We begin our ascent today after breakfast by heading out for a glacier walk, halfway into the Khumbu Icefall. We will climb as high as 5,500m crossing a few ladders, limiting the major risks of climbing in this area. Later, we will return to the base camp and rest there.
The following day, we will head up walking through the daunting Khumbu Icefall and continue up to Camp 1, where we will set up our tents, prepare food and make things ready for an overnight camping on the mountain. We will probably spend about 2 nights at Camp 1 before continuing further to Camp 2. Camp 1 is positioned at a flat area of limitless snow, deep clefts, and mountain walls on the top of the Khumbu Icefall. The reflection of sun at camp 1 will provide warmth and a heating ambience, while in the night time, we get to hear the deep rupturing sounds of the crevasses beneath our tents.
After a few days in Camp 1, we proceed climbing and making way up to Camp 2. We will wake up early and get glimpses of the wonderful mountain sceneries surrounding us and head higher up at a slow pace. After reaching Camp 2, our crew members will set up our tents and cook meals for us. We will be spending a few nights at Camp 2 before we head higher. Camp 2 is positioned at the foot of the icy mount Lhotse wall, in a sidelong moraine at the lower part of the west ridge. The weather at camp 2 usually remains fine but black clouds roll in from the low Himalayan valleys. Camp 2 is a safe and sheltered location with mesmerizing vistas on the Lhotse. Most of the expedition organizers set up their primary climbing camp here at camp 2, probably a place where most of our time is spent after the base camp. This location is a very important site for acclimatization and getting prepared to reach camp 3.
After spending few nights and getting properly acclimatized, we will head higher and go up to Camp 3. Camp 3 is located at a site adjoining Mt. Lhotse, that is, on a small ledge on the Lhotse wall. We have to cross a glacier to the right side and begin climbing on the compact snowfield. It is a long climb up to camp 3, but comparatively has a safe route with a couple of short ice cliffs that has been fixed with ropes by the climbing Sherpas. We will spend few nights at camp 3 for getting properly acclimatized and prepared for ascend to higher altitude in the next few days.
After spending few nights at camp 3, we will continue our climb to get up to Camp 4, which is located at South Col, and the last camp on the Everest expedition. There are two rock sections to navigate before camp 4, namely Yellow Band and Geneva Spur, which are set up with fixed ropes by the climbing Sherpas. Yellow Band is an inter-layer of marble, phyllite (foliated metamorphic rock) and semi-schist rocks. The Geneva Spur is an anvil-shaped rib of black rocks. Most of the climbers get up to camp 4 without supplementary oxygen. It is only 500m from here to reach the highest point on earth, so we will spend a few more nights here before pushing for the summit from here.
After a good number of acclimatization days at camp 3, we will push to bid the final leap of the summit. It is the last and most dangerous part of the climbing with violent wind blows. The best way to go to the summit is via the narrow Southeast ridge, which takes about 9 to 13 hours to navigate. We will encounter the Balcony, the Hillary Step, and the south summit before reaching the central panel. The entire route to the top is setup with fixed ropes while the route to the true summit is a moderate snow slope. This was the route used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa back in 1953. Being on the top of the world gives us immense happiness and pride like never before. It is now time to retrace back safely to the base camp.
