Nepali mountain guide missing during Everest descent

A Nepali mountain guide has gone missing on Mount Everest during the descent, adding to the season's safety concerns as climbers rush to conclude their expeditions.

Dawa Sherpa of Okhaldhunga was last seen near Camp III on May 29, the final day of Nepal's official spring climbing season. He was guiding a Polish climber for expedition operator Himalayan Traverse Adventure Pvt. Ltd. The company has not yet confirmed the exact details of the incident, with an operator stating he was attending a meeting related to the search operation.

The Department of Tourism has yet to issue an official statement, prompting expedition operators to urge authorities for clear updates and prompt notification of the guide's family. This disappearance occurs amidst a season that has already seen at least seven climbers and guides die on Everest and Mount Makalu, highlighting the persistent dangers of high-altitude mountaineering.

Mountaineering businesses are increasingly worried about safety management and monitoring on the peaks. An expedition official criticized the government's coordination, noting that even days after a disappearance, official information remains unclear. "Although effective presence of liaison officers was expected, the results have not matched that expectation," the official said. The government had deployed around 60 liaison officers to monitor peaks above 6,500 meters this season.

Adding to the grim season, the body of an Indian climber remains near the Hillary Step on Everest and could not be retrieved. With the climbing season now closed, routes are being dismantled, and the rope-fixing team has concluded its work. The Department of Tourism reported issuing 495 permits for Everest this spring, generating significant royalty revenue, with over 1,000 successful summits anticipated.

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It is unfortunate that even days after a climber or guide goes missing on Everest, the government mechanism still does not have clear information. Although effective presence of liaison officers was expected, the results have not matched that expectation.