Mt. Everest Expedition - North Col (Tibet)

The ascent to the summit of Everest via Tibet and the North Col is one of the most challenging and rewarding mountaineering experiences in the world. Whilst reputed to more difficult than the ascent from the South Col, with our experience, knowledge, and equipment and your own determination and skill, an amazing, safe and ultimately successful journey to the summit is highly probable. A col is a low point along a ridge between 2 peaks.

This expedition leaves once per year in early April and begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal after 55 to 65 days depending on acclimatization times and tour options. Departures at other times of year are not possible due to unfavorable weather conditions. The North Col climb involves plenty of acclimatization at Base Camp then Advanced Base Camp and at the camps on the actual Col itself which begin at over 7000 meters.

History of expeditions, Tibet, Mountaineer Training & Sherpa Guides on Mount Everest

The history of climbs on and to the North Col begins in 1921 with George Mallory and his team which was the first time Westerners had set foot upon Mount Everest. Back then, Westerners could not visit Nepal and Tibet was more easily accessible and this led to the approach of the North Col. This expedition was also the first to use bottled oxygen at high altitude, a tradition that we facilitate for you.

Please make sure you have the requisite attitude, experience, and fitness to face up to a challenging expedition. If you are not sure then check with us. We will fully train all expedition members in the use of fixed ropes and various climbing techniques and safety procedures including a briefing on altitude medication. We recommend that you should have sufficient skill levels to move as part of a team on rope climbs without having to be independently guided. The best in emergency services will be on hand should anything untoward happen. Please read our TripAdvisor page for reviews of our excellent service and safety.

Our team of Sherpas are amongst the best in the Himalayas and include direct relatives of the Sherpas who assisted the first Western expeditions on Everest and other peaks. So levels of experience, knowledge and the chance of a successful ascent are all very high.

At this point in time, visas for Tibet and climbing permits are easily obtained and we will expedite you through the process. Tibet itself is unique cultural experience with timeless monuments and fascinating peoples that enrich the adventure.

Chomolungma (as the Tibetans call Everest) is ready if you are. It offers you the climbing experience of a lifetime!

Makalu Adventure also offers climbs up to and up the North Col without reaching the summit. Also, expeditions to the adjoining peak of Lhakpa Ri which offers a great opportunity for less experienced climbers as it one of the most accessible peaks above 7000 meters in the world.

Makalu Adventure organizes and runs expeditions to Everest and many peaks in Nepal, Tibet, India and elsewhere for international mountaineering tour companies. If you are interested in partnering with us please contact our director, Mohan Lamsal

Full Expedition Service:USD 45,500 per person (cost based on 1:1 ratio [1 Climber 1 Climbing Sherpa]