Indian climber dies while descending from Mount Lhotse summit point

Mountaineering is a pursuit that demands extraordinary courage, skill, and endurance. Yet, despite all preparation, the unforgiving Himalayan peaks often remind climbers of the risks involved. On May 19, 2025, the mountaineering community mourned the loss of an Indian climber, Rakesh Bishnoi, who tragically died while descending from the summit of Mount Lhotse — the world’s fourth-highest mountain standing at 8,516 meters (27,940 feet).

The Journey to the Summit

Rakesh Bishnoi, a 39-year-old climber from Rajasthan, India, was part of the spring 2025 climbing season in Nepal, a period known both for its climbing opportunities and inherent dangers. Initially, Rakesh set out to conquer Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. However, after facing extreme conditions and challenges, he abandoned his Everest summit attempt on May 17. Rather than retreating from the mountains, his resolve pushed him toward Mount Lhotse, which shares part of its route with Everest but presents its own unique and deadly challenges.

On May 19, Rakesh successfully reached the summit of Mount Lhotse. This achievement marked a significant milestone, showcasing his determination and climbing prowess. However, the mountain’s dangers were far from over.

The Perilous Descent

In high-altitude mountaineering, the descent is often regarded as more dangerous than the ascent. After the physical and mental exhaustion from summiting, climbers must navigate steep, icy slopes and hazardous terrain while coping with depleted oxygen levels and deteriorating weather conditions.

Rakesh collapsed near a section known as the Yellow Band, located between Camp III and Camp IV on Mount Lhotse’s route. The Yellow Band is notorious for its steep rock faces and challenging climbing conditions. Despite immediate attempts to revive him by his Sherpa guide, Rakesh could not be saved.

This tragic event underlines the extreme risks involved in Himalayan expeditions. The combination of altitude sickness, fatigue, and sudden weather shifts can quickly turn a successful summit attempt into a fatal situation.

Understanding Mount Lhotse’s Challenges

Mount Lhotse, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Everest, is a formidable peak that demands respect and expertise. Its proximity to Everest means many climbers attempt it after or in conjunction with Everest expeditions. However, the mountain’s terrain presents specific hazards:

• Technical Climbing Sections: The Yellow Band, where Rakesh collapsed, is a steep, rocky section at around 7,900 meters (25,900 feet), requiring advanced climbing skills and physical endurance.
• Extreme Altitude: At over 8,500 meters, climbers are in the “death zone,” where oxygen levels are insufficient to sustain human life for extended periods.
• Unpredictable Weather: Sudden storms and drastic temperature drops can occur, worsening the already tough climbing conditions.
• Fatigue and Exhaustion: After the physical exertion to reach the summit, climbers are often drained, which compromises their decision-making and reaction time during descent.

These factors make Lhotse one of the most dangerous peaks, where even small mistakes or delays can have fatal consequences.

The Broader Context: Risks of High-Altitude Mountaineering

Rakesh Bishnoi’s death is sadly part of a wider pattern of fatalities in the Himalayas during the 2025 climbing season. High-altitude mountaineering attracts adventurers worldwide, drawn by the challenge and prestige of summiting the planet’s tallest peaks. However, these climbs come with life-threatening risks, including:

• Altitude Sickness: Lack of oxygen at extreme elevations can cause cerebral and pulmonary edema, leading to loss of consciousness or death.
• Avalanches and Ice Falls: These natural hazards remain unpredictable and deadly.
• Crevasses and Hidden Cracks: Climbers can fall through hidden crevasses in glaciers.
• Hypothermia and Frostbite: Extreme cold can cause severe tissue damage or death.
• Fatigue-Induced Errors: Exhausted climbers are more prone to mistakes, which can be fatal.

Despite advances in gear and weather forecasting, the mountain environment remains uncontrollable and dangerous.

Remembering Rakesh Bishnoi: A Legacy of Determination

Rakesh Bishnoi’s journey reflects the passion, bravery, and resilience of the mountaineering community. His decision to shift from Everest to Lhotse after an unsuccessful summit attempt demonstrates a fearless spirit and deep love for climbing.

Friends, family, and fellow climbers remember him as a dedicated adventurer who embraced the challenges of the Himalayas with full heart. His tragic death serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices climbers make in pursuit of their dreams.

The mountaineering world honors his memory, and his story inspires both caution and admiration among future climbers.

Lessons and Reflections for Future Climbers

The tragic loss of Rakesh Bishnoi brings important lessons for mountaineers:

1. Respect the Descent: Many climbers focus on reaching the summit but underestimate the dangers of coming down. The descent requires vigilance, strength, and clear judgment.
2. Listen to Your Body: Signs of altitude sickness or exhaustion should never be ignored. Timely decisions can save lives.
3. Climb with Experienced Guides: Sherpa guides, like the one who tried to save Rakesh, are invaluable for their knowledge and experience of the terrain.
4. Prioritize Safety Over Ambition: Turning back early or delaying the summit attempt can be the difference between life and death.
5. Prepare for Changing Weather: Conditions can deteriorate rapidly; always plan contingencies.

The Himalayan Dream: Risk and Reward

Mountaineering in the Himalayas continues to captivate adventurers from around the world. The thrill of standing on Earth’s highest points carries the reward of breathtaking views and personal achievement. Yet, the mountains command respect, reminding climbers that nature’s power is overwhelming and often unforgiving.

Rakesh Bishnoi’s story adds to the long history of mountaineers who have faced these extremes. His death is a poignant chapter in the ongoing narrative of human ambition meeting nature’s ultimate test.