Successful Summits and Tragic Death on Mount Everest

A weather window arrived in the Himalayas as expected. The Jetstream has moved from the tops of the highest mountain in the world, as it mysteriously does annually, allowing mountaineers a short period to venture into the death zone above 26,000 and to the summits of the fourteen 8,000-meter peaks. By early June, the monsoon season will begin, ushering the Jetstream back to the Himalaya, rendering these mountains largely unclimbable until next fall when a similar phenomenon occurs.

Climbing expeditions on Mount Everest (29,029 feet) are prepared for this opportunity, and several summits have recently occurred. According to ExplorersWeb, at least 35 summits have occurred this early season on the world’s highest peak, with many more expected soon.

Seven Summit Treks reported that nine Chinese nationals, one Japanese climber, and twelve supporting Sherpas reached Everest’s summit. An Alpomania team led by Valentyn Sypavin of 8K Expeditions also reached the summit. The team included five fellow Ukrainians, Sherpa guides, and elite climber Sanu Sherpa. On Lhotse, Sona Sherpa and Dawa Chhiring Sherpa of 14 Peaks Expedition successfully led two Russian women to the summit.

Early Season Summits and Tradgedy on Mount Everest

The route to the top of Everest will soon get crowded, as several expeditions are on the upper mountain waiting to launch their final summit bids. Guide companies Seven Summit Treks and 14 Peaks Expedition have over 100 climbers and over 100 Sherpa high-altitude supporters ready to move up the mountain. 8K Expeditions, working with over 50 clients and support Sherpas, are also prepared to go.

Unfortunately, there have been two deaths reported on Everest. Subrata Ghosh, a 45-year-old from West Bengal, India, summited Everest around 2:00 p.m. on May 15. On the descent, Ghosh began to suffer from exhaustion and high-altitude sickness. He died below the difficult Hillary on the descent, according to The Himalayan Times.