Lopsang’s Loyalty and Burden

The Climb

This flow follows Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa’s devotion to Scott Fischer, his increasingly difficult role on summit day, and the blame he carries afterward.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Young Climbing Sirdar A Young Climbing Sirdar from "The Climb". A Young Climbing Sirdar Trusted by Fischer Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa has climbed with Scott Fischer before and is treated as a close friend and protégé.

A Young Climbing Sirdar from "The Climb". A Young Climbing Sirdar Trusted by Fischer Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa has climbed with Scott Fischer before and is treated as a close friend and protégé.

A Young Climbing Sirdar Trusted by Fischer Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa has climbed with Scott Fischer before and is treated as a close friend and protégé. Leadership Challenge His climbing ability is respected, but experienced organizers question whether he has enough leadership experience for the sirdar role.

Illness on the Route Illness on the Route from "The Climb". Illness on the Route Physical Trouble Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa is sick and vomiting, yet joins the summit attempt rather than remaining at camp.

Illness on the Route from "The Climb". Illness on the Route Physical Trouble Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa is sick and vomiting, yet joins the summit attempt rather than remaining at camp.

Illness on the Route Physical Trouble Lopsang Jangbu Sherpa is sick and vomiting, yet joins the summit attempt rather than remaining at camp. Missed Rope Work The plan for advance rope fixing fails, and his illness compounds the delays affecting both expeditions.

Waiting for the Summit Waiting for the Summit from "The Climb". Waiting for the Summit Delayed Descent After reaching the summit, Lopsang waits while Scott Fischer and then Rob Hall and Doug Hansen complete their climbs.

Waiting for the Summit from "The Climb". Waiting for the Summit Delayed Descent After reaching the summit, Lopsang waits while Scott Fischer and then Rob Hall and Doug Hansen complete their climbs.

Waiting for the Summit Delayed Descent After reaching the summit, Lopsang waits while Scott Fischer and then Rob Hall and Doug Hansen complete their climbs. Narrowed Choices The wait drains his strength and separates him from Fischer at the moment Fischer most needs help.

A Promise in the Storm A Promise in the Storm from "The Climb". A Promise in the Storm Escort Attempt Lopsang tries to bring Scott Fischer down, securing him with rope and urging him toward camp.

A Promise in the Storm from "The Climb". A Promise in the Storm Escort Attempt Lopsang tries to bring Scott Fischer down, securing him with rope and urging him toward camp.

A Promise in the Storm Escort Attempt Lopsang tries to bring Scott Fischer down, securing him with rope and urging him toward camp. Reluctant Separation When Fischer can no longer move and the storm intensifies, Lopsang leaves to seek help, promising to send oxygen, tea, and a Sherpa.

Blame and Loss Blame and Loss from "The Climb". Blame and Loss Self-Reproach After Fischer dies, Lopsang blames himself, though his rescue effort had been prolonged and dangerous.

Blame and Loss from "The Climb". Blame and Loss Self-Reproach After Fischer dies, Lopsang blames himself, though his rescue effort had been prolonged and dangerous.

Blame and Loss Self-Reproach After Fischer dies, Lopsang blames himself, though his rescue effort had been prolonged and dangerous. Untimely Death He dies in an avalanche months later, leaving no chance to resolve the grief or fully answer questions about the climb.

before the 1996 expedition

May 9–10, 1996

afternoon of May 10, 1996

evening of May 10, 1996

May–September 1996