Hall's slow Everest descent continues

The rescuers of Australian climber Lincoln Hall are planning to bring him down to Mount Everest's base camp today.

The 50-year-old climber, who is from the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, was found alive by another team of climbers after being abandoned by his own group, who thought he had died.

Mr Hall has been resting and receiving treatment for severe exposure at camps on Mount Everest for the past two nights.

A friend of Mr Hall's, Simon Baulderstone, says his rescuers are now hoping to take him down to the mountain's base camp, which is at a height of 5200 metres above sea level.

The camp is about 22 kilometres from Mr Hall's current location.

Mr Baulderstone says it is a sign the climber's health is continuing to improve.

"Overall he's recovering slowly with medication from the expedition doctor," he said.

Mr Baulderstone says its important for Mr Hall to reach a lower altitude quickly so he can receive further treatment for his illnesses, especially cerebral oedema, or water on the brain.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA