Tragedy on Mount Everest: Two Climbers Die During Descent
Two Indian climbers reportedly died on Mount Everest’s southern route in Nepal on Friday, 22 May 2026, prompting experts to highlight the overcrowding on the mountain. “They fell ill while descending from the high altitude. We are trying to arrange for the evacuation of their bodies,” said Nivesh Karki, director of Pioneer Adventures, according to AFP on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
The first victim, identified as SA, reached the summit on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, while the second, AKT, summited on Thursday, 21 May 2026. Both were reported to have fallen sick after completing their ascent.
So far, five climbers have died this season, comprising two Indians and three Nepalis. Additionally, an American and a Czech climber died on Makalu earlier this month.
The situation has raised concerns among veteran climbers and legendary Nepali guide Kami Rita Sherpa, who recently broke his own world record by summiting Everest for the 32nd time this month.
Photos show long queues of climbers clinging to the same safety rope, waiting in extreme temperatures with critically low oxygen levels. “This expedition season feels crowded. The government should regulate this,” Sherpa said.
Preliminary data indicates 275 people successfully summited from the Nepalese side, though the figure awaits final confirmation from local authorities. Climbers typically reach Everest’s peak via two main routes: the Nepalese side and the northern Tibetan route. However, China has closed the Tibetan route this year, causing all climbers to converge on Nepal’s side.
The Guinness World Records notes that the previous record for the most climbers in a single day was 354 in May 2019. Nepal’s tourism officials will recheck the total number of climbers this season, requiring photo evidence and official statements from expedition companies and guides.
A high number of climbers poses risks, particularly when sudden bad weather shortens the safe climbing window. Nepal issued a record 492 permits to foreign nationals this season, with numerous tents set up at the base camp to accommodate thousands.