Mount Everest: Two Indian mountaineers died while descending from Mount Everest after successfully reaching the summit during the ongoing spring climbing season in Nepal, officials confirmed on Friday. The climbers, identified as Arun Kumar Tiwari and Sandeep Are, reportedly encountered severe exhaustion during their return journey despite rescue efforts by Sherpa guides.
The deaths have pushed the number of fatalities during the current Everest climbing season to five, highlighting the risks associated with high-altitude expeditions.
Climbers faced difficulties during descent
According to expedition officials, Sandeep Are reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain on Wednesday, while Arun Kumar Tiwari successfully completed his ascent on Thursday evening.
However, both climbers reportedly experienced extreme physical exhaustion while descending from the summit.
Officials stated that Sherpa rescue teams made repeated efforts to assist the climbers and bring them safely down from higher camps.
Despite rescue attempts, both mountaineers could not be saved.
Rescue efforts continued overnight
According to expedition authorities, Are became severely fatigued during his return journey after reaching the summit.
Sherpa guides reportedly rescued him from the Balcony area and brought him to the South Col overnight while continuing efforts to stabilise his condition.
However, he later died despite rescue attempts.
Tiwari, who was descending with two experienced Sherpa guides after reaching the summit, reportedly encountered difficulties near the Hillary Step.
Officials stated that guides repeatedly attempted to assist him during the descent but were unable to bring him back safely.
Authorities added that the exact circumstances and timing of Tiwari’s death remain unclear.
Everest season records high number of climbers
The latest incident comes during a busy climbing season on Mount Everest.
Earlier this week, three Indian climbers were among a record group of 274 mountaineers who successfully reached the summit from the Nepal side in a single day.
Officials said the achievement established a new one-day record during the spring climbing season.
So far, around 502 climbers have reportedly received permits for Everest expeditions during the 2026 spring season.
The previous record for most ascents in a single day had been set in May 2019, when 223 climbers reached the summit from the Nepal side.
Everest remains a major tourism activity
Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, issues hundreds of mountaineering permits each year.
Expeditions to Mount Everest continue to attract climbers from across the world and remain a major source of tourism revenue for the country.
However, experts have frequently highlighted the physical challenges and risks posed by extreme altitude, harsh weather conditions and overcrowding during peak climbing periods.
The latest deaths once again underline the dangers associated with high-altitude mountaineering despite modern equipment and organised rescue systems.