:quality(100))
Andy Barlass, Warehouse Despatch Team
The lure of climbing in Nepal has always appealed to me.
One of my great loves in life is climbing, which started over 15 years ago and led to some fantastic adventures. I've worked at Ellis Brigham for a total of six years, across a variety of roles from in-store to customer service, and now in despatch, where I handle international deliveries.
I first visited the Annapurna region in 2015, hoping to climb Tharpu Chuli. But with limited preparation and experience, we had to turn back. That trip came early in my climbing career, and looking back, I can see just how underprepared I was for the demands of the Himalayas. What I did discover was a love for Nepal and its incredible mountains. I promised myself I’d return one day.
Now, nine years later, I finally did. This time, I convinced my climbing partner Joe to come along, and together we set our sights on the Khumbu Valley. There, we found Kyajo Ri—a striking peak surrounded by the highest mountains on Earth. It offered exactly what we were looking for: a challenging alpine climb, ambitious but within reach.
The start of the journey
:quality(80))
On the road from Lukla
:quality(80))
Rest day in Namche Bazaar
:quality(80))
Into Khunde
:quality(80))
En route to Thesubu Khola Valley
:quality(80))
Restless rest day
:quality(80))
Calling It on Kyajo Ri
:quality(80))
Rest day in Khumjung
:quality(80))
Visiting the Pangboche clinic
:quality(80))
Watching the sun set from Gorak Shep
:quality(80))
Reaching Everest Base Camp
:quality(80))
The summit plan
:quality(80))
To High Camp
:quality(80))
The climb to the summit
:quality(80))
The final ridge
:quality(80))
The view from the top
:quality(80))
Nepal trekking kit
Nepal mountain gear
Nepal climbing kit
About the author
Our staff expedition grant
Each year, members of the team can apply for an Expedition Grant to help them do what they love the most.
Read more
:quality(60))
:quality(60))
:quality(60))
:quality(60))
:quality(60))
:quality(60))