Traffic Chaos at the Top: Indian Climber’s Video Reveals Mount Everest’s Dangerous Reality

Indian climber’s video sheds light on the dangerous overcrowding atop the world’s highest peak.

28 May 2024

By Payoshi Bisht

Indian climber Rajan Dwivedi recently shared a gripping video on Instagram, shedding light on the chaotic congestion that plagues the world’s highest peak. Dwivedi’s footage, posted on 21st May, captured the aftermath of a terrifying incident involving British climber Daniel Paterson and his Nepali Sherpa, Pastenji, who were struck by falling ice while descending from the summit.

Highlighting the gravity of the climb, Dwivedi underscored the seriousness of Mount Everest, cautioning against underestimating its challenges. The video vividly depicted the crowded conditions on a single rope line, with climbers navigating through both upward and downward traffic amidst treacherous terrain.

“This video captures what we face on one rope line and negotiating interchanges during the traffic for upstream and downstream!” Dwivedi emphasised in his Instagram post. He attributed the congestion to the narrow weather window, crucial for avoiding fierce jet streams that can reach speeds of 100-240 mph. Dwivedi recounted his own descent as a “nightmare,” with a throng of climbers ascending to capitalise on the weather window.

Dwivedi also detailed the three most challenging segments of the climb, including the perilous Khumbu Icefalls and the treacherous journey from Camp 3 to Camp 4. He noted the high risks involved, with approximately 500 climbers attempting Everest’s summit each year, often facing frostbite, snow blindness and other severe injuries.

Meanwhile, another mountain guide, Vinayak Malla, shared his own harrowing experience on Everest, posting videos depicting a long queue of climbers before a cornice collapse. Malla narrowly escaped the life-threatening situation with his team by taking an alternative route to the base camp.

Amidst these accounts of danger and perseverance, concerns have been raised over the fate of Daniel Paterson, 39, and his guide Pastenji Sherpa, 23, who have been reported missing since reaching the summit on Tuesday. The duo reportedly fell down a steep, vertical slope towards Tibet after an incident near the treacherous Hillary Step.