In 1984, Czechoslovak mountaineer Dina Štěrbová embarks on an unprecedented expedition to Mount Cho Oyu, the Himalayas’ Turquoise Mountain, aiming to be the first woman to conquer its towering slopes. Accompanied by Czech emigrant Věra Komárková and two Sherpas, theirs is the smallest expedition in history. Facing daunting challenges, Dina’s mind drifts back to Czechoslovakia due to the lack of oxygen.
At home, she grapples with family responsibilities, juggling roles as a wife and mother. The local mountaineering community’s skepticism adds to her struggles, frowning upon the audacity of their all-female ascent. In the socialist regime’s restrictive conditions, Dina meticulously prepares for the journey, battling not only the mountain but societal expectations.
During the ascent, Dina and Věra’s conflicting worldviews heighten tension. The summit of Cho Oyu becomes a paradoxical moment of triumph and unexpected emptiness, as they reach it shrouded in dense fog.
The story concludes in Kathmandu, where Dina and Věra face a final disappointment. Inviting Czech male mountaineers to celebrate, they wait in vain, underlining the isolation of their achievement.
This intimate portrait of Dina’s journey transcends a historical narrative; it’s a timeless exploration of personal triumphs over obstacles. Viewers are invited to learn from the universal resilience of two pioneering women who conquered not only the mountain but also their inner struggles.