The Triumph and Tragedy of Subrata Ghosh on Mount Everest

A Teacher with a Mountain-Sized Dream

Subrata Ghosh was no ordinary man. By day, he shaped young minds as a school teacher in Nadia district, but his heart belonged to the mountains. An avid mountaineer, Ghosh had already conquered 13 peaks across the globe, each climb a testament to his grit and determination. His sister, Sumitra Debnath, who accompanied him to Everest’s base camp, later shared that Subrata’s love for mountaineering began in childhood. “He was always drawn to the peaks,” she said, her voice heavy with pride and grief. For Ghosh, Everest wasn’t just a mountain—it was the ultimate challenge, the culmination of years of preparation and sacrifice.

Ghosh joined the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar–Snowy Everest Expedition 2025, a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human endurance. His first attempt at Everest was a bold leap, even for a seasoned climber. With his Sherpa guide, Champal Tamang, by his side, Ghosh set out to etch his name among the elite who have stood atop the world.

The Ascent: A Moment of Glory

The journey to Everest’s summit is a grueling odyssey, demanding physical stamina, mental fortitude, and an almost superhuman ability to endure the elements. Climbers face subzero temperatures, fierce winds, and the ever-present threat of altitude sickness in the “death zone” above 8,000 meters, where oxygen is scarce, and the body begins to shut down. For Ghosh, every step upward was a victory, a defiance of the mountain’s relentless challenges.

On that fateful day in May, Ghosh reached the summit, a moment of pure elation. Standing at the roof of the world, he had done what few dare to dream. The view from Everest’s peak—a vast expanse of snow-capped peaks under a piercing blue sky—must have felt like a reward for years of toil. But on Everest, the summit is only half the journey. The descent, often more perilous, would prove to be Ghosh’s undoing.

The Descent: A Heartbreaking End

As Ghosh began his descent, tragedy struck just below the Hillary Step, a notorious 12-meter rock face in the death zone that tests even the most experienced climbers. Exhausted and battling severe altitude sickness, Ghosh collapsed. His Sherpa guide, Champal Tamang, urged him to keep moving, knowing that lingering in the death zone could be fatal. But Ghosh, drained of strength, refused to go further. Despite Tamang’s desperate efforts, Ghosh’s body could not withstand the mountain’s brutal conditions. He passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage and a void in the hearts of those who knew him.

Ghosh’s death marked the second loss of the 2025 climbing season, following the death of Filipino climber Philipp II Santiago. The mountaineering community, no stranger to loss, mourned deeply. Efforts are now underway to recover Ghosh’s body from the mountain, a complex and dangerous task. A post-mortem will confirm the exact cause of death, though altitude sickness and exhaustion are suspected culprits.

The Price of Passion

Mount Everest has long been a symbol of human ambition, drawing adventurers who seek to test their limits against nature’s might. But it is also a stark reminder of mortality. Since the first confirmed summit in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, over 330 climbers have lost their lives on Everest, with 2024 alone seeing eight fatalities. The 2025 season, barely underway, has already claimed two lives, underscoring the mountain’s unrelenting dangers.

For Subrata Ghosh, Everest was more than a physical challenge—it was a calling. His 13 prior summits showcased his skill, but his decision to tackle Everest reflected a deeper hunger for greatness. His story resonates because it’s not just about the climb; it’s about the human spirit’s refusal to be confined. Ghosh was a teacher, a brother, a dreamer, and a mountaineer who inspired those around him. His community in Ranaghat remembers him as a hero, a man who dared to chase the impossible.

A Legacy That Endures

As the mountaineering world reflects on Ghosh’s life and loss, his story serves as both inspiration and caution. Everest is not a mountain that forgives mistakes or weakness. It demands respect, preparation, and a touch of luck. For every climber who stands on its summit, countless others turn back—or never return. Ghosh’s journey reminds us of the fine line between triumph and tragedy, a line that every adventurer must navigate.

In Ranaghat, Ghosh’s family and students mourn a man who lived boldly. His sister, Sumitra, who waited at base camp, carries the weight of his absence but also the pride of his achievement. The Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar has vowed to honor his memory, perhaps through tributes or initiatives to support aspiring climbers. Ghosh’s legacy will live on in the stories told by those he taught, the peaks he conquered, and the courage he embodied.

A Call to the Mountains

Subrata Ghosh’s story is a powerful reminder of why we climb—not just mountains, but the challenges in our own lives. It’s about the pursuit of something greater, even when the risks are steep. As we remember Ghosh, let’s celebrate his passion, mourn his loss, and draw inspiration from his fearless spirit. The mountains will always call to those who dare to answer. For Subrata Ghosh, that call led to the top of the world—and though he didn’t return, his light shines on.