The story of “Green Boots” – one of the most famous bodies on Everest – is one of them.
From 1921 to 2021, a total of 305 people have died climbing Everest. Among them, “Green Boots” is one of the most famous victims. For over 20 years, thousands of climbers have passed his body on the route to the summit, but no one has ever brought him down.
“Green Boots” isn’t his real name. He was given that name because at the time of his death, he was wearing a red climbing suit, blue climbing pants, and green climbing boots. He lies on his side, tucked under a rock, with his arms crossed over his chest and legs curled up, as if to shield himself from the cold.
Let’s explore the haunting story of “Green Boots” and the bodies that can’t be brought down from Everest.
The Mysteries and Harsh Realities of the “Death Zone”
1. The Identity of “Green Boots” – Tsewang Paljor, the Indian Border Police Officer
For a long time, the world believed “Green Boots” was Tsewang Paljor, a 26-year-old Indian mountaineer. Paljor was born in the foothills of the Himalayas and became a border police officer. In 1996, he used his savings to buy climbing gear, joined a professional climbing team, and began his Everest challenge.
Initially, the group followed a fixed route, and everything went well. However, at 7,000 meters, Paljor began to fatigue and got separated from the group. A blizzard struck, and Paljor could only find shelter under a cliff to escape the storm and regain his strength.
He curled up, arms crossed over his chest, trying to maintain body heat. But he was so exhausted that he wanted to sleep. Tragically, after falling asleep, Paljor never woke up.
2. Why Has No One Brought “Green Boots” Down?
The harsh environment on Everest is beyond human imagination. Above 7,000 meters, the air is extremely thin, about 30% lower than at sea level. In the extreme cold, “Green Boots” has frozen solid, and his weight likely exceeds what it was in life.
To bring the body down would require a professional rescue team with specialized equipment. Such an operation costs a fortune – climbing Everest can cost $50,000–$90,000. Paljor’s brother considered bringing his brother’s body down but had to abandon the idea when he learned of the exorbitant costs.
3. Other Famous Bodies on Everest
Beyond “Green Boots,” two other famous bodies rest on Everest:
“Sleeping Beauty”: Francys Distefano-Arsentiev, an American climber, died on the North Side in 1998. She and her husband summited Everest, but during the descent, she ran out of energy and became immobile. Her husband left her to find supplies but tragically fell into a deep crevasse on his way back.
“Rester”: David Sharp, a British climber, died in 2006 just 300 meters from the summit. He ran out of oxygen and struggled to breathe, and 40 people passed him without offering help.
Conclusion: Haunting Stories and Lessons in Humility
“Green Boots” and the other bodies on Everest are haunting reminders of the fragility of life and the limits human ambition and pride cannot overcome.
They also serve as warnings about the price of conquering the “roof of the world” – a place where death can strike at any moment, and where your body may remain forever.