People • Mountaineer

Green Boots

Green Boots is the nickname given to the body of a climber long found on Mount Everest’s Northeast Ridge route, where it served as a landmark for summit attempts.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Green Boots is the nickname given to the remains of a climber on Mount Everest's Northeast Ridge route, where the body long served as a landmark for summit attempts. For many years, the remains were widely believed to be those of Tsewang Paljor, but 2026 reporting states that Indian authorities later identified the body as Dorje Morup through DNA verification. The figure became one of the best-known symbols of the risks of high-altitude climbing.

Identity

Green Boots refers to the remains of a climber on Mount Everest who was long unidentified in public reporting. The figure was widely associated with Tsewang Paljor, but 2026 reporting states that DNA testing confirmed the remains as Dorje Morup.

Location on Everest

The body was found on the Northeast Ridge route of Everest, near a small cave or alcove in the mountain's death zone. Because it lay beside the route used by climbers approaching the summit, it became a landmark.

Why the nickname was used

The name Green Boots came from the bright green mountaineering boots visible on the body. The nickname spread among climbers and later in media coverage.

Climbing significance

Green Boots became one of Everest's most familiar and unsettling route markers. Its presence underscored the danger of high-altitude climbing, especially above 8,000 metres.

Key facts

The nickname came from the climber's bright green boots.
The body was located in a small limestone alcove on the Northeast Ridge route.
For years, climbers used the site as a reference point near the summit.
Earlier accounts often identified Green Boots as Tsewang Paljor.
Recent reporting says DNA verification identified the remains as Dorje Morup.

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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Green Boots as one of the most discussed examples of Everest’s hazards and the ethics of climbing past bodies in the death zone.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Green Boots?

Green Boots is the nickname for a climber whose body became a landmark on Everest. Earlier accounts often said it was Tsewang Paljor; 2026 reporting says DNA verification identified Dorje Morup.

Why is the body called Green Boots?

The nickname came from the bright green climbing boots visible on the remains.

Where was Green Boots located?

The body was on Mount Everest’s Northeast Ridge route, in a small limestone alcove near the summit route.

Why did climbers know about Green Boots?

Because the remains lay beside a commonly used route, climbers passing that point treated it as a reference landmark.

When did the climber die?

Reporting identifies the death as occurring on 10 May 1996.

Was the identity ever confirmed?

Recent reporting says Indian authorities confirmed the identity through DNA as Dorje Morup, after years of uncertainty and competing claims.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Boots
Supports: Basic identification of Green Boots as a body on Everest’s Northeast Ridge route and the origin of the nickname.
The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/22/mt-everest-green-boots-man-cave-climber-identity
Supports: 2026 reporting that the remains were identified as Dorje Morup and discussion of recovery efforts.
Firstpost — https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/mystery-of-green-boots-on-everest-solved-inside-the-high-risk-mission-to-bring-his-body-back-after-30-years-14028279.html
Supports: Claims that Green Boots died on 10 May 1996 and that official verification identified the remains as Dorje Morup.
The Independent — https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/green-boots-mount-everest-body-b2996524.html
Supports: Background on Green Boots as a landmark on Everest’s northeast route and reporting on recovery plans.