Adrian Hayes Rescued After Harrowing Descent from Kanchenjunga.
British adventurer Adrian Hayes, renowned for his record-setting expeditions, was recently rescued from Mount Kanchenjunga after a perilous descent that left him stranded for three days. The 65-year-old climber had successfully summited the 8,586-meter peak on 10 May 2025, but encountered severe challenges during his descent, including a hand injury and symptoms of altitude sickness.
Suffered hand injury during descent
Adrian, a former British Army Gurkha Officer and Special Forces member, is celebrated for his numerous feats, including summiting Everest and K2, and trekking to both the North and South Poles. His latest endeavor on Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, tested his resilience and determination.
Endured extreme conditions without oxygen
During the descent, Adrian suffered a hand injury while rappelling down a vertical section, which, combined with the effects of high altitude, significantly slowed his progress. He spent multiple nights exposed to the elements above Camp 4, enduring extreme conditions without supplemental oxygen or water. Eventually, Sherpa Jangbu Pane located Adrian around 7,800 meters and assisted him to Camp 2. From there, Adrian was airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu, where he is currently recovering from frostbite and other injuries.
Currently recovering in Kathmandu hospital
Adrian expressed profound gratitude for the support he received, stating, “I will stay here for five or six days with some pretty sturdy frostbite. But after spending so long in the open at some 8,000m, you have to suffer the effects.”
This incident underscores the inherent risks of high-altitude mountaineering and the importance of preparedness and support in such endeavors. Adrian’s experience serves as a testament to human endurance and the spirit of exploration.
For more information on Adrian Hayes and his expeditions,
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