KATHMANDU, Nepal — In an astonishing tale of survival, 52-year-old Nepali climbing guide Dawa Sherpa (also known as Hillary Dawa Sherpa) has been found alive after going missing for nearly a week high on Mount Everest. A cleanup crew spotted him slowly crawling and sliding down the treacherous Khumbu Icefall toward Base Camp on Thursday morning.

Dawa was last seen on May 29 above Camp 3 (around 7,200–7,500 meters / 23,600–24,600 feet) near the Yellow Band while descending after a summit attempt. He had turned back to assist a client suffering from frostbite. As ropes were being removed for the season and harsh weather set in, hopes for his survival faded quickly at such extreme altitude without food, supplemental oxygen, or shelter.

Pemba Sherpa, executive director of 8K Expeditions, which coordinated the search, described the discovery as “nothing short of a miracle.” Dawa was found conscious but suffering from frostbite and severe exhaustion by members of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) dismantling equipment near Crampon Point.

He was helicoptered to a hospital in Kathmandu for treatment. Family members, including his daughter, confirmed he was responsive and recognized them upon arrival. His wife had begun funeral rites before the news broke.

This season has been one of the busiest on record for Everest, with over 1,000 summits. Dawa’s survival has sparked both celebration and renewed scrutiny of guiding protocols, client-guide responsibilities, and rescue efforts at extreme altitudes.

Dawa Sherpa’s remarkable endurance — enduring days alone in the “Death Zone” — is being compared by some to legendary survival stories like that of Beck Weathers in 1996. He is expected to make a full recovery with proper medical care.

The mountaineering community has expressed immense relief and admiration for the veteran guide’s resilience.