Two Indian climbers die on Everest amid record overcrowding and peak logjams
Kathmandu, May 22
Two Indian climbers have died while descending from Mount Everest, as the world's highest peak remains overcrowded with climbers this spring season.
Nepal this season witnessed a record influx of climbers, with revenue and permits tripling in comparison to previous years.
The two Indian climbers lost their lives on their way back from the summit, the expedition organiser said.
The Pioneer Adventures, the expedition organising agency, identified the victims as Arun Kumar Tiwari and Sandeep Are.
As per the expedition organiser, Tiwari died near the Hillary Step, just below the summit, after falling ill during his descent on May 21 while being assisted by four Sherpa climbers.
It is suspected that he suffered from high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE).
Are, 46, had summited on May 20 but later became unwell during the descent.
He reportedly developed snow blindness below the summit ridge and was rescued from the South Summit by five Sherpa guides before being brought to Camp II, where he died shortly after arrival.
Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak at 8,846.86 metres, recorded 274 summit ascents in a single day.
Reports have indicated that a five-kilometre-long queue of climbers formed along the summit of the peak.
This year, a total of 61 Indian climbers received permits this season, making India the third-largest national group on Everest after China, with 109 permits, and the United States, with 77.
According to Guinness World Records, the record for summits from both sides in a single day was set on May 23, 2019, when 354 people reached the top.
Nepal's Department of Tourism issued climbing permits to 495 people for Everest alone, the highest number since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa first scaled the mountain in 1953.
The department began issuing permits for the spring season on March 1.
By May 21, Nepal had issued permits to 1,157 mountaineers for 30 different peaks, generating more than NRs 1.24 billion in royalty revenue.
Everest alone contributed NRs 1.07 billion, according to department figures.
Nepal is home to eight of the world's 14 peaks above 8,000 metres, including Everest, making the country one of the leading destinations for high-altitude mountaineering.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Terrible news. I've trekked in the Himalayas before and know how tough the altitude can be. 274 people in a single day is insane. There needs to be a cap on permits—human life should come before revenue.
Heartbreaking 💔 Both were experienced climbers but even they couldn't survive the crowds and delays. Snow blindness and HAPE are preventable with proper oxygen and rest. The queue near the summit is a disaster waiting to happen every season. Why don't authorities learn from 2019?
This is so tragic. I admire the courage of climbers but the situation is out of control. 61 Indian climbers this year—that's a lot. The rush is turning Everest into a dangerous circus. My deepest condolences to the families. Rest in peace, Arun and Sandeep. 🕯️
So sad to read this. The Nepalese government is making billions but not enforcing safety. Five-kilometre queue at 8,800m is pure madness. These climbers are paying with their lives for someone else's greed. 🙁
Another year, another tragedy on Everest. I feel for the families but also for the Sherpas who risk their lives to rescue others. We need stricter fitness tests and better weather management. The mountain isn't going anywhere—climbers can wait another season if needed. 🏔️
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