Everest 2021: First Steps in the Khumbu
The number of climbing permits granted keeps increasing. 167 permits are in Everest aspirants’ hands and 303 for all the Nepals peaks with teams this spring. With hundreds of climbers and trekkers on the trails, the Khumbu is busy, but reports are coming in saying overall it feels quiet compared to previous years. Let’s take a look at the first steps in the Khumbu
The Next Everest by Jim Davidson: A Book Review
The regular readers of my blog and social media don’t need an introduction to Jim Davidson. We met in 2001 and have been great friends and climbing partners almost ever since. I consider him a mentor who has taught me a lot about ice and rock climbing, general mountaineering, and life. Recently I had the opportunity to review his new book, “The Next Everest.” Oh my, what a read.
Everest 2021: Weekend Update April 4
The Everest 2021 season is well underway with many teams on their way to Everest Base Camp expecting to arrive around April 15. As of April 3, 138 Everest permits had been issued to foreigners. Around 300 are still expected making this a busy, but not a record season like 2019.
As I’ve noted, the vast majority of the climbing will be on the Nepal side as China has closed Tibet to all foreigners and only a couple of Chinese national teams are anticipated to climb from that side in 2021. We’ll see if they open up for autumn climbs.
Everest 2021: Flying to Lukla
The Khumbu is starting to fill up with climbers. With now over 138 Everest permits issued, they have left Kathmandu and most flew to Lukla, the traditional start of the week-long walk to Everest Base Camp. For some, the flight to Lukla will be a highlight of their trip.
Everest 2021: Sights and Sounds of Kathmandu
Arriving in Kathmandu is when many people feel their adventure begins. A city with a long history dating to 185 AD, the capital of Nepal has grown to over 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu Valley. Sadly the streets are congested and the city has one of the worse air quality indexes in the world. However, it remains a city rich in culture and deserving of a day or two for tourism.
Everest 2021: Climbers in Kathmandu and on the Trek
On the last day of March 2021 climbers are streaming into Kathmandu. Some have already flown to Lukla and have started their trek to Everest Base Camp. Still, others are climbing lesser peaks like Lobuche East or Island Peak for acclimatization hoping to reduce their trips through the Khumbu Icefall by at least one rotation. #everest2021
Everest 2021: Leaving Nothing Unsaid
Leaving home to climb Mt. Everest is no simple task. It’s not a business trip; it’s not a vacation; it’s something entirely different. While it may be your dream, for those left behind, it can be something altogether different. As we approach the end of March, scores of climbers are going through this process for Everest 2021 and this is the time for “nothing left unsaid”
Everest 2021: Weekend Update March 28 – And We’re Off!
The Everest 2021 season is about to get started in earnest. Climber after climber and team after team are leaving home and in many cases, scores of Sherpas are on their way to Everest Base Camp to being the arduous process of establishing a home for over 700 people this spring season.
As I’ve noted, the vast majority of the climbing will be on the Nepal side as China has closed Tibet to all foreigners and only a couple of Chinese national teams are anticipated to climb from that side in 2021. We’ll see if they open up for autumn climbs.
Everest 2021: The Other 8000ers This Spring
Spring in the Himalayas doesn’t just mean Everest, there are 13 others in the mix and each Spring a few also see significant traffic. Let’s take a look.
Everest 2021: If I Were Climbing Everest in 2021
If I were climbing Everest in 2021, I hope that there was nothing left to be done except spend quality time with my friends and family and hope the virus doesn’t take more lives than the mountain does. But for the moment, let’s pretend the virus is not a factor.