Indian authorities are preparing an operation to retrieve the frozen remains of a climber who perished on Mount Everest nearly three decades ago during one of the peak’s deadliest disasters. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is seeking bids from high altitude recovery agencies to recover the body, identified by the nickname ‘Green Boots,’ from the mountain’s northern slope.
The tender document requires the selected team to transport the remains to Delhi by October. Tshiring Jangbu Sherpa, founder of Nepal-based Everest Sherpa Expedition, explains that this mission presents significant challenges, noting, “double the danger of normal climbing.” Sherpa has led expeditions to recover climbers’ bodies and estimates that a skilled team of ten could spend up to a week retrieving Green Boots.
He also expresses concern about the feasibility of performing the operation within the June-October timeframe due to weather conditions, suggesting spring may be more appropriate. The ITBP has not commented on these plans.
Who is Green Boots?
‘Green Boots’ refers to a climber whose bright green footwear made the body a landmark for Everest climbers. Located at roughly 27,000 feet, the area is within the “death zone,” where oxygen levels are insufficient for sustaining life. The body is believed to be Tsewang Paljor, an ITBP member who, alongside fellow climbers, faced a deadly storm while attempting to reach Everest’s summit on May 10, 1996. However, tender documents identify the remains as Dorje Morup, Paljor’s expedition companion, confirmed by DNA testing.
Recovery Debates
Francys Arsentiev is a well-known case of body recovery from Everest; dying during her descent in 1998 without supplemental oxygen, her remains were visible for years. In 2007, a Sherpa-led team moved her remains out of sight, effectively burying her on the mountain.
Over 200 bodies remain on Everest, prompting debates within the mountaineering community. While some advocate for retrieval to respect the deceased, others highlight the dangers involved. Many climbers express preferences to remain on the mountain if they die. Tshiring advocates for recovery missions, emphasizing their importance for bringing deceased individuals back to loved ones.
Arshad R. Zargar contributed to this report.
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