Standing tall atop Mera Peak, a 6300m / 21200ft mountain in eastern Nepal in April 2008, I looked out at the stupendous panorama of snow-capped mountains stretched out before me – Cho Oyu, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Baruntse, Makalu and, of course, Everest, standing massive, grand and solitary high above the others with a plume of spindrift trailing from its 8850m peak. The view was absolutely mesmerizing and it was then that I knew that I had fallen under the mountains’ spell. I was already breathless but the view made me even more so..! There is something about Everest and its neighboring cultures that has intensified my desire to better understand it. Its profound presence, geography, glaciology, Sherpa tradition, Buddhism, the sure-footed Yak and even legend of the Yeti draw have drawn me deeper into Everest's overwhelming mystique....
Why the North Ridge?
I've long been interested in Everest's North Ridge route for its historical and geographical connotations. I've always been fascinated and held in awe by great Everest expeditions of days gone by, the photos of which now grace the walls of the Royal Geographical Society in London. The expedition I find the most fascinating is that of Mallory and Irvine in 1924 when they attempted the mountain via the NE Ridge. They were two incredibly strong and brave men who inspired many who followed in their footsteps.
