- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 20 May 2025 07:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
An Indian climber died while descending from Camp IV on Mt Lhotse, the World’s fourth-highest mountain, during the ongoing spring climbing season, as reported by PTI. The incident occurred at an altitude of 8,000 meters (26,246 feet), according to Nepalese tourism official Bhishma Lamsal.
“He was coming down from the 8,000 metre high fourth camp when he suddenly collapsed,” Lamsal told Reuters. Despite immediate efforts by his Sherpa guide to revive him, the climber could not be saved.
The Indian climber, who had earlier aborted his attempt to scale Mt Everest, turned his focus to Lhotse instead. His summit attempt was supported by Snowy Horizon Treks, a local guiding company.
Romanian Climber Also Loses Life
On the same day, Romanian mountaineer Barna Zsolt Vago, 48, also died while attempting to summit Lhotse. A veteran videographer for Romanian national television, Vago passed away near the Lhotse Couloir, a technically demanding section above 8,000 meters. His death was confirmed by officials at Himalayan Guides Nepal, who noted that efforts were underway to retrieve both climbers’ bodies from high altitude.
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This season has already claimed at least eight lives in Nepal's Himalayas, including two on Mt Everest. Among them was 45-year-old Indian climber Subrata Ghosh from West Bengal, who died just below the Hillary Step on Everest. Ghosh reportedly showed signs of altitude sickness during his descent and could not be persuaded to continue downward.
Mt Lhotse: The South Peak
Lhotse, which translates to "South Peak" in Tibetan, rises to 8,516 meters (27,940 feet) and is located on the border between Tibet and Nepal. Despite being connected to Mt Everest via the South Col, Lhotse is known for its own formidable challenges, including steep ascents and technical ice walls.
Flanked by Everest to the north and Nuptse to the west, Lhotse forms a major part of the Everest massif. Climbers ascending Everest often pass through parts of Lhotse’s route, making the South Face and Western Cwm critical areas for both peaks.