Everest: The Top of the World

Everest was always the plan. Six mountains across six continents over seven years, each one building toward this moment. Kilimanjaro taught us what altitude feels like. Aconcagua showed us real expedition life. Elbrus gave us our first taste of technical climbing. Vinson proved we could handle isolation. Carstensz Pyramid tested our nerves on exposed rock. Denali put us through brutal cold and multi-week endurance. Every one of those summits was preparation for this: the tallest mountain on Earth.

Mount Everest sits at 8,849 meters in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, straddling the border of Nepal and Tibet. We would attempt the South Col route from Nepal, the same route Hillary and Tenzing used in 1953. Our guide company was Mountain Professionals, led by Ryan Waters. This was our fourth expedition with Ryan. He already knew our pace, our strengths, and our limits. That familiarity mattered here more than anywhere else.

The plan was simple in concept and enormous in execution: ten days of trekking to Base Camp, two acclimatization rotations up the mountain, then a wait for the weather window before the final summit push. 45 days total. 468 foreign climbing permits had been issued for the season. Base Camp would be a small city on ice, and we would call it home for over a month.

Looking for the trek to Base Camp? Read our full story of Days 1 through 10 in the Everest Base Camp Trek blog post.

Days 10–11: Arriving at Everest Base Camp

April 19–20, 2025 · Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp · 5,364 m / 17,598 ft

A short but momentous walk from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp. We paused at Trekker's Rock, the traditional photo spot that marks the entry to EBC. For most people, this rock represents the culmination of their journey. For us, it was where everything changed. What was once a lifelong dream in 2018 is now our launching point.

Jason and Grace standing on Trekker's Rock at the entrance to Everest Base Camp with Khumbu Icefall behind — Standing on Trekker's Rock. For most people this is the finish line. For us, it's where the real climb begins.

Approaching Everest Base Camp across the glacier — The approach to EBC across the Khumbu Glacier. The city of tents emerges from the moraine.

Base Camp is a temporary city built on ice. With 468 foreign climbing permits issued this season, the glacier was dotted with colorful tents, prayer flags snapping in the wind, and climbers from every corner of the globe. Mountain Professionals had set up a remarkably comfortable home: individual sleeping tents with proper mattresses, a heated dining tent, a geodesic dome hangout space, a kitchen turning out fresh meals three times a day, dedicated shower and toilet tents, and Starlink keeping us connected to the world.

Geodesic dome tent at Everest Base Camp with the Khumbu Icefall and snow-covered peaks behind — The Mountain Professionals dome tent. The Khumbu Icefall looming right behind camp.

Mountain Professionals camp setup at EBC — Camp setup. Individual sleeping tents, dining tent, and the dome all positioned with precision.

Interior of the heated dining tent at Base Camp with table set for meals and condiments — Inside the dining tent. Hot meals, condiments, and a tablecloth at 17,600 feet.

Exterior view of the Mountain Professionals dome tent at Everest Base Camp with Himalayan peaks behind — The Mountain Professionals dome tent. Our communal hangout space at 17,600 feet.

Interior of a sleeping tent at Everest Base Camp with two down sleeping bags on cots and a small table between them — Our sleeping tent. Two cots, two down bags, and a bedside table on the glacier.

Cook preparing fresh food inside the dome tent at Everest Base Camp with chopped vegetables on a checkered tablecloth — The kitchen crew at work. Fresh meals three times a day, including baked goods. Essential for morale.

Our camp sat in a strategic spot close to the start of the Khumbu Icefall and away from the noise of the larger groups. Health checks showed oxygen saturation near 90%, which is excellent for 5,364m. Ryan and his team had dialed in every detail from our previous climbs together. The rhythm of expedition life had already begun.

Camp tents with Khumbu Icefall view — Our tents in the shadow of the Khumbu Icefall. The route through the frozen maze visible above.

Jason and Grace waving outside the dome tent at Everest Base Camp with prayer flags overhead — Home base. The dome tent became our living room, office, and card game headquarters.

Full Mountain Professionals team posing with red banner at Everest Base Camp with Khumbu Icefall behind — The full Mountain Professionals team. Guides, Sherpas, cooks, and climbers. Our family for the next month.

Interior of the geodesic dome tent at Everest Base Camp with bean bag chairs, artificial turf, and a snack table — Inside the dome. Bean bag chairs, artificial turf, and enough space to decompress between rotations.

Aerial drone photo showing hundreds of yellow and colored tents spread across the Khumbu Glacier at Everest Base Camp — Base Camp from above. A temporary city of hundreds of tents on the Khumbu Glacier. 468 permits this season.

Yellow Mountain Professionals tents at Everest Base Camp with Khumbu Icefall and peaks behind — Mountain Professionals camp. Our home during the endless wait for the weather window.

Base Camp tent city on the glacier — The tent city on the glacier. 468 climbers waiting for the same narrow weather window.

Group of six trekkers and climbers posing in front of the Everest Base Camp rock with prayer flags and peaks behind

Panorama of the Khumbu Glacier from Everest Base Camp with snow-covered peaks and a frozen pond in the moraine

Jason in a red jacket standing on the Everest Base Camp rock with arms raised, clouds and peaks behind

A climber standing with arms outstretched on the Everest Base Camp rock, with tents and snow peaks behind

Aerial view of the Base Camp tents strung along the Khumbu Glacier beneath cloud-wrapped peaks

Mountain Professionals camp with yellow tents, prayer flags, and a solar panel beneath snow-covered peaks

A climber standing beside a frozen glacial pond at Everest Base Camp with tents and peaks behind

Aerial view of the Khumbu Icefall tumbling from the snow-covered slopes above the glacier

Aerial view of hundreds of yellow and white tents at Everest Base Camp on the rocky glacier

Aerial view of a snow pyramid peak and a broad glacier near Everest Base Camp

Aerial view of Base Camp tents lined along the moraine beside the wave-like ice of the Khumbu Glacier

Two climbers waving in front of dome tents with prayer flags and the Puja altar at Everest Base Camp

Inside the kitchen tent at Base Camp with cooks preparing food and steel pots on the table

Espresso machine and a bag of Himalayan Sherpa Coffee on a checkered tablecloth inside the dining tent

Close-up of condiments, hot sauce, and snacks on the dining tent table at Base Camp

Aerial view of the Khumbu Icefall spilling down to the strip of Base Camp tents along the glacier

Mountain Professionals dome tent and yellow tents at Base Camp with the Khumbu Icefall behind

Aerial view of the Khumbu Icefall and Base Camp tents along the glacier

Mountain Professionals team posing with the red banner in front of the dome tents at Base Camp

A climber in a red jacket standing with arms raised on the Everest Base Camp rock, tents and peaks behind

Days 12–16: Rotation 1 – Lobuche East

April 21–25, 2025 · EBC → Lobuche → Lobuche East Summit (6,119 m / 20,075 ft)

Our first acclimatization rotation took us away from Base Camp and up Lobuche East. This was our shakedown climb: test the gear, test the systems, test the team before committing to Everest's flanks. We trekked back down to Lobuche village, pushed up to High Camp, then started for the summit at 2 AM.

Jason standing on the snow-covered summit of Lobuche East at 6,119m with crampons and full mountaineering gear, Himalayan peaks in every direction — Summit of Lobuche East, 6,119m. Crampons, harness, and the entire Himalayan range spread out below.

The climb to the summit was no easy warm-up. In pitch black, headlamps cutting through the cold, we navigated steep snow slopes and exposed ridges. Every piece of gear got tested: crampons biting into ice, harnesses loaded on fixed lines, down jackets battling the pre-dawn cold.

We reached the summit at 7:30 AM just as the sun painted the Himalayan giants gold. Everest's massive pyramid dominated to the north. The Khumbu Icefall was clearly visible snaking down from the Western Cwm. Makalu's black triangle pierced the sky to the east. Standing above 20,000 feet again, this time with Everest filling the horizon, made every labored breath worth it.

A climber ascending the snowy summit ridge of Lobuche East seen from above, with Himalayan peaks and valleys beyond — Grace working up the final ridge of Lobuche East. Our first time above 6,000m on this expedition. A good sign of what our bodies could handle.

Aerial drone panorama of snow-covered Himalayan peaks seen from Lobuche East summit altitude — The view from 20,000 feet. The entire Himalayan range stretching to the horizon. One rotation down, one to go.

The team celebrating on the summit of Lobuche East holding the red Mountain Professionals banner

Two climbers on the rocky ridge of Lobuche East with snow peaks and the valley behind

Climbers on the snow ridge of Lobuche East seen from above, with Himalayan peaks in the distance

Team members standing on the prayer-flag-lined snow ridge of Lobuche East

A climber in a red jacket on a rocky ridge with a large snow peak and glacier valley behind

Three climbers on the snow ridge of Lobuche East with a sea of Himalayan peaks behind

Climbers walking across the rocky glacier toward tents with peaks behind

Aerial view of climbers on the knife-edge snow ridge of Lobuche East

Climbers on the snow ridge of Lobuche East with peaks behind

Aerial view of climbers on the snow ridge of Lobuche East with Himalayan peaks behind — The Himalayan range from above. One rotation complete. Back to Base Camp to rest before the Icefall.

Day 17: The Puja Ceremony

April 26, 2025 · Everest Base Camp · 5,364 m

One of the most important moments of the expedition. The Mountain Professionals team had built a beautiful stone altar decorated with prayer flags radiating in all directions. As the morning sun hit Everest's summit, the Buddhist monk began his chant. The smell of burning juniper filled the air as offerings of tsampa, rice, and chang were made to Chomolungma, the Goddess Mother of the World.

Stone altar chorten decorated with colorful prayer flags and offerings at Everest Base Camp during Puja ceremony — The Puja altar. Prayer flags strung in every direction, juniper smoke rising toward Everest.

Two team members sitting together at Everest Base Camp with solar panel and yellow tent behind — Settling into expedition life. The rhythm of Base Camp becomes home within days.

Climbing gear laid out before the stone Puja altar at Base Camp with the team seated nearby — Ice axes, helmets, and harnesses laid at the altar. Everything that goes up the mountain gets blessed first.

Every piece of our climbing equipment was blessed: ice axes, crampons, harnesses, summit flags, boots. The monk touched each item with sacred scarves while chanting protection prayers. We each received a blessing, with tsampa flour dabbed on our faces and red blessing strings tied around our necks. The ceremony ended with everyone throwing tsampa into the air while shouting "Lha Gyal Lo!" (May the Gods be Victorious!).

A Sherpa team member in a red jacket raising a prayer flag pole during the Puja ceremony at Base Camp — Raising the prayer flags. Each line strung from the altar carries the team's prayers out across the glacier.

Puja offering table with butter lamps, metal cups, and ceremonial drinks at Everest Base Camp — Offerings at the altar. Butter lamps, chang, and ceremonial items arranged for the blessing.

Buddhist monk playing a ceremonial drum during the Puja ceremony at Everest Base Camp — The monk's drum carries across the glacier, mixing with chants and the smell of juniper.

Tents of Everest Base Camp gathered around a frozen glacial pond beneath towering Himalayan peaks — Base Camp from above. The tent city and frozen glacial lake visible from the Puja altar area.

Team members seated in front of the yellow tent with hands pressed together in prayer during the Puja — Hands together as the chanting begins. The ceremony connects us to centuries of tradition.

The Puja ceremony seen from above, with the team gathered around the altar and prayer flags beside the yellow tents — The Puja from above. The whole team gathered at the altar beneath the mountain walls.

Team celebrating after Puja ceremony — The team after the ceremony. Blessed and ready for the mountain.

Offerings at the Puja altar — Offerings at the altar: tsampa, rice, chang, and the sacred scarves.

Two Sherpa team members in red jackets seated at the Puja ceremony with a drum and offerings — The Sherpa team at the Puja. Their knowledge and strength would be the difference on summit day.

Two climbers seated before the Puja altar with prayer flags radiating overhead and snow peaks behind

Team members seated around the drummer at the Puja ceremony beside the yellow tents

The lama handing a blessing to a kneeling climber during the Puja while team members look on

Grace smiling in a white down jacket holding an offering during the Puja ceremony

The lama blessing a kneeling climber in a white jacket at the Puja with prayer flags above

The team standing in a line before the seated lama at the Puja, yellow tent and peaks behind

The lama seated with a drum at the Puja altar beneath prayer flags

Days 18–23: Pumori, Icefall Training, and Rest

April 27–May 2, 2025 · Pumori High Camp (5,628 m) · Khumbu Icefall Training

Not many idle days at Base Camp. We headed up to Pumori High Camp at 5,628m for active acclimatization. The 3-hour climb from camp was perfect for keeping our bodies working at altitude. Looking down from Pumori, we could see the entire sprawl of Base Camp spread across the glacier like a small city. But the real showstopper was looking up the Khumbu Icefall. From that vantage point, we could trace our upcoming route through the entire frozen maze.

Climber ascending steep ice on fixed rope in the Khumbu Icefall near Everest Base Camp — Steep ice near the Icefall entrance. Every skill drilled here would be tested higher up.

Climber crossing a ladder bridge over a crevasse in the Khumbu Icefall — Ladder crossing practice. Aluminum rungs over a blue crevasse. Making it automatic before the real thing.

Climber stepping up a ladder against an ice wall in the Khumbu Icefall — Ascending a vertical ladder against the ice. Crampons on aluminum rungs become second nature.

Two climbers at the base of the Khumbu Icefall with prayer flags and mountains behind — At the Icefall entrance. The frozen maze looms above, our route through it marked by prayer flags.

Climber crossing a ladder over ice in the Khumbu Icefall — Another ladder crossing. Each one a test of nerve and balance over the void.

Climbers ascending steep blue ice wall on fixed ropes near the Khumbu Icefall — Ascending steep blue ice on fixed ropes. The Icefall demands every skill you have.

Then came Icefall training. Ryan had us in full gear for two days, drilling every skill we would need. Ascending and descending fixed lines with ascenders. Rappelling techniques. Clipping and unclipping carabiners quickly with thick gloves. The ladder crossings got special attention. There is no way to fully simulate crossing a 20-foot-deep crevasse on aluminum ladders, but we drilled the footwork and clipping sequences until they became automatic. When you are in the Icefall at 3 AM, exhausted and cold, muscle memory takes over.

Climbers practicing ice climbing techniques on a blue ice wall at Everest Base Camp — Ice climbing practice. Every minute spent training is time saved higher up.

Climber crossing a ladder bridge over a crevasse in the Khumbu Icefall with ice walls on both sides — Ladder bridge practice. One step at a time over the void. Muscle memory takes over.

Two climbers ascending a steep ice wall on fixed ropes near the Khumbu Icefall — Ascending techniques. Going up steep ice is as much about rhythm as strength.

Overhead view of climbers with gear at an Icefall training area near Everest Base Camp — Full-gear drill near the Icefall. Every technique repeated until it becomes automatic.

Climber navigating steep ice on fixed rope near the Khumbu Icefall entrance — Navigating steep ice on fixed rope. When you are in the Icefall at 3 AM, muscle memory takes over.

Five team members posing on a rocky hillside above Base Camp with the Khumbu Icefall and glacier behind

Aerial view of a turquoise glacial lake in rocky terrain

Aerial view down the Khumbu Glacier with Base Camp tents strung along the moraine

Aerial view of the Khumbu Icefall beneath cloud-covered slopes with Base Camp tents at its foot

Aerial view of turquoise glacial lakes among the rocky moraine

A climber ascending a steep ice wall on a fixed rope with mountains behind

Days 24–28: Rotation 2 – Through the Icefall to Camp 3

May 3–7, 2025 · EBC → Camp 1 (6,054 m) → Camp 2 (6,472 m) → Camp 3 (7,038 m) → EBC

The alarm went off at 2 AM after only 4.5 hours of sleep. By 2:30 AM we were moving through Base Camp in the dark, headlamps on, crampons crunching on ice. The Khumbu Icefall is safest in the pre-dawn cold when the ice is most stable, so these alpine starts are non-negotiable.

Climbers ascending steep ice and ladders in the Khumbu Icefall — Into the Icefall. Ascending steep ice and ladders through the frozen maze above Base Camp.

A climber in a yellow jacket standing on a rocky hillside above Base Camp, looking toward the Khumbu Icefall — Facing the Icefall. The route through the frozen maze lies ahead.

Two climbers ascending steep ice on fixed ropes with crampons in the Khumbu Icefall — Ascending steep ice. Crampons biting, ascenders pulling, the route winding upward through seracs.

For 8.5 hours, we navigated a constantly shifting maze of crevasses, seracs, and ice towers. Ladder crossings that seemed straightforward in training became heart-pounding exercises when spanning bottomless blue cracks. Some crevasses required multiple ladders lashed together. Others were just narrow enough that we had to jump across. No ladder, just a running start and a leap of faith over the void.

Climber walking across glacial moraine toward the Khumbu Icefall and snow-covered peaks — The approach to the Icefall. Walking across the glacier toward the frozen maze.

Two climbers navigating between massive ice seracs in the Khumbu Icefall — Inside the Khumbu Icefall. Towering seracs on every side.

Four climbers at a rest point among ice formations in the Khumbu Icefall with mountains behind — Rest stop in the Icefall. Brief pauses between the technical sections to catch breath.

Distant view of the Khumbu Icefall and Everest massif through clouds from Base Camp — The Icefall through the clouds. A constantly shifting landscape of beauty and danger.

Two climbers ascending a steep ice wall on fixed rope in the Khumbu Icefall — Ascending steep ice. The higher sections of the Icefall demand everything you have.

Climber ascending a vertical ladder against an ice wall deep inside a crevasse in the Khumbu Icefall — Ladder crossing in the depths of the Icefall. Vertical ice on both sides, the route going straight up.

Three climbers walking among ice seracs and crevasses in the Khumbu Icefall — Threading through the Icefall. Every step calculated, every crevasse assessed.

Climbers crossing a ladder bridge over a crevasse in the Khumbu Icefall with a group waiting on the other side — Ladder crossing. Aluminum rungs over a bottomless blue crack. One step at a time.

Climbers navigating through a deep ice corridor with ladders and ropes in the Khumbu Icefall — Deep inside the Icefall. Ice corridors, ladders, and fixed ropes through the frozen labyrinth.

Climbers taking a rest break on snow with mountains behind in the upper Khumbu Icefall — Brief rest in the upper Icefall. Catching breath before the next section.

Climbers among ice seracs in the Khumbu Icefall with a dramatic peak behind — Through the serac field. The Icefall is a constantly shifting landscape of ice towers.

Climbers navigating fixed ropes near a crevasse in the Khumbu Icefall — Fixed ropes through the steepest sections. Ascenders bite into the rope with each pull.

Panoramic view of the Western Cwm with tiny climbers walking across the massive glacial valley between Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse — The Western Cwm. A massive glacial valley flanked by the world's highest walls. Our highway to Camp 2.

A group of climbers gathered on the snow near the top of the Khumbu Icefall with sharp snow peaks behind — Near the top of the Icefall. The team regrouping before the last stretch to Camp 1.

Single climber navigating among large ice seracs and blocks in the Khumbu Icefall — Solo navigation through the serac field. Each ice tower could collapse without warning.

We reached Camp 1 at 6,054m exhausted but exhilarated. The Western Cwm opened up before us, a massive glacial valley flanked by Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The next day, the walk from Camp 1 to Camp 2 felt almost leisurely. Just 3.5 hours through the most spectacular mountain amphitheater on Earth.

Climber descending on rope between two massive ice walls in the Khumbu Icefall — Between the seracs. The ice towers on both sides, the route threading through narrow gaps.

Climbers walking across flat snow in the Western Cwm near Camp 1 with dramatic peaks and colorful tents behind — Above the Icefall. The Western Cwm opens up, Camp 1 visible with dramatic peaks behind.

Five climbers walking in a line through the Khumbu Icefall among ice seracs — Moving through the Icefall in single file. Clip, climb, unclip, repeat. Hundreds of times.

Climber walking on flat snow near Camp 1 in the Western Cwm with dramatic peaks and tents behind — Emerging from the Icefall. The Western Cwm opens into a glacial highway flanked by the world's highest walls.

Climbers walking through the Western Cwm toward Camp 2 with steep mountain walls on both sides — Walking to Camp 2 through the most spectacular mountain amphitheater on Earth.

Climber navigating among large ice seracs in the Khumbu Icefall — Among the seracs. Multi-story blocks of ice that shift and groan constantly.

Day 27 we got our first taste of the Lhotse Face. The climb to Camp 3 at 7,038m took 5 hours of steep, relentless climbing on fixed ropes. The Face is a sheet of blue ice at 40 to 50 degree angles that seems to go on forever. Exhausting, exposed, and exactly what we would face on summit day, except higher. We tagged Camp 3 and immediately descended back to Camp 2.

Yellow tents at Camp 2 with the massive Lhotse Face rising behind — Camp 2 at 6,472m. The Lhotse Face rising steeply behind. The steepest section of our route awaits.

Camp 2 with tents and mess tent structure at the base of the Lhotse Face with climbers walking — Camp 2 from the approach. Mountain Professionals secured a prime spot above the main camps.

Climbers walking up a snow slope in the Western Cwm beside a large crevasse, with rocky peaks above — Moving up the Western Cwm. A crevasse yawning beside the trail, the Lhotse Face still ahead.

A small group of climbers resting on the snow in the upper Western Cwm below the cloud-covered Lhotse Face — Rest stop in the upper Cwm. The Lhotse Face hidden in cloud above us.

Single climber walking through the Western Cwm toward the Lhotse Face with massive mountain walls on both sides — Walking through the Western Cwm. The Lhotse Face rising ahead, a wall of blue ice at 40 to 50 degrees.

Many yellow tents at Camp 2 with the Lhotse Face and glaciers behind — Camp 2. The tent city at 6,472m with the Lhotse Face looming behind.

Colorful tents at Camp 2 on the rocky moraine with the Lhotse Face rising into cloud behind — Back at Camp 2. We tagged Camp 3 at 7,038m and immediately descended to sleep lower.

Before leaving Camp 2, we cached essential gear for the summit bid. Our minus-40 sleeping bag, Thermarest, ice axe, clothes, snacks. Every ounce matters when you are moving above 20,000 feet. The descent through the Icefall took less than half the time going up. Our bodies were stronger, more efficient. We knew every ladder and anchor point by feel. Back at Base Camp, the thick air at 5,364m felt almost luxurious. Two rotations down. Summit push pending.

Aerial view of the Khumbu Glacier valley and surrounding peaks with the Icefall at lower left

Aerial view of tents on the crevassed snow of the Western Cwm

A snow pyramid peak catching first light at dawn above the glacier, with two people seated in the foreground

A line of climbers ascending through the Khumbu Icefall between ice blocks

A climber sitting on the snow with tents of a high camp and mountain walls behind

Aerial view of the upper Icefall and Western Cwm with tents below and sharp peaks under a dark sky

Aerial view of tents scattered across the crevassed snow of Camp 1

Climbers ascending on fixed ropes among towering ice blocks in the Khumbu Icefall

Climbers with heavy packs ascending a snow slope in the upper Icefall

Aerial view of a field of parallel crevasses in the glacier

Climbers near the top of the Icefall with sharp snow peaks behind

Aerial view of a line of climbers crossing a crevasse field

Climbers ascending a fixed line up a broad snow slope beneath ice cliffs

A climber in a red jacket standing among tents at Camp 2 with the Lhotse Face behind

Climbers on fixed ropes traversing a snow slope

Aerial view of the Camp 2 tents on the moraine beneath the Lhotse Face

Aerial view of a steep icy face with a line of tiny climbers

Aerial view of yellow tents at Camp 2 on the rocky moraine

A climber in a yellow jacket standing outside a yellow Mountain Professionals tent on snow

Yellow tents and the mess tent at Camp 2 on the moraine with cloud-covered walls above

Climbers walking toward the tents of Camp 2 beneath the cloud-covered Lhotse Face

Rocky mountain wall with cloud streaming over the ridge above the glacier

A single roped climber walking across the snow of the Western Cwm

Roped climbers walking up the snow of the Western Cwm

Aerial view of a small cluster of tents on snow among ice blocks

Interior of a yellow kitchen tent with steel pots and supplies on the ground

Interior of a dining tent with a red tablecloth, folding stools, and a climber seated at the end

Roped climbers ascending a snow slope in hazy light

Aerial view of the Western Cwm with a cluster of tents at the edge of the glacier

Aerial view of a group of climbers crossing a heavily crevassed snowfield

A climber waving from a ladder propped against an ice block in the Khumbu Icefall

A climber in red standing in the lower Icefall looking down over Base Camp and the glacier

Aerial view of a climber crossing a ladder over a deep crevasse

A group of climbers on the glacier below the Icefall with peaks and Base Camp behind

Two climbers moving between tall ice towers in the Khumbu Icefall

A climber in red in the Icefall with sharp snow peaks behind

The Khumbu Icefall seen from Base Camp with cloud on the peaks above

The Khumbu Icefall and the rocky slopes above it under moving cloud

Yellow tents at a high camp below a wall of ice

Days 29–36: The Wait

May 8–15, 2025 · Everest Base Camp · 5,364 m

The hardest part of climbing Everest is not the climbing. It is the waiting. We had done everything possible to prepare: two full rotations, a Puja ceremony, multiple acclimatization hikes. Now we needed the weather window to open. Forecast models ran constantly. Weather windows on Everest are rare and precious. When it opens, you move fast. Until then, you rest, hydrate, and try not to think too much about what lies ahead.

Interior of the wash tent at Everest Base Camp with sink, kettle, and prayer flags — The wash tent. Hot water, prayer flags, and a semblance of civilization at 17,600 feet.

Fresh tortilla wrap with ground meat and vegetables prepared by the kitchen crew at Everest Base Camp — Fresh meals from the kitchen crew. Tortilla wraps with all the fixings at 17,600 feet.

We stayed sharp. Day 31 we hiked up to Pumori again. Day 33 we tested our oxygen masks and regulators, making sure every valve and seal was perfect. You do not want to troubleshoot your oxygen system at 26,000 feet. The days blurred together. Coffee in the morning. Weather briefings. Card games in the dome tent. Emails home. And always, the sound of the Icefall cracking and groaning in the distance.

Gourmet burger with homemade chips served at Everest Base Camp — Burger day at Base Camp. The kitchen crew kept morale high with meals like this.

Sherpa team members in matching red jackets raising metal cups in a toast at Everest Base Camp — The Sherpa team. Toasting between rotations. Their strength would be the difference on summit day.

Days 37–41: The Summit Push

May 16–20, 2025 · EBC → Camp 2 → Camp 3 → Camp 4 (South Col, 7,907 m)

After more than a week of watching weather models, our window finally opened. We made a strategic decision to delay our originally planned departure by a couple days to avoid the crowds. Smart mountaineering is not just about weather. It is about timing your summit bid when you can move efficiently and safely.

Climber in the Khumbu Icefall at dawn with a snow pyramid peak rising through clouds behind — Back in the Icefall at dawn. The peaks across the valley emerging through the clouds. This time, we are not coming back until it is done.

Pushing through the Khumbu Icefall — Back in the Icefall for the final time. The route is familiar now. Every ladder memorized.

Icefall seracs in morning light — Morning seracs. We moved through the Icefall in just over 6 hours this time.

Climber among towering ice seracs in the Khumbu Icefall — The Icefall from the inside. Ice towers dwarf everything around them.

We left Base Camp at 1:18 AM under a canopy of stars. The Khumbu Icefall, which took us 8.5 hours during Rotation 2, fell in just over 6 hours this time. Our bodies were machines now, perfectly adapted. Every ladder crossing, every crampon placement was automatic. We reached Camp 2 at 12:21 PM. Total time: just over 11 hours.

Arriving at Camp 1 during summit push — Through Camp 1 without stopping. Eyes on the prize now.

Walking through Western Cwm summit push — The Western Cwm again. Familiar ground, but this time the stakes are different.

Climber ascending a steep snowy slope on fixed rope during the summit push — Ascending toward Camp 2. 11 hours from Base Camp through the Icefall and Western Cwm.

Rest day at Camp 2 during summit push — Rest day at Camp 2. The last day of relative comfort before the Death Zone.

After a rest day at Camp 2, we started the push to Camp 3 at 6:52 AM, fully committed in our down suits and carrying oxygen. Started with just 0.5 liters of flow since we did not need supplemental O2 yet, but cranked it up to 1.5 liters when we hit the bottom of the Lhotse Face. The sun turned the Face into an oven. Sweating in a down suit at 23,000 feet is a special kind of misery. But we kept moving. Arrived Camp 3 at 12:31 PM to find our tents already set up by the Sherpa team. Camp 3 at 7,038m is notorious. The entire camp sits on the 40 to 50 degree Lhotse Face. Everything slopes downward. Sleeping means constantly sliding toward the tent door.

Red and yellow tents at Camp 2 with dramatic clouds and the Lhotse Face above — Camp 2 looking up. Down suits, oxygen, and the Lhotse Face waiting above.

Steep section of Lhotse Face — The steep sections. Crampon placement must be perfect on this blue ice.

Climber ascending the steep Lhotse Face with fixed ropes in bright sunshine — Climbing the Face. The altitude crushes you with every step above 7,000 meters.

Looking down the Western Cwm from high on the Lhotse Face with a few climbers on the snow below and cloud filling the valley — Looking back down the Cwm from the Lhotse Face. Cloud filling the valley below.

Climbers in down suits ascending a steep snowy slope on fixed ropes during the summit push — Climbing above Camp 3. Every step a negotiation with altitude and exhaustion.

Climbers approaching a high camp with red and yellow tents in cloud and fog — Approaching camp through the clouds. The higher you go, the more the weather closes in.

Day 40 was the hardest day yet. Left Camp 3 just after 6 AM. The route from Camp 3 to Camp 4 is brutal: continuing up the Lhotse Face, through the Yellow Band, and over the Geneva Spur to the South Col. It took 10 grueling hours. Started on 0.5 liters of oxygen, had to increase to 2 liters after reaching Lhotse High Camp. During the final section at the Geneva Spur, we passed a body. A stark reminder of what happens when things go wrong up here.

Climber ascending above Camp 3 on the Lhotse Face with the summit of Everest visible above — The last stretch to the South Col. Every step a negotiation with your body.

Reached Camp 4 at 4 PM to find chaos. The South Col was getting hammered by violent winds. Tents were shredded and abandoned, their remains flapping like prayer flags. We made the hard call to delay our summit attempt by one full night. That meant an extra night in the Death Zone, burning through precious oxygen and limited food. Day 41, we spent the entire day horizontal as winds roared across the Col. At 7,907m, even lying still is exhausting. We were on oxygen 24 hours a day now, carefully managing supply. If the winds died down that night, we would go. If not, we would have to make some very difficult decisions.

Yellow tents at Camp 4 on the South Col with the Everest summit pyramid visible above — Camp 4 on the South Col at 7,907m. The summit pyramid visible above. This is where the Death Zone begins.

Yellow tents at a high camp on the South Col with ice face and mountain behind — The South Col. Violent winds shred abandoned tents. We would spend two nights here.

The summit pyramid of Everest with clouds streaming off the peak seen from below — The summit pyramid. Clouds streaming off the peak. Our target is up there.

Aerial view of Camp 2 tents on the moraine with the Western Cwm beyond

Team members resting on rocks at Camp 2 with yellow tents and mountain walls behind

Yellow tents on the rocky moraine of Camp 2 with the Western Cwm behind

Aerial view of a cluster of tents high on the snow of the Lhotse Face

Aerial view of a line of climbers on fixed ropes ascending the Lhotse Face

Aerial view of climbers strung out on fixed ropes across the Lhotse Face

Tents at Camp 2 with cloud swirling over the mountain walls above

Aerial view straight down on rows of yellow and red tents on snow

Aerial view of climbers ascending the snow slope of the Lhotse Face

Aerial view of tents on the steep crevassed slope of the Lhotse Face with a line of climbers below

The base of the Lhotse Face with its bergschrund and climbers approaching from the upper Cwm

Aerial view of tents on the crevassed slope of the Lhotse Face with climbers below

Aerial view of a long line of climbers ascending a snow face

A climber in a down suit and balaclava adjusting goggles, helmet in hand

A single climber walking up the upper Western Cwm toward Camp 2

Aerial view straight down on rows of colorful tents on snow

Aerial view of climbers on the Lhotse Face with the Western Cwm and clouds far below

Aerial view of tents on the crevassed Lhotse Face with a rocky ridge above

Aerial close view of yellow and red tents pitched in snow

Aerial view of a line of climbers ascending a snow slope

Aerial view of the Lhotse Face with a cluster of tents on its slope

Climbers resting on a snow slope looking down the cloud-filled Western Cwm

Day 42: Summit Day

May 21, 2025 · Camp 4 (7,907 m) → Summit (8,849 m) → Camp 4 · 20 hours 15 minutes round trip

We left Camp 4 at 11:44 PM on May 20 into a brutally cold and windy night. We were essentially the only team going for the summit, having found a narrow window between wind events. 2 liters of oxygen per minute. Headlamps cutting through darkness.

The climb to the Balcony was a slow, frozen slog. When we reached it at 5:53 AM, conditions were so harsh we could not even stop for a proper break. My goggles fogged and froze solid. Fingers and toes went numb. A gust caught my left cheek, leaving a frostbite mark I will carry as a summit souvenir.

Climbers ascending the steep snow slope above the Balcony at 8,400 meters — Above the Balcony. The air is impossibly thin. Every step demands total concentration.

Sunrise brought salvation. Above the Balcony, I added my balaclava and expedition mittens. The sun unfroze my goggles just in time. Avoiding snow blindness was pure luck. We took our first real break at 7:46 AM. First sip of water from the 1-liter bottle tucked inside my down suit. The 1.5 liters in my pack had frozen solid despite insulation.

Climbing team ascending high on Everest with Lhotse and clouds visible far below — High on the mountain. Lhotse and the clouds far below.

A climber in a yellow down suit on the snow slope high on Everest with a rocky peak rising above a sea of cloud behind — High on the mountain, a sea of cloud below. The calm before the wind returned.

Approaching the South Summit with steep snow and exposed ridge — The approach to the South Summit. The exposure is absolute.

Reached the South Summit at 10:09 AM. But the hardest part lay ahead: the summit ridge and Hillary Step. Energy reserves were empty. Every step a monumental effort. Then the winds returned with a vengeance. 30 km/hr gusts that would not let up. Visibility dropped to near zero as clouds engulfed the upper mountain.

Close-up selfie of Jason wearing oxygen mask and goggles near the summit of Everest with ice on his face — Near the top. Oxygen mask, frozen goggles, and the frostbite mark on my left cheek already forming.

The Hillary Step area with rocky and icy terrain and climbers ascending through poor visibility — The Hillary Step. The last technical obstacle before the summit. Rock and ice at 8,790 meters.

Near the summit surrounded by clouds with almost zero visibility — Nearly there. Engulfed in cloud. The world reduced to the next footstep and the rope in your hand.

Climber in yellow summit suit walking along a narrow snow ridge on fixed rope in whiteout conditions near the summit of Everest — The final ridge. Whiteout conditions. No views. Just wind and the rope in your hand.

Close-up selfie of Grace wearing oxygen mask and frosted goggles in orange summit suit near the top of Everest — Grace near the top. Oxygen mask, frozen goggles, and the determination that got us here.

8,849 m

The Top of the World · Seven Summits Complete

At 1:16 PM, we finally stood on the summit. The top of the world, in a complete whiteout. No views, just wind and cloud. Our camera died after one shot. But the iPhone and Insta360 survived to document the moment.

Prayer flags at the very top of Everest whipping in the wind — Prayer flags at the top of the world. 8,849 meters. The wind has not stopped.

Climber in red jacket at the summit of Everest surrounded by prayer flags and snow — The summit of Everest. Prayer flags whipping in the wind at 8,849 meters.

Insta360 wide-angle capture of the summit in total whiteout — The Insta360 capture. Total whiteout at the roof of the world.

Jason sitting at the summit of Everest surrounded by prayer flags in whiteout conditions wearing yellow summit suit — At the top of the world. Prayer flags, wind, and the end of a seven-year journey.

Night aerial drone shot of a snow-covered mountain peak illuminated by camp lights below with stars above — The mountain at night. Camp lights glowing far below, stars above. Seven Summits complete.

Aerial drone shot of Everest summit pyramid at sunset with golden light on the snow — The summit pyramid from above. A drone capture from a clear evening earlier in the expedition. Nothing like the whiteout we climbed into.

As every mountaineer knows, getting to the top is only half the battle. Going up is optional. Coming down is mandatory. The descent was equally brutal. Heavy winds, zero visibility, pure survival mode. Reached Camp 4 at 7:59 PM to find our tent filled with snow. But none of that mattered. We had done it. 20 hours and 15 minutes round trip. The Seven Summits, complete.

Days 43–45: The Descent

May 22–24, 2025 · Camp 4 (7,907 m) → Camp 2 → Base Camp → Kathmandu

We woke at 7,907 meters to a tent still half full of spindrift and bodies that had nothing left to give. Nobody lingers at the South Col. We packed slowly, clipped in, and left Camp 4 at 10:43 AM. The Lhotse Face was crowded in both directions, teams still pushing up for their own window while we worked our way down past them, one anchor at a time. It took until 3:03 PM to reach Camp 3 and 6:31 PM to reach Camp 2. That night we slept properly for the first time in days.

May 23 was the last day on the upper mountain. We left Camp 2 at 8:27 AM, passed through Camp 1 at 9:42 AM, and walked into the Khumbu Icefall for the final time. Every ladder, every serac we had come to know over two rotations, crossed once more and then left behind for good. We stepped off the glacier and into Base Camp at 2:33 PM, where the Sherpa team and the dome tent were waiting. The air at 5,364 meters felt thick enough to drink.

On May 24 a helicopter lifted off from Base Camp at 7:24 AM, touched down in Pheriche, and reached Lukla by 7:44 AM. A second flight had us in Kathmandu at 10:05 AM. Forty-five days after we set out, the Seven Summits were complete, and the quiet of a hotel room felt stranger than any camp on the mountain.

The Mountain Professionals dome tent at Everest Base Camp with the Khumbu Icefall behind — The Mountain Professionals dome at Base Camp. Home for forty-five days, and the last thing we saw before the helicopter lifted off.

Planning Your Everest Expedition

TL;DR

South Col route from Nepal. Budget 45 days total (10 days trekking + 35 days climbing). Expect two acclimatization rotations before the summit push. Supplemental oxygen above Camp 3. Prior 6,000m+ experience required. We used Mountain Professionals (fourth expedition with them). Total cost is significant. This is not a decision to take lightly.

When to Go

The spring season (April through May) is the primary window. Summit windows typically open in mid to late May. Autumn is possible but has shorter windows and colder temperatures. We summited May 21.

Getting There

Fly into Kathmandu. From there, helicopter or small plane to Lukla. Ten days of trekking through the Khumbu Valley to Base Camp. The trek itself is one of the world's great hiking experiences.

The Route

The South Col route goes from Base Camp through the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, up the Lhotse Face to Camp 3, over the Geneva Spur to Camp 4 on the South Col, then summit via the Balcony, South Summit, and Hillary Step.

Fitness and Experience

You need significant high-altitude mountaineering experience. We had six prior summits over seven years. You need to be comfortable with crampons, fixed ropes, ice axes, and multi-week expedition life. Cardio fitness is paramount.

Oxygen

Supplemental oxygen is used above Camp 3 during the summit push, and at Camp 4 around the clock. Flow rates vary from 0.5L to 2L per minute depending on altitude and exertion. Manage your supply carefully. Running out is not an option.

Guide Company

We climbed with Mountain Professionals and cannot recommend them enough. Ryan Waters and his team have an exceptional track record. Having guides who already know you from previous expeditions is a significant advantage at this level.