Since my teenage years, I’ve been fascinated by the pre-World War II British expeditions to climb Mount Everest. In 2019, I was excited to participate in a photo workshop in the region. This trip allowed us our closest approach to Everest, as only those with climbing permits can venture further down the glacial valley to the actual base camp.
Standing in the area where the British established their early base camps was an incredible thrill! On the way to the monastery, the mountain was obscured by clouds, but upon arrival, the skies cleared, revealing a stunning view of the north face and the famous northeast ridge of the mountain. At an elevation of around 17,500 feet, it’s humbling to realise there is still over 12,000 feet left to climb to reach the summit. This image is a panoramic composite made up of 17 vertical-format photos arranged in three rows.