I knew rescue on Everest was pretty much impossible...

… if you're in the death zone ([HTML_REMOVED]7700m). But I didn't know people literally climbed over dead bodies and walked past people still barely alive to reach the summit.

http://godheadv.blogspot.com/2010/04/abandoned-on-everest.html

Would be pretty spooky up there…
Highly recommend watching the 2 documentaries at the bottom as well.

there are a lot of stupid things a person could be and a mountaineer is at the top of the list.

besides why do you need to climb mount everest? i can already jump it with a monster truck in google earth!

If one looks at the actual numbers, K2 has more dead bodies and death then Everest does.

It used to be K2 and Everest where the domains of highly skilled climbers. Those who spent years climbing and put their time in before they went. Unfortunately now days people with less training and money can pay for others to essentially drag them up the mountain. Since money became involved more people are dying on Everest these days.

Of all 14 8000m+ peaks, Everest is 10th as far as fatality rates go, a little over 9%. The most dangerous is Annapurna with a fatality rate of 41%. K2 is number 3 on the list with almost a 27% fatality rate.

Dragging an extra body around is a good way to get killed for sure in the death zone. I think its like rescuing a drowning person, it can be dangerous because they can hold you under.

Most of the dead guys are the tourist climbers. Guys who can afford the trip but really have no idea they are not qualified to climb everest.

It would not be possible for almost any of the guys who make it to the top for the photo op without the help of the local sherpas who do the same climb only with the rich climber gear on their backs.

I know a few people who claim to have climbed other himilayan mountains but when you ask them who carried their gear to the top it start to sound a little disingenuous.

Don't judge these people until you've walked a mile in their shoes. They all know the risks. They all know the unwritten code of Everest.

For an insight into the mentality of the mountaineer, check out these titles:
"Anapurna" by Maurice Herzog
"Everest the Hard Way" by Chris Bonnington
"The Beckoning Silence" by Joe Simpson

Everest specific must-reads:
"The Climb" by Anatoli Boukreev - on the 1996 debacle
"Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer - same as above
Note: if you decide to read one of these books, please read both. Two accounts of the same events - one from a paying client, one from a paid guide.

Anapurna is a gnarly hike a bike but the DH is so worth it.

I understand how these guys could leave someone behind. You are fighting for you own life at that point and to take responsibility for someone elses life who is not in a good way would reduce your own chances of survival. I don't think I could live with myself if I walked by and didn't try to help the guy however.

For an insight into the mentality of the mountaineer, check out these titles:
"Anapurna" by Maurice Herzog

That was a great book…

They could at least pack up a crazy carpet and send those guys on one last ride. Last one to base camp is a rotten egg!

Seriously 41% death rate, why not save the money and play Russian Roulette?

I climbed a 14,000 ft mtn once. I think I'll pass on these ones…

I climbed a 14,000 ft mtn once. I think I'll pass on these ones…

Why, it's just like doing that twice. Piece of cake.

Dragging an extra body around is a good way to get killed for sure in the death zone. I think its like rescuing a drowning person, it can be dangerous because they can hold you under.

The thing not mentioned in the guy's blog. Some of those bodies depending on the weather can disappear for years. Have read of stories of climbers killed while climbing and no body found. Then suddenly 25 years later it appears.