In 1985 an English expedition tries to climb the highest mountain in the world by the most difficult route, the north-east ridge, which is the only unconquered one on Everest. There has only been one previous attempt, Bonington's in 1982, in which the great mountaineers Pete Boardman and Joe Tasker lost their lives. This film, which Kurt Diemberger shot with the help of Julie Tullis, documents the difficulties of the venture but also the incredible beauty of this mountain.