A 29-year-old mountaineer has suffered permanent injury after briefly removing his glove in extreme conditions on Mount Everest.
Indian climber Madhusudan Patidar said he took off his outer glove for around four minutes at an altitude above 8,000 metres while adjusting camera equipment, exposing his hand to temperatures of about -35°C with wind chill.
He later described it as a “small decision” that led to devastating consequences, as frostbite quickly developed in the extreme “death zone” where oxygen levels are critically low and survival is extremely difficult.
By the time he reached base camp, Patidar realised something was seriously wrong with his left little finger. Medical assessment later confirmed Stage 3 frostbite, with tissue damage so severe that the finger could not be saved.
Due to limited immediate medical facilities in the region, treatment was delayed, allowing the condition to worsen before he eventually underwent surgery months later, resulting in amputation.
Patidar said the experience was not only physically painful but also mentally challenging, describing the psychological impact as the hardest part of his recovery.
Despite the ordeal, he has continued climbing and said the incident has changed his approach to safety, making him more cautious about small decisions in extreme environments.
He added that his experience serves as a reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous in high-altitude climbing, where even brief exposure can lead to life-changing consequences.
