Gelje Sherpa, the man who was guiding a private client up Mt. Everest when he saw someone in distress near the summit. He went up, rolled him up in a sleeping mattress and gave him oxygen. He then strapped the man to his back and trekked 6 hours to safety
Title: Gelje Sherpa: The Hero of Everest Who Carried a Dying Climber 6 Hours to Safety
Meta Description: Discover the incredible story of Gelje Sherpa, the mountaineer who abandoned his Everest summit bid to rescue a dying stranger in the Death Zone. Learn how his bravery redefines heroism.
Gelje Sherpa: The Unsung Everest Hero Who Defied Death to Save a Life
Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is a magnet for adventurers seeking glory. But in May 2023, guide Gelje Sherpa redefined what true triumph looks like when he prioritized humanity over personal achievement. While guiding a paying client near the summit, Sherpa spotted a Malaysian climber stranded in the “Death Zone,” hypothermic and oxygen-starved. What followed was an extraordinary act of courage—one of the most daring high-altitude rescues in Everest’s history.
The Rescue: A Fight Against Time at 8,000 Meters
At 8,849 meters (29,032 feet), Everest’s thin air and -30°C temperatures make survival a race against time. Gelje encountered the distressed climber just 150 meters below the summit. The man—later identified as Tiong Tan Khoon—was alone, delirious, and unable to move. Despite being on track to summit with his client, Gelje made an instant decision: he would attempt a rescue, even though it meant abandoning his own climb.
With no Sherpa团队 (team) to assist him, Gelje improvised:
- Stabilized the Climber: He rolled Khoon into a sleeping mat to prevent heat loss.
- Shared Oxygen: Gave the climber his own oxygen cylinder despite limited supply.
- Carried Him Down: Strapped the 60kg (132 lbs) man to his back and descended through treacherous icefalls and the perilous Khumbu Icefall for six grueling hours.
Gelje’s solo effort defied logic. At that altitude, even walking unencumbered feels like “running on a treadmill set at maximum incline,” as mountaineers describe it.
Why This Rescue Rewrites Everest’s Ethics
Rescues in the “Death Zone” (above 8,000m) are rare. Oxygen deprivation impairs judgment, and many climbers adhere to a brutal truth: self-preservation comes first. Yet Gelje’s actions sparked global acclaim—and introspection—about Everest’s culture:
- Sherpas: The Backbone of Everest: Often overshadowed by foreign climbers, Sherpas like Gelje perform 80% of dangerous high-altitude work. This rescue highlighted their unmatched skill and selflessness.
- The Cost of Commercial Expeditions: With permits costing $11,000–$100,000, climbers sometimes prioritize summiting over ethics. Gelje’s choice reminded the world that no summit is worth a life.
Who Is Gelje Sherpa?
A 31-year-old from Nepal’s Solu-Khumbu region, Gelje grew up in the shadow of Everest. By 2023, he had summited Everest 12 times, along with K2 and Lhotse. His Instagram bio simply reads: “Just a mountain guide 🏔️.”
Yet this humility masks an extraordinary record:
- 2018: Rescued three stranded climbers on Dhaulagiri.
- 2021: Partnered with Nepal’s army to clean 1,100kg of waste from Everest.
Gelje represents a new wave of Sherpas advocating for environmental protection and fair wages for guides (who earn $5,000–$10,000 per season vs. clients’ $50k+ expenditures).
The Aftermath: A Global Salute
Khoon survived, crediting Gelje with “[owing] him my life.” The story went viral, with media dubbing Sherpa “the real king of Everest.” Gelje declined monetary rewards but urged climbers to:
- Hire certified, ethical guides.
- Train rigorously—many emergencies stem from inexperience.
- Support Nepal’s initiatives to limit permits and clean the mountain.
Key Takeaways for Adventurers
- Choose Wisely: Book expeditions with operators who prioritize safety over summits.
- Respect the Sherpas: Tip generously and acknowledge their expertise.
- Prepare Mentally: Even fit climbers can fail; know when to turn back.
Final Thought:
Gelje Sherpa’s rescue transcends mountaineering—it’s a lesson in humanity. As Everest’s crowds grow, his courage reminds us that the greatest glory lies not in standing atop the world, but in ensuring others live to try again.
Want to support heroic guides? Learn about Nepal’s Sherpa Future Project or donate to Everest Pollution Control initiatives.
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