A Nepali woman climber has been safely rescued after falling into a deep crevasse just below Camp II on Mount Everest during an Everest expedition, organizers said.
The climber, identified as Upasana Gurung, was injured after falling into a 40-metre-deep crevasse at around 6,300 metres while moving from Camp I towards the South Col on May 18. According to Lakpa Sherpa, Managing Director of 8K Expeditions, the incident occurred during the ascent phase of the expedition, prompting an immediate rescue response from the base camp team.
Swift Rescue Operation by Sherpa Team
Sherpa said a dedicated team of experienced climbers and high-altitude Sherpas from 8K Expeditions was quickly mobilized to carry out the rescue operation. With support from other expedition teams operating in the region, the mountaineer was successfully pulled out of the crevasse in the evening.
“She was rescued safely with coordinated efforts from multiple Sherpa teams,” Lakpa Sherpa said, adding that the operation was carried out under extremely challenging conditions. After the rescue, Upasana was brought down safely to Camp I, where she received initial medical attention.
Stable Condition and Evacuation to Kathmandu
Following the incident, the climber sustained minor injuries but remained conscious and stable, according to expedition organizers. She was evacuated from Camp I the following morning and is now being transported to Kathmandu for further medical treatment. Her condition is reported to be stable, officials confirmed.
Experienced Mountaineer on Everest Mission
Upasana Gurung is an experienced Nepali climber who successfully summited Lobuche Peak on April 19 alongside climber Mingma Thendu Sherpa earlier this season. She had been preparing for her first Everest summit attempt this spring as part of a guided expedition when the accident occurred.
Despite the setback, expedition organizers said the quick and coordinated rescue highlights the effectiveness of Sherpa-led safety operations in the Everest region, where crevasse falls and altitude-related risks remain significant challenges for climbers each season.
