Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, standing at an impressive height of 29,035 feet. While it is a spectacular feat to climb, it is also one of the most dangerous mountains to summit, with a high risk of avalanches, extreme weather conditions, and altitude sickness. Despite the danger, many climbers still attempt to reach the summit every year, and as a result, the mountain has become a graveyard for those who have lost their lives trying. One of the most famous landmarks on Everest is the body of a climber known as “Green Boots.”
The nickname was given to him because of the green boots he was wearing when he passed away. He is one of the many climbers who have died on Everest in the Rainbow Valley portion of the Death Zone. However, his body has become a controversial landmark for climbers attempting to summit Everest.
Who was Green Boots?
Green Boots’ real name was Tsewang Paljor, who was a member of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. In 1996, he was part of an expedition attempting to summit Everest from the North Ridge.
However, on May 10, 1996, a severe blizzard struck the mountain, and several climbers, including Paljor, were caught in the storm. Paljor and two of his teammates, Dorje Morup and Tsewang Smanla, could not descend the mountain in time and perished in the storm.
Green boots was one of many climbers who passed away on Everest during the deadliest single-day event in Everest’s history. On the same day, other famous climbers like Scott Fischer and Rob Hall had also met their fate.
Additionally, the event gave rise to one of the most famous movies about Everest: ‘Everest.’ To learn about some of the best movies about the mountain, check out my blog Famous Movies about Everest!
The Location of Green Boots
Green Boots’ body was left on the mountain after his death, and it is now located in a small cave-like crevice on the mountain. The cave is situated at an altitude of around 27,890 feet, just below the summit of Everest. It is one of the most visible landmarks on the mountain and is passed by many climbers attempting to summit Everest via the North Ridge.
The location of Green Boots is inside the Death Zone and is part of the famous Rainbow Valley on Everest. With so many people succumbing to high altitude sickness, as well as the frigid cold, it is no wonder this area has claimed so many different climbers over the years. With over 200 people dying on Everest, Green Boots’ location has become one of the many unfortunate, colorful reminders of a climber’s proximity to the highest summit in the world.
The Importance of Green Boots
The presence of Green Boots on Everest has become an important symbol for climbers attempting to summit the mountain. The body is a reminder of the dangers of climbing Everest and the importance of being prepared for the harsh conditions on the mountain. For many potential climbers, seeing the body is a sobering experience that puts the risks of climbing Everest into perspective.
The story of Green Boots has also had an impact on the climbing community. It has become a cautionary tale often discussed among climbers, and his death has been used as an example of the dangers of climbing Everest. The controversy surrounding the decision to leave his body on the mountain has sparked a debate within the climbing community about the ethics of leaving dead bodies on the mountain.
Whereas, Tsewang Paljor has been on the mountain for over 25 years. He, of course, is not the only one. There have been over 200 deaths on Everest, with many of the bodies still frozen in place in the death zone close to the summit. With it being difficult, dangerous and extremely expensive to remove bodies, many of these bodies will spend much longer at the top of the tallest mountain in the world. This has led to issues of ethics, and calls to remove the bodies.
The Ethics of Leaving Green Boots on Everest:
One of the most controversial aspects of Green Boots on Everest is the decision to leave his body on the mountain. While it is common practice for climbers to leave bodies on the mountain if it is impossible to bring them down, many people believe it is unethical to leave them on the mountain.
There are several arguments for and against leaving people on Everest. Those who support leaving bodies on the mountain argue that removing them would be a dangerous and expensive process that would put more lives at risk. They also say that leaving bodies on the mountain is a way to honor the climbers who have died attempting to summit Everest.
On the other hand, those who argue against leaving bodies on the mountain believe that it is disrespectful to the dead and their families. They argue that leaving bodies on the mountain is a form of exploitation and a reminder of the dangers of climbing that should not be used as a motivational tool.
Finally, many locals see Everest as a god and thus should be respected as one. By leaving the dead, as well as trash in general, is a disgrace to the god, as well as their religion and beliefs.
Alternatives to Leaving Bodies on Everest
While the controversy surrounding Green Boots on Everest continues, there have been discussions about potential alternatives to leaving bodies on the mountain.
One suggestion is to establish a system for removing bodies from the mountain in a safe and secure manner. This could involve creating a team of experts specializing in high-altitude body retrieval and transportation. While this would be expensive and difficult, it could help address the ethical concerns surrounding leaving bodies on the mountain.
Another alternative is to establish a memorial site for climbers who have died on Everest. This could be a place where climbers can pay their respects to those who have lost their lives on the mountain without leaving bodies on the mountain as landmarks. This could also serve as a reminder of the dangers of climbing Everest and a way to honor the climbers who have died attempting to summit the mountain.
Key Takeaways: The Legend of Green Boots on Mt Everest
The story of Green Boots on Everest is a controversial and thought-provoking one. While the presence of his body on the mountain has become an important symbol for climbers, it has also sparked a debate about the ethics of leaving dead bodies on the mountain. While there are arguments for and against leaving bodies on Everest, it is clear that the issue raises important ethical and practical considerations for climbers and the wider public.
As we continue to explore and push the boundaries of what is possible, it is important that we also consider the implications of our actions on the mountain in terms of the environment, as well as other social implications. Climbing Everest may be an incredible achievement, but it also comes with risks and responsibilities.
Green Boots serves as a reminder of the dangers of climbing and the importance of respecting the mountain and those who have lost their lives attempting to summit it. As we move forward, it is important that we continue to have these discussions and find ways to honor and respect those who have lost their lives on Everest.
FAQs: Green Boots on Mt Everest
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Green Boots on Mount Everest.
Yes, Green Boots is still on Everest and has been for over 25 years. Upon the request of Paljor’s family, someone buried the body with snow and stones.
Green Boots was not seen between 2014 and 2017 on the climb from the north side, but in 2017 it reappeared, now surrounded by more rocks. The body remains in the same location and has become a marker for climbers to gauge their proximity to the summit.
Green Boots was 28 years old when he died on Everest. He was born on April 10, 1968, and died on May 11, 1996.
The body of an unidentified climber on Mount Everest’s primary Northeast ridge route became a marker known as “Green Boots.” While the man’s identity has not been officially confirmed, it is believed to be Tsewang Paljor, an Indian climber who died on Everest in 1996.
Green Boots was reportedly moved off the trail in 2014 by a Chinese expedition.
