The summit of Makalu (8,463m) 🙏🏽 I almost didn't make it but here I am. I had to leave the expedition in a heli-evacuation after 20 days, having slept at Camp 2 (6,600m) with the left side of my face numb. I couldn't sleep and had constant headaches. I had no choice but to leave the expedition. I landed back in Kathmandu and had MRI, X-ray and multiple other scans. It turns out the pressure from altitude had exposed necrosis/infection in my gum from a previous motorbike crash 10 years ago. I had surgery immediately and was taking a handful of drugs day and night. I was doubtful, but not ready to give up on my Makalu Expedition. 3 days later I flew back to Lukla (2,860m) and waited 9 long days for a helicopter (thanks @sevensummittreks) back to advanced base camp (5,700m). With just one solid weather window left, I didn't have a good chance for another rotation before summit push. So on the 18th, I set off with Tashi Sherpa to Camp 2. On the 19th we climbed nine hours to reach Camp 3 (7500m). After a one hour sleep at Camp 3, we set off on our summit push at 8pm. Up the relentlessly steep slopes of Makalu, I battled mentally but knew I was never going to turn back. Tired but defiant, we reached the empty summit just after sunrise to take in all of the incredible Himalayas. Behind me (end of video) you can see Everest and Lhotse from our perch of 8,463m on top of the mighty Makalu Mountain 🏔 . Climbing on expedition with @sevensummittreks 🇳🇵 . Video recorded on my @insta360 OneX2 that worked well in the cold of 8,463m at altitude #Insta360 #Insta360OneX2 #Insta360adventure . #Nepal #nepaltravel #nepalnow #nepalisbeautiful #nepal8thwonder #nepalgram #nepaltrekking #mountains #mountain #mountainlife #trekking #hikingadventures #mountaineering #himalayas