A Nepalese guide survived for six days on Mount Everest by eating chocolate and chewing ice after he was swept away by an avalanche, he has told the BBC.
Dawa Sherpa, 28, was working as a climbing guide on the world's highest peak when the avalanche struck near Camp 2 at an altitude of around 6,400 metres. He was swept down the mountain and left stranded without food or shelter. Speaking from a hospital in Kathmandu, he described how he survived by consuming a small bar of chocolate he had in his pocket and chewing on ice to stay hydrated.
“Nepalese guide Dawa Sherpa survived six days on Everest by eating chocolate and chewing ice after an avalanche. He was rescued by a cleaning crew and is recovering in hospital.”
Sherpa was eventually spotted by a cleaning crew as he slid slowly down the mountain. The crew, part of a team tasked with removing debris from climbing routes, saw his bright jacket and alerted rescue teams. He was airlifted to safety and is now recovering in hospital with severe frostbite on his hands and feet.
For British climbers, Everest remains a significant draw – hundreds attempt the summit each year from the UK, often relying on local guides like Sherpa. The incident underscores the inherent dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, even for experienced professionals. Sherpa's survival is considered remarkable given the extreme conditions, with temperatures falling as low as -30°C at night.
Speaking to the BBC, Sherpa said: 'I thought I would die. But I kept eating the chocolate and ice, and I prayed. I wanted to see my family again.' His employer, a Kathmandu-based expedition company, confirmed he had been reported missing after the avalanche and that searches had been called off.
Experts note that survival at such altitudes without proper gear is extremely rare. The 'death zone' above 8,000 metres is notoriously unforgiving, and even at lower camps, exposure can be fatal within hours. Sherpa's ordeal lasted from 28 April to 3 May, according to his climbing team.
What happens next for Sherpa? He faces a long recovery and possible amputation of his frostbitten toes. His family has launched a fundraising appeal to cover medical costs, which are expected to exceed £10,000 in a country where annual income for guides is often below £2,000.
What This Means For You
For UK mountaineers planning Everest expeditions, this story is a stark reminder of the risks. While commercial companies offer guided climbs, clients must ensure their guides are properly insured and equipped. The UK Foreign Office advises travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation and medical repatriation. Sherpa's survival also highlights the importance of carrying emergency supplies – even a small chocolate bar can be life-saving. For families of climbers, it underscores the need to stay in regular contact with base camps and to have contingency plans in place.