As of recent estimates, just over 330 people have died on Mount Everest , with most modern sources putting the toll in the 330–340 range as of 2024. This number slowly increases every climbing season as more expeditions attempt the summit.

Quick Scoop

  • Total deaths so far: At least about 330–340 climbers have lost their lives on Everest since expeditions began in the 1920s.
  • Average per year: Roughly 4–5 deaths per year over the long term, though some seasons are much deadlier than others.
  • Recent trend: The death toll has continued to rise with growing commercial traffic; 2023 was reported as one of the deadliest seasons ever , with around 18–20 fatalities.
  • Bodies remaining on the mountain: It is commonly estimated that over 200 bodies are still on Everest, many in the high “death zone” above 8,000 meters where recovery is extremely dangerous.

Why the Numbers Vary

  • Different organizations (like the Himalayan Database, guiding companies, and news outlets) track deaths slightly differently, so totals can differ by a few dozen.
  • Some fatalities go unconfirmed or are listed as missing, and older records from early expeditions are not always complete.

Main Causes of Death

  • Avalanches and falls are historically the leading causes, followed by exposure, altitude sickness, exhaustion, and medical issues such as cardiac arrest.
  • Disasters such as the 2015 earthquake-triggered avalanche at Everest Base Camp, which killed over 20 people in a single event, heavily influence the overall toll.

Risk Context

  • Despite more climbers and better gear, Everest still has an approximate fatality rate around 1% of those who attempt it , depending on route, season, and experience level.
  • Commercial expeditions and improved logistics have made the mountain more accessible, but crowding, inexperience, and severe weather keep the risks very real.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.