Shishapangma bodies reunited with families
Nimsdai Purja and his team from Elite Expeditions have successfully retrieved the bodies of two climbers, Anna Gutu and Mingmar Sherpa, from Shishapangma in Tibet, China.
Their bodies had been on the mountain since their death in an avalanche in October last year.
Purja shared the news of the successful mission on Twitter/X on Saturday morning;
“Reunited.
After seven months our beloved Anna Gutu and Mingmar Sherpa have been reunited with their families. Earlier this week, we were able to climb on Shishapangma and were able to bring them down the mountain and cross the border. From there we brought them to Kathmandu and onward to be reunited with their families.
This is one of the most challenging tasks I have ever undertaken on the mountain. I want to emphasise now that I have never charged any fees for rescue operations in the past, nor will I do so in the future. This is important to mention in case any newspapers or other guiding companies try to manipulate the situation.
The rescue mission lasted for three days and nights, during which I was involved in non-stop efforts. We had to trailblaze and open up an entire route – there were setbacks. Out of 9 people, one had to be re-tasked to Everest, 3 fell ill and 2 had to be on oxygen from glacier point, meaning manpower was limited and the mission nearly failed. I have never felt this level of exhaustion. But I am so proud we completed the mission.
Special thank you to President of CTMA, Mr. Samdruk, for sending three Tibetan sherpas to assist us in crossing the glacier point, as well as providing an additional 30 men to help with carrying our loved ones from the start of glacier to the vehicle point.
Thank you also TMA, and the Chinese Government for granting us special permission to climb. After the closure of commercial climbs on Shishapangma our team were the only ones allowed kind permission to do this rescue – because we knew the precise location. We would also like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to help us over the months to ensure we could reunite Anna and Mingmar with their families, including the US Government, Nepalese Embassy in Beijing and NMA.
The families of Anna and Mingmar have asked for privacy now while they grieve and for the media to be respectful in reporting and not speculate.
Rest well our beloved friends and family, we miss you very deeply and you will live on with us always – it eases our hearts that you are now reunited with your families and friends.”
