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After 30 years: The chilling mystery on Everest has been revealed.
One of the most recognized and chilling figures on Mount Everest has ceased to be anonymous. After three decades of uncertainty, DNA tests confirmed that the climber known as “Green Boots” is Dorje Morup, an Indian policeman who died in the deadly storm of 1996.
Green Boots lies high in the death zone. Photo: Wikipedia
The body, located at an altitude of about 8,440 meters on the northern side of the mountain, has over the years become a well-known landmark for climbers. For years, there was a debate about its identity, with many believing it to be Tsewang Samanla, also a member of the Indian expedition from that year. Now, the scientific determination ends the dispute.
Alongside the revelation, it was reported that this month a particularly complex rescue mission is expected to commence in order to bring the remains down from the mountain. This is an extraordinary logistical and human challenge, both due to the extreme altitude and because the body is located on the side controlled by China.
The disaster in which Morup lost his life occurred on May 10, 1996, when a sudden snowstorm struck several expeditions on the mountain. While the events on the southern side were extensively documented in books and films, the storm also claimed victims on the northern side. Morup was part of a group of six Indian climbers attempting to reach the summit via Tibet.
Three of the climbers continued to the summit despite it being later than usual. After reaching their destination and holding a brief ceremony, they began their descent when the weather deteriorated rapidly. According to reports, Morup was seen alive but in very critical condition, and he could not survive the extreme conditions.
Buddhist memorial site for climbers who perished in the 1996 disaster. Photo: Magical Nepal
The retrieval mission is expected to be carried out by an experienced fire team, who will attempt to transport the body through Nepal and return it to India. For Morup's family, this is a painful yet important closure, after decades of uncertainty.
Alongside this, between 200 and 250 bodies of climbers who have not been retrieved are still scattered on the slopes of Everest. For many families, the possibility of a proper farewell remains out of reach.
Location of Green Boots on Everest. Photo: Google Earth
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