'It's terrifying': The Everest climbs putting Sherpas in danger

Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, has long attracted adventurers from around the world. Sherpas, an ethnic group native to Nepal's high mountains, play a crucial role in these expeditions as guides and porters. Despite their legendary reputation for strength and endurance, Sherpas face enormous risks that are often overlooked. A tragic incident on May 22, 2024, brought these dangers into sharp focus. On that day, Nawang Sherpa, an experienced guide, was assisting Cheruiyot Kirui, a Kenyan climber attempting to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen—a feat achieved by only a small percentage of climbers. As they reached extreme altitudes, Kirui became seriously ill. Nawang urged him to use oxygen to aid his descent, but Kirui refused, determined to complete his 'pure' climb. Sadly, both men lost their lives on the mountain, highlighting the deadly challenges Sherpas face while supporting climbers.

Sherpas have been essential to Himalayan mountaineering since its early days, carrying heavy loads and guiding climbers through treacherous terrain. However, the perception of Sherpas as 'superhuman' is misleading. The thin air at high altitudes causes severe physical strain and oxygen deprivation, affecting everyone, including Sherpas. Many Sherpas work under intense pressure to satisfy clients' ambitions, often risking their own safety. The economic reality is harsh: guiding on Everest is one of the few ways to earn a living in the region, but it comes with a high cost. Over the years, more than a hundred Sherpas have died on Everest, yet their sacrifices receive little attention compared to foreign climbers.

The dangers Sherpas face are not only from the mountain's natural hazards but also from the effects of altitude on the brain and body. At extreme heights, cognitive functions decline, leading to confusion and poor decision-making. This can cause climbers to reject help or oxygen, even when critically needed. Sherpas themselves endure chronic health issues from prolonged exposure to high altitudes. While Nepal's government has introduced safety regulations and insurance for Sherpas, enforcement remains difficult. The power imbalance between wealthy climbers and Sherpas complicates matters, as guides often cannot refuse risky client demands without risking their livelihoods. The story of Nawang Sherpa and Kirui underscores the urgent need to improve safety and support for Sherpas, who continue to carry the heaviest burdens on Everest.