Everest from the north is a different mountain to Everest from the south. Approached across the Tibetan plateau, the North Col and Northeast Ridge is the route of the pioneering British expeditions of the 1920s and the line on which Mallory and Irvine disappeared in 1924. There is no Khumbu Icefall on this side; instead you drive almost to Base Camp, and the challenge becomes sustained altitude, exposure and the notorious wind of the North Ridge.
This 62-day expedition begins in Kathmandu with briefing, permits and Chinese visa formalities, then travels overland across the Kerung (Gyirong) border and onto the plateau, acclimatising at Tingri before reaching Chinese Base Camp at around 5,150 m. Yaks carry equipment up to Advanced Base Camp at 6,400 m, which becomes the hub of the climb. From there you rotate to the North Col at about 7,000 m and higher, before a summit push through Camp II and Camp III on the ridge.
After the summit you descend to ABC, clear the camps, and return overland to Kathmandu.
North side or south side?
The north offers vehicle access to Base Camp, no Icefall objective hazard, and a quieter mountain. In exchange you accept a higher, colder, more exposed summit day, and helicopter rescue is not available in Tibet — evacuation is by vehicle. We are happy to talk you through both options honestly and help you choose the right side for your experience.
Why climb with The Everest Holiday
- 1:1 climbing Sherpa ratio with summit-experienced Nepali climbers.
- Tibet logistics handled end to end — Chinese visa, permits, border crossing and plateau transport.
- Fully equipped ABC with dedicated cook team, fresh food and communications.
- Generous oxygen allocation, modern masks and regulators, stocked high camps.
- Daily mountain-specific weather forecasting to choose the summit window.
Who this expedition is for
A technically challenging, high-commitment climb for experienced mountaineers. We look for previous experience above 7,000 m, ideally an 8,000 m summit, confidence on fixed lines with jumar and descender, solid crampon technique, and excellent cold tolerance and fitness.
Cost and dates
Tibet expeditions are quoted individually — the figure depends on your oxygen allocation, personal Sherpa support and service level, and on the current Chinese permit and royalty rates for the season. Contact us for a detailed, itemised quotation.