16th Dec, 2024

Rainbow Valley Everest : The Death Zone of Mount Everest

- Magnificent Himalayan Treks

“Mount Everest is the tallest peak of the world. This mountain lies in Nepal.”

How many of you have heard , studied in your curriculums or known from the third party on a table-talk conversation?

Taking your footsteps all above the summit is not an easy way. You have to go through tremendous painful way all above. Lets see what is the most deadliest one that you certainly are unknown about.

Rainbow Valley is the most deadly way that the trekkers had to go to reach the peak of the world.

When you heard about the word rainbow, I know you have thought of the beautiful bright colors on the way. Because, I did !

They are the colors but not of the mountains or the natural landscapes but of the dead bodies, their remnants like colorful boots, water bottles , tents , climbing gears lying on the way above. Horrible, isn’t it?

Why Are Dead Bodies Stuck in Rainbow Valley on Everest?

Rainbow valley is a notorious area near the summit. You will find the vivid-colored clothing of deceased climbers whose bodies remain on the mountain. This place is very-very far from the Everest Base Camp. The rescue is impossible.

The ascent is a very difficult journey. The descent is not easy either. We cannot imagine the energy and exhaustion you will face. Now, even if you want to carry a dead body towards the base camp or try to rescue.

Its a frozen body. You can barely handle your own body. The rescue is clearly impossible.

The rescue can be done by helicopters but the cost is very high. Plus, the geographical constraints of Nepal and the changing weather conditions makes the rescue itself at risk.

The main reason for collapsing on this deadliest valley is the altitude-sickness, tiredness and sudden weather changes.

The route is very scary and challenging. So, it is necessary for the rest of the climbers to be mentally prepared on this route. The horror site will traumatize you.

The way works as a landmark and also a remainder of the poor decisions, under-preparedness or overexertion.

This is why, dead bodies remain unreached and are stuck on the rainbow valley of the Mount Everest.

Reasons of perished bodies staying on Rainbow Valley

Let us see what are the possible reasons to expire on this journey:

-Extreme cold, low oxygen and treacherous terrain.

-Altitude sickness, hypoxia( lack of oxygen),cerebral or pulmonary edema

-Sudden weather change and treacherous icefalls increases risk for entrapment

-Confusion, fatigue and impaired-decision making

-Lack of specialized equipment , financial resources ( $40,000-$80,000 per recovery)

Why Mount Everest's Open Graveyard Haunts Climbers?

Graveyard is a place where the dead tons or mass of dead bodies are buried or burnt after their death.When you are on the verdict of climbing up the summit, you will encounter the number of unrescued dead bodies lying lifelessly on 8,000 meters.

These bodies are undecayed but lifeless. There are multiple reasons of their death especially sudden weather changes and frostbite or hypoxia.

The bodies remain frozen in place for years and unreached due to multiple reasons like the cost of rescue by helicopter or the geographical terrains and so on.

The remnants of the fellow trekkers like the colorful jackets, gear of fallen climbers create a stark, haunting visual giving rise to the name Rainbow valley.

The mass of dead bodies taking over the space on the way to the summit makes this place an open graveyard and fills the trespassers with haunting sensation.

The High Cost of Body Recovery on Mount Everest: How Much Does It Really Take?

Summiting the Everest itself is a very difficult journey. Recovering a dead body from the way down the trails is more difficult than that. However, it is not impossible with proper planning, a strong rescue team or financial stability.

Talking about the financial cost, it can range $40,000 to $80,000 or more. This depends on the location, weather conditions and required manpower.

Its not an easy way. The rescuers has tp deal with fatalities like hypoxia,frostbite and avalanches as the oxygen level is extremely low on the Death Zone( above 8000m).

You need experienced Sherpas, specialized equipments and helicopters for rescue of the lying bodies.

In some cases, the risk gets too high which is why bodies have to be left on the mountain becoming the permanent fixtures in areas like Rainbow Valley where the bright colors of the climbers gear are visible clearly from far far away.

Moreover, helicopters can only operate upto 6,400 meters and the terrain up above makes it impossible to reach their by any alternative way.

Until now, several of the bodies have been recovered from the death zone by paying the amount. But the recovery is not easy and can cost further deaths.

In 1984 two Nepalese mountaineers died while recovering a body from the death zone.

Here, even money doesn’t guarantee the recovery of the body. No one is easily ready to bring down the body.

Hence, forming the pile of corpses in the Rainbow Valley.

Rainbow Valley Tragic Stories

Green Boots Everest on Rainbow valley

At around 8,500 meters(27,887 feet), the body of an unidentified climber was lying near the death zone. He was visible to most of the climbers ascending the Northern Ridge since 1990s . The Green boots were clearly seen from far away.

It is believed that the body was of an Indian climber , Tsewang Saman who died on the expedition in 1996.

"The green boots Everest" was a landmark for the other climbers.

Over time, the body has become a permanent fixture as it was extremely difficult to rescue the human life due to largely extreme conditions

The Green boots on Everest has always been reminder of the risks involved, where climbers face hypoxia, exhaustion, and strong winds.

Sleeping Beauty Everest on Rainbow Valley

Francys Arsentiev is an American mountaineer. She died on Mount Everest in 1998. She is considered as the Sleeping beauty of Everest .

This nickname was on the behalf of Arsentiev because when her body was found on the mountain, she was white as snow, her face was calm and peaceful as if she was on a deep sleep.

Francys Arsentiev was the first American climber to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen but on the way of her return , mentally and physical exhausted Arsentiev gave up her life in the Death zone of Mt. Everest.

After years , her body was found by the rescue team.

This body was the symbol of the harsh conditions of Rainbow valley where climbers risk everything to get on the top of the world. It serves as the remainder of the risks involved and extreme difficulty.

Hannelore Schmatz- First women to die on Rainbow Valley

On 1979, the history was claimed. Hannelore Schmatz was tragically passed while attempting to summit the mountain. She was a German mountaineer to die on the Mount Everest.

Hannelore Schmatz is a German climber who reached the south summit of Everest but unfortunately couldn't descend safely . Lack of oxygen and exhaustion made her far behind and not able to reach the Everest Base Camp.

Her human body was found near the summit by a rescue team but to her bad fate she was not rescued due to the harsh weather for recovery.

Her death is the perfect mark that highlights the deadliest dangers of mountaineering especially on the Death Zone.

Here, many will face the oxygen deprivation and extreme cold.

Hannelore today is remembered not only for her courage of climbing the Everest but also as a stark reminder of Rainbow valley and the fatal risks of attempting to summit Everest without proper acclimatization and support.

More stories on deaths:

On 2023 climbing season , 18 climbers died while moving to and from the summit. This is the deadliest year on record. Among that, one was an Australian climber Jason Bernard Kennison.

On 2019, Everest took 9 lives. British climber Robin Hayness Fisher was just 150 meters from the summit when he became ill in the mountain’s notorious “death zone” .This death zone is known for its low levels of oxygen.

Likewise, 3 climbers had died after waiting 12 hours to visit the summit as it was overcrowded.

They died due to the exhaustion on the way back down the mountain. This made the death toll up to seven in just one week.

More than 300 climbers have died in this death zone since 1922.

According to the Himalayan Database of 2019, almost 5,000 climbers have climbed to the top of Mount Everest, 295 of whom have died since 1924. The death rate was under 1% in 1980.

As per the BBC report, the majority of the deaths were due to avalanches (around 41.6 percent), while 22.2 percent of the deaths on Mount Everest were due to Acute mountain disease.

The 1996 Expedition of the Mountain Madness led by the Scott Fischer vanished on the way to the Everest.

Similarly, the other causes are Falls and Exhaustion of the death in the Everest climb.

The death rate during the 1970-the 1980s was the highest i.e 2.2%. And it’s decreasing as in 2019, the death ratio was 1%.

The death ratio is also under 1% which is far better than the other peaks. So, come out of the comfort zone and dare this expedition.

Conditions on the top of Mount Everest

The mountains from afar looks beautiful, reachable and breathtaking. But the close-up look or the reality is different.

Social media today has exposed the filthy or the dirty condition of the mountains. Tourists leave the campsite on the world’s highest peak.

It has shown the reality with shocking pictures and videos showing the mess of the rubbish.

Similarly, the dead bodies on the top are either pushed off the trails or walked over to the Rainbow Valley .This makes the environment more filthy.

Chad Gaston, a recent climber described the difficulty to pass through the dead bodies as he ascended , including a man wrapped like a mummy.

Tenzi Sherpa, an experienced guide on the Mount Everest , made global headlines during the 2023 season after the fed-up climber shed light on the sorry state of the sacred mountain.

He also shared footage of Camp IV on Instagram, and described it as “the dirtiest camp he had ever seen.”

This clip showed a group of climbers passing through what appears to be an abandoned camp strewn with mountains of unwanted climbing material.

He also said that the mess was an assortment of tents, empty oxygen bottles, steel bowls, spoons, sanitation pads and paper.

New measures were brought in this year aimed at reducing overcrowding and minimizing environmental impact.

In 2015 an avalanche killed at least 19 climbers. The number of corpses is increasing with time, and the rainbow valley is adding color to it.

Mt. Everest Expedition

The route for the Mount Everest Expedition is filled with extreme challenges . The oxygen level above 8000m(26,247 feet) drops dramatically at the Death Zone. It is important to carry oxygen cylinder with you.

Don't skip your days for acclimatization. This will prevent you from altitude sickness and ensure a safe summit attempt.

Sherpas are the experienced climbers that will help you with the clear roadmap on the Everest Expedition.

Likewise, most of the climbers ascend through the South Col route from Base Camp at 5,380 meters(17,600 feet) . However be safe as the weather conditions here may defect your timing.

You will face high winds and unpredictable storms.

Take care of your physical fitness and mental resilence . the Everest expedition can take several risks. If you are stuck, it might take $30,000 to $1,00,000 . Your equipments are equally important.

It is important to respect the mountain’s historical significance including the landmarks like Rainbow Valley and Green Boots as they are the remainders of the Everest’s Legacy.

Understanding everything about Mount Everest will help climbers make informed decisions before attempting an Everest summit.

Early Expedition Attempt and First Official Summit

In 1921, the first official attempt to summit Mount Everest was done but failed.

Two British expeditions failed to summit the peak in 1921 and 1922. It was all because of the harsh climatic conditions.

In 1924, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine were spotted just 800 feet below the summit. Unfortunately, they disappeared.

Did they reach the summit?

The curiosity if they made it to the top or not is very questionable. This unsolved mystery was beared for decades with Mallory’s body only discovered in 1999.

No, they did not make it to the top.

In September 2024, the NatGeo Team along with Jimmy Chin discovered a boot with a sock embroidered AC Irvine. They said the boot and the sock of Sandy Irvine.

It wasn’t until May 29, 1953, everyone confirmed that the person to summit Mt. Everest were New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.

Since than , more than 6000 people have reached the summit of Everest and more than 400 people expired while climbing on the top of Mount Everest.

That’s why Everest is not an easy alley. This is destructive and you might have to deal with the most troubled death with no hope of rescue.

How long it takes to climb Mount Everest?

We all know climbing Mount Everest is not everyone’s cup of tea. It needs lots of hardwork, dedication and patience along with the proper planning and executing.

As it is the tallest peak of the world, summiting this Loftiest Peak takes two months to complete.

You will start your journey from Base Camp( 5,380 meters or 17,600) .Here, climbers will take rest several weeks before they start the ascent.

The experienced climbers make their way towards Camp I ( 6,065 meters), Camp ll ( 6,400 meters) , Camp III (7, 100 meters) and Camp IV (7,900 meters) with multiple rests in between to adjust to the high altitude.

The final push to the summit typically occurs in a window of good weather during May, when winds are calmer. The summit attempt usually takes around 6-8 hours from Camp IV, but the descent is just as demanding.

Overall, the entire expedition can last anywhere from 6-10 weeks, depending on weather conditions, acclimatization needs, and other logistical factors​.

Everest Base Camp Via Helicopter

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the finest trekking routes in Nepal that offers you a close-up experience of Mount Everest. The travelers fly a short a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and the trek begins.

This route will give you the best unforgettable experience of your life. You will pass through Sherpa Villages like Namche Bazar and Tengboche and moving towards the Base Camp (5,380 m or 17,600 feet).

The Everest Base Camp Trek span takes 12-14 days round trip with several days dedicated to acclimatization at key points to prevent altitude sickness. You will love to witness the ancient monasteries and the Khumbu Glacier.

If you are wondering the trek to be very difficult, it is, but it doesn't require the technical climbing skills and is physical demanding due to the high altitude and rugged terrain.

Broadly speaking, if you are aiming Everest, this is an important acclimatization journey.

It will also give an insight into the challenges faced by those who attempt to summit Everest.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour gives you the remarkable experience of Mount Everest and the nearby Himalayas without the long trek.

The flight will take you towards Lukla from Kathmandu and then flying over the Khumbu Valley.

You will see the scenic aerial views and natural beauty of Everest , Lhotse , Makalu and the other panoramic peaks.

You will take a short stop at the Everest Base Camp (5,380m) . Here, you can click pictures with iconic Everest backdrop.

If you have limited time this tour is perfect for you. You don't need acclimatization for the helicopter ride. This is accessible for most visitors. However, the travelers should acknowledge the weather conditions.

The flights sometimes can be delayed or cancelled due to high winds. You should be aware such situations.

Helicopter tour is a luxurious alternative to witness the beauty of Everest from the air and make create your everlasting memories.

Everest Base Camp Helicopter Touris the most easy way to be mesmerized by the beauty of mountains.

Final Say

From the death Zone to Rainbow Valley, the mountains journey are unforgiving. Prepare yourself physically, mentally and spiritually.

It is important as you might have to sacrifice your life if you even flitch little or give up on the mountains.

The entire Everest journey involves the mental toughness. Acclimatize yourself. Need to acknowledge the high mortality rate. It is also necessary to understand the logistical demands and financial cost of the expedition is very high.

Every climber must carefully weigh the challenges like Rainbow Valley before embarking on this life-threatening adventure​ or say Mount Everest adventure.