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Guide Killed in Crevasse, Ice Block Delays Everest

5/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Phura Gyaljen Sherpa, 21-year-old Nepali guide, fell into a crevasse near Camp III on Mount Everest and died.
Despite travel disruptions from the Middle East conflict, climbing permits rose to 492, up from 478 last year.
An unstable ice block in the Khumbu Icefall halted progress for nearly two weeks, prompting the Expedition Operators' Association of Nepal to plan summit-route rope installation by the weekend if weather permits.

History

Historical Context

Eight climbers died in the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, including guides Rob Hall of Adventure Consultants and Scott Fischer of Mountain Madness, when a sudden blizzard struck the South Col. The tragedy, which accounted for 15 of the year’s fatalities, prompted Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism to tighten climbing permits and safety protocols, shaping today’s regulated ascent practices.

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Story summary

Phura Gyaljen Sherpa, 21-year-old Nepali guide, fell into a crevasse near Camp III on Mount Everest and died.
Despite travel disruptions from the Middle East conflict, climbing permits rose to 492, up from 478 last year.
An unstable ice block in the Khumbu Icefall halted progress for nearly two weeks, prompting the Expedition Operators' Association of Nepal to plan summit-route rope installation by the weekend if weather permits.

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