Three teams journeyed to the Everest region to attempt climbs in both Nepal and Tibet, culminating in a climb on the west ridge of Everest itself. First climbed from the south in 1963 by Americans Willi Unsoeld and Tom Hornbein, the treacherous route has only been climbed by a handful of people since. Feared for its avalanche prone slopes, the 1.5km ridge all above 7300m, and steep technical climbing on the French Spur, few teams have attempted this route and fewer have made the summit. British teams have tried twice before, but had to turn back within reach of the top. Our route would approach from the north, in Tibet, and follow the ridge to the base of the Hornbein couloir at 8000m on the north face, the gateway to the summit almost 900m above.To learn more about the expedition visit www.armyoneverest.com. The climb will also be the subject of a documentary series on Bravo in the autumn.
The members of the expedtion worked with The Altitude Centre, based in Covent Garden and teams from the Centre for Aviation, Space and Extreme Environment Medicince at University College London, and Leeds Metroplitan University , on medical research and physical and psychological preparation. The expedition supported the charitable work of the Prince's Trust and the Gurhka Welfare Trust.
