Nepali guide Lakpa Tenji Sherpa, 53, died after summiting Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, marking the first fatality of the spring climbing season. He became unwell during the descent and passed away, highlighting the risks faced by guides and porters in facilitating the dreams of paying climbers on the Himalayas.
KATHMANDU: A Nepali guide died after summiting the world’s fifth-highest mountain, officials in the Himalayan Republic said Thursday, in the first fatality of the spring climbing season.
Lakpa Tenji Sherpa, 53, reached the summit of the 8,485-metre-tall (27,838-feet) Mount Makalu while accompanying foreign climbers on Monday but died as he was descending.
“He was unwell and had to be helped down by his team members,” Rakesh Gurung of Nepal’s tourism department told AFP.
Expedition organiser Seven Summit Treks said it was waiting on more details.
Nepal has issued 59 permits to foreign climbers for Makalu and dozens have reached the top after a rope-fixing team summited the peak last month.
Nepali guides and porters account for a large portion of deaths on the Himalayas, underscoring the risk they take for the dreams of hundreds of paying climbers aiming to reach the top of the world’s highest peaks.
Hundreds of climbers have flocked to Nepal– home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks — and are preparing for summits in the spring climbing season, when temperatures are warm and winds are typically calm.
Nepal has issued over 900 permits for its mountains this year, including 414 for Everest, earning over five million dollars in royalties.
As the world-famous climbing season in the Himalayas begins, tragedy struck with the death of a Nepali guide on a treacherous mountain peak. This incident serves as a grave reminder of the risks and challenges that mountaineers and their guides face in pursuit of conquering these majestic but perilous summits.
The untimely demise of the experienced guide underscores the inherent dangers looming in the high-altitude environment, where conditions can swiftly turn from favorable to catastrophic. While the allure of scaling these peaks captivates thrill-seekers and adventurers from around the globe, it is crucial to recognize and respect the formidable nature of these mountain ranges.
Furthermore, this somber event prompts us to reflect on the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of the local guides and Sherpas, who play an indispensable role in supporting and safeguarding climbers as they embark on these daunting expeditions. Their expertise, experience, and commitment often form the backbone of successful ascents, and their contributions should never be overlooked or underestimated.
In the wake of this tragic loss, it is essential for the mountaineering community to reevaluate safety protocols and preparedness measures, with a renewed emphasis on prioritizing the well-being and security of all individuals involved in these high-stakes endeavors. As we pay tribute to the fallen guide, let us also honor the collective spirit of resilience and solidarity that characterizes the mountaineering fraternity, unwavering in the face of adversity.
May this sobering incident serve as a call to action, prompting collaborative efforts to enhance safety practices and mitigate the inherent dangers of scaling the world’s tallest peaks. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the Nepali guide, as we mourn this loss and strive towards a future where such tragedies are minimized through vigilance, preparedness, and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives in the pursuit of mountaineering excellence.
Source: ARY NEWS
A Nepali guide passed away after summiting Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, at the start of the spring climbing season. The 53-year-old, Lakpa Tenji Sherpa, reached the summit with foreign climbers but succumbed while descending due to illness. Nepali guides and porters face risks, with many losing their lives to support paying climbers’ aspirations. Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, has seen an influx of climbers preparing for spring summits. Over 900 permits have been issued for mountain expeditions, including 414 for Everest, generating substantial royalties for the country.
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