good health. We are very happy", Mhendo Lhamo Sherpa, Dawa's daughter, stated. He also had to navigate the treacherous Khumbu Glacier alone, a task made more difficult because fixed ladders had been removed at the end of the climbing season.

Locations of camps on the route to Mount Everest. *Graphic: GAT*

This climbing season saw a record of over 1,000 individuals attempting Mount Everest, with 5 climbers and guides losing their lives. In April, a massive icefall delayed the route-setting activities to the world's highest peak, leaving many stranded at base camp.

By Nguyen Tien (AFP, Reuters, AP)