Renowned high-altitude photographer from the Chinese mainland, Ma Chunlin, has pulled off a world first: a single, uninterrupted film of his ascent up Mount Qomolangma’s north slope.
In a race against time, Ma had just a few weeks’ window to move from Everest Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp at 6,500 m, enduring sub-zero temperatures and thin air. He waited for a perfect alignment of clear skies, calm winds, and climbers’ pace before starting his camera at sunrise—timed to the very minute.
Unlike his segmented short film from five years ago, this latest one-shot captures every switchback and ridge, from the base camp to the 8,849 m summit, in one continuous take. The result is a seamless journey that blends cutting-edge camera work with raw human endurance.
For global adventurers and tech enthusiasts alike, the film is more than a record; it’s a glimpse into the possibilities of real-time storytelling at extreme altitudes. It also highlights the power of persistence: years of planning and near-misses finally led to this flawless capture.
This one-take ascent stands as an unforgettable testament to precision, passion, and the spirit of exploration at the roof of the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
