31-5-2023 (KATHMANDU) A Malaysian climber was saved from a life-threatening situation on Mount Everest in a highly uncommon high-altitude rescue conducted by a Nepali Sherpa guide, according to a government official on Wednesday (May 31).
On May 18, Gelje Sherpa, aged 30, was leading a Chinese client towards the summit of the 8,849-meter Everest when he noticed a Malaysian climber gripping a rope and suffering from extreme cold in the treacherous area known as the “death zone.” In this region, temperatures can plummet to minus 30 degrees Celsius or even lower.
Gelje proceeded to assist the climber by guiding him down approximately 600 meters from the Balcony area to the South Col over a period of about six hours. During the descent, Nima Tahi Sherpa, another guide, joined the rescue effort.
@skynews #Sherpa saves an unconscious #Malaysian #climber in #Everest ‘death zone’ #rescue ♬ original sound – Sky News
“We wrapped the climber in a sleeping mat, dragged him on the snow, or took turns carrying him on our backs to camp III,” explained Gelje.
Subsequently, a helicopter equipped with a long line airlifted the climber from Camp III, situated at an altitude of 7,162 meters, down to the base camp.
“It is nearly impossible to rescue climbers at such high altitudes,” stated Bigyan Koirala, an official from the Department of Tourism. “This operation is extremely rare.”
Gelje successfully convinced his Chinese client to abandon their ascent and descend the mountain, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing human life over personal ambitions.
“Saving one life is more important than praying at the monastery,” expressed Gelje, emphasizing the core values of compassion and selflessness inherent in his Buddhist beliefs.
The Malaysian climber’s identity has been kept confidential to protect their privacy, as confirmed by Tashi Lakhpa Sherpa from the Seven Summit Treks company, which provided logistical support to the climber. Last week, the rescued climber was safely transported on a flight back to Malaysia.
During this year’s climbing season from March to May, Nepal issued a record-breaking 478 permits for Mount Everest. However, the challenging conditions have resulted in a tragic toll, with at least 12 climbers losing their lives, marking the highest number of fatalities in the past eight years. Additionally, five climbers are still reported missing on the slopes of Everest.
