Since the book's publication these accusations have been the source of much controversy. At several points in the book, Krakauer describes the Taiwanese climbers as too inexperienced, calling them unqualified to climb Everest, and refers to Makalu Gau specifically as being blinded by ambition and more concerned with summiting Everest than the wellbeing of his team members.
《巔峰》中也有幾處描寫台灣遠征隊經驗不足、實在「不夠格」攀登聖母峰，把高銘和描繪成野心勃勃、只顧登頂不顧隊友死活的領隊；以及有先見之明的紐西蘭隊，為了避免人馬雜遝，在接近山頂處狹窄的「希拉瑞台階」造成「大堵塞」，曾在基地營開協調會，錯開各隊攻頂時間。