Mount Everest Northcol - Trek & Expedition

Early Exploration: In 1904, a British military expedition led by Francis Younghusband made its way through Tibet to push for the country's opening and granting of trade privileges. During this expedition, the first detailed photograph of Mount Everest's eastern flank was taken by J. Claude White from Kampa Dzong, approximately 150 kilometers away.

First Ascent of the North Col: Efforts to gain permission from the Dalai Lama for Mount Everest exploration and climbing expeditions took time. It wasn't until 1921 that the Royal Geographical Society received authorization. That year, the first British reconnaissance expedition was sent to the area, primarily for geological surveys and mapping. George Mallory, along with team members Bullock, Morshead, and Wheeler, scouted potential climbing routes. Their exploration established the now-standard northern route through the valley of the East Rongbuk Glacier to the North Col. The team reached the Rongbuk Valley from Kharta via the Lakpa La (also known as "Windy Gap"), supported by 27 Sherpas who helped set up camps. Subsequent expeditions in 1922 and 1924 attempted summit climbs, most notably linked to George Mallory. The 1924 expedition ended in tragedy when Mallory and Andrew Irvine disappeared on June 8, 1924, during their summit bid.

Today the ascent of Mount Everest from the north (via the "normal route" – the most commonly climbed path) passes through the North Col. Here, the first high-altitude camp is set up just above 7,000 meters (22,965 feet). Thanks to the well-established route to the North Col, trekkers on this journey benefit from excellent infrastructure, making this trek a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Everest.

Our North Col Trek accompanies our Mount Everest Expedition (Tibet). The advantages are clear: a larger team, stronger Sherpas, better medical support, and superior infrastructure than you would typically expect on a trekking journey. But trekking at over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) — is that even possible? - We believe: Yes!

This tour is no more technically or physically demanding than comparable trekking tours in South America, such as those on Cotopaxi and Chimborazo (Ecuador), or other trekking routes in the Himalayas (Amphu Laptsa, West Col) or the Karakoram (Gondogoro La, Baltoro Trek). Of course, this is a challenging ice trek: during the final stage from ABC (6,300 meters / 20,669 feet), we traverse a glacier, and the steep wall to the North Col must be in good condition for us to proceed. With a bit of good fortune in terms of weather and health, you might just break the 7,000-meter / 23,000-foot barrier!