Miraculous Rescue on Mount Everest: Dawa Sherpa Shares His Harrowing Tale

In a stunning turn of events, Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, 57, has recounted his extraordinary survival story after being stranded on Mount Everest for nearly a week. Sherpa, who is also known as 'Hillary' after the legendary climber Edmund Hillary, had embarked on one of the final climbs of the spring season on May 30. However, he disappeared in brutal conditions on the upper slopes of the world's tallest mountain, prompting his relatives to begin ritual mourning prayers, believing he had perished. Fortunately, Sherpa was rescued by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) on June 4, and he is currently recovering in a hospital in Kathmandu. According to Sherpa, he 'chewed ice' to stay alive, as he had no food or water for several days. 'I didn’t eat anything for the first two days. Then I began chewing ice. It hurt my teeth. I chewed the ice hard,' he said in an interview with BBC Nepali from his hospital bed. Sherpa also revealed that he survived on a few chocolates and snacks he found in his pockets, which he soaked in water to make them more palatable. His survival has sparked celebration among fellow climbers, but it has also raised concerns over climber safety. Nepal Mountaineering Association president Fur Gelje Sherpa has called for an investigation into the incident, stating that it is 'irresponsible and inhumane to leave a person behind.' At least five climbers lost their lives during this year's Everest season, with over 1,000 climbers reaching the summit, making it the busiest season on record. Sherpa's daughter, Mendo Lhamu Sherpa, said her father is doing well and is grateful for the rescue efforts. 'He is doing well. We had a chat,' she said. The incident has highlighted the risks and challenges associated with high-altitude mountaineering, and it has sparked a debate about the need for improved safety measures and rescue protocols.