Everest Guide's Sweet & Chilly Six-Day Survival Story Unfolds!

Dawa Sherpa, a Nepali mountain guide, survived an incredible six-day ordeal on Mount Everest by chewing ice and eating a few chocolates he found in his pocket. Dawa was not lost, but was forced to stay behind when his oxygen supply ran out during his descent from the mountain. Many people, including his family in Kathmandu, believed he had died, and his family even began performing last rites for him. However, a clean-up team spotted him sliding down the mountain toward Base Camp, and he was quickly rescued and airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu. There, he was treated for dehydration, frostbite, and a fractured bone. Dawa told the BBC that he did not think he would survive. He explained that when his oxygen ran out, he could not walk anymore. For the first two days, he did not eat anything. Then, he started chewing ice, even though it hurt his teeth. Later, he found some chocolate in his pocket, which gave him a little energy. He also managed to drink some melted ice. As he tried to make his way down the mountain, he fell into a crevasse, a deep crack in the ice. He was trapped there for two and a half days, unable to find a way out. Then, an avalanche sent snow into the crevasse, which allowed him to climb out. After escaping, he found some ropes nearby that helped him continue his descent. Despite another avalanche, Dawa kept moving and walked all night until he reached near Base Camp. There, he met a group of boys who were collecting waste, and they helped carry him down to safety. The news of Dawa's survival shocked and delighted his family, the Sherpa community, and the climbers he had been with. This climbing season has already seen five deaths, and more than 300 people have died on Everest since the 1920s. Pemba Sherpa, the executive director of 8K Expeditions, called Dawa's survival a true self-rescue and said it was nothing short of a miracle. Chris Thrall, a climber who had last seen Dawa alive, said he was amazed to hear that Dawa had survived. Dawa's wife, Damu Sherpa, said she had lost hope after being told that a rescue was not possible. She was shocked and overjoyed to see her husband alive again. Dawa's daughter said he recognized her and was able to speak. Doctors at the hospital said Dawa was receiving intensive care but was stable and improving. This year, more than 1,000 people have climbed Everest, making it the busiest season ever. Dawa's story is a reminder of the dangers of climbing Everest and the incredible strength and determination people can show in the face of danger.