Mount Everest deaths decreased significantly in 2025, with only five fatalities recorded during the climbing season. Despite over 350 summit attempts, this year saw one of the lowest death tolls in recent history. In fact, only three climbers died above Base Camp, compared to eight deaths in 2024 and a staggering 18 fatalities in 2023.
We’ve tracked the 2025 Everest climbing season closely, analyzing both confirmed and unconfirmed reports from the world’s highest peak. Although the mountain hosted 456 foreign nationals this year (up from 421 the previous year), the reduced number of casualties marks a positive trend in Everest safety. The last time fewer people perished was in 2022, when just three climbers lost their lives. Tragically, among this year’s casualties were climbers like Philipp Santiago II and Subrata Ghosh, both 45, who succumbed to altitude-related complications.
In this article, we’ll examine how many people died on Everest in 2025, compare these numbers to previous years, and explore the factors that contributed to both the fatalities and the overall decrease in deaths on the world’s highest mountain.
How many people died on Everest in 2025?
The 2025 climbing season on Mount Everest concluded with five total fatalities, marking a noteworthy improvement in safety statistics for the world’s highest peak. Let’s examine the exact numbers and locations of these tragedies along with how they compare to recent years.
Confirmed fatalities above Base Camp
The upper reaches of Everest claimed three lives this season, each case highlighting the extreme dangers that persist even with modern equipment and improved logistics.
Filipino climber Philipp II Santiago, age 45, became the first foreign climber to perish on the mountain in 2025. He died at Camp IV (approximately 26,000 feet) on May 15 while preparing for his summit push. Reports indicate he turned back due to exhaustion before lying down to rest between 8 and 9 p.m., where he subsequently passed away.
The second foreign fatality occurred just one day later. Indian climber Subrata Ghosh, also 45, successfully reached the summit but developed severe altitude sickness during his descent. He died near the Hillary Step at approximately 28,839 feet after refusing to continue his descent. His death illustrates how quickly altitude-related conditions can deteriorate, even after achieving the summit.
Additionally, Pen Chhiri Sherpa, a mountain worker, suffered cardiac arrest at Camp I (19,900 feet) on May 4 while working for TAG Nepal. He was evacuated but unfortunately died days later in a Kathmandu hospital.
Deaths at Base Camp and lower camps
Two Nepali mountain workers lost their lives at Everest Base Camp during the 2025 season:
- Lha Ngima Sherpa (also reported as Lanima Sherpa), age 55, died from altitude sickness at Base Camp in early April.
- Ngima Dorje Sherpa died at Base Camp in early May from what was reported as a brain hemorrhage while working for Seven Summits Treks[42].
These Base Camp fatalities serve as a sobering reminder that Everest presents dangers at all elevations, not just in the infamous “death zone” above 26,000 feet. Moreover, they highlight the disproportionate risks borne by Nepali mountain workers who spend extensive time at altitude throughout the climbing season.
Comparison with 2024 and 2023 death tolls
The five total deaths on Everest in 2025 represent a substantial decrease from previous seasons. In 2024, eight climbers lost their lives on the mountain, while 2023 saw a particularly deadly season with 18 fatalities[42]. The only recent year with fewer deaths was 2022, when just three climbers perished.
What makes this improvement particularly remarkable is that it occurred despite near-record numbers of climbing permits. Nepal’s tourism department issued 458 permits to foreign climbers in 2025, just below the record 479 issued in 2024. Consequently, the death-to-climber ratio fell significantly compared to previous years.
Historically, Mount Everest has claimed approximately 345 lives since expeditions began over 100 years ago. The typical death rate hovers around 2.7% of those who summit, or about 1.11% of those who attempt the climb. These statistics underscore just how unusual the 2025 season was, with its relatively low casualty count despite hundreds of summit attempts.
As we’ll explore in subsequent sections, several factors contributed to this improved safety record, including better weather forecasting, enhanced rescue capabilities, and more effective oxygen management systems.
Timeline of deaths during the 2025 climbing season
The 2025 Everest climbing season unfolded as a tale of tragedy and triumph, with deaths occurring throughout the season but remarkably fewer than in previous years. The timeline of these incidents reveals patterns that helped shape what eventually became one of the safer seasons on record, despite several heartbreaking losses.
April: Early season incidents
The first death of the 2025 Everest season occurred early when Lanima Sherpa, 55, succumbed to high-altitude sickness at Base Camp in early April. This initial tragedy was a sobering reminder that even at lower elevations, the mountain presents serious dangers.
Soon after, on April 7, tragedy struck again when Ngima Tashi and Rima Rinje, both working with Seven Summits Treks, were hit by an avalanche just above Camp 2 while transporting oxygen for clients. Following extensive search efforts involving helicopters and five Sherpas, their bodies were eventually located using RECCO reflective technology on April 11.
Another casualty occurred in early May when Ngima Dorji Sherpa died at Base Camp from what was reportedly a brain hemorrhage while working for Seven Summits Treks. On May 4, Pen Chhiri Sherpa suffered an apparent heart attack at Camp I while working for TAG Nepal. Though evacuated, he passed away days later in Kathmandu.
May 15–19: The deadliest summit window
Mid-May traditionally serves as the prime summit window, with hundreds of climbers making their final push to the top. This year, weather experts had identified May 14, 15, 17, 18, 23, and 24 as possible summit windows. Unfortunately, this concentrated period also saw the highest number of fatalities:
Filipino climber Philipp II Santiago, 45, became the first foreign casualty on May 15 when he died at Camp 4 (approximately 8,000 meters) while preparing for his summit push with Snowy Horizon. Reports indicate he showed no prior signs of distress before reaching this elevation in the notorious “Death Zone.”
Just one day later, on May 16, West Bengal Indian climber Subrata Ghosh, 45, died near the Hillary Step after successfully summiting with Snowy Horizon. He reportedly refused to descend from below the Hillary Step despite showing signs of altitude sickness.
The deadliest period extended through May 18-19, when two additional climbers perished while attempting Lhotse, Everest’s neighboring peak. Romanian Zsolt Vago, 48, died near the Lhotse Couloir on May 18, and Indian Rakesh Kumar, 39, died while descending from the summit near Yellow Band on May 19. Kumar had previously attempted Everest two days earlier but turned back at the South Col. Instead of descending to Base Camp, he chose to attempt Lhotse, a decision that ultimately proved fatal.
Late May: Final climbs and rescues
Fortunately, the latter part of May saw no additional deaths on Everest, partially thanks to improved rescue operations. The Himalayan Rescue Association’s Base Camp hospital coordinator, Lhakpa Sherpa, credited long-line helicopter rescues with saving multiple lives.
Captain Marutizio Folini rescued three climbers from Camp III, while Captain Bibek Khadka rescued another. Without these helicopter interventions, Lhakpa Sherpa estimated that perhaps three more climbers would have died. Numerous timely rescues from Camp II further prevented additional casualties.
By season’s end, Everest had seen three deaths above Base Camp (Santiago, Ghosh, and Pen Chhiri Sherpa) plus two at Base Camp itself (Lanima Sherpa and Ngima Dorji Sherpa). Notably, none of these deaths resulted from climbing accidents or avalanches above Base Camp – most were due to altitude-related complications or medical issues.
In total, approximately 360 people summited Everest during the 2025 season, with about 213 reaching the top between May 18-19 alone. The condensed summit window – a factor that has led to deadly traffic jams in past years – was managed effectively this season, helping to prevent the mass-casualty events that have historically generated global headlines.
Who were the climbers who died?
Behind every statistic in the Everest death toll lies a human story. The five climbers who perished on Everest in 2025 came from diverse backgrounds yet shared a common passion for mountaineering that ultimately cost them their lives.
Profiles of foreign climbers
Philipp II Santiago, a 45-year-old Filipino engineer, became the first foreign casualty of the 2025 season. Santiago described his Everest attempt as “a climb of a lifetime” and was climbing not only for personal achievement but specifically to promote causes like Clean Water Philippines and children’s cancer awareness. His preparation included running a full marathon wearing a 15-kilo backpack, ice climbing training, and summiting smaller mountains. Merely a week before his death, Santiago had survived an avalanche that briefly knocked him unconscious.
Subrata Ghosh, a 45-year-old from West Bengal, India, was the second foreign climber to die on Everest this season. As a member of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar’s Snowy Everest Expedition 2025, Ghosh successfully reached the summit around 2 p.m. on May 16. Unfortunately, his achievement turned tragic during descent.
Sherpa fatalities and their roles
Pen Chhiri Sherpa suffered a heart attack at Camp I (19,900 feet) on May 4 while working for TAG Nepal. First of all, rescuers evacuated him to Kathmandu, yet he died days later in the hospital.
Ngima Dorji Sherpa, from Nepal’s remote Makalu region, died in early May at Base Camp from a brain hemorrhage while employed by Seven Summits Treks. His employer attempted a rescue, but he died before receiving further medical care.
Lha Ngima Sherpa (also reported as Lanima Sherpa), age 55, died in early April at Base Camp from altitude sickness. His death was one of the earliest fatalities of the season.
Notable stories: Subrata Ghosh and Phillip Santiago
Beneath the statistics, Santiago and Ghosh’s stories stand out for their tragic circumstances. Santiago died at Camp IV on the night of May 14. After reaching camp visibly exhausted, he passed away while resting in his tent. His death occurred in the “Death Zone” where oxygen levels are critically low.
Ghosh’s story proves equally heartbreaking. Even after successfully summiting Everest, he began showing signs of exhaustion and altitude sickness during descent. Near the Hillary Step, he refused to continue moving despite his Sherpa guide Champal Tamang’s encouragement. This refusal to descend from the Hillary Step in the “death zone” where oxygen is inadequate for survival ultimately led to his death.
Their stories highlight how swiftly conditions can deteriorate at extreme altitudes, alongside the immense challenges of mounting rescue operations above 8,000 meters.
What caused the deaths on Everest this year?
Examining the underlying factors behind the 2025 Everest tragedies reveals patterns that both explain individual fatalities and highlight ongoing risks on the world’s highest peak.
Altitude sickness and exhaustion
Fatal altitude-related complications claimed multiple lives this season, primarily affecting climbers who pushed beyond their limits. Indian climber Subrata Ghosh developed severe altitude sickness after summiting and refused to continue his descent near the Hillary Step. Similarly, Filipino climber Philipp Santiago II arrived at Camp IV visibly fatigued before dying in his tent while resting. According to the Himalayan Database, altitude sickness remains one of Everest’s top killers, with at least 14 mountaineers dying from this condition in the past decade.
Weather-related challenges
Unpredictable weather patterns created dangerous conditions throughout the season. High winds forced many climbers to abandon their summit attempts, including American Tyler Andrews, who turned back just above Camp III during his speed record attempt. Furthermore, weather forecasters warned of deteriorating conditions, with Marc De Keyser of Weather4Expeditions reporting that “winds will remain a problem on the upper mountain for several days”. Wind chills near the summit regularly fell below minus 30°C, creating conditions where frostbite can occur in as little as one minute.
Overcrowding and delays near the summit
With 458 climbing permits issued to foreign climbers (just below 2024’s record of 479), overcrowding remained a serious concern. The narrowing weather windows forced hundreds of climbers to attempt the summit during the same few days, creating potentially deadly bottlenecks above 8,000 meters. As expedition operator Pemba Sherpa warned, “When everyone waits for the same few clear days, that’s when things get dangerous”.
Equipment failure and decision-making
Poor decision-making contributed to several tragedies this season. Rakesh Kumar attempted Lhotse after failing on Everest, refusing to descend to Base Camp between attempts. Meanwhile, equipment failures presented life-threatening situations, including Tyler Andrews’ boot zipper malfunction. Oxygen system issues have historically plagued Everest climbers, with problems ranging from leaking cylinders to regulators giving inaccurate readings or freezing at high altitudes.
How Everest 2025 avoided a higher death toll?
Despite challenging conditions on Mount Everest in 2025, several critical factors prevented what could have otherwise been a much deadlier season. The mountain’s relatively low death toll of five climbers marked a significant improvement over previous years, thanks to strategic interventions and improved safety protocols.
Improved weather forecasting
Professional meteorologists like Chris Tomer provided expedition teams with precise weather windows, allowing for strategic summit planning. Unlike previous years where climbers rushed during unpredictable conditions, the 2025 season benefited from accurate long-range forecasts that identified specific summit dates: May 14, 15, 17, 18, 23, and 24. These predictions enabled expedition leaders to make informed decisions about when to push for the summit, avoiding the deadly guesswork that has plagued past seasons.
Helicopter rescues from Camp III
Perhaps the most remarkable lifesaving innovation was the implementation of high-altitude helicopter rescues. Captain Maurizio Folini and Captain Bibek Khadka performed critical evacuations from Camp III (23,500 feet) using long-line rescue techniques. According to Lhakpa Sherpa, coordinator for the Himalayan Rescue Association, these operations saved at least three lives that would otherwise have been lost. One dramatic rescue involved a Czech climber suffering from severe pulmonary edema who was airlifted from Camp III on May 14.
Better oxygen logistics and planning
Expedition operators prioritized oxygen management this season, fully stocking Camp IV with supplemental oxygen before the main summit push. Teams like Alpenglow reported using pre-acclimatization with hypoxic tents, allowing climbers to arrive on Everest ready to move efficiently. This preparation, combined with careful oxygen allocation, contributed to a summit success rate exceeding 90% for some teams.
Condensed summit window strategy
Counterintuitively, the concentrated summit window of May 18-19 actually enhanced safety rather than creating dangerous overcrowding. This condensed timeframe allowed expedition operators to coordinate their summit pushes, ensuring Camp IV remained adequately stocked with supplies. Approximately 129 people summited on May 18 alone, yet the coordination between teams prevented the traffic jams that have proven deadly in previous seasons.
Conclusion
The 2025 Everest climbing season certainly stands out as a remarkable year for mountaineering safety. Despite issuing 458 permits—nearly matching the record numbers of 2024—Everest claimed only five lives this year, a dramatic decrease from previous seasons. The statistics tell a compelling story: three deaths above Base Camp and two at Base Camp mark one of the lowest fatality counts in recent history, especially compared to the eight deaths in 2024 and the staggering 18 fatalities recorded in 2023.
Several factors contributed to this improved safety record. Advanced weather forecasting allowed expedition leaders to make better-informed decisions about summit windows, while strategic helicopter rescues from Camp III saved multiple lives that would have otherwise been lost. Additionally, improved oxygen management systems and better coordination between teams during concentrated summit pushes prevented the deadly traffic jams seen in previous years.
Nevertheless, the stories of those who perished—Philipp Santiago II, Subrata Ghosh, Pen Chhiri Sherpa, Ngima Dorji Sherpa, and Lha Ngima Sherpa—remind us that Everest remains an inherently dangerous endeavor. Their deaths primarily resulted from altitude-related complications rather than climbing accidents or avalanches, underscoring how quickly conditions can deteriorate at extreme elevations.
Looking at the broader context, this season demonstrates significant progress in Everest safety protocols. The death-to-climber ratio fell substantially compared to historical averages, where typically about 2.7% of summiters and 1.11% of those attempting the climb lose their lives. Though each death represents a profound personal tragedy, the overall trend points toward safer mountaineering practices taking hold on the world’s highest peak.
Mount Everest will always present extraordinary challenges to those who dare climb it. However, the 2025 season proves that with proper planning, advanced rescue capabilities, and strategic coordination between teams, the mountain can become measurably safer for all who venture upon its slopes. The lessons learned this year will undoubtedly shape future expeditions as climbers continue their quest to stand atop the roof of the world.
FAQs
How many fatalities occurred on Mount Everest in 2025?
In 2025, there were five fatalities on Mount Everest. Three deaths occurred above Base Camp, while two happened at Base Camp itself. This marked a significant decrease from previous years, with 2024 recording eight deaths and 2023 seeing 18 fatalities.
What is the “2 pm rule” for Everest climbers?
The “2 pm rule” is a safety guideline for Everest climbers, recommending they turn back if they haven’t reached the summit by 2 pm. This rule helps ensure climbers have enough daylight and safer conditions for their descent, reducing risks associated with nighttime climbing, extreme weather, and extended time in the “death zone.”
How many climbers successfully summited Everest in 2025?
Approximately 786 climbers successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest in 2025. While this number is impressive, it falls short of the record set in 2019 when 877 climbers summited the world’s highest peak.
Why is July not considered a suitable month for climbing Everest?
July is not suitable for climbing Everest due to the onset of the summer monsoon. This weather pattern brings heavy snowfall and frequent avalanches to the mountain, making climbing conditions extremely dangerous. The climbing season is limited to a short window before the monsoon arrives.
What factors contributed to the improved safety on Everest in 2025?
Several factors enhanced safety on Everest in 2025, including improved weather forecasting, high-altitude helicopter rescues, better oxygen management, and a coordinated approach to summit windows. These measures helped prevent overcrowding and allowed for more efficient climbing, resulting in a lower death toll despite near-record numbers of climbing permits issued.
