Everest Update

 

So far this season, over 200 climbers have summitted Everest. On Sunday alone, 135 climbers reached the top and more are expected today before high winds resume this afternoon. In total, 47 teams consisting of 468 foreigners (86 women and 382 men) have received their climbing permits from the Nepal Department of Tourism this season. 

As always, the season has not been without its human cost. Last week, Subrata Ghosh of India died just below the Hillary Step during his descent from the summit. Another climber, Philipp Santiago II, from the same expedition died at Camp 4 on May 14 while preparing for his summit push. Two Sherpas have also died this season, both in the hospital after coming down with Acute Mountain Sickness at Base Camp. Impermanence is swift.

A Russian climber who had summited Everest late last week and descended to Camp 4 developed symptoms of AMS. She was unable to make it down to Camp 2 and had to be airlifted by longline helicopter from Camp 3.

Tyler Andrews, who had to abort his attempt to set a speed record for climbing Everest without supplementary oxygen earlier this month, has said he will try again this season. Crowds on the mountain may hinder his second run and he and his team are waiting until the big groups finish within the next few days to start their second attempt. 

The weather is expected to change this afternoon according to Everest's chief weather forecaster. Climbers have been encouraged to evacuate the upper mountain and descend to the lower camps as a large windstorm is forecast to slam Everest today. 

This morning, Chhonzin Angmo, assisted by Dadu Sherpa and Om Gurung, became the first blind woman to summit Everest. Her team reported the high winds have already resumed on the upper sections.

One commercial expedition was planning to rest at Camp 4 today, but the winds forced them to instead push for the summit. They took extra oxygen for the final climb, and six of them (three clients and three Sherpa guides) reached the top this morning. According to the latest updates, they have made it back to Camp 4 and are planning to continue down to Camp 3 or even Camp 2 today, escaping the wind.

Neighboring Lhotse has also been busy, with some climbers aiming for a double-header by adding Everest from Camp 2. Two of the climbers didn’t make it back alive. On Saturday, Indian climber Rakesh Bishnoi abandoned his attempt on Everest, moving to try a summit of Lhotse instead. He made it to the top but died during his descent before he could reach Camp 4. Also, Romanian cameraman Zsolt Vago passed away at the couloir leading to the summit of Lhotse. Impermanence is swift. 

Tim Howell, who plans to attempt a wingsuit BASE jump from a ridge near the summit of Lhotse, left Base Camp with his team on Saturday. He's reportedly made it up to Camp 4, but is unlikely to jump in the current wind conditions.