Fischer and Lopsang’s Bond

The Climb

This flow follows Scott Fischer and Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa from a climbing partnership to an intimate and tragic rescue effort.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Climbing Companions Climbing Companions from "The Climb". Climbing Companions Shared Expeditions Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa climbs Everest and Broad Peak with Scott Fischer and becomes part of his trusted mountain circle.

Climbing Companions from "The Climb". Climbing Companions Shared Expeditions Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa climbs Everest and Broad Peak with Scott Fischer and becomes part of his trusted mountain circle.

Climbing Companions Shared Expeditions Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa climbs Everest and Broad Peak with Scott Fischer and becomes part of his trusted mountain circle. Mutual Attachment Fischer regards Lopsang as a protégé, while Lopsang sees Fischer as a friend and personal hero.

Trust and Responsibility Trust and Responsibility from "The Climb". Trust and Responsibility A Key Appointment Scott Fischer selects Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa as climbing sirdar despite concerns about his leadership experience.

Trust and Responsibility from "The Climb". Trust and Responsibility A Key Appointment Scott Fischer selects Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa as climbing sirdar despite concerns about his leadership experience.

Trust and Responsibility A Key Appointment Scott Fischer selects Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa as climbing sirdar despite concerns about his leadership experience. Personal Loyalty Their closeness lends emotional weight to the responsibility Lopsang carries during the summit attempt.

Together on the Descent Together on the Descent from "The Climb". Together on the Descent Delayed Reunion After the summit, Lopsang catches up with a deteriorating Scott Fischer and tries to guide him down.

Together on the Descent from "The Climb". Together on the Descent Delayed Reunion After the summit, Lopsang catches up with a deteriorating Scott Fischer and tries to guide him down.

Together on the Descent Delayed Reunion After the summit, Lopsang catches up with a deteriorating Scott Fischer and tries to guide him down. Physical Care He ropes Fischer, shares supplies, and repeatedly urges him to keep moving, turning professional duty into personal devotion.

A Promise to Return A Promise to Return from "The Climb". A Promise to Return Necessary Separation Unable to move Fischer through the storm, Lopsang leaves to seek oxygen and help, promising to send rescuers.

A Promise to Return from "The Climb". A Promise to Return Necessary Separation Unable to move Fischer through the storm, Lopsang leaves to seek oxygen and help, promising to send rescuers.

A Promise to Return Necessary Separation Unable to move Fischer through the storm, Lopsang leaves to seek oxygen and help, promising to send rescuers. Helpless Loyalty His return to camp is not abandonment in spirit; it is a desperate choice that cannot overcome the weather or lack of support.

Grief Without Reconciliation Grief Without Reconciliation from "The Climb". Grief Without Reconciliation Self-Blame Lopsang blames himself for Fischer’s death, despite the extraordinary effort he made to help him.

Grief Without Reconciliation from "The Climb". Grief Without Reconciliation Self-Blame Lopsang blames himself for Fischer’s death, despite the extraordinary effort he made to help him.

Grief Without Reconciliation Self-Blame Lopsang blames himself for Fischer’s death, despite the extraordinary effort he made to help him. Lost Future Lopsang dies in an avalanche months later, ending the possibility of hearing how he might have understood their final hours.

1994–95

1996 expedition preparation

May 10, 1996, afternoon

night of May 10, 1996

May–September 1996