Northeast Ridge: May 10, 1996 - 28,550 Feet Summary and Analysis

At about 4:00 p.m., just as Hansen and Hall arrive at the summit, climbers from an Indian expedition radio that they have also reached the top. The Indian team has ascended from the Tibetan side of the summit along the Northeast Ridge. Faced with the same storm, most of the climbers have turned back, but three have continued on to what they think is the top. In the heavy clouds, however, they are mistaken. They are actually some 500 feet below the summit on a lower peak, with the clouds preventing them from realizing their actual location.

The Indian climbers do not return to their camp that night. They are discovered the next day, near death, by some Japanese climbers who are following the same route. The Japanese do not stop to help them...