• Geneva Spur: An anvil-shaped black rib of rock fixed with ropes

• South Col: Known as Camp IV, this football field size rock-strewn wind-swept saddle is between Everest and Lhotse.

• Balcony: On this platform, the climbers rest and admire the dawn light illuminating the peaks to the east and south.

• Hillary Step: A 40-foot spur of snow and ice, is the last obstacle barring access to the gently angled summit slopes.

Air pressure(How it matters)

DEATH ZONE

At Mt Everest, air pressure is only 30% that at sea level — so climbers take in only 30% as many oxygen molecules. That’s why above 26,000 feet body begins a final breakdown. Heart pounds, even at rest.

NO CIVILISATION

No permanent settlements above this level on the earth. Lungs expel more carbon dioxide, disrupting the blood’s pH balance.

THIN AIR

Everyone feels the impact of thin air. By this altitude respiration speeds and deepens as the body senses less oxygen in the blood.

EASY LIFE

Maximum oxygen level.

THE PATH THOUSANDS FOLLOWED

First Ascent

May 29, 1953: Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay climbed the highest peak in 1953 through southwest face.

The first

Oxygenless ascent:

Reinhold Messner of Italy and Peter Habeler of Austria, on May 8, 1978. Messner favours alpine-style climbs, using minimal equipment, and describes expedition style climbs as “sieges”.

... contd.