sports
Mount Everest, a climber known only as ‘Green Boots’, and the mission to solve a 30-year mystery
In 1996, a blizzard in Everest’s notorious ‘death zone’ killed ‘Green Boots’. Now, a fresh expedition plans to retrieve his body, and establish his identity
TL;DR
- A mission is underway to retrieve the body of 'Green Boots' from Mount Everest, 30 years after his death.
- The climber, named after his green Koflach boots, has served as a landmark on the north-east ridge route.
- Indian authorities now identify 'Green Boots' as Dorje Morup, challenging prior assumptions of it being Tsewang Paljor, both of whom died in a 1996 blizzard.
- The recovery is deemed a gruelling and dangerous task, requiring experienced Sherpas and facing logistical challenges.
- The body, dressed in climbing gear, can weigh up to 200kg and requires extreme measures for recovery.
- About 200 bodies remain on Everest, with recovery often too difficult or costly.