Above 8,000 meters on Mount Everest, the air holds barely a 3rd of the oxygen found at sea level. No helicopter can fly this high. No rescue group can perform correctly here. But greater than 340 people have tried, and failed, to come back down.
What they leave in the back of it has a name: Rainbow Valley.
It is one of the most haunting places on Earth. Located on the north face of Everest, this segment of the demise area is scattered with the frozen bodies of climbers who never made it home. Their brightly coloured down fits, reds, blues, yellows, and greens, stand out in opposition to the white snow and grey rock. From a distance, they look nearly like an area of plant life. That comparison between the colour and the tragedy is exactly what gave this place its name.
Mount Everest stands at 8,848.86 meters on the border of Nepal and China. Most climbers approach from the south through Nepal, reaching Everest Base Camp, before pushing through four higher camps toward the summit. The death zone begins at Camp 4, roughly 8,000 meters up. That final stretch to the summit and the valley that drops below the north ridge is what climbers call Rainbow Valley.
The Death Zone of Mount Everest
The death zone of Mount Everest is the most difficult part of the whole journey because of the lower oxygen level and our body’s late response, and acclimatization also doesn’t help in the death zone. It takes around 10 to 14 hrs to reach the summit from Camp 4, passing the death zone. The death zone is typically any part of Mount Everest that is above 8000 m. Over 340 people have died till 2025 while attempting to climb Mount Everest, of which 227 bodies are still there due to impossible and risky rescue operations.
In the death zone valley, the oxygen level drops to 35 to 40%, making it difficult for trekkers to breathe, and slowly the cells start dying, which is the reason why people die in the death zone valley. The people have to be in a queue to ascend toward the summit because of the dead bodies on the trail. They have to walk through it and wait for their turn. At that stage, climbers have very limited time, and long queues slow their ascent. At the same time, the human body struggles to adapt to the extreme altitude, which makes reaching the summit incredibly difficult.
The Origin of Rainbow Valley
So, the death zone of Mount Everest got the name Rainbow Valley because of the colorful graveyard of dead bodies. Many people have died in the Rainbow Valley due to the lack of oxygen and their bodies not cooperating, and due to the dying cells, they fall asleep in the Rainbow Valley, and they just die in their sleep. Due to avalanches, altitude sickness, and difficult terrain, the bodies of the trekkers fail to recover, which results in several bodies preserved in the ice, and their colorful attire signifies the rainbow. That’s the reason the death zone of Mount Everest is called the Rainbow Valley.
It is the result of the repeated tragedy of trekkers dying the same way in the death zone, and due to the risky and impossible rescue operation for those bodies, it is named the Rainbow Valley. The Rainbow Valley reminds trekkers of the dangerous side of Mount Everest and the passion, ambition, and desire of those people to climb Mount Everest despite its dangerous side. This mentions the bravery of the trekkers and the huge respect for them throughout the journey.
Why Do Bodies Pile Up and Remain in Rainbow Valley?
The 8000 meters above are considered the death zone of Mount Everest. The tragedy occurs here due to the lack of oxygen, altitude sickness, avalanches, and difficult terrain. The difficulty level makes it hard for people to reach the summit, and some give up in the death zone of Mount Everest. Their body remains on the trail preserved by ice, and due to that, it makes it difficult for other trekkers to pass through; that’s why they push the body off the trail that goes down to the Rainbow Valley.
Due to the risk and an impossible rescue mission because of the unstable weather conditions, helicopters do not reach above 8000 meters altitude, which is why the body remains in the ice for many, many years. This has been going on, and till now, there are still 227 bodies that have not been rescued from the Rainbow Valley. This is the reason the bodies remain in the Rainbow Valley. Because of pushing the bodies off the terrain that reaches the Rainbow Valley, the bodies pile up in the Rainbow Valley.
What Happens to The Corpses on Everest?
Frozen in Time by Snow and Ice
Corpses on Mount Everest remain frozen in the ice and snow for years and even decades at a time. Conditions and extreme cold keep the bodies from decomposing and essentially “preserve” them in the condition they were in upon death. Several climbers become permanent additions to the mountain, almost becoming a silent testimony to how risky climbing is at high altitudes.
Role of the Mountain in Preserving Remains
Everest itself is instrumental in preserving these bodies intact. Its cold climate, thin air, and high winds retard natural decay and safeguard the dead against predators or other natural elements. Eventually, even the ice can shift or move the bodies around, often exposing them to new climbers ascending on the route. Thus, against all odds, the mountain inadvertently serves as a frozen graveyard, and everybody has a tale of aspiration, bravery, and peril of the highest peak in the world.
Main Causes of Death on Mount Everest
Exhaustion and Physical Collapse
The actual physical rigors of climbing Everest can cause intense weariness and ultimate collapse. Extended climbing in low-temperature weather, hauling heavy packs, and fighting rough conditions can be too much even for strong climbers. A large number of deaths happen because climbers run out of energy or can no longer keep going and become extremely exposed to danger on the mountain.
Altitude Sickness and Oxygen Deprivation
One of the major reasons for the death of people on Mount Everest is a lack of oxygen and altitude sickness. As you reach the death zone of Mount Everest, which is above 8000 meters, you feel a lack of oxygen because the oxygen decreases by 35 to 40% in the death zone. Acclimatization also doesn’t help much, and your body responds slowly, and your body cells start dying. Lack of oxygen leads to heavy breathlessness, dizziness, and the feeling of wanting to lie down.
Avalanches, Falls, and Extreme Weather
Another reason for the causes of death on Mount Everest is the unstable weather conditions, avalanches, and falls. Sometimes, the extreme wind and heavy snowfall might trigger avalanches. Due to the weather conditions, rescue operations might not be conducted, which would reduce the survival chances of trekkers.
Notorious Deaths That Became Landmarks
Green Boots: The Most Recognized Body on Everest
Green Boots is a famous climber on Everest because of his flashy green boots and an oxygen cylinder on his back. He was found under a cave just below the summit. It was the true story of the Everest Expeditions. The body was found on May 11 1996. The body was preserved by the snow for a long, long time at the same spot. He defines the danger of Mount Everest and its difficulty level to the people, but at the same time, he reminds them of his bravery, desire, and passion to climb Everest despite the risk. Now, people also use that cave as a place to rest and take a breath for a while.
Sleeping Beauty Everest
Sleeping Beauty on Everest is the story of Francys Arsentiev, who was the first American lady to climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. Francy and her husband came to Nepal to climb Mount Everest on May 22, 1998. Everything was going well while ascending, but when it was time to descend, she felt uncomfortable with her surroundings, and she lay down and was left there for 3 days without oxygen. When the team came to rescue her, she was hardly breathing, so they decided to rope her down, but it was not possible all the way down. So, they left her in the mountain, and she died sleeping. That’s why the nickname “Sleeping Beauty” was given.
Hannelore Schmatz: The First Woman to Die on Everest
Hannelore was the first German woman to climb Mount Everest. One day, Hannelore and her husband decided to climb Mount Everest with 6 other people and 5 Sherpas to ascend. Everything was good; they reached the summit, but while descending, everyone returned except her and one American climber, Ray Genet. They decided to spend one night at the summit along with one Sherpa, and during that night, a strong wind came, and Ray couldn’t survive; however, Hannelore and that Sherpa survived, and while they were coming down, Hannelore felt uncomfortable and sat for a while, and she never got up. Two people attempted to recover her body, but both of them died during the mission. A year later, strong winds swept her body away, and that is how her story became famous.
Key Facts of Rainbow Valley
- Location: On the north face of Everest, within the death zone above 8,000 meters.
- How it got its name: The brightly colored climbing suits of deceased climbers create a rainbow-like effect against the snow and rock.
- How many bodies remain: Around 227 bodies are still on Everest as of 2025, many in or around Rainbow Valley.
- Why bodies are not removed: Helicopters cannot operate reliably above 8,000m. Manual recovery requires expert climbers, oxygen, and near-perfect conditions — and has resulted in additional deaths.
- What preserves the bodies: Extreme cold, low humidity, high winds, and the absence of scavengers keep bodies intact for decades.
- Main causes of death: Altitude sickness, oxygen deprivation, exhaustion, falls, and avalanches.
- Notable landmarks: Green Boots (a cave used as a rest point), Sleeping Beauty (Francys Arsentiev), and Hannelore Schmatz.
- Psychological effect: Passing bodies mid-climb is consistently described by survivors as one of the most difficult parts of the ascent.
Can the Dead Be Removed From Everest?
Logistical and Financial Challenges
It takes skilled climbers, supplemental oxygen, special gear, and helicopters at times to bring a body down from Everest. It is a very costly process that can run tens of thousands of dollars. And the mountain itself is hazardous, with steeper cliffs, crevices, and avalanches making every recovery effort a perilous task.
Moral Arguments and Risk to Humanity
Most disagree about whether it’s right to expose other people’s lives to danger to retrieve a dead body. Some climbers believe leaving the bodies undisturbed shows respect for both the mountain and the deceased. Others argue that families deserve closure. As a result, this issue continues to divide the mountaineering community.
Conclusion
Rainbow Valley is many things at once. It is a graveyard and a memorial. A warning and a tribute. A place that is brutal in its indifference and yet strangely moving in what it reveals about human desire, the need to reach the highest point on Earth, whatever the cost.
The people resting there were experienced, driven, and committed. They were not reckless. They simply reached a place where the mountain was stronger than the human body could handle.
If you are curious about experiencing the Everest region yourself, feel free to explore our Everest Base Camp trek options or get in touch with our team. We are happy to answer questions and help you plan, with no pressure.
FAQ
1. What is Mount Everest’s Rainbow Valley?
Rainbow Valley is a section of Mount Everest located high in the death zone where the bodies of climbers who died during summit attempts remain on the mountain. The colorful climbing suits and equipment visible in the area give it the name “Rainbow Valley.”
2. Why is it called Rainbow Valley?
The valley gets its name from the brightly colored jackets, tents, ropes, and climbing gear attached to frozen bodies. From a distance, these colors create a rainbow-like appearance against the snow and ice.
3. Where is Rainbow Valley located?
Rainbow Valley is situated above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) on Mount Everest, primarily near the summit routes on the mountain’s southern side. It lies within the death zone, where oxygen levels are too low to sustain human life for extended periods.
4. Why do so many climbers die in Rainbow Valley?
Most fatalities occur due to extreme altitude, oxygen deprivation, severe weather, exhaustion, falls, and avalanches. Even experienced climbers can face life-threatening conditions in this part of Everest.
5. Is the flesh still intact?
Yes, many bodies remain remarkably well preserved because of Everest’s freezing temperatures and dry conditions. The cold acts as a natural preservative, slowing decomposition for decades.
6. There are some renowned climbers in Rainbow Valley.
Some well-known cases include Green Boots, whose body became a landmark for climbers, and Francys Arsentiev, often referred to as Sleeping Beauty. Their stories have become part of Everest’s climbing history and serve as reminders of the mountain’s dangers.
7. Can the dead be removed from Everest?
Yes, recovery is possible, but it is extremely difficult, dangerous, and expensive. Rescue teams must operate in the death zone, where every movement requires significant effort and risk.
8. Why are no bodies discovered?
Retrieving bodies from high elevations can endanger the lives of rescue teams. Due to the harsh conditions, difficult terrain, and high costs, many families choose to leave their loved ones where they rest.
9. Is it safe to rock climb near Rainbow Valley?
Rainbow Valley is located in one of the most dangerous areas of Mount Everest. Climbers face low oxygen levels, unpredictable weather, steep terrain, and extreme fatigue, making safety a constant concern.
10. Does Rainbow Valley affect climbers psychologically?
Yes, seeing the bodies of previous climbers can be emotionally challenging and unsettling. However, most Everest climbers are informed about these realities before their expedition and prepare mentally for the experience.
11. For how long can bodies be viewed there?
Bodies can remain visible for decades and, in some cases, even centuries due to the freezing environment. Snow movement may occasionally cover or expose them over time, but decomposition occurs very slowly.
12. Has anybody made any efforts to revive or restore Rainbow Valley?
Several recovery and cleanup missions have been carried out on Everest over the years. Despite these efforts, many bodies remain because of the extreme risks, technical challenges, and financial costs involved.
13. Is Mount Everest’s Rainbow Valley special?
No, similar high-altitude areas containing unrecovered climbers exist on other major mountains. However, Rainbow Valley is the most widely known because Everest attracts more climbers and receives significant media attention.
14. What does Rainbow Valley teach students?
Rainbow Valley highlights the importance of proper preparation, experience, physical fitness, and respect for mountain conditions. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the world’s best climbers must approach Everest with caution and humility.
15. Is Rainbow Valley accessible to tourists?
Rainbow Valley is not accessible to regular tourists or trekkers. Reaching the area requires an Everest climbing permit, extensive mountaineering experience, and the ability to safely operate in the death zone.
