Australian teen Bianca Adler, aged 17, has taken the internet by storm after posting a harrowing video from Mount Everest’s “Death Zone” — the perilous region above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels drop drastically and survival becomes critical.

Her Instagram reel, which has now crossed 22 million views, shows her visibly exhausted, coughing, and struggling to breathe after returning from Camp 4 (8,000 m). Bianca’s face appears red and swollen from the freezing Himalayan winds.

Bianca attempted to climb Mount Everest in May 2025, reaching a height of 8,450 meters, just 400 meters below the summit, before being forced to retreat due to extreme weather.

“After 3 nights at Camp 4 and 2 summit attempts that were unsuccessful due to weather, I came back down to Base Camp. I felt awful — for many different reasons,” she wrote.

Her caption read: “Back from being in the Death Zone for 3 days on Everest.”

The video has shocked viewers across the globe. Many expressed their respect and disbelief at the physical stress climbers endure on Everest.

One user commented, “I had no idea the human body suffers this much at such altitude.”
Another added, “Ultimate strength — you deserve all the respect for what you’ve already achieved.”

About Everest’s Death Zone

The “Death Zone” begins at 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels drop to one-third of those at sea level. The body deteriorates rapidly, and every breath becomes a struggle. Even the fittest mountaineers rely on supplemental oxygen to survive.

Bianca’s video has reignited global discussions about the dangers of climbing Everest and the growing number of young adventurers taking on this extreme challenge.

Despite not reaching the summit, Bianca’s courage and transparency have inspired climbers worldwide, reminding everyone that on Everest, survival itself is a victory.