Everest: Kangshung Face

by Stephen Venables

Every day, the path up the South Col route to the summit of Everest becomes a little more worn by the tread of dozens of package-tour climbers, but few dare to try the East, or Kangshung, Face, a sheer, avalanche-swept wall of snow and ice only first conquered in 1983. Five years later, Stephen Venables intensified the challenge by leading three unknown American climbers up the East Face - this time without oxygen. The question to most climbing experts wasn't whether they would summit, but whether they would live. They nearly didn't Everest: Alone at the Summit is Venables' rousing account of one of the greatest feats of twentieth century mountaineering, a triumph over doubt, the elements and the limits of human endurance that has never been repeated. "Climbers or not, all will be interested in this mountaineering thriller of a tiny band pulling off an incredible victory-an account so stirring it will be put down only to obtain a moment's breather." -- American Alpine Journal

Genres: Mountaineering, Travel, Nonfiction, Adventure, Climbing

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1989

Reviews

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Everest books then this is probably one you will want to read.  It's not the best I've read but it certainly is not the worst.  The final ascent from the South Col makes for compelling reading as does the descent. As is always the case, successful mountaineers need to be extremely driven to succeed and that does not always make them the nicest of people. Marginally irritating is the author's sudden realisation that the gear sponsors need mentioning and the next few paragraphs mention by brand every item of equipment! Very readable overall and excellent for the fact that this was the story of a new route on an almost unclimbed face.

[Rich Draves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very compelling account of establishing a new route on Everest's East face. Gives a very clear view of high-altitude expedition climbing, particularly the effects of fatigue and hypoxia above 8000m.

[David Cozens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Account of the first British climber to summit Everest without oxygen via a new route on the Kangshung face.

[Jacob Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty encroyable

[Tony Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb! What more need I say. Beautifully written and a real gripper. Deserves far mote than its 3.9 rating. Top marks I say!