The Collapse of Ngawang Topche

The Climb

This flow follows Ngawang Topche Sherpa’s altitude illness, the rescue effort, and the consequences for the expedition.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Strong Sherpa Worker A Strong Sherpa Worker from "The Climb". A Strong Sherpa Worker Expedition Labor Ngawang Topche Sherpa works on the mountain as a high-altitude support climber, carrying loads and helping establish…

A Strong Sherpa Worker from "The Climb". A Strong Sherpa Worker Expedition Labor Ngawang Topche Sherpa works on the mountain as a high-altitude support climber, carrying loads and helping establish…

A Strong Sherpa Worker Expedition Labor Ngawang Topche Sherpa works on the mountain as a high-altitude support climber, carrying loads and helping establish camps. Hidden Exposure The work places him repeatedly in the thin air and physical strain that can trigger severe altitude illness.

Confusion at Camp II Confusion at Camp II from "The Climb". Confusion at Camp II Symptoms Scott Fischer encounters Ngawang Topche Sherpa disoriented and coughing, then tells him to descend.

Confusion at Camp II from "The Climb". Confusion at Camp II Symptoms Scott Fischer encounters Ngawang Topche Sherpa disoriented and coughing, then tells him to descend.

Confusion at Camp II Symptoms Scott Fischer encounters Ngawang Topche Sherpa disoriented and coughing, then tells him to descend. Continued Ascent The Sherpa does not follow the order and is later found severely ill, showing how confusion can defeat ordinary instructions at altitude.

A Difficult Descent A Difficult Descent from "The Climb". A Difficult Descent Emergency Response Klev Schoening and Tim Madsen help lower Ngawang Topche Sherpa, while Neal Beidleman and other Sherpas join the effort.

A Difficult Descent from "The Climb". A Difficult Descent Emergency Response Klev Schoening and Tim Madsen help lower Ngawang Topche Sherpa, while Neal Beidleman and other Sherpas join the effort.

A Difficult Descent Emergency Response Klev Schoening and Tim Madsen help lower Ngawang Topche Sherpa, while Neal Beidleman and other Sherpas join the effort. Limits of Treatment Oxygen and medical measures do not reverse his condition; the team recognizes that rapid descent is essential but arduous.

Hospital and Coma Hospital and Coma from "The Climb". Hospital and Coma Evacuation Ngawang Topche Sherpa is taken by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu after his condition worsens.

Hospital and Coma from "The Climb". Hospital and Coma Evacuation Ngawang Topche Sherpa is taken by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu after his condition worsens.

Hospital and Coma Evacuation Ngawang Topche Sherpa is taken by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu after his condition worsens. Lasting Consequence He lapses into a coma and suffers brain damage, adding emotional and financial pressure to an already strained expedition.

A Fatal Outcome A Fatal Outcome from "The Climb". A Fatal Outcome Loss Despite evacuation and treatment, Ngawang Topche Sherpa dies in the month after his collapse.

A Fatal Outcome from "The Climb". A Fatal Outcome Loss Despite evacuation and treatment, Ngawang Topche Sherpa dies in the month after his collapse.

A Fatal Outcome Loss Despite evacuation and treatment, Ngawang Topche Sherpa dies in the month after his collapse. Expedition Cost His death makes clear that the expedition’s danger is borne not only by paying clients but also by the Sherpas whose work sustains them.

March and April 1996

April 22, 1996

April 22–23, 1996

late April 1996 in Kathmandu

May 1996