Gripped Magazine
Two Climbers Die Descending from Summit of Everest
Two climbers have died while descending from the top of Everest during the busy spring climbing season, as overcrowding strain operations on the world’s highest peak. Expedition organizer Pioneer Adventures identified the climbers as Arun Kumar Tiwari, 53, and Sandeep Are, 47.
Tiwari died near the Hillary Step, just below the summit, after falling ill during his descent on May 21 while being assisted by four Sherpa, according to Pioneer Adventures managing director Nivesh Karki. He is believed to have suffered from high-altitude pulmonary edema, an altitude-related condition that causes fluid to build in the lungs. Are successfully summited Everest on May 20 but later became unwell during the descent. He reportedly developed snow blindness below the summit ridge and was rescued from the South Summit by five Sherpa guides before being brought to Camp II, where he died shortly after arrival.
The deaths came during one of the busiest periods of the Everest season, with at least 270 summit ascents recorded in a single day, contributing to congestion and complicating rescue operations. More than 600 climbers and guides have reached the summit this season, according to Nepal’s Department of Tourism, which issued a record 494 permits to foreign climbers.
In other news, British mountaineer Michael Woods, who we reported yesterday required a rescue, has given an update about his condition, saying: “Updated fact and a small part of the story. I was up near the Hillary Step for around 2 to 3 hours completely alone with nobody around me. In that moment my kids came into my mind and I fought my way back down to stay alive.” For more Everest 2026 news visit here.
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