Mountain Guide Shares Video of Cornice Collapse on Mount Everest and Describes Harrowing Expedition

Guide recalls Everest horror

Vinayak Malla, an experienced mountain guide, recently shared a video capturing a terrifying cornice collapse on Mount Everest. The footage depicts the chaos and tense moments that unfolded during his expedition on the world’s highest peak.

Recounting the harrowing events of May 21, Malla described the challenging conditions on the summit ridge, stating that it felt more treacherous than his previous experiences on the mountain. He mentioned encountering soft snow, numerous cornices, and rocky sections covered in snow, with even the weather station being half buried in snow.

After reaching the summit, Malla and his teammates encountered slow-moving traffic and witnessed a cornice collapse just meters ahead. Despite the perilous situation, four climbers managed to rescue themselves, while tragically, two others were reported missing and later found dead.

Nepali climber Binod Babu Bastakoti and Kenyan climber Cheruiyot Kirui were confirmed dead near the Mount Everest summit. Bastakoti passed away while descending from Camp IV due to altitude sickness, while Kirui was found by rescuers a few meters below the summit, attempting the climb without supplemental oxygen.

Malla also highlighted the issue of overcrowding on Mount Everest, which has created challenges in navigating through congested traffic and dealing with dwindling oxygen supply. He and his team had to take a new route to safely return to Base Camp after the climb.

The recent incidents on Mount Everest serve as a stark reminder of the dangers and risks associated with high-altitude mountaineering, especially during peak climbing seasons when large crowds attempt the ascent. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.