Expedition60 daysExpertMax: 8,850 m (Summit)

Mount Everest Expedition (North Face, Tibet)

The original route — Mallory's ridge from the Tibetan plateau to the top of the world.

Price

Kathmandu-direct pricing — no middleman markup.

The North Face Expedition approaches Everest from Tibet along the historic route attempted by Mallory and Irvine in 1924. With no Khumbu Icefall to negotiate, the route progresses through Kathmandu to Tibet, across the high plateau to Rongbuk Base Camp (5,154 m) and Advanced Base Camp (6,400 m), then up the North Col and Northeast Ridge to Camp 3 (8,300 m) and the summit. Less crowded than the south side and a different — arguably purer — mountaineering experience.

Group Trips

Upcoming Group Departures

Reserve your spot — no payment upfront

Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrive Kathmandu (1,350 m)

▲ 1,350 m

Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Thamel — the start of a two-month expedition.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Kathmandu — Tibet permits and team briefing

▲ 1,350 m

Chinese/Tibet group-visa and TAR permit formalities are completed, followed by a full expedition briefing.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Kathmandu — final preparations and gear check

▲ 1,350 m

A thorough gear check and packing of expedition loads before the overland journey into Tibet.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Drive Kathmandu → Tibet border → Nyalam (3,750 m)

▲ 3,750 m

Cross the Nepal–Tibet border and acclimatize in Nyalam on the Tibetan plateau.

Overnight: Nyalam

Drive Nyalam → Tingri (4,390 m)

▲ 4,390 m

Further acclimatization at Tingri with the first views of Everest's North Face.

Overnight: Tingri

Drive Tingri → Rongbuk Base Camp (5,154 m)

▲ 5,154 m

Arrive at Rongbuk BC — the world's highest base camp, with the world's most famous monastery just below.

Overnight: Rongbuk BC

Days 7–55: Summit phase from Tibet side

▲ 8,850 m

Progressive acclimatization through ABC (6,400 m), the North Col (7,000 m), Camp 2 (~7,700 m), and Camp 3 (8,300 m), before a summit push timed to the spring weather window. No Khumbu Icefall; the route follows the Northeast Ridge to the summit.

Overnight: Rongbuk BC / High Camps

Trek down from BC — begin return

▲ 5,154 m

Strike Advanced Base Camp and descend to Rongbuk, the yaks carrying the loads back down.

Overnight: Rongbuk BC

Drive Rongbuk → Tingri

▲ 4,390 m

Leave the mountain behind and drive across the plateau back to Tingri.

Overnight: Tingri

Drive Tingri → Nyalam → Kathmandu border

▲ 3,750 m

A long descent off the plateau through Nyalam to the Nepal border and the Kathmandu road.

Overnight: Kathmandu border area

Return Kathmandu — celebration dinner

▲ 1,350 m

Continue to Kathmandu for a hot shower, rest, and a celebration dinner with the team.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Departure

Gallery

Moments from the route

Route

Route Map

Route and durations are approximate and can be customised to your schedule.

Included

What's Included

Everest north-side climbing permit and royalty (China Tibet Mountaineering Association), the TAR travel permit and all Tibet permits — arranged by TempleFront (the current royalty figure is confirmed with your quote)

Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (bed & breakfast) before and after the expedition, with all airport transfers

Overland transport Kathmandu–Tibet–Rongbuk and return by private vehicle, with a Tibetan liaison and all border formalities

Full base-camp setup at Rongbuk (5,154 m) and Advanced Base Camp (6,400 m): tents, kitchen and dining tents, with a cook crew and full board

Yak transport of expedition loads between Rongbuk Base Camp and Advanced Base Camp

All high camps (North Col 7,000 m, Camp 2 ~7,700 m, Camp 3 8,300 m) with tents, stoves and fuel, established by the Sherpa team

Supplemental oxygen system from Camp 2 upward (masks, regulators and bottles) per the base-camp briefing

Dedicated climbing Sherpa support and an experienced expedition leader

Group climbing hardware (fixed ropes, ice screws, snow bars) and north-side route-fixing fees

All Sherpa, staff and liaison wages, equipment and insurance

All government taxes and TempleFront service charges

Exclusions

Not Included

International flights to and from Kathmandu

Nepal entry visa and the Chinese/Tibet group visa fees

Comprehensive high-altitude climbing insurance (mandatory) — note that helicopter rescue is generally not permitted on the Tibet side, so plan for overland evacuation; policy details required before departure

Personal climbing equipment and clothing (down suit, high-altitude boots, harness, crampons, ice axe, etc.) — a full list is provided

Personal supplemental oxygen beyond the standard allocation, if requested

Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, and personal expenses (drinks, laundry, communications, satellite phone and Wi-Fi)

Tips and summit bonuses for your Sherpa and base-camp staff

Any costs arising from early descent, overland evacuation, or itinerary changes due to weather or personal reasons

Before You Go

Important Notes

Tibet permit required — arrange well in advance through our team.
Maximum 10 climbers per team.
No Khumbu Icefall: reduces one significant objective hazard compared to the south side.
Best season: Spring (March–May). Autumn window (October–November) also viable.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude climbing and emergency evacuation is mandatory. Note: helicopter rescue is generally not permitted on the Tibet side, so evacuation is overland to the border — submit your policy details before departure.
Permits: Climbing permit from NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) or DoT (Department of Tourism), plus applicable park permits — all arranged by TempleFront.

Frequently Asked

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private expedition?

Yes — TempleFront expeditions are run exclusively for your team. We never combine you with other clients.

What experience is required?

Previous summits at 7,000–8,000 m are required. This is one of the most demanding mountaineering objectives in the world, and your expedition CV will be reviewed during the booking process.

How does the North Face route differ from the South Col?

The North Face route via Tibet has no Khumbu Icefall — removing one of the main objective hazards of the south side. The climbing is technically different: the Northeast Ridge involves steep mixed terrain rather than the couloir and face-climbing of the Lhotse Face. It is also considerably quieter and offers a more remote expedition feel.

What is the Tibet permit situation?

All climbers require a Chinese Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) permit and a Climbing Permit issued by the China Tibet Mountaineering Association. TempleFront handles all permit logistics; however, TAR permits are subject to Chinese government approval and must be applied for well in advance. Political events can occasionally delay or restrict permit issuance — we advise applying 12 months ahead.

How much supplemental oxygen is provided?

All clients receive supplemental oxygen from Camp 2 (~7,700 m) upward, with dedicated bottles for the summit push. Precise flow rates and quantities are briefed at base camp.

Is insurance mandatory?

Yes — comprehensive insurance covering high-altitude climbing and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory for all team members. Submit your policy details before departure.

How far in advance should I book?

Due to the Tibet permit process, we recommend contacting us at least 12 months before your target spring season. Autumn is slightly more flexible, but early application is always advisable.

How do I enquire?

Send us a WhatsApp or email with your climbing CV and target season. We respond same day and begin the permit coordination process immediately.

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