Sherpa who saved Malaysian climber on Everest later blocked on Instagram

While guiding a Chinese client on Everest in May 2023, Gelje Sherpa of AGA Adventures spotted Malaysian climber Ravichandran Tharumalingam shivering near the “Balcony” in the death zone without oxygen or support. Declining to continue the ascent, Gelje wrapped the climber in a sleeping mat and descended alone for six hours to Camp 4, where other sherpas helped transport him to Camp 3 and eventually a helicopter evacuation.

After returning to Malaysia, Ravichandran gave media interviews that thanked only his expedition companies and did not mention Gelje, and he is alleged to have blocked the sherpa on Instagram, leading to criticism online and doubts about his solo-summit claims. Users pointed out inconsistencies in his narrative, and Gelje posted criticism on his own Instagram. Following public pressure, the climber later posted a longer acknowledgment naming Gelje and other sherpas involved. Gelje, a veteran who has performed over 55 rescues, described the incident as the hardest of his career.