Understanding the Risks of Climbing Mount Everest

Mount Everest, Earth's highest mountain, has claimed over 300 lives since 1921. Its allure, despite the danger, continues to attract climbers from around the globe, seeking to conquer its treacherous heights.

The 2015 Nepal earthquake triggered avalanches on Everest, leading to the mountain's deadliest day. On April 25th, 22 climbers lost their lives, exposing the unpredictable and perilous nature of high-altitude mountaineering.

The infamous 1996 disaster, popularized by Jon Krakauer's 'Into Thin Air', resulted in 8 deaths within 36 hours. It underscored the perils of overcrowding and the commercialization of expeditions on the mountain.

Many deaths on Everest are attributed to altitude sickness. Above 8,000 meters, in the 'Death Zone', oxygen levels are insufficient for human life, complicating survival for even the most experienced climbers.

Several bodies on Everest have never been recovered due to harsh conditions, serving as macabre landmarks. 'Green Boots' and 'Hannelore Schmatz' are among those who tragically guide the living.

Sherpas, the indigenous mountain guides, face the highest fatality rates on Everest. Their cultural ties and economic need push them into this risky profession, often overlooked in discussions about Everest's death toll.

Some climbers' bodies on Everest remain perfectly preserved for decades due to the extreme cold, almost like natural mummies.