The Dark Side of Everest: Sherpas Face Mounting Risks Amid Global Climbing Craze
Mount Everest, the ultimate symbol of adventure and human endurance, continues to attract climbers from around the world. But behind each victorious summit lies a darker reality often overlooked: the extreme danger faced by Sherpas, the backbone of Himalayan expeditions. Recently, this harsh truth was underscored by a tragic incident involving 44-year-old Nawang Sherpa and Kenyan climber Cheruiyot Kirui, both of whom lost their lives on the mountain during the 2024 spring climbing season.
On 22 May 2024, Dorchi Sherpa, the base camp leader, anxiously listened to a series of distress calls through his radio at Everest Base Camp. Despite clear weather, it was evident something had gone terribly wrong. Nawang Sherpa had been guiding Kirui, who was attempting the rare feat of summiting Everest without supplemental oxygen—an accomplishment achieved by only about 2% of climbers according to the Himalayan Database.
Kirui, driven by ambition and the desire to join the elite ranks of oxygen-free climbers, refused the oxygen repeatedly offered by his guide. Nawang Sherpa’s desperate pleas were heard by Dorchi over the radio: "The client seems unwell," followed by increasingly urgent messages as Kirui’s condition worsened. The death zone, located above 8,000 meters, is notorious for its thin air where the human body begins to shut down without supplemental oxygen.
Despite his guide’s best efforts, Kirui refused assistance. His judgment likely impaired by altitude sickness, he became confused and agitated. Tragically, both Kirui and Nawang Sherpa perished. Kirui’s body remains at the site where he was last seen, while Nawang’s has yet to be recovered—a sobering reminder of the mountain's unforgiving nature.
For the Sherpa community, this tragedy is far from an isolated case. Veteran guide Sanu Sherpa, who has summited all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks twice, views Nawang’s death as part of a troubling pattern. Despite being hailed as "superhuman," Sherpas endure extreme physical and emotional tolls. Many risk their lives multiple times each season, driven not only by professional duty but also by economic necessity.
The Sherpa people, originally an ethnic group from Nepal’s eastern highlands, have carried the burdens of mountaineering since the earliest expeditions. Today, their role remains largely the same: hauling heavy gear, fixing ropes, and ensuring climber safety. Yet, their own safety often takes a backseat to the ambitions of paying clients.
Celebrity climbers and social media have fueled a global obsession with Everest, increasing the pressure on Sherpas to support riskier ascents. Economic incentives also play a role, as guiding foreign climbers can offer significant financial rewards compared to limited job opportunities in their home villages.
As the global mountaineering industry continues to grow, many experts are calling for stricter regulations to protect Sherpas. Proposals include better insurance, fair wages, limits on the number of climbs per season, and mandatory oxygen protocols for high-risk ascents. The aim is not to discourage the Sherpas' vital role but to ensure that their legendary skills are not continually tested at the cost of their lives.
The deaths of Nawang Sherpa and Cheruiyot Kirui serve as a somber reminder that beneath Everest’s majestic allure lies a perilous world where even the most skilled guides face impossible choices. As more climbers chase records, it is critical that the safety and dignity of Sherpas—who make these ascents possible are not forgotten.