‘Green Boots’ to leave Everest after nearly three decades

Nearly three decades after a body became one of Mount Everest’s most haunting landmarks, India is preparing to bring the remains known as “Green Boots” back from the mountain.

Indian authorities believe the body, found near the summit at about 8,500 metres, may belong to Dorje Morup, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officer who died on Everest in 1996.

The remains will undergo DNA testing in India to confirm the identity before they are handed over to his family, according to Indian media.

For years, “Green Boots” has been one of Everest’s most recognisable bodies, lying frozen on the treacherous northern slopes. Its bright green climbing boots became a grim reference point for climbers attempting to reach the summit.

Morup, a lance naik with the ITBP, was part of a six-member Indian expedition that attempted Everest from the northern side in 1996. Three climbers continued toward the summit during a severe snowstorm while the others turned back. They reached the 8,849-metre summit but died on the descent after being caught in worsening weather.

The body was long believed to be that of another climber from the expedition, Tsewang Paljor. However, accounts from surviving team members, the location of Morup’s final radio contact and recent assessments of his clothing and climbing equipment have led Indian authorities to believe that “Green Boots” was Morup.

Recovering the body will be an extremely hazardous operation. The remains are located in Everest’s so-called Death Zone, where temperatures can fall to around minus 40°C and oxygen levels are roughly one-third of those at sea level. The steep and remote terrain on the Chinese side further complicates the mission.

Experts estimate that a team of 10 to 12 highly experienced climbers could be needed to reach the body. Once recovered, it is expected to be lowered by rope to a safer altitude before being transported by helicopter.

The ITBP plans to finance the recovery operation, with preparations reportedly under way to assemble a team of experienced climbers and Sherpas. The mission could begin as early as September.

For Morup’s family, the planned recovery carries a deeply personal significance. His wife, Konchak Yangskit, has spent nearly 30 years waiting for the return of her husband’s remains. The family still preserves his medals, trophies, photographs and a certificate documenting his ascent.

According to the certificate issued by the Chinese authorities, Morup reached Everest’s summit at 5:30pm on May 10, 1996.

If the recovery succeeds, the family plans to hold Morup’s final rites in Leh, Ladakh. His son, Punchok Dorjai, hopes his father will be remembered as a hero—and wants to preserve the recovered “Green Boots” alongside his Everest certificate as a lasting reminder of the climber who made it to the top but never came home.