The 2025 Mount Everest climbing season has been overshadowed by the heartbreaking loss of two climbers in the past two days. Subrata Ghosh, a 45-year-old climber from West Bengal, India, lost his life near the infamous Hillary Step while descending from the summit. Just a day earlier, a Filipino mountaineer also tragically died at Camp 4, highlighting the ever-present dangers of the world’s highest peak.
Late Summit Push Ends in Tragedy for Subrata Ghosh
Subrata Ghosh had been part of a well-organized expedition aiming to conquer Everest’s summit this season. According to his agency, Dream Wanderlust, Ghosh started his summit push later than planned and reached the top with his Sherpa guide around 2 p.m. yesterday, well into the afternoon. This delayed timing put him at risk, as climbers are advised to reach the summit and descend before late afternoon to avoid hazardous conditions.
During the descent towards Camp 4, situated just below the summit at approximately 7,900 meters (25,900 feet), Ghosh began showing alarming signs of exhaustion and altitude sickness. Exhaustion is a common and dangerous occurrence in the “death zone,” where oxygen levels are critically low and physical exertion becomes incredibly taxing.
Despite repeated encouragement and assistance from his Sherpa, Subrata refused to continue his descent. Unfortunately, he was later found dead near the Hillary Step a steep, narrow rock face that presents one of the final and most perilous obstacles on the southeast ridge route to Everest’s summit.
The Hillary Step, named after Sir Edmund Hillary, the first confirmed climber to summit Everest alongside Tenzing Norgay, is notorious for being a bottleneck and challenging passage where many accidents have occurred in the past.
Filipino Mountaineer Dies at Camp 4
Just a day before Subrata Ghosh’s tragic death, the mountaineering community was shocked by the loss of a Filipino climber, aged 45, who died at Camp 4 on Everest. The climber had reached the high camp at roughly 7,900 meters but reportedly collapsed soon after arrival.
Camp 4 serves as the final staging point for the summit push and is located within the death zone, where the extreme altitude severely strains the human body. The climber showed signs of fatigue and distress upon reaching the camp and, despite immediate attempts to provide aid, was unable to be revived.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the relentless dangers posed by high-altitude mountaineering, where even the most prepared and experienced climbers can be overcome by the unforgiving environment.
Mount Everest 2025: Challenges Amid Increased Traffic
The 2025 Everest climbing season has attracted a record number of aspirants from around the world, with over 900 permits issued. While this surge in climbers reflects the mountain’s enduring allure, it has also raised concerns about overcrowding and safety, especially near technical sections like the Hillary Step.
Both fatalities underscore the risks posed by fatigue, altitude sickness, and the physical toll that Everest exacts on climbers. Late summit pushes insufficient acclimatization, and delayed descents are common factors contributing to accidents and fatalities on the mountain.
Remembering Subrata Ghosh and the Filipino Climber
Subrata Ghosh and the Filipino climber were passionate adventurers who embarked on the daunting quest to stand atop the world’s highest point. Their tragic deaths resonate deeply within the mountaineering community and with families and friends who supported their dreams.
Authorities and expedition operators continue to stress the importance of strict adherence to safety guidelines, proper acclimatization schedules, and timely summit attempts. The mountain’s allure remains undiminished, but these recent losses serve as somber reminders of Everest’s formidable challenges.
As rescue and recovery operations continue, the mountaineering world mourns the loss of two dedicated climbers whose spirits will be remembered in the annals of Everest history.
The 2025 climbing season on Everest serves as a stark testament to the mountain’s power and unpredictability. For many, the dream of reaching the summit comes with risks that can sometimes be fatal.
However, The Everest Base Camp Trek is still open for the trekkers due to the safe trekking trials on the region.
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