The Climb

Mark will be attempting to climb Everest (also called Chomolungma) to it's summit at 8,848 metres (29,029 ft) via the North Ridge in Spring 2008. The route begins from the north side of Everest in Tibet. Expeditions trek to the Rongbuk Glacier, setting up Base Camp at (5800m) on a gravel plain just below the glacier. An intermediate base camp (6400m)is used during acclimatisation. Camp 1 (7010m) North Col provides the springboard for the remainder of the ascent. Camp 2 (7500m) situated at the top of the North Ridge snowslopes. Camp 3 (7800m) high up on the North Ridge. Camp 4 (8300m) established below the first step and the start of the more technically challenging section of the ridge. Climbers must first make their way through three rock bands known as First, Second and Third Steps. Once above these steps, the final summit slopes (50 to 60 degrees) lead to the top.