Korean Climber in His 40s Dies on Mera Peak in Nepal

Prolonged Exposure to Extreme Cold
Climbing Guide Dramatically Rescued by Helicopter

As a fierce snowstorm swept across Mount Everest, leaving hundreds of climbers stranded, a Korean climber died in an accident on Mera Peak in eastern Nepal.

According to local media outlets such as Tourism Times on the 6th (local time), Tulsi Gurung, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA), stated that a rescue helicopter recovered the body of a 46-year-old Korean climber in the area around Mera Peak (6,476 meters), located about 31 kilometers south of Mount Everest.

The deceased climber reportedly attempted to summit Mera Peak on the 4th and died of hypothermia after being trapped in a snowstorm while descending. The Sherpa (climbing guide) who was accompanying the climber was rescued by helicopter at an altitude of around 5,800 meters. President Gurung said, "It appears the climber died after prolonged exposure to extreme cold."

Everest. Pixabay

Mera Peak is renowned as a popular destination for climbing and trekking, offering spectacular views of high peaks such as Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,465 meters), and Cho Oyu (8,203 meters) from its summit.

The previous day, hundreds of climbers were also stranded near the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Of these, about 350 were evacuated to the nearby village of Kudang with the help of rescue teams, and China Central Television (CCTV) reported that the remaining 200 or so are in contact with rescue teams and are scheduled to be evacuated sequentially.

Meanwhile, this accident is believed to have occurred as heavy snowfall and strong winds began on the evening of the 3rd, during the Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, when a large number of climbers had gathered in the area.