The South Col usually refers to the southern col between Mount Everest and Lhotse, the first and fourth highest mountains in the world. When climbers attempt to climb Everest from the southeast ridge in Nepal, their final camp (usually camp IV) is situated on the South Col. The South Col is typically ravaged by high winds, leaving it free of significant snow accumulation.
The South Col was first reached by a Swiss expedition in 1952 that failed t...
more
The South Col usually refers to the southern col between Mount Everest and Lhotse, the first and fourth highest mountains in the world. When climbers attempt to climb Everest from the southeast ridge in Nepal, their final camp (usually camp IV) is situated on the South Col. The South Col is typically ravaged by high winds, leaving it free of significant snow accumulation.
The South Col was first reached by a Swiss expedition in 1952 that failed to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The following year, when Mount Everest was first climbed, Wilfrid Noyce and the Sherpa Annullu were the first climbers on the expedition to reach the Col. According to John Hunt, the expedition leader:
Once on the South Col, climbers have entered the death zone — Altitude sickness is a significant threat at this elevation and can easily prove fatal. It is also difficult to sleep and most climbers' digestive systems have slowed significantly if not stopped completely. It is more efficient for the body to use...
less
