Indian authorities are working to repatriate the body of Dorje Morup, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police officer who died in a 1996 snowstorm on Mount Everest and became internationally known as the “Green Boots” landmark. According to government and expedition records, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police is coordinating with specialized Sherpa rescue teams to recover the remains from an elevation of approximately 8,500 meters ahead of a planned September target date.
The 1996 Everest Expedition and the Tragic Descent
Dorje Morup was a 48-year-old experienced climber and member of an Indo-Tibetan Border Police expedition that attempted to reach the summit from Everest’s northern route on May 10, 1996. According to historical records of the climb, six members made up the expedition team. Three climbers turned back after severe weather struck the mountain, but Morup pushed forward alongside companions Tsewang Smanla and Tsewang Paljor.
While the trio successfully reached the 8,849-meter summit, a fierce blizzard enveloped the upper slopes during their descent. All three men perished in the storm. While the bodies of Smanla and Paljor were never recovered, one frozen body came to rest under an overhanging rock formation. For decades, passing climbers encountered the remains, which became widely recognized as “Green Boots” due to the distinct footwear still attached to the climber.
Challenging Logistics of High-Altitude Recovery
Retrieving human remains from the northern side of Mount Everest presents extreme logistical hurdles, according to climbing experts familiar with the region. Nepali climber Tshiring Jangbu Sherpa notes that shifting weather and unstable snow conditions dictate the feasibility of any high-altitude operation. Unlike the southern Nepali slopes, the northern route under Chinese control lacks established helicopter evacuation infrastructure.
Pemba Ongchu Sherpa explains that navigating the steep, rocky terrain requires a dedicated team of 10 to 12 experienced climbers to rig safety lines. Indian mountaineer Kuntal Joisher emphasizes that the initial descent from the 8,500-meter zone poses the highest risk, noting that freezing temperatures reaching minus 40 degrees Celsius make the task physically grueling and mentally demanding.
Did you know?
The “death zone” on Mount Everest refers to any altitude above 8,000 meters, where atmospheric pressure leaves only about one-third of the oxygen available at sea level, severely impairing human cognitive and physical functions.
A Family’s Three-Decade Wait for Closure
For the family of Dorje Morup, the planned recovery offers a chance at final resolution after thirty years of uncertainty. Konchak Yangskit, Morup’s widow, shares that the lack of physical remains left her struggling to accept his death, often waiting for him to return home. Family members currently preserve several items from his expedition, including medals, photographs, and an official certificate from Chinese authorities verifying his 1996 summit.
Once the Indo-Tibetan Border Police completes the recovery mission, officials plan to conduct DNA testing to conclusively verify the identity of the remains. Son Punchok Dorjai states that the family intends to hold a memorial service near Martyrs Park in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, honoring his father’s service to the nation. The family also plans to preserve the iconic green boots that marked his final resting place for three decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was “Green Boots” on Mount Everest?
According to recent investigations and accounts from surviving expedition members, the body known as “Green Boots” is believed to be Dorje Morup, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police officer who died during a 1996 storm.
Why has the recovery taken 30 years?
Retrieving a body from the death zone above 8,000 meters on Everest’s northern route involves severe hazards, including extreme cold, steep terrain, and a lack of local helicopter rescue options.
How will authorities confirm the identity of the body?
Following manual extraction down the mountain, Indian authorities plan to perform DNA testing to definitively match the remains to Dorje Morup before returning him to his family.
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