Why to choose Everest from Tibet? The answer is simple: Less people, less objective danger and a better adventure experience.
Mount Everest, the world's highest peak at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), has long captivated the imagination of adventurers, mountaineers, and explorers. While the South Side, accessible from Nepal, garners more attention, the North Side, situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, offers a unique and compelling experience. Climbing Everest from the North Side presents not only significant challenges but also unparalleled rewards, from the stunning vistas of the Tibetan Plateau to the spiritual ambiance of ancient monasteries. This essay explores the geographical, cultural, and technical aspects of the North Side of Everest, highlighting why it remains a coveted route for mountaineers.
Geographical and Climatic Features
The journey to Everest’s North Side begins in Tibet, often starting from the city of Lhasa, where climbers acclimatize before traveling to the base of the mountain. The approach to Everest’s North Side is marked by the Rongbuk Glacier and the Rongbuk Monastery. The Rongbuk Monastery, located at an altitude of 4,980 meters (16,340 feet), is the highest monastery in the world and offers a breathtaking view of the north face of Everest. The glacier itself is split into the East and West Rongbuk Glaciers, both of which are critical to the climbing route.
North Base Camp, situated at approximately 5,150 meters (16,900 feet), is accessible by vehicle, easing logistical challenges. The camp provides a stunning panorama of Everest's north face, characterized by its steep slopes and sheer ice walls. From Base Camp, climbers proceed to the Advanced Base Camp (ABC) at around 6,400 meters (21,000 feet), traversing rocky moraines and glacial terrain. ABC serves as a crucial staging point for the ascent, offering closer views of the upper sections of Everest, including the formidable North Ridge.
The Climbing Route and Technical Challenges
The ascent via the North Side follows the North Ridge, a prominent feature that presents both opportunities and obstacles. The North Ridge offers a relatively direct path to the summit but is notorious for severe winds and technical challenges. Climbers must navigate several critical points, including the First Step, the Second Step, and the Third Step. Each of these rock formations poses significant technical difficulties, with the Second Step being particularly challenging. This nearly vertical rock face, situated at around 8,610 meters (28,250 feet), requires precise technical climbing skills and is equipped with a ladder to aid climbers.
Beyond the Second Step, climbers encounter the Third Step before reaching the Summit Pyramid. The final push to the summit involves navigating snow and ice slopes, with high exposure to wind and cold. The summit itself offers an awe-inspiring view of the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau, a reward for the arduous journey.
Climbing Everest from the North Side involves significant challenges, from the harsh weather conditions to the logistical complexities. The North Side is known for its stronger winds and colder temperatures compared to the South Side, making weather a critical factor in the climb. Altitude acclimatization is essential, with careful schedules required to avoid altitude sickness. Additionally, obtaining permits from Chinese authorities can be more complex than the process in Nepal, adding another layer of logistical difficulty.
