TL;DR
The 2026 Everest climbing season concluded with the disappearance of Sherpa Hillary Dawa Sherpa during descent. The event highlights ongoing risks and rescue challenges on the mountain, with no confirmation of his fate yet.
Hillary Dawa Sherpa, a Nepali guide, went missing on Mount Everest on May 29 during the final hours of the 2026 climbing season, and his whereabouts remain unknown. The incident occurs amid the season’s record number of climbers and highlights the ongoing dangers of high-altitude mountaineering on Everest. Climbing Mount Everest Has Gotten Easier. But It’s Still A Punishing Challenge.
Hillary Dawa Sherpa, a seasoned high-altitude guide from Khijidemba, Nepal, disappeared while descending from Camp IV at 26,000 feet. He was last seen between Camp IV and Camp III with a British climber, Chris Thrall, during a rush to descend before the mountain’s infrastructure was dismantled. Despite efforts by expedition teams, search operations have not yet recovered him. The Nepal Tourism Office confirmed the season was the busiest on record, with approximately 950 climbers reaching the summit, and five fatalities occurring earlier in the season. The disappearance has raised questions about rescue procedures and mountain safety, especially as climbers hurried to beat the May 29 deadline for dismantling climbing infrastructure.
Family members of Hillary Dawa reported that he had spent years guiding on Everest and that his work was vital for his family’s income. Relative Kung Sherpa expressed frustration over the handling of the rescue, citing delays and lack of communication from his employer, Himalayan Traverse. Attempts to contact the company have been unsuccessful.
Why It Matters
This incident underscores the persistent dangers of Everest, especially during peak seasons when climbers and guides face increased risks. It also raises concerns about rescue capabilities, communication, and safety protocols amid a record-breaking season. The event could influence future regulations and safety measures on the mountain, impacting climbers and guiding companies alike.
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Background
The 2026 climbing season on Everest was the busiest on record, with around 950 individuals reaching the summit. The season saw relatively few incidents until the final days, when the rush to descend before infrastructure removal increased risks. The mountain’s route is heavily trafficked during this period, and previous seasons have seen fatalities and rescue challenges. The timing of Hillary Dawa’s disappearance coincided with the mountain’s logistical operations, which involved dismantling ladders and infrastructure in the Khumbu Icefall, complicating rescue efforts. Two Climbers Died While Descending from the Summit of Mount Everest.
“We had such a successful season this year; it was the largest Everest season on record. The number of incidences was relatively minor. We are so deeply saddened that at the very end this tragedy occurred, it reminds us how dangerous the mountain really is.”
— Khim Lal Gautam, Nepal Tourism Office
“We notified expedition operators that dismantling of the route would begin on May 29, but many climbers were still descending, and infrastructure remains in place for safe descent.”
— Tshering Sherpa, CEO of Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee
“I was left alone with Hillary Dawa Sherpa in the death zone at Camp IV. We started to descend, but he stopped to rest, and I had to make a difficult decision about whether to help others or check on him.”
— Chris Thrall, British climber
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear what exactly caused Hillary Dawa’s disappearance or whether he is still alive. Rescue operations have not located him, and the mountain’s conditions and logistical challenges complicate recovery efforts. The full extent of the incident’s circumstances is still under investigation.
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What’s Next
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities and expedition teams continuing efforts to locate Hillary Dawa Sherpa. Mount Everest Live Updates: Climbers Expect Crowding When the Summit Push Begins. The Nepal government and mountaineering organizations are expected to review safety protocols and operational procedures to prevent future tragedies. Further updates are anticipated as new information becomes available.
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Key Questions
What caused Hillary Dawa Sherpa to go missing?
It is not yet clear what exactly caused his disappearance. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not released specific details about the circumstances.
Are rescue efforts still active?
Yes, search and rescue operations are continuing, though the mountain’s challenging conditions and logistical issues complicate recovery efforts.
How many climbers reached the summit this season?
Approximately 950 climbers, guides, and high-altitude workers reached the summit during the 2026 season, making it the busiest on record.
What safety measures are in place for climbers and guides?
Standard safety protocols include route management, infrastructure dismantling, and rescue procedures, but incidents like this highlight ongoing risks and the need for continuous improvements.
Source: Outside
