North Col Expedition 2026

Expedition Schedule

07 Apr to 07 May, 2026

Overview

Climbalaya presents an exceptional expedition to the North Col (7,000m), designed for aspiring mountaineers ready to take their skills to the next level. This program serves as the perfect bridge between basic mountaineering and the world of 8,000-meter peaks, offering invaluable high-altitude experience in the heart of the Everest region.

Ideal Participant Profile: Novice climbers with previous experience using fixed ropes, crampons, and ice axes and for mountaineers aspiring to climb 8,000-meter peaks who want to test their performance at altitude and allows you to assess your physical and mental response to 7,000m altitude.

Strategic Location & Breathtaking Views:

The North Col serves as a crucial staging point for Everest North Ridge expeditions and offers one of the most spectacular vantage points in the Himalayas. From this elevated perch, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of:

The entire North Face of Mount Everest
The expansive West Rongbuk Glacier
Lho La pass and the majestic Pumori
Distant views of Cho Oyu

Trip Facts

Difficulty

Streneous

Country

Nepal

Duration

30 Days

Altitude

7045 m M

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge/Tent

Trip Start From

Lhasa

Trip Ends At

Kyirong

Climbing Route

Normal North East Ridge

Summit Day

The ascent follows a carefully managed route that builds progressively in technical demand.

Approach Phase:

Begin with a straightforward moraine trail leading to the East Rongbuk Glacier
Gradual altitude gain while adapting to the high-mountain environment

Technical Sections:

Fixed Ropes & Ascenders: A 60-degree vertical section requiring proper fixed-line technique
Rappel Descent: Practice controlled descent skills on the same steep section
Crevass Crossing: Several ladder crossings over deep crevasses, managed with full safety systems

Brief Itinerary

Day 01:

Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02:

In Kathmandu for official procedures and preparations.
Day 03:

Heli flight: Kathmandu to Lukla (2866m-9400ft) and trek to Paiya (2730m-8954ft). O/N Lodge
Day 04:

Trek to Pangokma (2846m-9334ft). O/N Lodge
Day 05:

Trek to Chatra khola (3150m-10332ft) via Ramailo danda. O/N Lodge
Day 06:

Trek to Kothe (3550m-11644ft). O/N Lodge
Day 07:

Trek to Thagnak (4350m-14268 ft). O/N Lodge
Day 08:

Trek to Khare (4800m-15744ft). O/N Lodge
Day 09:

At Khare: Preparations for the climbing
Day 10:

High camp (5800m-19024ft). Camp
Day 11:

Summit Mera Peak (6654m-21825ft) and back to Khare. O/N Lodge
Day 12:

Contingency day for climbing.
Day 13:

Heli flight : Khare-Lukla-Ktm
Day 14:

Rest day
Day 15

Fly Kathmandu-gonggor airport and drive to Lhasa (3650m-11680ft). O/N hotel
Day 16:

In Lhasa : sightseeing
Day 17:

Drive to Shigatse (3900m-12480ft)- O/N Hotel
Day 18:

Drive to Thingri (4350m-14,268ft)- O/N Guest House
Day 19:

Drive to Everest base camp (5200m-17,056ft)
Day 20-21:

At the base camp to acclimatize and preparing loads for advance base camp
Day 22:

Trek to Intermediate Camp (6200m-20,336ft)
Day 23:

Arrive at advance base camp (6400m-20,992ft)
Day 24-25:

North col Climbing period
Day 26:

Advance base camp to base camp
Day 27:

Drive to Kyirong (2700m-8,856ft) O/N hotel
Day 28:

Cross border to Nepal and drive to Kathmandu
Day 29:

In Kathmandu
Day 30:

Departure

Expedition Schedule

07 Apr to 07 May, 2026

Streneous

Strenuous climbing
May require carrying bag packs (15kg)
High or extreme altitude with elevation above 7000m
Intermediate to advance terrain
Nights are spent in tents
Moderate to extreme glacier travel is involved
Travel in remote areas
Usually expedition duration above four weeks

Ready to experience Everest with the region’s most trusted North Side specialists?
Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience in high-altitude mountaineering. A successful ascent of a peak exceeding 7,000 meters is a critical prerequisite and is highly recommended for all team members.

Route Map

Package Details

Cost Includes:

Permits, Visas & Transport:
- All necessary permits (Everest, Mera Peak) and Tibet visa processing
- All airport transfers, helicopter flights in Nepal, and flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
- Final transport from Everest Base Camp back to Kathmandu
Accommodation & Meals:
- Deluxe hotel in Kathmandu as per itinerary
- Full-board accommodation (all meals) in Tibet on a shared room basis
- All meals and fuel at Base Camp (BC), Advanced Base Camp (ABC), and high camps
Climbing & Base Camp Support:
- Sherpa-guided ascent of Mera Peak for acclimatization
- Luxury Base Camp Setup: Spacious personal tents with beds and mattresses at BC, dome tents at ABC, and a heated communal dome with sofas, a mini-bar, and a coffee machine.
- Full kitchen, dining, shower, and toilet tents with heating
- Expedition leadership provided by Managing Director Mingma Sherpa
- Nepalese cooks at all camps and a dedicated Chinese Liaison Officer
Equipment & Safety:
- Common group climbing gear and rope-fixing fees
- Power supply at BC and solar charging at ABC for small electronics
- All staff wages, allowances, and insurance are covered

Cost Excludes:

International Flights to and from Kathmandu
Personal Gear & Insurance: Personal climbing equipment and comprehensive travel/medical/rescue insurance
Personal climbing Sherpa support
Personal Expenses: Meals in Kathmandu, snacks, drinks, laundry, and satellite phone calls.Tips for guides and staff
Charging for heavy electronics (laptops, professional cameras)
Any expenses outside the official itinerary