A young Sherpa guide has died during a climbing expedition on Mount Everest, taking this season’s death toll on the world’s highest peak to three.
According to the District Police Office, Solukhumbu, 20-year-old Phura Gelzen Sherpa from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality–5, Thame, died while working as a climbing guide during the Everest expedition. He was employed by Kaitu Expeditions.
Fall from High Altitude Camp
Police said the incident occurred at around 11:20 pm on Baisakh 28 (May 11, 2026) when the climber fell from an altitude of approximately 7,000 metres during guiding duties on the mountain.
Base camp officials said Sherpa likely fell into a crevasse while a large group of climbers was moving towards the South Col in preparation for a summit push.
Body Recovered and Sent for Formal Procedures
The body of the deceased climber was retrieved and brought to Everest Base Camp before being sent to Lukla for further formalities, according to the District Police Office, Solukhumbu.
Recovery operations for high-altitude evacuation are being coordinated by expedition teams and authorities.
Rising Fatalities in Everest Season
Officials confirmed that earlier this season, two other climbers, Bijay Ghimire Bishwakarma and Lakpa Dendi Sherpa, also died in the Everest region as hundreds of climbers continue their summit attempts. The incident adds to growing concerns over safety in the high-altitude climbing season.
