Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 8,848.86 meters, has long symbolized the ultimate test of human endurance, courage, and ambition. Since 2020 alone, over 10,800 expeditions have attempted the summit (per the Himalayan Database), drawn by dreams of standing on the “roof of the world.” Yet for many, Everest becomes a final resting place. More than 300 climbers have lost their lives on its slopes in recorded history, and roughly two-thirds of those bodies—around 200—remain where they fell, preserved by the extreme cold and thin air.
These frozen figures, often passed by hundreds of climbers each season, have become tragic landmarks, grim reminders of the mountain’s unforgiving nature. Some have earned haunting nicknames; others remain anonymous. Here are some of the most well-known stories behind Everest’s “sleeping” bodies.
Green Boots – Tsewang Paljor (1996) One of the most iconic and tragic images of Everest belongs to Indian climber Tsewang Paljor, known worldwide as “Green Boots.” During the infamous 1996 blizzard, Paljor became stranded in a small cave at approximately 8,500 meters on the Northeast Ridge route during his descent. His body, still wearing bright green climbing boots, remained visible for nearly two decades, serving as an eerie waypoint for climbers heading to the summit. In 2014, at the request of his family, the Chinese Tibetan Mountaineering Association moved Paljor’s remains off the main path and covered them with snow and rock, giving him a more dignified final resting place.
Sleeping Beauty – Francys Arsentiev (1998) American climber Francys Arsentiev and her husband Sergei dreamed of summiting Everest without supplemental oxygen. They reached the top on May 22, 1998, but became separated during the descent due to exhaustion and darkness. Sergei went back to search for his wife and disappeared (his body was later found). Francys was discovered the next day by a passing team in a dying state but could not be rescued due to the extreme conditions. Her body remained on the main route for nine years, earning the tragic nickname “Sleeping Beauty” because of her peaceful appearance in death. In 2007, a climber who had met Francys returned to the mountain and moved her body to a more secluded spot, out of sight of the trail.
Shriya Shah-Klorfine (2012) Canadian-Indian climber Shriya Shah-Klorfine became one of 12 victims of the deadly 2012 Everest season—one of the deadliest since 1996. She successfully summited but lingered too long at the top to celebrate and take photos, depleting her oxygen reserves. On descent, she collapsed from exhaustion at nearly 8,000 meters and died. Her body, draped with a Canadian flag by passing climbers, remained on the mountain for some time before a rescue team brought it down to base camp and off Everest.
Scott Fischer (1996) American guide Scott Fischer, leader of the Mountain Madness expedition during the 1996 disaster, reached the summit but became exhausted on descent as the blizzard struck. Knowing he would slow his team, he urged them to continue without him. His body was later found near the South Summit. Fischer’s death became one of the most publicized tragedies of the 1996 season.
George Mallory (1924) British climber George Mallory is famous for his question, “Because it’s there,” when asked why he wanted to climb Everest. He attempted the summit in 1924 with Andrew Irvine. They were last seen leaving Camp 4 on June 8. Mallory’s body was discovered in 1999 at 8,159 meters, remarkably preserved, still wearing the clothes and gear of the era. Whether Mallory and Irvine reached the top before perishing remains one of mountaineering’s greatest mysteries.
David Sharp (2006) British climber David Sharp attempted a solo ascent in 2006. Some reports claim he summited (unverified), but he never returned. His body was found near “Green Boots” in a small cave. Debate continues over whether passing climbers could have helped him; many believe he stopped to rest or shelter and froze to death.
Hannelore Schmatz (1979) German climber Hannelore Schmatz reached the summit with her husband Gerhard but became exhausted on descent. She stopped to rest with another climber, Ray Genet, who died that night. Hannelore continued but collapsed just 100 meters from Camp 4. An attempt to recover her body in 1984 failed, and it is now covered by snow.
These frozen figures serve as haunting reminders of Everest’s brutal reality. Each body represents not just a life lost, but a dream, a moment of triumph, and a final, irreversible decision to push on. As climbers continue to flock to the mountain each season—drawn by ambition, challenge, or legacy—these silent sentinels remain, eternal witnesses to the thin line between glory and tragedy.
What are your thoughts on Everest’s “sleeping” climbers? Do these stories make the mountain feel more sacred or more terrifying? Share below – the debate about Everest’s cost is as old as the attempts themselves.