Virginia Wright

X Force series explores the science behind the adrenalin rush of extreme disciplines. In this episode, a group of experienced climbers embarks on one of the most challenging climbs to the summit of the world's fifth highest mountain, Makalu, in the Himalayas. Guy Cotter is an expert high-altitude mountaineer with two Everest climbs under his belt. Takashi Ozaki is a veteran mountaineer with a successful Everest summit but he hasn't climbed at altitude for 15 years. Bryan Moore is an expert alpine climber, but he has never been above 22,000 feet (6705 metres). This is a gripping account of the struggle to acclimatise, the struggle to navigate in appalling conditions and the final ascent with only three expedition members still climbing.