Dyatlov Pass incident – 1959 mysterious deaths of nine hikers
On the night of 1‑2 February 1959 nine experienced hikers set up a tent on Kholat Syakhl. The tent was cut from inside and the group fled inadequately dressed. Six later died of hypothermia, three of severe injuries. Recent investigations attribute the cause mainly to an avalanche.
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Our thoughts are with the nine hikers who lost their lives in this tragic event.
Timeline
- 23 January 1959 — The group received its route book and official approval for 11 members.
- 25 January 1959 — Arrived by train at Ivdel in northern Sverdlovsk Oblast.
- 26 January 1959 — Travelled by lorry to Vizhai, the last inhabited settlement.
- 27 January 1959 — Began the trek toward Gora Otorten.
- 28 January 1959 — Yuri Yudin turned back due to health problems; nine hikers continued.
- 31 January 1959 — Reached a highland area, cached supplies and prepared for climbing.
- 1 February 1959 — Established a tent on the eastern slope of Kholat Syakhl despite worsening weather.
- 2 February 1959 — During the night the tent was cut from inside and the hikers fled, poorly clothed, into a snowstorm.
- 26 February 1959 — Searchers found the abandoned tent and the first five bodies near a pine tree.
- 4 May 1959 — The remaining four bodies were recovered from a snow‑covered ravine.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the deaths of the Dyatlov hikers?
The 1959 investigation recorded six deaths by hypothermia and three by fatal injuries; a 2020 re‑investigation concluded an avalanche most likely forced the group out, leading to hypothermia.
How many hikers died from hypothermia versus trauma?
Six hikers died of hypothermia, while three suffered fatal skull or chest injuries.
Why was the tent found cut open from the inside?
Investigators observed the tent fabric was cut from within, indicating the hikers deliberately exited, possibly because they feared an imminent avalanche or other natural force.
Were there any survivors among the expedition?
Yes. Yuri Yudin turned back on 28 January 1959 and survived the incident.
Did the investigation find evidence of an attack by other people?
No. Footprints belonged only to the nine hikers, and the nature of the injuries was judged inconsistent with a human assault.
What injuries were observed on the bodies?
One victim had major skull damage, two had severe chest fractures, several had missing eyes, tongue or eyebrows, and soft‑tissue damage to the head and face; some injuries were attributed to high pressure or post‑mortem effects.
Primary sources and references
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