HIGH – HIGHER - HIGHEST
Penetrating the heart of the Himalayas to conquer the 8,848-metre-high Mount Everest, it's a dream come true to only a handful of climbers. The extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions on the Chomolungma (mother goddess of the earth) as the mountain is called by sherpas, few survive. In addition to cutting edge equipment, it requires extraordinary snow and ice climbing skills, fitness, strength and endurance.
There are basecamps on both sides of Mount Everest, one in Nepal and one in Tibet. On the north side is Base Camp North in Tibet at approximately 5,300 meters altitude, just below the Rongbuk Glacier. Unlike South Camp, where sherpas are supplied with the help of porters and jacks, Camp North is available from Lhasa by vehicle in the summer. The setting is breathtakingly beautiful and once accustomed to the altitude you can walk there fantastically. Also a visit to the nearby
Rongbuk monastery
is very worthwhile.