For three decades, body of Indian climber Dorje Morup, known as "Green Boots" due to his distinctive lime-colored mountaineering shoes,has rested on the slopes of Mount Everest. Now,Indian authorities are preparing to recover his remains, a mission that carries both emotional weight and significant logistical challenges.
Morup,a lance naik in the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP),was part of a historic expedition in 1996 aiming to summit Everest from the treacherous north side, a route less traveled by climbers . On the night before his departure,he promised his wife, Konchak Yangskit, that he would return a hero. However,disaster struck during the descent when a blizzard claimed the lives of Morup and two fellow climbers,Tsewang Smanla and Tsewang Paljor.
Since that fateful day, Morup's body has served as a grim marker for climbers ascending Everest, lying at an altitude of approximately 8,500 meters . For years, it was believed that the remains belonged to Paljor,but recent investigations have shifted focus back to Morup, aided by insights from surviving expedition members and the identification of his gear.
"We never forgot him. It was only a matter of time," ITBP official stated,emphasizing the commitment to bring Morup home . operation to recover his body is fraught with danger,as the area is known as the "death zone," where temperatures can plummet to -40 degrees Celsius and oxygen levels are critically low.
Experts warn that the recovery will be a complex endeavor. Tshiring Jangbu Sherpa, seasoned Nepalese mountaineer,noted that the north side of Everest poses unique challenges. Unlike south, which has better support systems for climbers, Chinese side is steeper and lacks rapid evacuation options . "The weather and snow conditions are going to be crucial," he said.
To retrieve Morup's body,a team of experienced climbers will be needed. Estimates suggest that 10 to 12 skilled mountaineers may be required to secure ropes and navigate the treacherous terrain. The initial descent,particularly the first 1,000 meters, will be the most perilous part of the operation, according to Indian climber Kuntal Joisher .
"It's going to be very,very risky," Joisher remarked,highlighting the steep and rocky ground that complicates the mission. Bodies on Everest often become frozen in awkward positions, making recovery even more challenging. Additionally, the remains may begin to thaw and decompose once they descend to lower altitudes .
The ITBP is funding recovery mission and aims to have Morup's body returned by September. The cost of such operations can be substantial,often ranging between $40,000 and $80,000,a figure that many families cannot afford. In some cases,local teams have opted to move deceased climbers out of sight rather than attempt recovery.
Morup's family in Ladakh has held onto hope for years. Yangskit, now in her seventies, recalls the days following the tragedy vividly. Despite organizing cremation prayers, she struggled to accept her husband's death,stating, "I didn't see his dead body,so it was difficult for me to believe it." Her son, Punchok Dorjai,also grapples with loss, often looking at a framed photo of his father.
As the recovery mission approaches,the family remains cautiously optimistic. Yangskit expressed a desire to ask Morup about his long absence,should his remains be returned. "When he comes home,I will ask him: 'Where were you all these years?'" she said,reflecting the enduring hope that has kept their spirits alive.
The anticipated recovery of Morup's body not only represents a chance for closure for his family but also highlights the ongoing risks faced by climbers on Everest. With over 300 fatalities recorded on the mountain, the legacy of those who have perished continues to loom large over the climbing community.
