 This expedition provides a tremendous opportunity to sample the delights of Tibet and the Himalaya including time in Lhasa and Kathmandu. We approach Base Camp by travelling along the old Silk Road from Kathmandu, returning via Lhasa and its many Monasteries.The ascent from Base Camp follows in the historic footsteps of Mallory and Irvine, snaking its way up the East Rongbuk Glacier between the many ice pinnacles to Advance Base Camp from where we launch our summit bid.
The North Col takes you far beyond the normal Base Camp trek. Depending upon the time of year, you will be able to witness summit teams, including ours, preparing for the next step of their adventure. Ultimately, you will reach a vantage point high up on the North Col, with the most spectacular views of Everest and its imposing North Face.
Everest expedition from Tibet side has become more popular among the mountaineers to make their dream come true to stand on the summit of Everest. Among the several reasons, low cost of royalty and other basic mountaineering services as well as the safest route to the summit are the key factors to attract more Everest climbers from North Col. than from the South Col. T echnically, it is more challenging than the South side but does not have the ice fall danger. One of charmings of Everest North Ridge route is that it offers the view of virtually the whole route from the base camp.
Expedition initially starts from driving to BC at 5,200m and from there it is 22 km to ABC at 6,400m with yak support. From ABC the route continues up the East Rongbuk glacier and then to snow slopes to the North Col at 7,000m where Camp 1 is established on snow. This is a comfortable camp location, with great views across the North Face and East Rongbuk Glacier. However, it is not expansive. Climbing snow slopes, Camp II will be pitched at 7400m. at the head of the snow ramp that stretches up from the Col. and the camp could be windy. The route from Camp II to Camp III consists of a series of rock and shingle steps and easy terrain. Camp III will be at 7900m. on rocky shelves. The route from Camp II to Camp III is quite windy. From C III the route traverses across a series of rock steps and snow slopes, then again on mixed rock and snow to Camp 4 at 8,400m. on rocky ground, but sometimes on ledges cut into snow, depending on snowfall in the preceding season. The summit day starts from here. The route consists of mixed rock and snow steps some of them are quite steep to the NE ridge and then finally to the summit via the Three Steps.
Trip at a Glance |
