Thought this was crazy, actually it's hard to believe.
It is estimated that over 200 people have died in their attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The causes of their death vary as widely as the weather at Mount Everest’s peak. Climbers face the dangers of falling off the mountain, tripping into huge crevices, asphyxiation from low oxygen levels, avalanches and falling rocks, and weather that can unexpectedly change drastically in mere minutes. At the summit, winds can reach hurricane strength literally blowing the climber off the mountain. Oxygen levels leave the climbers gasping for breath and their oxygen deprived brains leave them unable to make rational decisions. Some climbers stop for a brief rest only to slowly drift into a deep sleep, never to wake up. All dangers aside, ask any climber who has beaten the mountain and reached the 29,000 foot summit and they will tell you the most memorable, and disturbing, part of their climb were the many perfectly preserved bodies that they passed on their way to the top.
Climbing Mount Everest is a four-day endeavor, not counting the seven day hike to Base Camp nor the two week layover where climbers allow their bodies to acclimate to the high altitude environment. Climbers begin their four-day Mount Everest climb at Base Camp located at the foot of the mountain. Climbers leave the 17,700 foot base camp, which borders Tibet and Nadas, and seek to reach Camp #1 located at 20,000 feet. After resting the night at Camp #1, they next travel to Camp #2, also known as Advanced Base Camp (ABC). From Advanced Base Camp they move to Camp #3 where at 24,500 feet, oxygen levels are so low, they must wear oxygen masks while they sleep. From Camp #3 climbers attempt to reach South Col or Camp 4. After reaching Camp #4, climbers reach the “death zone” and must decide whether to continue, stop and rest a little longer, or turn back. Those that choose to move forward face the most difficult segment of their journey. At 26,000 feet, in the “death zone”, necrosis sets in and their body begins to die. During their ascent, the climber is literally teetering on the brink of life and death and in a race to reach the summit, and back, before their bodies shut down and die. Should they fail in the attempt, their bodies become part of the mountain landscape.
Dead bodies in such a cold environment stay perfectly preserved. Given that a person can die between breaths, many dead are not recognized as such until quite some time after they succumb. In an environment where the climber’s every step is a struggle, rescue of the dead or dying is all but impossible and bodies of the dead are almost always irretrievable. The bodies become part of the landscape and many become “landmarks” that later climbers use as way markers during their climb. There are an estimated 200 bodies lying around the topmost part of Mount Everest.
[h=1]Some of the bodies[/h] The body of David Sharp still sits in a cave, known as “Green Boots Cave”, at the top of Mount Everest. David attempted the climb in 2005 and near the top, stopped in this cave to rest. His body eventually froze in place rendering him unable to move. Over 30 climbers passed by him as he sat freezing to death. Some heard faint moans and realized he was still alive. They stopped and spoke with him. He was able to identify himself but was unable to move. Brave climbers moved him into the Sun in an attempt to thaw him but eventually, realizing David would be unable to move, were forced to leave him to die. His body still sits in the cave and is used as a guide point for other climbers nearing the summit.
Dead bodies on Mount Everest | Altered DimensionsAltered Dimensions
Over 200 Dead bodies abound on Mount Everest
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