Rainbow valley Mount Everest is widely celebrated for its beauty and the pride it gives those who reach the summit. Yet the mountain also bears a harsher side: areas such as Rainbow Valley on Mount Everest serve as sobering reminders that climbing is often a life-and death journey. This article examines that reality with respect — explaining why Rainbow Valley is named as it is, where it sits on the mountain, and what climbers should understand before they attempt this iconic peak.
Mount Everest Rainbow Valley
When people hear the phrase Mount Everest Rainbow Valley, they often imagine a colorful alpine hollow. In reality, Rainbow Valley is one of the mountain’s most somber places: a section of the Everest graveyard where the preserved remains and bright expedition gear form patches of color against the snow.
The name comes from those vivid patches — tents, down suits, ropes, and boots — that remain visible for years. At extreme altitudes, decomposition is greatly slowed by the cold and low microbial activity, so clothing and equipment often outlast soft tissue. From a distance the scattered gear and belongings look like streaks of color, which is why many refer to the area as Rainbow Valley Everest.
Geographically, Mount Everest Rainbow Valley lies within the Everest Death Zone — the high-altitude belt above about 8,000 meters and extending up to the summit (8,848.86 m). At these elevations the partial pressure of oxygen is so low that the human body cannot acclimatize indefinitely. Thin air, severe cold, and frequent high winds combine to make this a place where even small mistakes can be fatal.
Because Rainbow Valley sits along the common ascent routes near the summit, many climbers traveling the popular route or following the standard way to the peak will pass through or near this section. Encountering the preserved bodies and gear is part of the harsh reality of climbing Mount Everest; knowing about Rainbow Valley helps climbers prepare mentally and logistically for the risks they may face.
Where is the death zone of Mount Everest?
The “Death Zone” refers to the high-altitude band above roughly 8,000 meters (about 26,247 feet) on Mount Everest. In this zone the partial pressure of oxygen is so low that the human body cannot fully acclimatize; prolonged exposure leads to progressive physiological decline and raises the risk of life‑threatening conditions.
Common dangers in the death zone include extreme hypoxia (low oxygen availability), impaired judgment and coordination, rapid onset of exhaustion, and a much higher susceptibility to frostbite and hypothermia due to severe cold and high winds. Climbers must prepare carefully (acclimatization rotations, appropriate use of supplemental oxygen, strict turnaround times) to reduce risk when moving through this zone.
Over 340 climbers have died on Everest since records began, and many of those fatalities occurred within the death zone and in nearby areas such as Rainbow Valley Everest. A significant portion of remains have not been recovered because retrieval operations at this altitude carry extreme risk to rescuers. (When updating the article, cite the Himalayan Database or official Nepalese figures for the latest totals.)
If you want to view the death zone from a safer vantage point, consider a Mount Everest scenic flight tour, which lets you see the high ridges, the summit area and the patches of color on the slopes below without venturing into the zone itself.
Why does Rainbow Valley Mount Everest have so many dead bodies?
Rainbow Valley, located just below the summit in the Death Zone, has become known as the Everest graveyard because many climbers who succumbed during ascent or descent remain there. The concentration of fatalities in this section is the result of several converging hazards rather than any single cause.
Key factors that increase risk in Rainbow Valley Everest:
- Low oxygen availability — the partial pressure of oxygen decreases sharply above 8,000 meters, impairing physical performance and cognitive function.
- Severe and unpredictable weather — sudden storms, strong winds, and extreme cold worsen exposure and complicate movement.
- Difficult terrain and exposure — narrow ridges, steep slopes and crevasses make rescue and retrieval operations technically demanding.
- Operational limits — climbers are often exhausted, dehydrated, or disoriented; poor judgment and delayed turnaround decisions increase the chance of fatal outcomes.
Because recovery at such altitude requires substantial effort, skilled teams, and additional risk to rescuers, many bodies are left at or near the spot where they fell. That does not mean recovery is impossible — there are documented cleanup and retrieval efforts (see later sections on campaigns) — but the combination of altitude, harsh weather, and logistics makes retrieval rare and hazardous.
Understanding these conditions helps climbers and expedition planners reduce risk through thorough acclimatization, conservative turnaround rules, proper use of supplemental oxygen, strong team communication, and careful weather monitoring — all essential measures for anyone traveling through this part of the mountain.
Why is the Death Zone of Everest called Rainbow Valley?
The name “Rainbow Valley” comes from the striking contrast between brightly colored expedition gear and the white snowfields that surround the summit. Tents, down suits, ropes and boots — often left where climbers fell or were abandoned during rescues — can remain visible for years at high altitude, creating a patchwork of color across the slopes.
Extreme conditions in the death zone — severe hypoxia, harsh weather, and subfreezing temperatures — slow decomposition and limit microbial activity, so equipment and clothing retain color and shape far longer than they would at lower elevations. From a distance these clustered items resemble streaks of color, which is why climbers and guides started referring to the area as Rainbow Valley.
While the visual effect explains the name, it is important to treat the location respectfully: many of those colored patches mark people who lost their lives on the mountain. Photographs and reports documenting the area exist in expedition accounts and photographic archives — when updating or republishing images, attribute sources and maintain a respectful tone that acknowledges Rainbow Valley as a memorial landscape rather than a spectacle.
What happens when people die on Mount Everest?
When climbers die on Mount Everest, their remains are often left where they fell. Operating in the death zone — above roughly 8,000 meters — is extremely taxing: simple tasks become exhausting, rescuers face heightened risk from thin air, severe weather, and technical terrain, and attempting a recovery can endanger additional lives.
Because of those dangers, many bodies remain in situ and become long‑term fixtures on the route; passing climbers may encounter them, which is a stark reminder of the mountain’s risks. That practice is shaped by practical, ethical and legal considerations — including family wishes, the feasibility of recovery at extreme altitude, and the safety of rescue teams.
If you are planning to travel through the death zone, minimize risk by following proven measures: thorough acclimatization, conservative turnaround times, reliable team communication, and appropriate use of supplemental oxygen. Respect for the deceased and sensitivity toward other climbers should guide behavior if you encounter bodies on the route.
Some horrible death on Everest
Mount Everest offers breathtaking beauty, but it also presents lethal hazards. A number of well-documented fatalities illustrate how quickly a summit attempt can turn deadly: depleted oxygen, exhaustion, sudden weather changes, and impaired judgment in the death zone have combined to cost lives. The stories below are presented factually and respectfully to show the risks climbers face and the lessons they offer future expeditions.
Green Boots Everest
“Green Boots” became one of Everest’s most recognizable and solemn landmarks. The figure was long identified by the distinctive green mountaineering boots visible in a small cave on the northern route. Many sources associate the remains with Indian climber Tsewang Paljor, who died during the 1996 season; the body was first widely reported by climbers in the early 2000s. For years Green Boots served as an inadvertent marker for other climbers passing nearby.
Takeaway: Green Boots demonstrates how a single body or piece of equipment can become a lasting, visible reminder of the mountain’s hazards. (When revising this passage for publication, cite Himalayan Database or contemporary expedition reports for the most accurate attribution and timeline.)
Sleeping Beauty Everest
“Sleeping Beauty” refers to American climber Francys Arsentiev, who summited in 1998 without supplemental oxygen along with her husband, Sergei. While they reached the top, their descent became catastrophic: Francys collapsed and was left on the slope while assistance was sought. Subsequent climbers found her partially alive the next day but unable to be moved to safety given the conditions; she later died. Sergei Arsentiev also died on descent while attempting to help her.
Takeaway: The Sleeping Beauty case highlights the compounded danger of climbing without sufficient supplemental oxygen and the moral dilemmas rescue teams face at extreme altitude. In 2007, Ian Woodall led an effort to drape an American flag over her remains as a sign of respect — an example of how climbing communities memorialize lost climbers. (Verify dates and details against primary expedition sources.)
Hannelore Schmatz
Hannelore Schmatz died during the 1979 Everest season after a prolonged descent in severe conditions. Accounts report she became stranded at approximately 8,290 meters and died after calling for water; her exposed remains were visible for years and served as a grim reminder of that season’s toll. Reports also indicate that recovery attempts are hazardous — in Schmatz’s case, efforts to recover bodies contributed to further fatalities among rescuers in subsequent years.
Takeaway: Schmatz’s story underscores how quickly exposure and exhaustion can overwhelm climbers and how recovery efforts at extreme altitude may endanger additional lives. Any historical recounting should reference primary sources or the Himalayan Database for precise details and context.
Can Dead Bodies on Everest Be Removed?
Removing human remains from Mount Everest is possible but extremely difficult. The mountain’s technical terrain, the thin air of the death zone, unpredictable weather, and complex logistics make recovery operations hazardous for the teams involved. Because of those factors, many bodies have historically been left where they fell, serving as solemn reminders of the risks associated with climbing.
That said, there have been organized cleanup and recovery efforts. These campaigns balance the practical difficulties of working at extreme altitude with cultural, legal, and ethical considerations about recovering the dead.
The 2014 Everest Cleanup Campaign
In 2014, Nepalese authorities and experienced Sherpas coordinated a cleanup campaign to remove trash and locate human remains on the mountain. Seasoned Sherpas with high‑altitude expertise were central to operations; several bodies and large amounts of debris were reportedly brought down to base camp. (When republishing, add citations from Nepalese government releases or reputable news outlets to confirm exact figures and outcomes.)
The 2019 Green Boots Removal Attempt
Green Boots — long a well‑known marker associated with a 1996 fatality — drew attention in 2019 when attempts to remove or relocate the remains were reported. Such efforts reflect both a desire to reduce the landmarking effect of a human body on the route and the ethical debate over how to treat historic sites on the mountain. Exact details of the 2019 attempt should be verified from expedition logs and news reports before publication.
The Everest 2020 Cleanup Campaign
In 2020 a larger cleanup effort involving the Nepalese army and mountaineering organizations focused on heavily trafficked areas such as the South Col and summit approaches. With fewer climbers due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, teams reported removing many tons of trash and recovering several bodies. To ensure accuracy, confirm the campaign’s reported totals (trash removed, number of bodies recovered) using official statements or credible media coverage.
Everest Expedition
The Everest Expedition remains a demanding undertaking. Typical itineraries used by commercial operators and expedition teams often span around 43 days in total, with roughly 26 of those days focused on climbing rotations and summit push preparations. These timeframes reflect acclimatization requirements, weather windows, and the need to move cautiously through the death zone.
If you’re considering an expedition, research reputable operators, understand the logistics and risks of the death zone, and consult the operator’s recovery and emergency policies. For bookings and detailed itineraries, use the expedition link above to learn more or to contact a provider for guidance.
Summary: recovery of bodies from Everest is technically feasible and has been carried out in targeted campaigns, but it requires experienced teams, favorable conditions, and careful planning — and each attempt must weigh the safety of rescuers against the imperative to recover the deceased.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp trek is commonly rated as a moderate trek in terms of technical difficulty, but it plays a critical role for anyone planning a Mount Everest expedition: the route provides essential acclimatization and a practical way to gain experience at high altitude before attempting higher climbs.
Most itineraries start from Lukla and follow established trails to Everest Base Camp and back. Along the way trekkers enjoy remarkable views of the Khumbu Valley and the peak itself, making the journey rewarding both for acclimatization and for photography. While the trek is accessible to reasonably fit hikers, altitude and changing weather mean proper preparation is vital.
Who it’s for
- Trekkers seeking close views of Everest without technical climbing.
- Climbers using the trek for acclimatization before an Everest expedition.
Safety & acclimatization tips
- Allow time for acclimatization and follow gradual ascent profiles.
- Monitor for altitude sickness and use conservative turnaround decisions.
- Carry adequate clothing for harsh weather and sudden temperature drops.
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Chart (prices as of 2025):
| Group Size | Cost Per Person |
| Solo Trekker | $1450 |
| 2 Person | $1250 |
| 3 – 5 Person | $1200 |
| 6 – 10 Person | $1100 |
| 11 – 20 Person | $999 |
Note: Prices are indicative. Confirm current inclusions (permits, domestic flights to/from Lukla, accommodation, guides, insurance requirements) with your operator before booking. To plan or book an Everest Base Camp trek and get a personalized itinerary, visit the Everest Base Camp trek page linked above or contact Breeze Adventure for a 1:1 consultation.
Everest Base Camp Tour
There are several ways to experience the Everest region. The two most popular options for visitors are the Everest Base Camp Trek — a multi‑day overland trek that offers close-up views of Mount Everest — and the full Everest Expedition for climbers. Both let you spend time at Everest base camp, but they suit very different goals and fitness levels.
If you want a faster, less physically demanding experience, consider the Everest Helicopter tour. In roughly 5–6 hours you can reach the Everest Base Camp area by air, visit key viewpoints, and return — a convenient option for those short on time or seeking dramatic aerial perspectives of the Khumbu and the summit.
The realities of places like Mount Everest Rainbow Valley remind climbers and travelers that the mountain demands respect. Whether you choose a trek, a helicopter tour, or an expedition, prepare thoroughly, follow safety guidance, and honor the mountain and those who have lost their lives there.
Featured packages and options (brief):
- Everest Kalapatthar Helicopter Tour — quick scenic flight with landing at Kala Patthar for panoramic views.
- Everest Base Camp Trek package — classic 12–16 day trek from Lukla to base camp for acclimatization and close mountain views.
- Everest Three Passes Trek — extended trek for experienced trekkers who want remote valleys and high passes.
- Short Everest Base Camp Trek (10 days) — condensed itinerary for limited time.
Breeze Adventure offers guided treks and expeditions tailored to different experience levels. Their team can help you choose the best option based on your time, fitness, and goals. For detailed itineraries, up‑to‑date pricing, or to discuss a custom trip, please contact Breeze Adventure.
Planning note: Helicopter tours typically take 5–6 hours, while trek and expedition durations vary widely — confirm exact timings, inclusions and safety policies with the operator before booking.