Camp II (21,000') at the top of the Western Cwm is the advanced Base Camp from which summit bids are launched. Teams wait here for a forecast of clear weather before heading up to Camp III midway up the Lhotse Face (visible directly ahead), the South Col (upper left), and then the summit of Everest (out of the picture to the left). From Camp II, they are still three days away from the top so every bid is a gamble on weather.