In 1994, after on exhausting climb to the summit of Mt. Everest, Mike Reinberger and Mark Whetu reach their goal, but realise it is too late to return to camp before nightfall. They know their decision to camp in the open at 28,800 feet could be fatal. The next morning, after a freezing night, they try to descend but Reinburger is stricken with a cerebral oedema.

After a day long struggle Mark Whetu must choose to either leave his friend on the mountain and save his own life or remain with Reinburger forever.