In 1996, two expedition groups, led by experienced mountaineers Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, embark on a harrowing attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Alongside them are a diverse group of climbers, including a seasoned adventurer, a mailman aiming to complete the Seven Summits, and a writer for a prominent magazine. The teams undergo rigorous training and face the initial challenges of high altitude climbing as they advance to base camp, where they prepare for the perilous journey ahead. With conditions deceptively calm, they forge a plan and set timelines to minimize their exposure to the deadly elements of the "Death Zone" above 8,000 meters.

As the climbers ascend, they are faced with unforeseen obstacles that test their physical and mental limits. The groups encounter overcrowded routes, delays, and a profound underestimation of the mountain's unpredictability. Tensions rise as the teams push forward, navigating treacherous icefalls and exhausting their oxygen supplies. Despite these challenges, the climbers reach the critical decision point where they must weigh their life-long aspirations against the ruthless power of nature. With a fierce storm brewing and their window for a safe return rapidly closing, the climbers must make impossible choices in their quest for the coveted summit.