Climate change is wreaking havoc across the planet, and even the most remote and majestic places are not immune. The Himalayas and Mount Everest, a symbol of defiance and glory, are facing a chilling truth as their eternal ice melts. Once the final resting place for hundreds of climbers, Everest is now slowly revealing the chilling secrets of the bones hidden beneath its icy surface.

1. The “cemetery” on the roof of the world

Since 1922, approximately 300 people have died in their quest to conquer Mount Everest, and at least 200 of those bodies remain on the mountain. For decades, these bodies were buried under thick layers of ice and snow, becoming a permanent part of the landscape.

However, things are changing. According to Ang Tshering Sherpa, former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, the rapid melting of ice due to global warming is causing these bodies to surface.

“The victims who unfortunately died climbing in recent years have been brought down. But the bodies from long ago are still there.” This grim reality has become more evident since 2017, with more bodies being exposed. One official working on the mountain stated, “I have personally helped recover 10 bodies at various locations on Everest in recent years, and it is clear that more are turning up.”

2. The high cost and ethical dilemmas

Removing a body from the mountain is an incredibly difficult, expensive, and risky task. The estimated cost of a single recovery can be as high as $70,000 , requiring a team of experts and specialized equipment in extremely harsh conditions.

However, cost is not the only issue. Some argue that removing the remains could be against the wishes of the deceased, who may have wanted their final resting place on this magnificent mountain. But with the prospect of around 200 bodies being exposed in the future, Nepalese authorities may have no choice but to remove them to prevent Everest from becoming an open-air “graveyard.”

3. The macabre “benchmarks” and alarming predictions

In a gruesome twist, some of the exposed bodies actually serve as grim landmarks, helping modern climbers navigate the treacherous routes and reminding them of the dangers that constantly lurk. It’s a chilling detail that highlights the brutal reality of the sport.

The impact of climate change on Everest is far-reaching. A 2015 study indicated that the mountain could lose 70–90% of its glacial ice by the end of the 21st century if the current melting rate continues. A 2018 study of the Khumbu Glacier also found that the ice temperature was warmer than the average air temperature in the region, an alarming sign of the mountain’s warming.

The story of the bodies unearthed on Mount Everest is a harrowing reminder of the profound impact of climate change. It’s not just an environmental issue; it’s a story of dreams, adventure, and sacrifice. Climate change is physically altering Everest, but it’s also changing its meaning. The mountain, once a symbol of glory, is now becoming a stark warning of what we are losing.