Kathmandu, May 22 — Two Indian climbers have died while descending from the summit of Mount Everest, taking this season’s death toll on the world’s highest peak to five.

According to Rishi Bhandari, Secretary General of the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal (EOAN), the deceased have been identified as Arun Kumar Tiwari and Sandeep Are. Both climbers had successfully summited Everest on May 21 but fell seriously ill during their descent.

Nivesh Karki, Director of Pioneer Adventures, said Tiwari died near the dangerous Hillary Step, just below the summit, while four Sherpa climbers were assisting him down the mountain.

Similarly, Sandeep Are reportedly suffered from severe snow blindness immediately after reaching the summit. He was rescued from the South Summit area by five Sherpa rescuers and brought down to Camp II, where he later died during treatment.

Efforts are currently underway to bring Are’s body to Kathmandu. Karki also confirmed that another Indian climber is being rescued from the South Col region.

With the latest incidents, the number of deaths on Everest this climbing season has risen to five.

Earlier this season, three Nepali climbers also lost their lives on Everest. Twenty-one-year-old Phura Gyaljen Sherpa of Thame, Solukhumbu, died after falling into a crevasse near Camp III. Bijay Ghimire Bishwakarma of Solu Dudhkunda, known as the first Dalit Nepali to summit Everest, died of a suspected cardiac arrest in the Khumbu Icefall on May 10.

Likewise, 52-year-old Lakpa Dendi Sherpa of Gudel, Solukhumbu, died on May 4 after falling while trekking near Gorak Shep.

Officials and expedition organizers say overcrowding, harsh weather conditions, and altitude-related health complications continue to make Everest one of the world’s most dangerous climbing destinations despite improved rescue operations.