World Records in Grave Danger - New documentary Deadly Himalaya revisits a fatal speed-climbing tragedy
A new documentary will revisit the tragic story of two extreme mountaineers who pushed the limits of speed climbing in the Himalayas. Deadly Himalaya follows Benedikt Böhm as he reflects on his 2014 record attempt with Sebastian Haag—a challenge that ended in disaster. The film will premiere on ARD on Monday, March 23, at 11:35 PM.
Benedikt Böhm and Sebastian Haag were known for their daring ascents of 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. In 2014, they aimed to set a world record by summiting Shishapangma and Cho Oyu within seven days. Their plan was part of a broader mission to climb multiple 8,000-meter giants at unprecedented speed.
On September 24, 2014, tragedy struck during their ascent of Shishapangma in Tibet. An avalanche buried Haag, ending the attempt and leaving Böhm to confront the risks of their high-speed ambitions. Over a decade later, Böhm will return to Shishapangma in 2025, revisiting the mountain where their record chase began—and where Haag lost his life. The documentary *Deadly Himalaya* explores the consequences of extreme mountaineering and the personal toll of chasing records in the world's highest ranges.
The film offers a rare look into the dangers faced by climbers who push beyond conventional limits. Böhm's return to Shishapangma in 2025 will mark a poignant moment, linking past ambitions with the lasting impact of Haag's death. Deadly Himalaya will air on ARD, giving viewers insight into the risks and reflections of elite mountaineering.
