Everest - News from Tibet

News about Everest expeditions and Everest Base Camp

Mnet

May 2000

Following the growing trend, many expeditions will once again try to reach the summit of Everest along the historic route identified by Mallory and Irvine in the 1920's.

Logistics
Costs for attempting Everest are far lower from Tibet than from Nepal. The climbing permit is considerably less expensive and this has resulted in many expeditions opting for the northern Normal Route, even though it is more difficult than its counterpart in Nepal.

Films
The various expeditions include mountaineers from Japan, England, America, Spain, Poland, Italy and Argentina.
The Spanish expedition is noteworthy since it will attempt to recreate Mallory and Irvine's legendary 1924 ascent using original equipment and clothing. It includes Juanito Oiarzabal, the first Spaniard to climb all fourteen 8000m peaks and the ascent is being filmed for Spanish television. The film will be called 'Al filo de lo imposible'.

Commercial expeditions
Just like in the past there are several commercial expeditions on Everest, including a Japanese expedition and an American expedition led by Russel Bryce.

The ascent
Spring has become the best time of year for climbing Everest, since snow conditions often make climbing in autumn too dangerous.
For most mountaineers the long acclimatisation process started at the beginning of April, and the mountaineers hope to reach the summit in mid-May.

News from Everest Base Camp - Tibet

The spacious Everest Base Camp, situated at 5200m. Everest's North Face is clearly visible in the background, dominating the vast Tibetan plains.
photo Francesco Tremolada

The mountaineers who will attempt to reconstruct Mallory and Irvine's historic ascent for Spanish television.
Juanito Oiarzabal, the first Spaniard to climb all fourteen 8000m peaks, is in the front row, first person on the left.
photo Francesco Tremolada

News update

Particularly high winds and extreme cold are making life difficult for the various expeditions on Everest.
None have managed to climb higher than 7500m along the North Ridge.

(Info: Focus Expeditions)