Reporter Braved Everest's Thin Air for Story

In spring 2025, a 60 Minutes production team embarked on an arduous 10-day expedition to Everest Base Camp, a journey covering 50 miles and an 8,261-foot ascent. Producer Jacqueline Williams and correspondent Cecilia Vega, along with a dedicated crew, underwent rigorous physical training for months to prepare for the extreme conditions at nearly 17,600 feet.

The trek presented immense physical challenges, with team members experiencing severe altitude sickness, including difficulty breathing and disorientation. Their efforts were further complicated when a 5.5 magnitude earthquake triggered a significant avalanche near their camp, forcing the team to cut their stay short and descend rapidly due to ongoing seismic activity and safety concerns.

Essential to the mission's success were the local Sherpa guides and porters, who carried over 800 pounds of filming equipment. Despite the life-threatening environment, these individuals provided not only logistical support but also companionship and cultural insight. The team ultimately returned to Kathmandu via helicopter, profoundly affected by the experience's intensity, beauty, and life-threatening dangers.