Search for Everest team to bring body known as 'Green Boots' home after 30 years frozen near summit

The search for the body of Dorje Morup, known among climbers as “Green Boots,” has reached a critical stage as Indian authorities prepare to retrieve the remains of the man who died on Mount Everest 30 years ago. The body, which has long served as a grim landmark along the mountain’s northern route, is set to be returned to his family in India following a coordinated effort involving specialized high-altitude teams. The operation aims to bring the remains back by September, after which DNA tests will confirm the identity of the deceased. Dorje Morup, a 48-year-old Lance Naik in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), died in May 1996 during an ambitious expedition that sought to mark India’s first successful ascent of Everest from the treacherous North Col route. His body has remained frozen at an elevation of approximately 8,500 meters, where temperatures can plummet to -40°C and oxygen levels are roughly a third of those at sea level. Known as the “death zone” by climbers, this area is infamous for its extreme conditions and the numerous fatalities recorded over the decades. Morup’s remains, encased in green climbing boots, have become a well-known symbol for hikers navigating the perilous terrain. His wife, Konchak Yangskit, has spoken publicly about the emotional toll of waiting for his return. She described how she often imagined hearing a knock on the door late at night, expecting to find him standing there. Her husband had promised her that he would return a hero and make his country proud. On the eve of his departure, he instructed her to look after their children and await his arrival at the airport. Despite his experience with Himalayan trekking, she felt an unsettling sense of foreboding that night. The 1996 expedition, organized by the ITBP, included six climbers aiming to achieve a historic feat by reaching Everest’s summit from the Chinese-controlled side. Three of them, Morup, Tsewang Smanla, and Tsewang Paljor, made it to the summit, only to face a deadly blizzard during their descent. All three perished, though the identities of the victims were initially unclear. For years, Morup’s body was mistakenly believed to belong to Tsewang Paljor. However, recent testimonies from surviving members of the expedition and analysis of the last radio contact have led authorities to conclude that the remains belong to Morup. Efforts to recover bodies from Everest are fraught with logistical and environmental challenges. The Chinese side of the mountain, where Morup’s body lies, presents additional obstacles, including restricted access and limited infrastructure. Climbing permits from the Chinese government are rarely granted, and the region is largely inaccessible to foreign climbers. As a result, most expeditions prefer the Nepalese side, where support systems and evacuation routes are more established. Pemba Sherpa, founder of the Kathmandu-based Xtreme Climbers Treks and Expedition, emphasized the difficulty of retrieving the body. He noted that securing permission from Chinese authorities is the first major hurdle. Once that is cleared, the process involves assembling a team of highly skilled climbers capable of navigating the steep and unforgiving terrain. Even seasoned climbers face significant risks, particularly during the unpredictable autumn months when weather conditions worsen. Transporting the body down the mountain requires careful planning. The remains must be physically carried down until a suitable altitude is reached where helicopters or yaks can assist in the transport. Due to the weight and frozen state of the body, especially when encased in climbing gear, the process is both physically and logistically demanding. There is also a risk of decomposition as the body begins to thaw during the descent. As the planned retrieval approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the safe and respectful return of Dorje Morup’s remains to his family. With DNA confirmation expected soon, the final steps of the journey will depend on the coordination of multiple agencies and the expertise of high-altitude specialists. The case of “Green Boots” highlights the enduring legacy of those lost on Everest, a reminder of the dangers faced by climbers and the ongoing efforts to honor their memory.