Green Boots Mount Everest: Who Was He & Why He’s Still There?

If you've ever read about the many harrowing ascents of Mount Everest, you've probably stumbled across a term that seems out of place in such a deadly, majestic setting—“Green Boots.” It sounds almost whimsical, like a cartoon character or perhaps a nickname in a children’s storybook. But the truth behind Green Boots is anything but cheerful.

 

High on the northeast ridge of Mount Everest, at around 8,500 meters (27,900 feet), there’s a small limestone cave—barely a notch in the mountain’s icy façade. For nearly two decades, this cave was the final resting place of an unfortunate climber whose body remained curled up in a fetal position, dressed in fluorescent green Koflach boots. These boots, visible to anyone passing on this popular route to the summit, gave birth to the legend of Green Boots, the most infamous corpse on Everest.

 

Hundreds, possibly thousands, of climbers passed by him over the years—some stopping to rest, others barely acknowledging the silent figure lying to the side of the path. Over time, Green Boots became more than a body; he became a grim checkpoint, a landmark of mortality in the death zone.

 

Image: Early Photo of the Late Mountaineer Tsewang Paljor, Known as "Green Boots" of Everest

 

Origin of the Name “Green Boots”

The nickname wasn’t part of any official report or formal recognition. It was coined casually, tragically, by climbers who encountered the body during their ascent. The bright green boots were unmistakable. They stood out against the ice, the rock, the snow. When other clothing began to degrade under the relentless sun, wind, and frost, the boots remained vibrant—almost defiant.

 

This piece of clothing soon became the defining feature for those describing the body. And since most climbers never knew the name or story behind the fallen mountaineer, “Green Boots” was how he was remembered.

 

But who was he? What happened to him? Why was he never recovered? That brings us to the next chapter of this haunting tale.

 

The Identity Behind Green Boots

Tsewang Paljor – The Man Most Believed to Be Green Boots

 

Most experts and climbers now believe that Green Boots is Tsewang Paljor, a 28-year-old Indian climber from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). In May 1996, Paljor joined a summit expedition that aimed to place an Indian team on top of the world via the treacherous Northeast Ridge route.

 

Paljor and two teammates, Subedar Dorje Morup and Lance Naik Dorje, reportedly reached the summit on May 10, 1996. However, tragedy struck during their descent. Fierce weather rolled in. Visibility dropped. Communication was lost. The team became disoriented and stranded in the Death Zone, where oxygen levels are one-third of sea level.

 

Only one member of the team, Harbhajan Singh, survived. The others, including Paljor, were declared missing and presumed dead. Later, a climber stumbled upon a body in a cave wearing the same kind of gear Paljor was known to have worn—including the now-iconic green boots.

 

Although never confirmed through DNA, the mountaineering community widely accepts that Green Boots is Tsewang Paljor.

 

Image: Green Boots’ Corpse on Everest’s Northeast Ridge

 

The Controversy and Other Theories

Despite the prevailing belief, some debate the identity of Green Boots. Another theory suggests the body might be Dorje Morup, one of Paljor's teammates, who may have survived longer and taken refuge in the cave. Morup was reportedly last seen alive near the same location, crawling in a desperate bid for survival.

 

Further complicating matters is the lack of an official recovery or forensic confirmation. The high altitude, combined with the logistical challenges of Everest, means that few bodies are ever recovered or even positively identified. Some even believe that multiple climbers have taken shelter in the cave over the years, possibly altering or contaminating the site.

 

Still, most documentation and eyewitness reports point to Tsewang Paljor being the man whose death unintentionally created one of Everest’s most lasting legends.

 

The Tragic Circumstances of His Death

1996 Everest Disaster – A Brutal Year

The year 1996 was one of the deadliest on Everest, claiming the lives of 15 climbers. The disaster was immortalized in Jon Krakauer’s bestselling book Into Thin Air. But while most of the public’s attention focused on the South Col route and the events involving commercial expeditions, the Indian team’s tragedy on the North Ridge received less press, despite being equally heartbreaking.

 

Paljor’s team encountered brutal wind gusts, freezing temperatures, and complete whiteout conditions during their descent. According to survivor Harbhajan Singh, the team split up, with Paljor and the others pushing for the summit despite deteriorating weather. Their decision, made in the spirit of courage and national pride, turned fatal.

 

In the final radio contact, Paljor sounded optimistic about reaching the summit. But after that, there was only silence.

 

The next morning, Harbhajan found no sign of the others. Later climbers confirmed the presence of bodies scattered along the Northeast Ridge—one of which was Green Boots, positioned in a cave, knees tucked to chest, as if trying to stay warm in his final moments.

 

Final Hours and Abandonment

The way Paljor died speaks volumes about the inhuman conditions at such altitudes. The body’s fetal position suggests he may have been trying to conserve heat or oxygen. Or perhaps, in his delirium, he believed the cave offered protection.

 

Unfortunately, at that altitude, rescue is nearly impossible. Oxygen deprivation can lead to hallucinations, confusion, and loss of coordination. Climbers barely have the strength to take another step forward—let alone help a dying man.

 

In fact, several accounts mention climbers passing by Green Boots without offering aid. Was it callousness? Not necessarily. In the Death Zone, every climber is fighting their own battle for survival. Stopping for too long could mean death for both the helper and the helped.

 

Why Green Boots Became a Landmark?

Location on the Northeast Ridge Route

What makes Green Boots particularly significant—beyond his tragic death—is where his body lay. The limestone alcove where he died is located along a narrow, well-traveled section of the Northeast Ridge route, just before a technical climb known as the “First Step.”

 

This route is one of the two most popular summit paths (the other being the South Col), which means that almost every climber ascending from the Tibetan side encountered Green Boots. His position was so fixed and reliable that mountaineers began using him as a reference point—a silent, somber marker that meant you were close to the summit but still in mortal danger.

 

Climbers would say things like “we’re just past Green Boots” or “rest at Green Boots’ cave before the next push.” It’s chilling to think that a fallen comrade became a geographical indicator.

 

Use as a Navigational Marker by Climbers

Despite the discomfort it caused, Green Boots was part of many climbers' mental maps. His cave became a place where people stopped to change oxygen tanks, check their bearings, or simply rest. Some even left tokens or prayers near the body.

 

Over time, this tragic figure gained mythological status. His presence reminded everyone that Everest doesn’t forgive. One misstep, one misjudgment, and you could join him in that lonely cave.

 

The Psychological Impact on Mountaineers

Facing Mortality at 8,500 Meters

Standing face-to-face with death is not metaphorical when you're climbing Everest—it’s disturbingly literal. For many climbers, passing Green Boots is a moment of raw emotional and psychological reckoning. Here lies someone who once had the same dreams, the same drive, maybe even the same training. And yet, he didn’t make it back. It’s a stark reminder that no amount of preparation can guarantee survival on the mountain.

 

Mountaineers often speak of the surreal feeling they experience when they encounter Green Boots. You’re gasping for breath, mentally strained, and suddenly, there's this silent figure curled in death. His green boots are still bright, and his body, eerily preserved in the cold, looks more like a mannequin than a corpse. For some, it is too much to handle—a brutal reminder that your body could be next.

 

Others admit to experiencing survivor’s guilt, especially those who pause at the cave and realize they have the strength to continue while Green Boots did not. It's not just about endurance—it's about luck, timing, and decision-making. In the end, Green Boots teaches climbers that the line between glory and tragedy is razor-thin.

 

How Many Dead Bodies Are on Mount Everest, and Why Aren’t They Recovered?

 

What Climbers Say About Passing Green Boots?

Veteran climbers often write about their encounter with Green Boots as a sort of rite of passage. Blogs, books, and documentaries are filled with accounts like, “We passed Green Boots. It was sobering,” or “I couldn’t look directly at him.” The body evokes a universal response: a cocktail of fear, respect, and dread.

 

Interestingly, not all climbers react the same. Some try to ignore the body entirely. Others whisper a quiet prayer. A few even speak to him, almost as if sharing a moment with a fallen brother. These deeply human reactions reflect just how powerfully Green Boots impacts those who dare to scale the world’s highest peak.

 

Ethics of Leaving Bodies on Everest

The Cost and Danger of Body Recovery

Why was Green Boots never brought down the mountain? It’s a fair question—and one that brings us into the grim realities of high-altitude mountaineering. The truth is, retrieving a body from Everest is extraordinarily dangerous, expensive, and often impossible. At elevations above 8,000 meters, also known as the Death Zone, the human body is essentially dying with each passing second.

 

Carrying down a 150- to 200-pound body while you're already starved of oxygen, freezing, and physically broken can be a death sentence for the rescuer. Some attempts have been made over the years to retrieve bodies from Everest, but many have failed—or worse, resulted in additional deaths.

 

Estimates suggest it can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000 or more to remove a single corpse from the upper slopes of Everest. Even then, it often requires a team of Sherpas, specialized gear, and months of planning. That’s why so many climbers, like Green Boots, remain where they fell—not from neglect, but because the cost of retrieval could claim more lives.

 

Climbers’ Debates – Remove or Respect?

The presence of visible bodies like Green Boots has ignited intense debates within the mountaineering community. Some argue that leaving them in plain sight is disrespectful and traumatizing—not only for climbers but for the families left behind. They advocate for efforts to recover and bury the remains or at least move them off visible paths.

 

Others take a different view. They believe these fallen climbers should remain where they died—a part of the mountain now, just as a shipwreck becomes part of the ocean floor. For many Sherpas and climbers, there’s even a spiritual dimension to this belief: disturbing the dead at such sacred heights may bring bad luck or dishonor their journey.

 

There’s no consensus, and that’s what makes the Green Boots debate so complex. He represents both the physical danger of Everest and the ethical minefield that comes with climbing a mountain where survival often means making impossible choices.

 

The Role of Everest in Mountaineering Lore

Deaths on Everest as a Rite of Passage?

In a paradoxical twist, death has become almost mythologized on Mount Everest. For many climbers, facing mortality is not just a risk—it’s part of the appeal. There’s a raw, elemental allure in pitting yourself against a force that doesn’t care whether you live or die. It’s a test of your spirit, your limits, and your willingness to dance on the edge of the abyss.

 

This has led some to describe death on Everest as a “rite of passage” for the mountain itself—a grisly tradition where fallen climbers become markers, martyrs, or even silent mentors. Green Boots fits this mold perfectly. His body became a symbol, a checkpoint, and a lesson wrapped into one.

 

But this romanticism isn’t without criticism. Critics argue that glorifying death cheapens the tragedy and turns real people into tourist attractions or macabre milestones. It's one thing to honor bravery; it's another to turn corpses into Instagram backdrops.

 

Romanticizing Tragedy vs Honoring It

Green Boots serves as a mirror to this moral conflict. Was his story told to honor his bravery, or does it now serve as little more than morbid lore? It’s a question without an easy answer. Some climbers leave offerings near his body—prayer flags, personal trinkets, or small notes. Others avoid the cave altogether, unable to confront the weight of it.

 

There’s a growing movement in the mountaineering world to shift the narrative—to focus more on safety, preparation, and the lives of those lost rather than turning them into spooky legends. Green Boots is now part of this discussion. Is his legacy a cautionary tale, a badge of honor, or a symbol of our collective recklessness?

 

Like many things on Everest, the answer is likely all three.

 

Has Green Boots Been Moved?

Reports from 2014 and Beyond

In 2014, several climbers reported that Green Boots was no longer visible in his usual cave along the Northeast Ridge. The news spread quickly in the climbing community. Had he finally been recovered? Was this a sign of growing efforts to clear the mountain of its visible dead?

 

Speculation ran wild. Some believed the Chinese government, which controls the north side of Everest through Tibet, had removed the body in an attempt to make the route less traumatic for climbers. Others thought natural causes—an avalanche, shifting ice, or rockfall—might have hidden or displaced the body.

 

However, by 2017, reports surfaced again confirming that Green Boots had either returned or had never been moved at all. Some said the body had merely been obscured temporarily or was moved slightly off the path to reduce visibility. Photographs from recent expeditions show a body with green boots still in the general area.

 

The Mystery of His Disappearance and Reappearance

This mysterious on-again, off-again presence only deepens the legend of Green Boots. It's as if he has become more than a person—a ghost of Everest, vanishing and reappearing with the mountain’s mood. Some say it adds to the mythos, others believe it reflects our discomfort with seeing such stark evidence of death on our quest for glory.

 

Regardless, the 2014 incident reminds us that nothing on Everest is permanent—not even the dead. The mountain is alive in its own way, constantly shifting, claiming, and occasionally returning what it has taken.

 

Other Famous Bodies on Everest

"Sleeping Beauty" and “Rainbow Valley”

Green Boots is just one among many infamous Everest casualties. Another haunting tale is that of Francys Arsentiev, dubbed “Sleeping Beauty” by climbers. In 1998, she attempted to summit without supplemental oxygen and succumbed to exhaustion and exposure. Her body, dressed in blue and lying just below the summit, earned her the heartbreaking nickname.

 

Then there’s Rainbow Valley, a term used to describe a particular slope near the summit littered with bodies still clad in colorful expedition gear. The name is deceptive—it sounds beautiful, even whimsical. But in truth, it's one of the most macabre stretches on Earth, with bodies scattered like forgotten warnings.

 

These places, and the people who died there, create a mosaic of Everest’s dark past, a collage of ambition, error, and nature’s final judgment.

 

Image: Francys Arsentiev also known as the sleeping beauty of Everest

 

The Harsh Reality of Climbing Everest

The “Death Zone” and Its Toll

The term "Death Zone" refers to altitudes above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), where the oxygen level is insufficient to sustain human life for extended periods. This is where the human body starts to shut down—even with supplemental oxygen. Muscles deteriorate. Brain function slows. Judgment becomes cloudy. And worst of all, your body begins to digest itself to survive.

 

Green Boots died here, and so have hundreds of others.

 

Every year, climbers ascend into the Death Zone knowing they’re pushing their bodies past the brink. At this height, you’re not making logical decisions—you’re just trying to survive one more step. Climbers hallucinate. They forget to clip into safety ropes. Some even remove their jackets or gloves in a condition called paradoxical undressing, where extreme cold tricks the brain into feeling hot.

 

The Death Zone is the ultimate equalizer. No matter how fit, trained, or experienced you are, you’re always just one mistake, one misjudgment, one gust of wind away from becoming the next tragic legend. Green Boots serves as a chilling reminder of this reality.

 

 

Preparation vs Uncontrollable Circumstances

Some critics argue that many Everest climbers aren’t prepared for what they face. They train for months, maybe years—but how do you prepare for the absolute limit of human endurance? Others argue that no matter how prepared you are, nature can throw an unpredictable curveball: sudden storms, ice collapses, equipment failure.

 

In the case of Tsewang Paljor, the man believed to be Green Boots, it was a combination of weather and timing that sealed his fate. His team was ambitious, but not reckless. They had experience. They were prepared. But Everest doesn’t always reward preparation. Sometimes it punishes it.

That’s the brutal truth about climbing this mountain—sometimes you do everything right, and still don’t come back.

 

Green Boots in Media and Pop Culture

Documentaries and Climbing Logs

Green Boots has made countless appearances in climbing documentaries, news segments, and even feature films. One of the most notable was the 2007 documentary "Everest: Beyond the Limit", where climbers passed by his cave and spoke candidly about the emotional toll it took on them.

 

Numerous YouTube videos and vlogs from climbers record this haunting moment. They whisper, pan their cameras cautiously, and express a mix of fear, respect, and grief. For many, Green Boots is more than a waypoint—he's the most memorable part of their entire expedition.

 

He’s also mentioned in books like Into Thin Air and High Exposure, which detail Everest’s most infamous years. Even online climbing forums are filled with threads discussing Green Boots—his story, his identity, and the emotions stirred when passing him by.

 

Symbol of Human Ambition and Cost

In the broader context of pop culture, Green Boots has become an eerie symbol of what humans are willing to risk in pursuit of greatness. He represents the cost of ambition, the line between perseverance and self-destruction.

 

Artists have used his story in metaphor—he’s appeared in paintings, songs, and digital art. Even those outside the climbing world know of him. He’s a reminder that some goals come with a price that not everyone can afford. His tale provokes questions like: How far would you go? What would you risk? What are you chasing at the top of the world?

 

How the Legend Continues

Stories from Recent Climbers

Even today, climbers still share fresh stories of encountering Green Boots. Some describe stopping for a break beside his cave, whispering thanks for making it that far. Others say they avert their gaze out of respect or fear, focusing instead on their next breath, their next step.

 

Interestingly, several recent climbers have noted that his body now draws less attention—not because the legend has faded, but because so many others have joined him on the mountain. As Everest becomes more commercialized, the number of visible bodies has grown, each one with its own story, tragedy, and echo of Green Boots’ legacy.

 

Still, for many, Green Boots remains the most iconic of them all—the first real face of Everest’s danger for the modern world. He has become, in a grim way, part of the mountain’s soul.

 

Green Boots as a Reminder

Whether seen in person or in photos, Green Boots is a silent teacher. He doesn’t speak, but he communicates a lesson every climber hears loud and clear: “Don’t take Everest lightly.” Every ounce of respect you give the mountain, it demands tenfold. Every mistake, no matter how small, can be fatal.

 

In that way, Green Boots isn't just a landmark—he’s a warning. A guardian. A story frozen in time.

 

Lessons Learned from Green Boots

Risk Awareness for Future Climbers

The tragedy of Green Boots isn’t just about one man—it’s about how mountaineers and the climbing industry must learn from past mistakes. Since his death, many climbers and expedition leaders have become more cautious about summit pushes, weather windows, and descent timings.

 

Modern teams now rely on satellite forecasting, oxygen management strategies, and strict cutoff times for turning back. The goal is not just to reach the summit—but to return alive. Green Boots’ legacy has helped shape these safety changes by showing what happens when a good plan meets bad timing and worse weather.

 

Expedition companies also now provide psychological briefings for climbers—preparing them not just for the climb, but for the emotional toll of seeing dead bodies on the trail. This kind of awareness didn’t exist in 1996, and its absence may have played a role in several tragedies.

 

Also Read: Why Has No One Still Climbed Mount Kailash?

 

The Thin Line Between Glory and Tragedy

Perhaps the greatest lesson Green Boots offers is the fragility of human ambition. Everest is not a game. It’s not a bucket list item. It’s not a post for likes. It’s a deadly challenge, and even those with the best intentions and strongest training can pay the ultimate price.

 

His death forces us to ask: Is the summit worth your life? For some, the answer is yes. For others, it’s a clear no. But either way, Green Boots remains the question mark every climber must face.

 

Efforts Toward Safer Everest Expeditions

Role of Sherpas and Rescue Teams

In recent years, Sherpas and mountain rescue teams have become the backbone of Everest safety. These local heroes often risk their lives to set ropes, guide climbers, carry gear, and even attempt rescues in conditions most would consider suicidal.

 

In fact, without Sherpas, the majority of foreign climbers would never make it past base camp. They’ve helped recover bodies, administer first aid, and guide confused climbers back down the slopes.

 

Yet, despite their contributions, Sherpas have historically received little recognition and even less compensation. Fortunately, this is changing. Many climbing companies now offer better pay, life insurance, and respect for Sherpa culture and expertise. Part of this shift has been fueled by stories like Green Boots—a reminder that no one is immune from the mountain’s wrath.

 

New Protocols and Technology

Modern expeditions to Everest now benefit from satellite weather updates, GPS trackers, digital oxygen monitoring, and better training standards. These tools can help climbers make more informed decisions and avoid getting trapped like Paljor and his team did in 1996.

 

Additionally, organizations like the Himalayan Database are compiling detailed records of Everest climbs to track incidents, trends, and best practices. Some countries are even pushing for mandatory climber vetting and experience requirements to reduce traffic and fatalities.

 

Still, even with all this innovation, Everest remains deadly. But thanks to stories like Green Boots, the mountain is finally being treated with the fear and respect it has always deserved.

 

 

Conclusion

Green Boots is not just a frozen corpse on the side of a mountain—he’s a haunting reminder of what it truly means to challenge nature at its most unforgiving. His green boots, still vibrant after decades of storms, snow, and time, mark the place where ambition met its tragic end.

 

But Green Boots is more than a cautionary tale. He has become a symbol—of endurance, miscalculation, mortality, and the sheer power of the Earth’s highest peak. Every climber who passes that limestone alcove is faced with an unspoken question: Will I make it back?

 

His story has helped shape the modern culture of mountaineering, from safety protocols to ethical debates and emotional preparation. He’s a ghost, yes—but also a teacher. A silent guardian standing watch at the doorstep of the sky.

 

Whether you see him as a tragedy, a legend, or a lesson, one thing is clear—Green Boots will never be forgotten. In the death zone of Everest, where time stands still and life hangs by a thread, his legacy lives on.

 

FAQs

Who was Green Boots on Everest?

Green Boots is believed to be Tsewang Paljor, an Indian climber from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police who died during the 1996 Everest disaster. His body became a landmark on the Northeast Ridge route due to his bright green boots.

 

Can bodies be removed from Mount Everest?

Yes, but it's extremely difficult, expensive, and dangerous. Recovering bodies from the Death Zone requires specialized teams and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. This is why many remain on the mountain.

 

Why is Everest called the world’s highest graveyard?

Because hundreds of climbers have died attempting to summit Mount Everest, and many of their bodies still remain on the mountain due to the dangers of recovery at such high altitudes.

 

How many bodies are still on Everest?

Estimates suggest over 200 bodies remain on Everest, many visible along popular routes like the Northeast Ridge and South Col. Some are known by nicknames like “Green Boots” or “Sleeping Beauty.”

 

Has Green Boots ever been positively identified?

While no DNA testing has been done, most experts and mountaineers believe Green Boots is Tsewang Paljor, based on the timing, gear, and circumstances of his death in 1996.