One of the world's most mysterious mountaineering cases has finally been solved nearly three decades later. DNA testing has confirmed that the body lying for years in Mount Everest's "Death Zone," widely known as "Green Boots," belonged to Indian Army Lance Naik Dorje Morup. He had gone missing during the 1996 Everest expedition.
Went Missing During the 1996 Expedition
Lance Naik Dorje Morup was an experienced mountaineer serving in the Indian Army. During the 1996 Mount Everest expedition, he lost contact with his team amid severe weather and extremely challenging conditions. After that, he was considered missing for many years.
Known to the World as 'Green Boots'
For decades, a body located at an altitude of approximately 8,500 meters on Everest's northern route became a well-known landmark for climbers. Because of the distinctive green mountaineering boots on the body, it came to be known as "Green Boots." Mountaineers from around the world referred to this location by that name.
DNA Testing Confirmed the Identity
A recent DNA examination has confirmed that the body belonged to Indian Army Lance Naik Dorje Morup. With this discovery, a mystery that had remained unsolved for nearly 30 years has finally come to an end. Indian authorities are now working on the process of bringing his mortal remains back to the country with full honors.
A Long-Awaited Answer for the Family
The identification is expected to bring closure to Dorje Morup's family after three decades of uncertainty and waiting. The development is also being seen as an emotional moment for both the Indian Army and the mountaineering community.
The resolution of the "Green Boots" mystery is not merely the end of a long-standing mountaineering story—it is a dignified effort to restore the true identity of an Indian soldier. Nearly 30 years later, Lance Naik Dorje Morup's sacrifice is finally set to receive official recognition.
