Body retrieved from Everest icefall after delay, flown to Kathmandu
Unidentified remains found near Base Camp airlifted for forensic identification after nearly two weeks, as guides warn of psychological impact on climbers
The Nepal Mountaineering Association has recovered an unidentified body from the Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest and transported it to Kathmandu for forensic identification, following a multi-agency operation that concluded this week amid criticism over delays in removing the remains.
The body, first spotted April 23 near Everest Base Camp, was partially buried in ice along the main climbing route, raising safety and environmental concerns during the busy spring season as hundreds of climbers pass through the area.
The Association said it mobilized a team of experienced Sherpa climbers after receiving a formal request from the Department of Tourism. The recovery effort was supported by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee and the Nepal Tourism Board.
The remains were extracted from the ice April 29 and brought to base camp. An initial helicopter evacuation attempt on April 30 was aborted due to bad weather, but the body was successfully airlifted to Lukla on May 1. A post-mortem was conducted there before the remains were transferred to Kathmandu’s Teaching Hospital on May 2 for forensic identification.
Climbing guides at base camp had urged authorities to remove the body promptly, citing potential psychological effects on both foreign and Nepali climbers preparing for expeditions.
Authorities said the climber’s identity remains unknown. Portions of the body were exposed and decomposed, making recognition difficult even for experienced climbers and high-altitude workers. Officials plan to cross-check historical fatality records, with DNA testing expected to confirm the identity.
