The highest mountain in the world stands at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), attracting adventurers from around the globe. As captivating as it is, numerous risks come with it. Over 300 Mount Everest deaths have occurred since the early 20th century, serving as chilling proof of the mountain’s inhospitable conditions. For individuals who wish to summit Mount Everest or climb other peaks, knowing the risks is as important as the climb itself.
This blog will discuss the aspects contributing to these casualties and offer helpful insights for your next adventure.
How Many People Died on Mount Everest?
Mount Everest deaths are a harsh reality. Over 330 climbers have lost their lives on the mountain as of 2024. These figures vary from 330 to 340, depending on the source. Every year, the mortality toll increases. Although this varies by expedition and preparedness, a 2020 study published in PLOS ONE projected that climbers have died at a rate of roughly 1% during the previous 30 years. Typical reasons include:
- Avalanches: 16 Sherpas lost their lives to unpredictable snowslides, such as the Khumbu Icefall tragedy in 2014.
- Altitude Sickness: Due to oxygen scarcity, high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) and cerebelloedema (HACE) occur in the Mount Everest death zone.
- Falls: Fatal slides can occur on icy slopes, like those in the Khumbu Icefall.
- Extreme Cold: Temperatures below freezing on the mountain can result in frostbite and hypothermia.
- Exhaustion: Physical depletion during long climbs also increases risks.
These causes show why safety continues to be a serious concern for those attempting the climb.
Do More People Die Climbing or Descending Everest?
Mount Everest deaths often raise questions about when climbers are most at risk. The Mount Everest death zone, above 8,000 meters, is dangerous during both ascent and descent, but recent data shows differences.
Historical records indicate that more casualties happen during the ascent than the descent, but the descent is still risky. A 2020 study in PLOS ONE looked at incidents from 1921 to 2006 and found that 62% (210 out of 341) occurred during ascent or route preparation, while 38% (131) happened during descent. This is consistent with data from The Himalayan Database (1922–2023), which shows that 56% of fatalities above base camp (192 out of 341) took place during the descent. This suggests that ascent risks are greater due to more prolonged exposure. However, descent fatalities are significant because climbers often feel exhausted after summiting, facing:
Depleted Energy: After reaching the summit, climbers have less stamina to navigate icy slopes like the Hillary Step, increasing the risk of falls.
Oxygen Shortages: In the death zone, oxygen tanks can run low during descent, worsening hypoxia and altitude sickness (HAPE/HACE).
Weather Changes: Storms often strike later in the day, stranding descending climbers, as seen in the 1996 disaster that killed eight.
Why Descending Can Be More Risky
According to a 2023 post in The Conversation, more climbers are having difficulty descending, often due to overpopulation. Delays at high altitudes can weary humans. In 2019, for example, 11 incidents were linked to traffic congestion near the peak, the majority of which occurred on the way down. While some blogs argue that descending seems more dangerous due to weariness, the research demonstrates that climbing has a higher total risk.
Why Are Bodies Still On Mount Everest
Mount Everest deaths leave a grim legacy, with many bodies still on the mountain. About 200 to 250 bodies are unrecovered, according to a 2020 PLOS ONE study and a 2015 BBC investigation. Most are in the death zone above 8,000 meters, frozen or buried in snow. Why are they left behind? Recovering bodies is dangerous and expensive.
Extreme conditions make movement difficult. Low oxygen and brutal cold complicate efforts. Carrying a body can put rescuers’ lives at risk, as they may suffer from hypoxia.
The cost of retrieval ranges from $30,000 to $70,000, according to multiple sources. It requires various Sherpas and several days of work.
Logistical challenges arise from narrow, icy routes like the Khumbu Icefall. Most who die remain where they fall.
Cultural practices also play a role. Some families of climbers prefer the bodies to stay on the mountain, seeing it as a fitting resting place.
Since 1922, over 340 climbers have died, with two-thirds of the bodies unrecovered – about 227. In 2023, 18 more deaths were added to this toll.
Why Is the Mount Everest Death Zone so Dangerous?
Mount Everest deaths are a harsh reality. Over 330 climbers have lost their lives on the mountain as of 2024. These figures vary from 330 to 340, depending on the source. Every year, the mortality toll increases. Although this varies by expedition and preparedness, a 2020 study published in PLOS ONE projected that climbers have died at a rate of roughly 1% during the previous 30 years. Typical reasons include:
- Avalanches: 16 Sherpas lost their lives to unpredictable snowslides, such as the Khumbu Icefall tragedy in 2014.
- Altitude Sickness: Due to oxygen scarcity, high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) and cerebelloedema (HACE) occur in the Mount Everest death zone.
- Falls: Fatal slides can occur on icy slopes, like those in the Khumbu Icefall.
- Extreme Cold: Temperatures below freezing on the mountain can result in frostbite and hypothermia.
- Exhaustion: Physical depletion during long climbs also increases risks.
These causes show why safety continues to be a serious concern for those attempting the climb.
Common Myths About Climbing Everest
Misconceptions about Everest increase risks. Some articles highlight myths that mislead climbers. Some of these myths are:
Myth: Everest is safe with modern gear.
Reality: Better equipment reduces risks, but the death zone is still deadly, with a 1% rate.
Myth: Anyone can climb with enough money.
Reality: Inexperienced climbers, even with guides, face higher risks due to the physical and technical demands of the climb.
Myth: Summiting guarantees success.
Reality: Most deaths happen during the descent, due to exhaustion or changes in weather.
Addressing these myths leads to better preparation, especially for African travellers considering climbing to Mount Everest or Kilimanjaro.
Tips to Stay Safe Climbing High Mountains
Climbing high peaks like Everest or Kilimanjaro requires preparation to minimise risks. Here are some key strategies to stay safe, based on mountaineering best practices:
- Acclimatise Properly: Spend time at intermediate altitudes, such as Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) or Kilimanjaro’s Horombo Hut (3,720 meters). Longer routes, like 7–8 days for Kilimanjaro, help your body adjust to low oxygen and reduce the chances of altitude sickness.
- Train Thoroughly: Build endurance with cardio, strength exercises, and hiking. For Everest, practice technical skills like using ropes. Kilimanjaro trekkers need stamina for multi-day hikes. Being fit reduces the risk of exhaustion.
- Choose Experienced Guides: Choose seasoned tour operators who provide trained guides. On Everest, Sherpas navigate dangerous areas. For Kilimanjaro, guides monitor health and pace to prevent overexertion.
- Monitor Health: Look out for altitude sickness symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Use pulse oximeters if you are above 3,000 meters. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Respect Conditions: Pay attention to weather forecasts and listen to your guides. Avoid Kilimanjaro during the rainy seasons from March to May or Everest during stormy periods. Carry appropriate gear, such as insulated clothing and waterproof layers.
- Use Quality Equipment: Spend money on reliable gear, like oxygen tanks and sturdy boots. Test your equipment ahead of time to ensure it works properly.
How Do Deaths on Everest Compare to Kilimanjaro?
A popular alternative for climbers is Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters. Although both mountains are dangerous, they have pretty different death rates. The comparison below is based on verified data from studies and sources related to mountaineering:
Factor | Mount Everest | Mount Kilimanjaro |
Height | 8,848 meters | 5,895 meters |
Death Rate | ~1% (approx. 330 occurrences since the 1920s) | ~0.03–0.1% (10–15 deaths annually) |
Main Causes of Death | Avalanches, altitude sickness, and falls | Altitude sickness, falls, and heart failure |
Climbing Duration | 6–8 weeks | 5–9 days |
Technical Difficulty | High (requires ropes, ice axes) | Moderate (trekking, no technical climbing) |
Oxygen Levels | The death zone above 8,000 meters | No death zone, but altitude risks remain |
Kilimanjaro’s lower altitude and shorter duration make it safer. Its death rate, estimated at 0.03–0.1% based on mountaineering records, is significantly lower than Everest’s. However, altitude sickness remains a concern. For more on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and its risks, see Mount Kilimanjaro’s deaths.
FAQs About Mount Everest Deaths
1. What is the Mount Everest death zone?
It’s the area above 8,000 meters with dangerously low oxygen. Climbers face severe risks like hypoxia, leading to altitude sickness (HAPE/HACE). This zone causes many deaths due to its harsh conditions.
2. How many people have died on Mount Everest?
Over 330 climbers have died. Mount Everest deaths stem from avalanches, falls, and altitude sickness, with a 1% casualty rate (PLOS ONE, 2020).
3. Is Kilimanjaro safer than Everest?
Yes. Kilimanjaro’s 0.03–0.1% death rate is lower than Everest’s 1%. With no death zone and shorter 5–9 day treks, it’s safer for travellers seeking high-altitude adventures, avoiding Everest’s risks.
4. What causes most Mount Everest deaths?
Avalanches, altitude sickness, falls, cold, and exhaustion, these strikes in the death zone, as in 2014’s avalanche (16 deaths). Crowding worsens risks (The Conversation, 2023). Kilimanjaro’s simpler trails reduce such dangers.
