The Summit of the Gods - Ending Explained

The film concludes with Habu and Fukamachi attempting a solo ascent of Everest's Southwest Face in winter. During a massive storm, Habu saves Fukamachi's life, thereby forfeiting his 'solo' record. Habu gives Fukamachi Mallory's camera and a letter before disappearing into the whiteout to continue his climb alone. Fukamachi returns to Japan and develops the film from Mallory's camera; however, the audience never sees the photos. This reveals the film's ultimate message: the historical fact of Mallory's summit doesn't matter. The ending shows Fukamachi returning to Everest, having been 'infected' by Habu's passion, finally understanding that the climb itself is the only answer to his original question.

Some viewers interpret the ending as a tragedy, seeing Habu's final ascent as a form of slow suicide driven by an inability to function in the modern world. Conversely, a more spiritual reading suggests that Habu achieves a form of Nirvana; by leaving the camera and the 'proof' behind, he transcends the need for human history and becomes one with the mountain. Another interpretation focuses on Fukamachi as the true protagonist, suggesting the film is actually about the transformation of a spectator into a participant—an allegory for how we consume stories versus how we live our own lives.