Mount Everest Rainbow Valley | Where The Lost Souls Wander

  • Kishwor Adhikari
  • Last Updated on Aug 15, 2024

For many, Mount Everest is a natural beauty that offers nothing but honor, a sense of achievement, and serenity to the lucky ones who make it to the top. But the sad reality is, the mountain is also a place where the lost souls wander, especially the ones who were unlucky, and perished during their quest. Sections of the peak like Mount Everest Rainbow Valley constantly remind us, i.e. the general population, and not just the climber, about this dark and ugly face of Everest that is mostly hidden.

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Mount Everest Rainbow Valley

When you hear the words Mount Everest Rainbow Valley, what you picture in your mind is a beautiful place, probably a valley that is colorful, bright, full of life, and a stunning place to be. However, Mount Everest Rainbow Valley is completely different from such expectations. Mount Everest Rainbow Valley is the Everest Graveyard, where you will find the corpses of climbers who perished either in terms of climbing the peak or in terms of returning from the peak to the camp.

The reason why Mount Everest Rainbow Valley is called so is that the dead bodies that are found in the Everest Graveyard are all covered in colorful clothing, probably the ones that the climbers wore during an expedition. At such an altitude the bodies don’t decay, and retain their shape, causing these pieces of clothing to stay intact. From a distance, the area appears like patches of color like that of a rainbow over the snow, so, the place was given the name Mount Everest Rainbow Valley.

Mount-Everest-Rainbow-Valley

Mount Everest Rainbow Valley happens to fall on the Everest Death Zone, which is a part of the mountain between 8000 m and 8848.86 m. The reason why it’s called Everest Death Zone is that maximum deaths during the climb or descent happen here. At this altitude, the volume of oxygen is too thin, also, the weather is extreme, with strong winds howling all the time, and needless to say, the temperature is too low. Even a slight mistake at this level can cause the demise of the mountaineer.

Mount Everest Rainbow Valley, as per popular opinion, is the dark side of Everest, and so, it needs to be kept hidden. It has the potential to induce fear in the hearts of the climbers and prevent them from attempting the adventure. Well, the truth is that it’s only by knowing about things like Mount Everest Rainbow Valley, Everest Death Zone, and Everest Graveyard, that the climber would give their best during the training and preparation process, as they will be aware of what to expect while they’re on the peak.

Everest-Death-Zone

Because of its location on the cliff, it is an area that can’t be evaded, especially when you’re using the popular route to reach the peak. The mountaineers will inevitably come across the horrible sights of those corpses on the cliff, and they will have to deal with them. So, they should be clear about the challenges and all the shortcomings that they might come across during the process of climbing the peak. These instances will warn them to be careful with their approach to the mountain.

Where is the death zone of Mt Everest?

The high altitude area above 8000 meters (26,247) of Mt. Everest is known as the "Death Zone". The territory is called the death zone because it is so low in oxygen that a human body can't survive longer. This death trap begins from the peak area and stretches thousands of feet below.

Climbers have serious physical difficulties in this Everest Death Zone due to the thin air, such as acute hypoxia, which can result in ambiguity, drowsiness, and even death if not treated quickly. You must be extremely well-prepared and cautious when navigating the Death Zone, which is responsible for the majority of Everest fatalities. 

Over 340 climbers have died on Everest since records began, with a large majority of those deaths occurring in Rainbow Valley. Sadly, just about 30% of these corpses have been recovered while other bodies are still shining in Mount Everest Rainbow Valley.

You can see the death zone from the sky if you go on Mount Everest's scenic flight tour

Why does Rainbow Valley Everest have so many dead bodies?

Situated just below the summit in the Death Zone of Mount Everest, Everest graveyard – Rainbow Valley is well-known for the vast array of climbers who have lost their lives there. Yet, why do so many people die in Rainbow Valley Mount Everest? 

The primary cause is the Death Zone's harsh surroundings, where oxygen concentrations lower to the core and surviving becomes extremely difficult. Climbers are further put at risk by the area's unpredictable storms, freezing temperatures, and harsh weather.

It is almost impossible to retrieve bodies from this perilous zone because of the altitude and challenging terrain. There is an awful lot of effort involved, and rescuers are at great risk. Due to this, many bodies are consequently left where they fall, serving as a dark symbol of the mountain's risk factors.

Why is the Death Zone of Everest called Rainbow Valley?

The vibrant range of colors from climbers' clothing and equipment, which marks the places where they have fallen, gives Rainbow Valley, its name. Extreme hypoxia, harsh weather, and subfreezing temperatures are commonplace for climbers. The brightly colored gear of the many who lose their lives from these conditions stands out strikingly against the frigid surroundings while they remain in the Mt.Everest rainbow valley.

Those belongings or even the dead bodies of the late climbers become visible from a greater distance like a rainbow, which is the main reason why the death zone is referred to as the Rainbow Valley of Everest.

What happens when people die on Mount Everest? 

When people die on Everest, they typically leave their remains where they fell. In such a high-elevation area, even simple tasks are extremely tiring and hence the rescuers don't easily attempt to retrieve the bodies of late climbers. To prevent further harm, bodies are frequently left in situ due to the extreme risk to rescuers.

As a result, anyone attempting the climb will often come across the remains of earlier climbers, which serves as a vivid reminder of how dangerous the ascent is. In light of this, if you intend to reach the summit of Everest, be ready to see Rainbow Valley Mt. Everest's dead bodies. Instead, see this as another motivation to continue.

Some horrible death in Everest

Despite being well-known for its majestic views and immense height, Mount Everest is also extremely dangerous. Tragically, the journey to the top may become a struggle for survival. The tragic stories of those who perished on Everest serve as a reminder of the extreme difficulties and harsh environment that climbers must endure. These tales not only highlight the tremendous dangers associated with high-altitude climbing, but they also provide a terrifying look into the mountain's brutal majesty and the never-ending battle against its hostile surroundings.

Green Boots Everest

The story of the "Green Boots" event is among the most famous and terrifying on Everest. A climber from India, identified as Tsewang Paljor, is thought to have died while attempting to reach the summit in 1996. The body was discovered in 2001by a French man. It is believed that the body is Tsewang’s and his remains were given the nickname "Green Boots". 

green-boots-everest

For many years, climbers passing by would discover Green Boots curled up in the fetal position inside the cave, acting as a sobering reminder of the mountain's deadly dangers. The body, recognized by the brilliant green Koflach, became a prominent signpost on the northern route to the summit. 

However, the interesting fact is that no one knows the real identity of Mount Everest Green Boots and there is a long debate going on among the interested ones about this topic.

Sleeping Beauty Everest

The incident known as "Sleeping Beauty" on Mount Everest centers on the tragic 1998 death of American climber Francys Arsentiev. Without supplemental oxygen, Francys and her husband Sergei undertook the perilous climb to the summit. Even though they succeeded in reaching the summit, they had a rough descent.

everest-sleeping-beauty

When Sergei went for help, Francys was left behind, exhausted. The next day, climbers located her partially alive, but the harsh weather and their risky position hindered them from saving her. When Sergei tried to go back and help her, he also died.

Another group of climbers found Francys dead on next day. The way she lay on the mountainside and her calmness earned her the nickname "Sleeping Beauty." Climber Ian Woodall coordinated a 2007 expedition to drape an American flag over her remains to pay tribute to her memory and restore some dignity. The story of “Sleeping Beauty Rainbow Valley Everest” never gets old among the trekkers.

Hannelore Schmatz

Climbers are still haunted by the terrible narrative of Hannelore Schmatz's 1979 Everest ascent. Together with her husband, a group of climbers, and Sherpas, Schmatz and American Ray Genet descended the mountain facing difficult obstacles. Exhausted, they decided to spend the night with a Sherpa in the dangerous death zone. 

After a severe snowstorm, Genet lost to cold and died. Schmatz whereas, made it through the storm and was severely weakened. She lost support at 8,290 meters and died. She cried out for water in her final words. For years, her exposed face and hair in the wind served as a constant reminder of the horrors awaiting climbers on Mount Everest. 

Did you know, that in the process of recovering Hannelore Schmatz’s dead body, two climbers lost their lives?

Can Dead Bodies on Everest Be Removed?

Because of the mountain's harsh terrain, intricate logistics, and moral quandaries, recovering dead remains from Everest is a difficult undertaking. It is possible, but the process is dangerous, necessitating careful planning and carrying a high risk for those who attempt it. The "death zone," which is above 8,000 meters, increases the challenge and makes retrieval operations extremely risky. As a result, several bodies are still there where they fell, serving as somber reminders of Everest's deadly attraction. 

However, there have been some campaigns conducted for dead body removal from the Everest Death Zone. 

The 2014 Everest Cleanup Campaign

The Nepalese authorities started a cleanup effort in 2014 with the dual goals of getting rid of rubbish and locating climbers' remains that had passed away. The experience of seasoned Sherpas who entered the dangerous death zone was crucial to the mission's success. Several bodies were successfully hauled down to base camp during the campaign. This endeavor emphasized how important it is to protect Everest's sacredness while paying tribute to the climbers who lost their lives.

The 2019 Green Boots Removal Attempt

Everest's ominous landmark, Green Boots, is widely recognized as the presumed remains of Indian climber Tsewang Paljor, who died in 1996. Though there are few specifics, claims of attempts to remove the remains appeared in 2019. The importance of changing or removing Green Boots is caused by its function as a well-known landmark for climbers. This campaign draws attention to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the consequences of human activities on Everest and raises issues regarding the mountain's historical and cultural legacy.

The Everest 2020 Cleanup Campaign

A major cleanup effort involving the Nepalese army and other mountaineering organizations was started in 2020. The mission's goal was to remove waste and bodies, concentrating on areas with heavy traffic, such as the summit and the South Col. Less climbers as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak allowed for a more concentrated cleanup effort. The campaign effectively removed more than ten tons of trash and recovered multiple bodies, highlighting the ongoing necessity of such actions to safeguard Everest's ecosystem.

Everest Expedition

The Everest Expedition is everyone’s dream, or at least the ones who are mountaineering enthusiasts. Successful Everest Climb offers you a sense of victory and pride, and of course, unbelievable views from the top of Mount Everest. To answer the question, how long does it take to climb Mount Everest, altogether, it’s a 43-day long journey, out of which, the climbers spend around 26 days climbing the peak. You must know the answers to questions like, how long it takes to climb Mount Everest, before going for Everest Climb, as it helps you better prepare for the journey. As a climber, you should try the Everest Expedition even for the sake of great views from the top of Mount Everest.

Everest-Expedition

Everest Base Camp Trek

Generally, the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty level is marked as moderate, but considering the Everest Climb, the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty level is nothing. The Everest Base Camp trek is a crucial part of the Everest Expedition, as it helps the mountaineers warm up and acclimatize to the altitude before the climb. The mountaineers walk from Lukla to Everest Base Camp before the ascent and the same way back after the descent. During the trek, you can have amazing views and wonderful pictures of Mount Everest. Even on its own, the Everest Base Camp trek is an outstanding journey. As a trekking enthusiast, you should go for it, even for the sake of the views and the pictures of Mount Everest.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Chart:- 

Group Size Cost Per - Person
Solo Trekker $1450
2 Person $1250
3 - 5 Person $1200
6 - 10 Person $1100
11 - 20 Person $999

Everest Base Camp Tour

There are so many ways of going on the Everest Base Camp Tour, and the two most popular ones are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Everest Expedition. In both of these journeys, you get to spend an immense amount of time on the Everest Base Camp and soak in all the goodness, but the only downside is that quite a lot of effort is involved. Quite an easy way to go on the Everest Base Camp Tour is through the Everest Helicopter tour. In a duration of around 5 to 6 hours, you’ll reach Mount Everest Base Camp and back. It is a lavish tour, as the helicopter takes you to all the major destinations and attractions of the Everest region. The journey ends as you’re served a sumptuous meal at the Everest View Hotel before leaving.

Everest Helicopter tour

The lost souls, though they wander on the peak, on sections like Mount Everest Rainbow Valley, give us, and especially the mountaineers, a significant lesson, which is to give Everest their best, and to not take any chances. Unless they offer Everest their best and are tactful at all times, Everest won’t give them its best. For many, truths like Mount Everest Rainbow Valley are a secret meant to be locked away, but for a true mountaineer, it’s a treasure that always influences him to be realistic and careful.

If you are interested in Everest treks, please check out the following packages:

Breeze Adventure offers the most amazing trekking and expedition journeys to anyone willing to experience the mountains. With years of experience in the field and a team of travel experts, they’re able to provide you with packages that are exciting and as well as affordable. If you’re willing to trek or go for an expedition in the Everest region, Breeze Adventure can be the best travel partner for you. They will offer you an outstanding service, with a personal touch. What makes them stand apart from others is the fact that they look to achieve 100% client satisfaction, which they do by asking for input from the clients about the itinerary. The resulting journey caters to the interests of the clients and is truly personal. They are available all the time to answer your queries about the trip. If you’re looking for an ideal holiday destination, Nepal can prove to be the best option for you. But before you decide, make sure to contact Breeze Adventure. You’ll love their consultation and travel services.

Kishwor Adhikari

Kishwor Adhikari

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