Sleeping Beauty of Mount Everest Francys Arsentiev

Sleeping Beauty of Mount Everest : Francys Arsentiev Heartbreaking story of a life lost

The tragic story of Francys Arsentiev, a mountaineer who lost her life near Sleeping Beauty on Everest, is a heart- wrenching reminder of the dangers faced by those who attempt to conquer the world’s tallest mountain 8848 meters.

Francys Arsentiev was a bold mountaineer who desired to reach the top of Mount Everest. She had a big dream, and she worked hard to make it happen however her journey ended in tragedy.

Francys Arsentiev was an American climber. She loved mountains, adventures and started trip to mount Everest summit in 1998, without using bottled oxygen. It was a very difficult and  challenge, but she was confidently  determined.

What makes Mt. Everest expedition so dangerous ?

Mount Everest 8848 m is the highest mountain in the world and due to the weather condition such as hurricane, avalanches and up – 60 temperatures make climbing mount Everest very  dangerous. 
The weather change rapidly and can’t prediction even single hours consequently climbers always struggle to reach the summit of the Mount Everest and return safely.

Why is Francys Arsentiev called " The Sleeping Beauty of Mount Everest" ?

Francys Arsentiev was too weak to come down after reaching near the top of Everest on 22^nd May 1998. When mountaineers found her body in the snow, they called her “Sleeping Beauty of Mount Everest” because of she looked same.

A Tragic but imperative tale from  Mt. Everest Nepal

Francys Arsentiev story is very miserable, but it also teaches an important lesson for upcoming Everest expedition .Climbing Mt Everest is not easy, and even experienced climbers also more challenging. Many people remember her as a strong and brave woman summit the mount Everest summit without using bottle oxygen. She is first American lady climbed the Everest without oxygen.  At the moment , all Everest summiteers are more careful  try to help each other in dangerous conditions.

The history of climbing Mt. Everest Francys and Sergei Arsentiev

In May 1998, Francys and Sergei Arsentiev arrived at South Everest base camp trek route Nepal, Mount Everest. On May 17, they ascended from Advance Base Camp to the North Col, and the following day they reached 7,700 m (25,262 ft) .

On May 19, they climbed to 8,203 meters (27,000’) (Camp 6). Sergei reported by radio that they were in good shape and were going to start their summit attempt on May 20 at 1:00 a.m.

On May 20, after spending the night at Camp 4, they started their summit attempt but turned around at the First Step when their headlamps failed.

 On May 21, they again stayed at Camp 6 after ascending only 50–100 meters (200’ to 300’) before turning around.

They began their final ascent on May 22. Due to the absence of oxygen supplementation at such a high altitude, the two moved slowly and submitted dangerously late in the day . The cold, the strong winds, and the lack of oxygen made it very difficult. But Francys and Sergei kept going, step by step, toward their goal. She climbed with her husband, Sergei Arsentiev . Francys became the first American woman to reach the top without oxygen.

The unexpected trouble commence after reach the  Mount Everest summit

Attainment the top of Mount Everest was only half the trip. The real challenge was return to the base camp 5364 m.

Francys and Sergei faced  many problems on their way descend. Francys was exhausted, and the lack of oxygen made it even worse.  Climbing to the top of Mount Everest is hard, but coming down is even harder as a result got tired. Her bodies are weak because of the cold and low level oxygen.

Due to the strong windy they got separated even they climbed together and descend together.  It became difficult to find  and see each other again.  She got stuck in the “Death Zone“ at above 8000 meters.

While she was trapped in the “Death Zone,” the part of Everest above 8,000 meters and  very little oxygen, and survival is difficult. she became too week move without help and it was almost impossible to get descend safely and mandatory spent another overnight at risky zone. Always suggested that climbers must move quickly in the Death Zone . If you stay long at Death zone are hard to safe the life due to the unexpected obstacle.

Other climbers saw her alive and they tired to  help and safe her but impossible because of they were also in danger. It was impossible carry her to bring the descend Saying goodbye to “The Sleeping Beauty”

The climbers had to make a painful choice. They could not save her, so they had to leave her behind. Francys stayed there, frozen in time. Later, people started calling her “The Sleeping Beauty of Mount Everest.” Her story is sad, but it reminds the world how dangerous Everest can be for the climbers.

The Tragic love at Mount Everest

Her husband Sergei Arsentiev did everything he could to save his wife, Francys. But in the end, he never made it back.

When Sergei realized that Francys was in trouble, he did not leave her behind. He tried to help her get down the mountain. Sergei went down to get supplies and oxygen. Then, he climbed back up to find Francys again.

Sadly, he never returned. No one saw him alive after that. Later, climbers found his body lower on the mountain.

Their story is one of love, bold, and tragedy. It shows how dangerous Everest can be, even for the strongest climbers consequently need to know depth and take care while wish to go for Mount Everest expedition. 

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