One of the most harrowing, inspiring stories from Everest as the 2023 climbing season kicks off has turned into one of the most controversial.
The hero sherpa who carried a nearly lifeless Malaysian climber for 6 full hours down the mountain has reportedly received his thank you for the trouble: A block on Instagram.
Needless to say, the climbing community is baffled.
“I would have assumed that having one’s life saved like this would be a humbling experience, one of profound gratitude!” said one climbing enthusiast Vikasan Veersamy, who shared the story on his Twitter account.
Why Gelje Sherpa deserves more credit
The rescue story is even more toughing than we’ve let on. In fact, the guide, whose name is Gelje, had to persuade his won client and risk his own livelihood in addition to his life to save the Malaysian man named Ravi.
After recovering, Ravi did media interviews, posted about the story on Instagram, but never once gave credit to Gelje, let alone thanked him.
When people started to comment about the incident and the lack of credit, Ravi responded by blocking Gelje.
“I can’t even wrap my head around why?” asked Twitter user @solarsystern. Why would you would thank the expedition company you climbed with but not the individual that saved your life?”
Veerasamy speculated that it may be that the rescued man felt that needing rescuing made him look weak.
“I think maybe in his narrative he might be mad at the sherpa for revealing his vulnerability, like he doesn’t want to admit he needed help,” says Veersamy.
Others went on to speculate that this kind of relationship is common in the climbing community.
“I’d suggest this is actually a sadly normal response to a sherpa saving you on the mountain,” said Twitter user @ronenV.
“The more narcissistic/insecure the person, the more they’ll have to trump up rationalized anger at the one who helped them, because to feel gratitude for that embarrassed them and is incompatible with their psyche,” Ronen added.
Even Everest account @EverestToday has jumped in on mocking the man, posting a scene from the Simpsons in which Homer Simpson was carried up the mountain by two workers and, rather than acknowledge their humanity, takes full credit, even remarking how rested he feels after the non-excursion.
Gelje, however, is taking it in stride.
“Saving one life is more important than praying at the monestary,” said the devout Buddhist on his Instagram.
A happy ending on Everest
We do have one update! Apparently, the public pressure of the story got to Ravi, who unblocked Gelje and responded with grace for the first time since the incident.
“Sherpas are people who are so committed and dedicated to their clients especially coming from “14 Peaks Expedition Co. & The Seven Summit Expedition Co. They never leave you behind,” wrote Ravi on his Instagram account.
“I experienced it this year. When descending the summit I had difficulty. Tashi heard that I am in trouble, he organized the rescue team (Mingma Tendi, Gelje Sherpa, Nima Dorchi, Nima Tashi, Dawa and Dipen Bhote). They are high altitude sherpas who make lots of sacrifices for their clients. They brought me to 7300 meter for Heli pick -up for a quick Heli flight to Hospital,” Ravi continued.
“Sherpas are important in my 8000 meter expeditions.
Even Gelje responded!
“Thank you! I hope you are recovering well,” Gelje wrote on his account.
While this is one acknowledgement, of course, that doesn’t mean that they are getting the respect they deserve. Everest has reportedly been more clogged than ever with multiple deaths, and each person who reaches the top takes a photo by themselves, instead of with the people who helped them get there.
Hopefully these men start getting the respect they deserve, starting with this one!