Kathmandu: An Indian mountaineer, Subrata Ghosh, died on Mount Everest on Thursday below the Hillary Step when he was after reaching the 8,849 metre peak. Notably, Ghosh has become the second fatality on Mount Everest this climbing season. Earlier on Wednesday, a Philippines national lost his life at the world's highest peak.
The 45-year-old climber from West Bengal was part of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar–Snowy Everest Expedition 2025, as per The Himalayan Times. Ghosh had reached the summit on Saturday afternoon.
Efforts are currently underway to recover Ghosh's body. "Ghosh reached the summit around 2 p.m. but began to show signs of exhaustion and altitude sickness during the descent,” said Bodhraj Bhandari, Managing Director at Snowy Horizon Treks," said as reported by Hindustan Times. Notably, Snowy Horizon Treks organised the expedition.
As per reports, Ghosh's Sherpa guide, Champal Tamang, tried to encourage the Indian climber during the descent. However, Tamag failed to motivate him and returned to the base camp IV alone on Thursday night, He informed the authorities on Friday morning.
The reason for Ghosh's death will only be known after his body is brought back from the peak.
For the unversed, the Hillary Step is located within the “death zone”, an area above 8,000 metres. Oxygen levels are very low in this area.
Earlier on Wednesday, 45-year-old Philipp II Santiago from the Philippines also lost his life at a high-altitude camp, South Col, on Mount Everest. This camp is located just below the summit. Santiago died while resting in his tent on May 14 as he was very tired.
Both climbers were reportedly part of international expeditions arranged by Snowy Horizon Treks.
