The 2026 Climbing Season on Mount Everest Has Ended in Tragedy

Hillary Dawa Sherpa, a Nepali mountain guide, went missing on Mount Everest on May 29 during the final day of the 2026 climbing season, and his whereabouts remain unknown. The incident occurred amid a record-breaking season that saw approximately 950 climbers reach the summit, marking the busiest season in Everest’s history. The loss of Hillary Dawa, a seasoned guide, underscores the ongoing risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering on Everest.

Hillary Dawa Sherpa, from Khijidemba in Nepal’s Okhaldunga district, disappeared while descending from Camp IV at 26,000 feet. Family members and relatives have expressed frustration over the handling of the search, citing delays and lack of response from his employer, Himalayan Traverse. Despite extensive efforts, no confirmed recovery has been made, and his status remains unverified.

The disappearance occurred during a rushed descent as climbers and guides hurried to leave Everest before the May 29 deadline for dismantling critical route infrastructure. Several climbers, including British mountaineer Chris Thrall, were descending with Hillary Dawa when he was last seen resting at the Yellow Band. Thrall recounted that he left Hillary Dawa sitting and continued descending, but he did not see him afterward. The mountain’s authorities have indicated that rescue operations are ongoing but have not provided further details.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the persistent dangers of Everest, even during record-breaking seasons with high numbers of climbers. It raises concerns about safety protocols, rescue capabilities, and the management of increasing traffic on the mountain. The tragedy could influence future regulations and industry practices aimed at reducing risks for high-altitude workers and climbers.

Background

The 2026 climbing season on Everest was the busiest on record, with around 950 individuals reaching the summit. Despite the high volume, the season was initially considered successful with relatively few incidents. The final days saw a rush to descend before infrastructure dismantling began, which increased risks. The mountain has historically seen fatalities, with five deaths reported before May 29 this year, including incidents like two climbers dying while descending from the summit. The incident involving Hillary Dawa Sherpa is the first major tragedy of this season, occurring during a period of intense activity and logistical pressure.

“We had such a successful season this year; it was the largest Everest season on record. The number of incidents 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 route dismantling would begin on May 29, but several climbers were still descending, and critical infrastructure was left in place for safety.”

— Tshering Sherpa, CEO of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee

“I was left alone with Hillary Dawa Sherpa in the death zone at Camp IV. He sat down for a rest, and I continued descending. I didn’t see him afterward. It was a very dangerous situation.”

— Chris Thrall, British climber and witness

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet confirmed whether Hillary Dawa Sherpa is deceased or alive. Rescue efforts have not recovered him, and his exact whereabouts remain unknown. The full circumstances of his disappearance and the effectiveness of ongoing search operations are still unclear, reminiscent of other Everest tragedies like the incident where two climbers died while descending from the summit.

What’s Next

Search and rescue operations are expected to continue as authorities and expedition companies assess the situation. Mountaineering authorities may review safety protocols and regulations for future seasons. The mountain’s infrastructure is also being dismantled, which could impact ongoing rescue efforts.

Key Questions

What caused Hillary Dawa Sherpa to go missing?

It is not yet clear what specific circumstances led to his disappearance. He was last seen resting during descent, and no definitive cause has been established.

Are rescue operations still ongoing?

Yes, authorities and expedition teams continue to search for Hillary Dawa Sherpa, but no new updates on recovery have been provided.

How many people have died on Everest this season?

Prior to Hillary Dawa Sherpa’s disappearance, five fatalities had been reported during the 2026 spring season.

Will this incident affect future Everest expeditions?

It is likely that safety protocols and regulations will be reviewed, potentially leading to changes aimed at reducing risks for climbers and guides.

Source: Outside