03/07/2026
Lance Naik Dorje Morup: The Story Behind Mount Everest's "Green Boots". 🙏🇳🇵
Introduction
Lance Naik Dorje Morup was an Indian mountaineer and soldier of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), whose name has become closely associated with one of Mount Everest's most well-known landmarks—"Green Boots." Born on October 1, 1948, in Ladakh, India, Morup lost his life at an altitude of approximately 8,500 meters during the devastating 1996 Mount Everest disaster. For nearly three decades, his frozen body, recognizable by its bright lime-green Koflach mountaineering boots, remained on Everest's Northeast Ridge, serving as a solemn reminder of the mountain's extreme dangers.
The 1996 Everest Disaster
In the spring of 1996, Dorje Morup joined a six-member ITBP expedition attempting the first Indian ascent of Mount Everest from the northern (Tibet) route. On May 10, Morup and fellow climbers Tsewang Smanla and Tsewang Paljor made their summit push. During their descent, they were caught in one of the deadliest blizzards in Everest's history. Exhausted, suffering from severe frostbite, and trapped in extreme weather conditions, the three climbers were unable to return safely. Japanese climbers later encountered Morup alive but in critical condition between the First and Second Steps. He eventually sought shelter inside a small limestone cave at around 8,500 meters, where he tragically passed away.
The Mystery of "Green Boots"
For decades, climbers passing along Everest's Northeast Ridge encountered the body known worldwide as "Green Boots." The identity of the climber remained the subject of intense debate, with many believing it was either Dorje Morup or his younger teammate, Tsewang Paljor. Because the location was within Everest's infamous "Death Zone," where oxygen levels are too low for prolonged survival, recovering the body was considered extremely dangerous and was never attempted for many years.
Identity Confirmed and Final Journey Home
After years of uncertainty, Indian authorities conducted a comprehensive identification process, including DNA testing, which officially confirmed that the remains belonged to Lance Naik Dorje Morup. Following this confirmation, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police announced plans for a high-altitude recovery mission, issuing a specialized tender to recruit experienced Sherpa teams and elite mountain rescue agencies capable of operating safely in the Death Zone. The mission aims to recover Morup's remains and transport them to Delhi, where he will finally be reunited with his family and honored with the dignity and full military respect befitting a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Legacy
Lance Naik Dorje Morup's story is one of extraordinary courage, determination, and sacrifice. His legacy extends beyond the mountaineering world, symbolizing the immense risks faced by climbers and the unwavering dedication of those who serve their nation. As his remains are finally prepared to return home after nearly 30 years on the world's highest mountain, Morup's story serves as a powerful reminder that behind every historic expedition is a human life, a family, and a legacy that deserves to be remembered with honor and respect.
