The Nepal Mountaineering Association confirmed today that Kami Rita Sherpa, 49, has been located at Everest Base Camp, seven kilometers from the South Col where he was declared missing on May 10. Sherpa, one of the most experienced high-altitude guides in the world, was ascending without supplementary oxygen when he became separated from his team during a storm. Rescue teams had called off the search after three days, citing zero visibility and lethal wind speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Sherpa’s survival is being hailed as a medical anomaly. Doctors at the Himalayan Rescue Association report he lost 12% of his body weight, suffered severe frostbite to his fingers and toes, and had a core temperature of 34.1°C upon arrival—just above the threshold for hypothermic shock. Yet, he navigated the treacherous Khumbu Icefall and Lhotse Face without ropes or support, relying solely on memory and instinct.
Key Details
- ✅ Kami Rita Sherpa, 49, missing since May 10 on Everest’s South Col
- ⚡ Survived six days without oxygen or supplies
- 💡 Rescued at Everest Base Camp after crawling 7 km from South Col
Sherpa’s team leader at Seven Summit Treks confirmed the guide had been leading a commercial expedition when the storm hit. “He was the anchor for six clients,” the leader stated. “When the wind shredded our tents, Kami Rita ordered everyone to descend immediately. He stayed behind to secure gear. That’s when he got separated.” Sherpa’s GPS tracker, which had malfunctioned, delayed the search by 36 hours.
📋 Survival Timeline
- May 10, 6:47 PM — Sherpa separated from team during storm
- May 11–13 — Rescue teams search in zero visibility
- May 14 — Search called off; Sherpa left for dead
- May 15, 11:32 AM — Sherpa spotted crawling near Base Camp
Mountain medicine specialists warn that Sherpa’s recovery will be arduous. “The real danger now isn’t the cold—it’s the swelling and infection from frostbite,” said Dr. Prativa Pandey, medical director at CIWEC Hospital in Kathmandu. “We’re monitoring him for gangrene in his extremities. Amputations may be unavoidable.” Sherpa’s family, who live in Thame village in the Everest region, have been notified but have not yet commented.
💡 Pro Tip
Never rely solely on electronic devices above 8,000 meters. Sherpa’s malfunctioning GPS deprived rescuers of his last known position for over a day. Carry a secondary analog device—like a wrist compass—and know your route by heart.
Everest’s 2024 climbing season has been one of the deadliest on record, with 12 deaths reported so far. The Nepal Department of Tourism attributed the fatalities to unseasonal storms and overcrowding on the South Col route. Sherpa’s rescue offers a rare glimmer of hope amid the tragedy. “This is a miracle,” said Ang Dorje Sherpa, a fellow guide. “Kami Rita’s mind was his map. His body was his compass.”
- 📊 Sherpa’s survival rate in such conditions is less than 1%
- 🔍 Frostbite injuries often require amputations within 48 hours
- ⚠️ Climate change is increasing unpredictability on Everest