How Many People Have Died on Mount Everest?
Here is a clear overview of how many of deaths on Mount Everest till now, have a look:
Updated Mount Everest death count (2025)
There’s a lot to say about Everest death statistics, and it’s so sad. As of mid 2025, the Everest death toll stands lower than in recent years, but it’s still heartbreaking. Around 340 people have died climbing Mount Everest since records began, with many bodies never recovered because of how deadly the mountain is.
This year, there were five deaths: three high on the mountain and two at Base Camp. This is way fewer than in 2023 and 2024. So when people ask “how many climbers died on Everest”, the answer changes but stays disturbingly high. Even if 2025 felt unusual in a grim way.
Mount Everest Success vs. Death Rate Statistics
Talking about success vs. death rate statistics, it’s weird but kinda hopeful that more people make it than don’t. In fact, overall, about 1 % of climbers die on Everest. That is, if you count those who go above Everest Base Camp.
If you look at long-term averages, roughly 5 to 6 climbers die every year; between 1921 and 2024. So it’s about 5 annually, and in recent decades (2010–2024) it’s climbed to roughly 8 because of outsized years like 2015 and 2023.
So while "success" seems common nowadays (like hundreds summiting each spring), the Everest fatalities per year still matter. Because even a small rate means lives lost.
Mount Everest Annual average fatalities
Talking about annual average fatalities, they shift over decades. From the year 2000 to 2019, the average was around 3.2 per year. Before that was more deadly but slowly improved over time. Still, in 2023, there were 18 deaths, one of the deadliest seasons ever.
But in 2025, just five fatalities, which is a big drop compared to that spike. So the Everest fatalities per year number jumps up and down. But the long-term trend shows some improvement, though the risk never really goes away.
Why Are Bodies Left on Mount Everest?
People always wonder why bodies are left on Everest, and it’s not easy to explain. The mountain is super dangerous, cold, and high. Many climbers die above 8,000 meters, where the air is thin and the weather can change in minutes. Recovering a body is almost impossible sometimes.
Even helicopters can’t go that high. And carrying a body down takes huge energy, risk, and time. So lots of climbers stay there forever, frozen in the ice. The frozen bodies on Everest almost become part of the mountain. This is a silent reminder of the risk. Even experienced climbers sometimes can’t save them, that’s why Everest body recovery is rare and very expensive.
Some climbers say seeing these bodies is sad but also a warning. They tell stories about human courage and mistakes. Some families never get closure because the mountain keeps the bodies.
Others see it as respecting nature. Sometimes, leaving the body is the safest choice. And weirdly, these frozen bodies also help future climbers know where danger zones are, almost like invisible guides on Everest trails.
Dead Bodies and Landmarks on Everest
Some bodies on Everest are kinda famous now, almost like little landmarks. George Mallory’s body on Everest was found decades after he vanished in 1924. And people still talk about it when they dream of climbing. Then there’s the spooky Green Boots Everest spot, where a climber’s boots stick out of the snow, and everyone notices it.
Not just that, climbers sometimes even use these places to figure out where they are going. It’s sad to see. But at the same time, these bodies become part of the mountain’s story and climbing culture.
Climbers mention these spots a lot. Looking at a frozen body or passing Green Boots Everest reminds you that the mountain is more than just ice and rocks. Actually, it holds history, stories, and lessons.
Some take photos, some just walk past quietly, but it sticks with you. Everest is beautiful but also really dangerous. Further, seeing these bodies makes that very real. Strange but true, the bodies up there tell stories that no book or video can really show fully.
Green Boots – Everest’s Northeast Route Legend
Perhaps one of the most recognized figures on Everest is “Green Boots,” believed to be Tsewang Paljor, an Indian climber who died during the 1996 Everest disaster. His body, marked by distinctive green mountaineering boots, lay in a small rocky cave at around 8,500 meters on the Northeast route. For many years, every climber passing through this section would encounter Green Boots, making him an unintentional landmark on the journey to the summit.
Although his body was eventually moved from sight, the story of Green Boots remains deeply tied to Everest’s legacy. His presence reminded climbers of the razor-thin line between success and tragedy on the mountain. Today, even without his physical remains marking the trail, his story continues to echo in mountaineering circles as a symbol of both the dangers of Everest and the respect owed to those who lost their lives chasing the summit.
Rainbow Valley, Nepal – Everest’s Death Zone Graveyard
Everest Rainbow Valley is a chilling landmark high on Mount Everest, located above 8,000 meters in the “Death Zone.” The name comes from the colorful jackets, boots, and climbing gear of fallen climbers that remain scattered across the slope. At this altitude, oxygen is scarce, winds are brutal, and temperatures stay below freezing. These extreme conditions make it nearly impossible to retrieve bodies, and many who perish here become part of the mountain forever.
For climbers attempting the summit, Rainbow Valley is more than just a name on the map—it’s a haunting reminder of Everest’s unforgiving power. Walking through the area, climbers pass by the silent remains of those who once had the same dream. The bright colors stand out against the white snow, symbolizing both the determination and the high price of mountaineering on the world’s tallest peak.
In 1998, American climber Francys Arsentiev became the first woman from the United States to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. However, the triumph quickly turned to tragedy during her descent. Exhausted and unable to continue, she collapsed near the summit. Climbers who encountered her reported her final words as a plea not to be left alone. Despite attempts to help, the altitude and exhaustion made it impossible for anyone to carry her down.
Her body, resting peacefully in the snow, earned her the heartbreaking nickname “Sleeping Beauty.” For nearly a decade, she remained a haunting figure on the mountain until, in 2007, climbers moved her to a more discreet resting place. Her story continues to live on as one of Everest’s most emotional tragedies, symbolizing both the courage and the risks faced by those who dare to climb the world’s highest mountain.
Where Are Most Dead Bodies Found on Everest?
Most of the Everest bodies are located in what climbers call the "Everest death zone". That’s above 8,000 meters, where the air is super thin and cold can kill fast. People often ask where most deaths occur on Everest. And the answer is usually near the summit or just below it.
Falling, exhaustion, and lack of oxygen make it really dangerous there. Once a climber dies in this zone, it’s almost impossible to bring them down. So many bodies stay frozen forever.
Likewise, the Everest death zone is like a silent graveyard. Some bodies lie along popular climbing routes, so climbers see them while going up or down. The most famous spots, like near Hillary Step or the upper Khumbu Icefall, have several Everest bodies location that became known to mountaineers.
It’s sad, scary, but also part of the mountain story. Everybody warns about how deadly Everest can be, and why even experienced climbers must respect it.
Main Causes of Death on Everest
Climbing Everest is dangerous, and many climbers die. Here are the main causes of death on Everest:
- Altitude sickness Everest: Lack of oxygen at high altitude makes climbers weak and confused. And sometimes this results in death.
- Falls and slips: Ice and rocks are slippery, one wrong step can be fatal there.
- Avalanches: Snow can come suddenly, burying climbers fast.
- Extreme cold and hypothermia: Freezing temperatures make the body stop working properly.
- Exhaustion and fatigue: Climbers push too hard, get tired, and collapse.
- Lack of experience or preparation: Poor planning, wrong gear, and not knowing the route increase risk.
- Storms and sudden weather changes: Strong winds, snowstorms can trap climbers. This can make it almost impossible to survive.
These all show why dangers of climbing Everest are very real, and every climber must be careful. Mountains are beautiful but unforgiving, and these causes of death on Everest remind everyone that the summit is not easy.
How Many Bodies Are Still on Everest Today?
People always ask how many bodies are on Everest today, and the answer is kinda shocking. There are still over 200 dead bodies remaining on Everest. They are frozen in ice or hidden in snow. Some never recovered because the mountain is too dangerous.
Not just that, these Everest frozen bodies become part of the route, and climbers sometimes see them while going up or down. Some bodies are famous, like near the Green Boots spot, and some are unknown.
They remind everyone how deadly Everest can be. Even though it’s sad, these frozen climbers are now almost part of the mountain itself, frozen in time forever.
Death Rate of Sherpas vs. Climbers
Climbing Everest is dangerous for everyone, but Sherpas face some extra risk. They carry heavy loads, set ropes, and go first on risky parts. That’s why Sherpa deaths on Everest are sometimes higher in certain years, even if total numbers look small.
Many climbers don’t realize how much work Sherpas do to make the climb possible. The Everest guides' risk is real, and it shows why they are considered heroes of the mountain.
Comparison of Sherpa vs climber deaths:
| Group | Approx Death Rate | Notes |
| Sherpas | 1 - 2 % | High risk zones, rope fixing, heavy loads |
| Climbers | 0.5 - 1 % | Summit push, altitude sickness, falls |
So basically, both face danger, but Sherpas take extra responsibility. This makes Sherpa deaths on Everest an important part of understanding mountain risks.
Safety Measures & Modern Climbing Improvements
Climbing Everest is still risky, but things have improved over the years. Here are the main points about Everest climbing safety:
- Better gear and clothing: Warm jackets, boots, and oxygen systems help climbers survive cold and thin air.
- Fixed ropes and ladders: Trails are safer now. This reduces the chance of slipping and Everest accidents.
- Experienced guides and Sherpas: They help climbers navigate dangerous parts.
- Weather monitoring: Modern forecasts warn about storms and dangerous conditions.
- Training and prep programs: Climbers learn altitude acclimatization and survival techniques.
- Helicopter rescues at lower altitudes: Emergency help is faster in Base Camp and lower sections.
- Route management: Crowding is reduced, so less traffic, fewer accidents.
- Medical support on Everest: Some camps have doctors and oxygen for emergencies.
- Awareness campaigns: Due to this, climbers know the risks, and Everest is safe to climb. They make smarter decisions before summit attempts.
Even with all these improvements, Everest climbing safety is still a serious matter. Mountains are beautiful but dangerous. And Everest accidents still happen every year, so careful planning is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Everest Deaths
How many people die on Everest each year?
On average, about 5 to 7 climbers die every year. But some seasons are worse, like 2023, with 18 deaths.
How many bodies are still on Everest?
There are over 200 bodies still on Everest. They are either frozen on slopes or hidden under snow.
Can bodies be removed from Everest?
Yes, bodies can be removed from Everest, but very hard to do that. It costs lots of money, takes many Sherpas, and is super dangerous. So most are left there.
Is the north or south route safer?
The south route from Nepal is usually safer than the north side in Tibet. The Tibetan side is windier and colder.
What is the chance of dying on Everest?
The death rate is around 1% overall, so the risk is small but still very real.
