One last look before bed. Renan Ozturk checking out the stars above basecamp the night before the approach to the base of the route.

One last look before bed. Renan Ozturk checking out the stars above basecamp the night before the approach to the base of the route.

Renan Ozturk looking up the route from their highest portaledge camp (20,000ft).

Renan Ozturk looking up the route from their highest portaledge camp (20,000ft).

Conrad Anker geared up and climbing out near the team's highest portaledge camp at over 20,000ft.

Conrad Anker geared up and climbing out near the team's highest portaledge camp at over 20,000ft.

Artist Renan Ozturk painting at basecamp before the 2008 Meru attempt.

Artist Renan Ozturk painting at basecamp before the 2008 Meru attempt.

Jimmy Chin at first light on the 11th day of climbing. This was the summit day push.

Jimmy Chin at first light on the 11th day of climbing. This was the summit day push.

Conrad Anker belaying Jimmy Chin during their summit push. Jimmy is leading the second to last pitch of the climb. The pitch included mixed snow and rock climbing up to A3. The team turned around at this pitch during their attempt in 2008.

Conrad Anker belaying Jimmy Chin during their summit push. Jimmy is leading the second to last pitch of the climb. The pitch included mixed snow and rock climbing up to A3. The team turned around at this pitch during their attempt in 2008.

Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk celebrating the summit and their ascent of the Shark's Fin after 11 days of climbing.

Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk celebrating the summit and their ascent of the Shark's Fin after 11 days of climbing.

Conrad rappelling from the summit of Meru after 11 days of climbing.

Conrad rappelling from the summit of Meru after 11 days of climbing.

Exhausted, Renan Ozturk contemplates the long descent after making the summit. The top is only half way.

Exhausted, Renan Ozturk contemplates the long descent after making the summit. The top is only half way.

Renan Ozturk looking good during the long descent from the summit back to the portaledge camp after 17 hours on the move.

Renan Ozturk looking good during the long descent from the summit back to the portaledge camp after 17 hours on the move.

Jimmy Chin, Renan Ozturk and Conrad Anker rejoice after 12 days on the route. The descent is often the most dangerous part of climb. After two days of rappelling through severely overhanging rock, down rock strafed gullies and the final lower alpine

Jimmy Chin, Renan Ozturk and Conrad Anker rejoice after 12 days on the route. The descent is often the most dangerous part of climb. After two days of rappelling through severely overhanging rock, down rock strafed gullies and the final lower alpine ice wall, the team is finally able to take in their accomplishment.

This is a view of Mount Meru as seen from Tapovon Basecamp. The Shark's Fin is the central pillar in the formation and the part of the mountain most obviously shaped like a Shark's Fin.

This is a view of Mount Meru as seen from Tapovon Basecamp. The Shark's Fin is the central pillar in the formation and the part of the mountain most obviously shaped like a Shark's Fin.

Jimmy Chin leading an ice pitch during the 2008 Meru attempt.

Jimmy Chin leading an ice pitch during the 2008 Meru attempt.

Day 2 of the 2011 Meru Expedition, Renan Ozturk leads pitch 13 of the Shark’s Fin route. This is the first rock pitch on the ridge above the "Funnel."

Day 2 of the 2011 Meru Expedition, Renan Ozturk leads pitch 13 of the Shark’s Fin route. This is the first rock pitch on the ridge above the "Funnel."

Conrad Anker looking out of the portaledge at 20,000 ft.

Conrad Anker looking out of the portaledge at 20,000 ft.

Renan Ozturk assessing the surroundings from Camp II after a cold night in the ledge.

Renan Ozturk assessing the surroundings from Camp II after a cold night in the ledge.

Renan Ozturk ascending a fixed line during the Meru 2008 attempt.

Renan Ozturk ascending a fixed line during the Meru 2008 attempt.

Renan Ozturk ascending a fixed line during the Meru 2008 attempt.

Renan Ozturk ascending a fixed line during the Meru 2008 attempt.

Conrad Anker leading the "House of Cards" pitch during the 2008 attempt.

Conrad Anker leading the "House of Cards" pitch during the 2008 attempt.

Renan Ozturk bringing up the rear after cleaning the gear on one of Jimmy Chin’s leads.

Renan Ozturk bringing up the rear after cleaning the gear on one of Jimmy Chin’s leads.