Everest Base Camp: May 13, 1996 - 17,600 Feet Summary and Analysis

Krakauer arrives at the bottom of the Icefall to find some of the Base Camp crew waiting for him. One of them hands him a beer. He is overcome, and sits and cries deeply, grateful to be alive and sad that so many have died. The next day, a memorial service is held for the dead climbers, and the mood is gloomy.

Groom and Fox are evacuated by helicopter to have their severe frostbite treated, and Taske, a doctor, goes with them. Krakauer and the other climbers from Hall's group walk out of Base Camp to Pheriche, where they fly back to Katmandu. There they are swamped by journalists, including several from Japan, where Namba's death has become a national story. After facing many questions, Krakauer is taken to a hotel...