Not everyone leaves. Over 300 people have died on Everest. Their bodies are often left where they fall. Some, like "Green Boots," became gruesome landmarks for decades.
How Many People Have Climbed Mount Everest? (Updated 2026 Statistics
But here’s the twist: many climbers step right past them. It’s not disrespectful—it’s just part of the deal. The mountain is littered with stories.
The Sherpa Superstars
We often forget the real stars: Sherpas. They do the heavy lifting—literally. They carry gear, fix ropes, and save lives. Without them, the summit count would be zero for most of us.
Take Lakpa Rita Sherpa, who’s been to the summit 16 times. Or Phurba Tashi, who holds the record for most Everest ascents by a foreigner? No, wait—he’s also Sherpa. You get the point.
