THE CRUEL WAY

In 1984, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the socialist revolution, the first Bulgarian expedition to the highest peak on the planet – Chomolungma, known as Everest – was organized. Eighteen climbers prepared to assault the summit via the West Ridge, the deadliest route, known as the “Cruel Way”. This extraordinary endeavor was accompanied by heroic deeds and mutual assistance, but also by fatal errors and crises in the relationships among the climbers – factors that remained hidden for more than four decades. Until now. Previously unreleased recordings of radio communications and candid accounts from the principal participants will reveal all the secrets of this great Bulgarian moment.