High on the snow-clad side of Mount Everest on a blindingly sunny afternoon, we see Beck Weathers curled, unconscious in the snow, while the ghosts of Everest ponder whether death is the end or the beginning.   

The scene melts into a triumphant Rob Hall at the summit. He is ecstatic. The view is magnificent. He notes the time is 2:30 pm. His companions Mike and Yahsicca have already begun their descent, but he is waiting for Doug Hansen, just visible in the distance to make the final ascent. Everest’s ghosts remark that it’s half an hour past turnaround time. 

Meanwhile, Beck is hallucinating, answering questions about his climbing career and then seeing himself at a backyard barbeque, as his daughter Meg calls him, seeking him in the background. 

Rob Hall helps Doug struggle the last steps to the summit. Everest’s ghosts mark the relentless passage of time as Doug realizes that he is not coming back. The scene dissolves… 

…to a memory of Jan Arnold, Rob’s wife. She is heavily pregnant, and he is playfully photographing her. They discuss baby names and the fact that she will no longer be climbing Everest with him. 

Back on the mountain, Rob is increasingly desperate urging Doug to his feet. Rob radios Base Camp for help as a storm boils up from below. 

Beck’s daughter and Everest’s ghosts appear to him, though he does not see them. We learn that Beck was having trouble seeing and stayed behind while Rob’s group finished the ascent. Beck is waiting for Rob to come back for him, but Rob hasn’t come. Instead, Mike has discovered Beck and attempts to help him down the mountain as the storm intensifies. 

Jan is on the phone anxiously listening to a voice on the other side of the world. As she hangs up, Rob is on the line with Base Camp. Guy urges him to leave Doug and come down. Rob sees that Doug has overheard, hangs up, and again, urges Doug to his feet. 

Rob, Doug, and Beck are all dying on the mountain. Jan, at home, frantically awaits the next phone call. They all consider how easy it is to die. 

Despite Rob’s best efforts, Doug has died. Base Camp patches Jan through to his radio. During the call, he dies suggesting “Sarah” for their baby’s name. Rob and Doug are welcomed among Everest’s ghosts.   

Meg calls to Beck, who finally sees his daughter and struggles again to his feet to make his way to safety.