Climbers arrive at Everest Base Camp and quickly learn the dangers of the mountain when they hear about a Sherpa's condition. Climbers struggle to push their bodies to acclimate to the extreme altitude four miles above sea level.

Hundreds of climbers at Advanced Base Camp prepare for the climb. Acceptable weather is fast approaching and the expedition leader plans for an early summit, but he'll have to push both his Sherpas and climbers extra hard to be ready in time.

Russell splits the expedition into two teams for the five day summit assault. The first team sets off in good spirits. On the climb from Camp One to Camp Two, Brett begins to struggle. Will he fail on his second attempt?

Two teams are trapped at high altitude by high winds and extreme cold. When the weather relents next day, Mogens voyages higher without the aid of bottled oxygen. The rest of the team races against the clock as they run out of time and air.

Some reach the top but the the mountain is crowded and they caught in yet another line to descend. Climbers face bitter cold and two struggling climbers disobey their leader's orders to turn back.

Struggling climbers suffer from Summit Fever and refuse to turn back as the summit is just a few feet above them. As other climbers descend many are have serious frostbite. Climbers offer their final reflections on the expedition and the cost of Everest.