Two climbers die on Everest during 2025 season
- Subrata Ghosh from India died while descending from the Everest summit, and Philipp II Santiago from the Philippines died while preparing to ascend.
- Both climbers were part of an international expedition organized by Snowy Horizon Trek and Expedition.
- Their deaths highlight the dangers associated with high-altitude climbing during the Everest climbing season.
In Nepal, during the peak climbing season for Mount Everest, two climbers have tragically lost their lives. Subrata Ghosh, an Indian climber aged 45, died on May 15, 2025, just below the Hillary Step while descending after reaching the summit. Philipp II Santiago, also 45 years old, from the Philippines, passed away on May 14, 2025, at Camp 4 as he rested on his way to the summit. Both climbers were part of an international expedition organized by Snowy Horizon Trek and Expedition. The deaths of Ghosh and Santiago mark a sobering moment in the ongoing climbing season, which runs from March to May. The challenging conditions of Mount Everest, especially in the 'death zone' above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels are critically low, have impacted many climbers. Subrata Ghosh reportedly refused to descend from below the Hillary Step, an area notorious for its perilous nature. Meanwhile, Santiago, fatigued from his ascent, succumbed in his tent while preparing for the final push to the summit. The spring climbing season is highly anticipated, characterized by fluctuating weather conditions that create narrow windows for safe ascents. With Nepal issuing 459 permits to climb Everest this season, an influx of climbers is attempting to reach the world's highest peak, highlighting the mountain's allure. However, the risks associated with high-altitude climbing are underscored by the serious incidences of death and injury, with at least 345 fatalities recorded on the mountain over the past century. Efforts to recover the bodies of Ghosh and Santiago are complicated by the difficult terrain and altitude. Expedition organizers are faced with the logistical and emotional challenges of retrieving bodies from a location where the climate and elevation create life-threatening situations. The overall sentiment around these tragedies reflects the extreme risks mountaineers undertake for the chance to summit Everest, a journey that can be both exhilarating and perilous. As climbers prepare to tackle the obstacles of the mountain, incidents like these serve to remind aspiring Everest conquerors of the inherent dangers that await. While the prestigious achievement of summiting Everest is celebrated, it often comes with a somber reminder of the cost and sacrifices required in pursuit of climbing's ultimate challenges.