The highest peak on Earth can be found in the Himalayan mountain range, in the north of the Indian subcontinent. Expedition Everest North Col will follow the same tried and tested routine of flying to Katmandu, and then entering Tibet overland. This will enable us to arrive to base camp at the very start of the season and allow us to have the maximum possible length of time to make our ascent. It also enables a very gradual increase in altitude and allows team members to acclimatize at a controlled rate. All without imposing sudden abrupt changes in altitude on them.
Beyond the border post, the expedition will drive to Tibetan plateau, where the team will spend 2 nights acclimatizing at 3,800 meters. From here, the road climbs steadily eventually getting to the plateau proper. Then, a full two days rest is taken at Tingri. Now the road swings towards base camp, where we arrive after a day’s drive. On the way to BC we cross the Pang La, where we stop to get a view of Everest, with the North Crest also visible but just. This is one out of many mountains in a magnificent vista of the Himalaya, which spreads over the entire horizon. Also covering Cho-Oyu , among many other Himalayan Giants.
Once we arrive to base camp, the Sherpa’s set off to establish advance base camp (ABC, 6440m). Having gained more acclimatization, we follow after a few days and make a leisurely ascent using intermediary camp at 5800m. This is to ensure very gradual ascent to our camp at 6,440 meters, nestled below the North Col. From here, we start earnest climbing.
Expedition route & plan
We follow the classic route through the Khumbu icefall, then over the Lhotse face to South Cool, from there over the southeast ridge to the top. It is the least technical ascent to the top of Mount Everest and that is why we call it the normal route. Nevertheless, the ascent remains a very serious undertaking that requires long-term fitness preparations and prior ascents to peaks such as Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, Island peak and similar. To join our Everest team you need a lot of mountaineering experience. This should include previous high mountain experience of at least 7000 meters along with multiple alpine ascents. Although fixed ropes will be used where appropriate, expedition members must possess mixed terrain climbing ability, grade 3 or equivalent, and be adequately competent and confident to move between camps.
Experience required
To join the Everest expedition team, you need a lot of mountaineering experience. This implies previous experience on high mountains with a height of at least 7000 meters, including multiple alpine mountaineering, and it is also desirable that you have already participated in an expedition on a mountain higher than 8000 meters. Experience shows that those who have previously been to a peak higher than 8000 meters have a much higher chance of climbing Everest.
The exception is those climbers who did not have a chance to conquer a peak higher than 8000 meters, but climbed mountains like Huascaran or Mont McKinley. Conquering Everest could be considered by those who are maximally dedicated, determined, confident and physically fit. In addition to using a fixed rope, expedition members must be able to cross mixed terrain unsecured, as well as move between camps and live in high altitude camps without assistance or supervision.
Itinerary
Outbound flight Departure
We are met at the airport and taken to the hotel. This is an excellent hotel positioned well away from the bustle of the city center. Its friendly people do their best to make us feel at home. For those joining the expedition in Kathmandu, all team members should aim to meet at the hotel on this day.
While the leader attends a formal briefing in the Ministry of Tourism, you will be able to explore this fascinating city. As those who have been there before will know, it is a wonderful mixture of crowded bazaars, temples and shrines, in a blend of ancient, colonial and modern architecture. Today, the expedition leader will also check everyone’s equipment, as Kathmandu is the last opportunity to buy anything missing.
Flight to Lukla (2,860 m). The departure to Lukla depends on the weather, so it can be postponed to the next day. Upon arrival in Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,550m), a trail of approx. 3 hours of hiking. Overnight in a lodge.
Trek to Namche Bazaar. The hike through the impressive gorge to Namche Bazar (3,440 m) takes about 5-6 hours. The viewpoint above the Dudh Koshi canyon gives us the first view of Mount Everest.
Namche Bazar: Rest day in Namche Bazar (3,440m). Overnight in a lodge.
Trek to Tengboche. After the descent to the river, and then a steep ascent of 600m, we reach the famous Tengboche monastery (3,870m), a trek of about 4-5 hours. Overnight in a lodge.
Trek to Pangbboche. A short descent leads to Deboche (3640m) and a little further up the valley to Pangboche (3900m). Overnight in a lodge.
Trek to Pheriche. Further through the valley towards Nuptse, Lhotse and Mount Everest to Pheriche (4,250 m). Overnight in a lodge.
Trek to Dugla. We turn north and after a short hike we reach Dugla (4,600 m). Overnight in a lodge.
Trek to Lobuche. We reach the village of Lobuche (4,900 m). Overnight in a lodge.
Trek to Gorak Shep. We will walk to Gorak Shep and upon arrival at the lodge we will be able to acclimatize by climbing Kala Patthar (5545m) Overnight in Gorak Shep (5150m).
Trek to Everest Base Camp. Short hike to Everest Base Camp (5,300m). Accommodation in a personal tent. BC is fully equipped: Kitchen with a professional chef, dining tent, communication tent, personal tents, shower tent, toilets, WIFI… In addition to three meals a day, various drinks, biscuits, chocolates, etc. are available throughout the day.
Everest Base Camp (EBC): Rest, training and preparation for the upcoming climb. Briefing for the next days.
Training on the Khumbu icefall.
Days of rest at the base camp.
Ascent to C1, overnight at 5,900 m.
Ascent to C2, overnight at 6,300 m.
Descent to the base camp
Days of rest at the base camp.
Ascent to C2, overnight at 6,300 m.
Rest in C2.
Ascent to C3, overnight at 7,300 m.
Descent to the base camp.
Rest in EBC.
Descent to the village of Panngboche at about 4,000 m above sea level in the green Khumbu Valley. Rest and relaxation.
We need to stay at least two full days in order to recover well and allow the acclimatization to work. This is a crucial moment for the final climb to the top of Mt. Everest.
Back to BC. Equipment preparation and final check before the final ascent.
Ascent to C2, overnight at 6,300 m.
Uspon do C3, noćenje na 7.300 m.
Ascent to C4 at 8000m, rest until 11 pm and then departure for the final ascent.
Ascent to the top of Mount Everest: 8,850 m and return to C3 at 7,300 m.
Descent to C2 at 6300m.
Descent to the base camp.
We have a reserve of 14 days in case of bad weather or for better acclimatization. In case the expedition ends earlier, we land in Kathmandu and change the return date with the airline company.
Today we pack up and leave EBC.
Descent to Pheriche. Overnight in lodge.
Trek to Pangbocha. Overnight in lodge.
Trek to Namche. Overnight in lodge
Trek to Lukla. Overnight in lodge.
Flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Accommodation in a 4* hotel.
Celebration of the ascent of Mt. Everest and the awarding of certificates.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
