Are There Dead Bodies On Mount Everest

So, there I was, scrolling through Instagram, when I stumbled upon this mind-blowing factoid: there are hundreds of dead bodies scattered across Mount Everest. I mean, who knew the roof of the world was also a graveyard, huh? Now, I'm no mountain climber, but I've always thought of Everest as this pristine, untouchable peak. Turns out, it's more like a giant, frozen necropolis. Intrigued? Let's dive in.

Why Are There Dead Bodies on Everest?

Alright, so you're probably wondering why people just leave their dead behind. Well, it's not like they're doing it on purpose. Mountaineering is a dangerous game, and Everest is the ultimate challenge. Since the first successful ascent in 1953, over 300 climbers have died trying to reach the summit. The bodies, unfortunately, are often left where they fell due to a few reasons.

First off, it's really hard to move a body at high altitude. We're talking about extreme cold, thin air, and treacherous terrain. It's not like you can just call an ambulance, you know? Secondly, some bodies are frozen in place by ice, making them impossible to move. Lastly, some climbers choose to stay where they died, becoming a part of the mountain's history. It's a grim thought, but it's a reality of climbing Everest.

The "Ice Fall Doctors"

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, but why not remove the bodies to preserve some dignity?" Well, it's not as simple as it sounds. The Khumbu Icefall, a treacherous section of the mountain, is constantly shifting due to melting ice. Any attempt to retrieve a body would put rescuers at risk. Plus, the Nepalese government has a policy of leaving the dead in place to deter others from climbing.

There's a group of experienced Sherpas who maintain a route through the Khumbu Icefall each climbing season. They're known as the "Ice Fall Doctors," and they're the ones who decide where it's safe to climb. They also mark the locations of the dead, so climbers can pay their respects and avoid the bodies.

Over 200 Bodies on Mount Everest Used as Landmarks, Here Are A Few Of

Famous Dead on Everest

Everest has claimed many lives, including some famous ones. There's George Mallory, who disappeared on the mountain in 1924. His body wasn't found until 1999, and we still don't know if he reached the summit. Then there's David Sharp, a British climber who died in 2006. His body was left where he fell, and his story sparked a debate about climber ethics on Everest.

But perhaps the most famous dead body on Everest is that of Tenzing Norgay's son, Tenzing Norgay Bhutia. He died in 1978, just 17 years old, and his body remains on the mountain. His father, the first person to reach the summit with Sir Edmund Hillary, wanted him to stay. It's a poignant reminder of the mountain's power and the price some pay to conquer it.

BBC - Future - Death in the clouds: The problem with Everest’s 200+ bodies

Visiting the Dead on Everest

So, should you visit Everest and see the dead for yourself? Well, that's up to you. It's a personal decision, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. If you do go, remember to treat the bodies with respect. They're a reminder of the mountain's power and the climbers' courage.

And hey, if you're not into the whole death thing, there are plenty of other amazing sights to see in Nepal. You could check out the beautiful temples in Kathmandu, or hike to the base camp without trying to summit. Whatever you choose, just remember, Everest is a force to be reckoned with. It's not just a mountain, it's a graveyard, a monument, a challenge. It's Everest.