Indian Mountaineer Rescued After Blizzard Strands Him On Mt Denali
Photo: Shashi Tharoor
India-West News Desk
JUNEAU, AK– A bold rescue unfolded on the icy slopes of Mount Denali in Alaska on June 18, where Indian mountaineer Shaikh Hassan Khan was saved after being stranded in a blizzard at 17,000 feet.
Khan, 38, a Kerala government employee on sabbatical and a highly accomplished climber, was attempting to scale Denali for a second time when he was caught in rapidly deteriorating weather conditions on June 18. Trapped at a high-altitude camp with dwindling supplies of food and water, he sent out a distress call via satellite phone, triggering a tense and closely monitored rescue effort.
The climber was located and confirmed safe on June 19.
“This was a very serious situation,” said George Mathew, a close friend and former colleague of Khan. “They were stuck in extreme conditions, but both are thankfully safe and have no serious injuries.”
Tucker Chenoweth, South District Ranger at Denali National Park, led the effort to establish communication. A park dispatcher confirmed that the climbers were able to self-extricate and are currently navigating their way back to base camp.
Khan had previously summited Denali in 2023, and this year’s climb held symbolic significance: he aimed to unfurl a banner honoring the Indian Armed Forces and Operation Sindoor. That goal remains unfulfilled—for now.
A passionate mountaineer, Khan has conquered some of the world’s highest peaks on six continents and has been on a five-year leave since 2023 to pursue his climbing dreams.
The rescue effort received swift backing from multiple Indian officials, including Union Minister George Kurian, MP Shashi Tharoor, and the Indian Embassy in Washington, who coordinated with U.S. authorities to ensure timely support.
Despite the setback, Khan’s resolve remains intact. His return to Denali—one of the most challenging peaks in the world—was not just a personal mission, but a patriotic one. And while nature forced him to turn back this time, his journey is far from over. (with IANS inputs)
