What time did Krakauer begin his descent from the summit?

What time did Krakauer begin his descent from the summit?

• A. 1:17
• B. 1:12
• C. 1:20
• D. 1:15

Answer: (A)

Tracking the exact timeline in Krakauer’s account helps you see how quickly danger can arise once you reach the summit and start back down. He begins his descent from the summit at 1:17 a.m., a precise moment he records as he leaves the top and begins moving toward lower camps. That timing matters because it places him in the death zone during the early predawn hours, when fatigue, cold, and limited oxygen slow every movement and amplify risk, especially with crowded rappels and fragile footing. The other times offered don’t line up with the narrative Krakauer provides, which is why this minute is the best-supported choice.

Tracking the exact timeline in Krakauer’s account helps you see how quickly danger can arise once you reach the summit and start back down. He begins his descent from the summit at 1:17 a.m., a precise moment he records as he leaves the top and begins moving toward lower camps. That timing matters because it places him in the death zone during the early predawn hours, when fatigue, cold, and limited oxygen slow every movement and amplify risk, especially with crowded rappels and fragile footing. The other times offered don’t line up with the narrative Krakauer provides, which is why this minute is the best-supported choice.