Everest Guide Survives Six Brutal Days Lost On World’s Highest Peak, Crawls Back Just Before Family Performs Last Rites
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Dawa Sherpa revealed he survived by eating a few pieces of chocolate he found in his pocket and “chewing ice” for hydration.
Despite the brutal conditions — sub-zero temperatures, high altitude, and no shelter — Dawa managed to navigate a significant stretch of the mountain on his own. (Image: X)
In one of the most remarkable survival stories to emerge from Mount Everest in recent years, Nepali Sherpa guide Dawa Sherpa has defied the odds after enduring six days alone on the world’s highest mountain without food or supplemental oxygen.
High in the unforgiving slopes of Mount Everest, where temperatures drop far below freezing and every step can turn critical, survival often depends on endurance, instinct and a bit of luck. The 52-year-old was discovered alive by a clean-up team near the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, crawling and sliding down the mountain in a state of severe exhaustion. His rescue has been described as nothing short of a miracle by mountaineering officials and his grateful family.
The reality came sharply into focus after the Sherpa, reported by the BBC, survived six days lost in extreme conditions by eating chocolate and “chewing ice” to stay alive before being found.
What Happened?
Dawa Sherpa was descending with a Polish climber after their summit attempt failed when the pair got separated between Camp III and Camp IV. The climber reached Base Camp safely, but Dawa never arrived. He was last seen on 29 May. As days passed with no trace of him, and with the climbing season winding down and fixed ropes being removed, hopes of finding him alive faded rapidly.
According to the BBC report, the guide — part of a Himalayan expedition team got separated during a challenging phase of the climb. In the thin air and brutal cold of Everest’s high camps, even short delays can become life-threatening. With limited supplies and no immediate rescue access, survival came down to rationing whatever was available and finding ways to conserve energy.
His family in Kathmandu even began performing traditional last rites, believing they had lost him forever. Search efforts yielded nothing, and with extreme weather conditions and the dangerous terrain, many assumed the worst.
How Did The Sherpa Survive 6 Days On Everest?
Dawa Sherpa revealed he survived by eating a few pieces of chocolate he found in his pocket and “chewing ice” for hydration. He insisted he did not “go missing” but was forced to stay behind after his oxygen supply ran out.
Chocolate, often carried by climbers as a quick energy source, became a crucial lifeline. High in sugar and fat, it provides rapid calories that help maintain body heat and energy levels in extreme cold. But as days stretched on, even this small supply dwindled, forcing the guide to rely on unconventional methods — including chewing ice to stay hydrated in an environment where liquid water is almost impossible to access.
While ice cannot replace proper hydration, in survival conditions it can temporarily ease dehydration, especially when melted slowly in the mouth. Combined with minimal movement and constant exposure to freezing temperatures, every small act of resourcefulness becomes significant.
Despite the brutal conditions sub-zero temperatures, high altitude, and no shelter — Dawa managed to navigate a significant stretch of the mountain on his own. He was eventually spotted by members of a clean-up team who were removing ropes and ladders from the lower slopes.
Exhausted, frostbitten, and suffering from dehydration and a fractured bone, he was airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu for urgent medical treatment. Doctors are treating him for frostbite and complications related to prolonged exposure at extreme altitude.
How Was The Guide Rescued?
After six days missing in extreme conditions, rescue teams successfully located and brought the guide to safety. Reports confirm that he survived the ordeal despite severe environmental stress and minimal resources. Dawa Sherpa was rescued on 4 June 2026 after surviving six days alone on Mount Everest.
A clean-up team, who were removing fixed ropes and ladders from the lower sections of the mountain near the Khumbu Icefall, spotted him crawling and sliding down the slope in a severely exhausted state.
The team immediately provided him with initial first aid and alerted rescue authorities. Dawa was then airlifted by helicopter from the mountain to a hospital in Kathmandu for urgent medical treatment.
He was suffering from frostbite, dehydration, exhaustion, and a suspected fractured bone. According to reports, Dawa was conscious and able to speak when rescued, and he recognised his family members upon reaching the hospital.
His survival and timely rescue have been hailed as miraculous, especially since search efforts had earlier been called off and his family had begun performing last rites.
