On Top of the World

Partha summited Mount Everest at 7.20am on
20th May 2011 and stood at 8,850m - 29,029ft above sea level.
Read more in Luton Today article >>

22 May: Safely back at Base Camp

All are now safely back at BC!  Partha summited on 20th May!  Well done!  Starting return trip to Kathmandu.

Read more from Team member Jen's Blog updated with a few photos >>

Source: Team members blog Jen

20 May: Summit Tweet (By Tim Team Leader)

The world's highest update from the summit of Everest! An amazing view. Off down to C2 soon once we've taken the obligatory photos. Tim

(TIM'S BLOG >>)

17 May: Still waiting for a window (By Abi at Base Camp)

Well, a few days later at Camp 2 and the waiting game is ongoing. The weather is being rather fickle at the moment and this is making robust forecasting for summit windows rather difficult. Its not that the weather is dreadful, but at this altitude, you only get one chance at summiting mainly because ascending from the South Col to summit is so demanding. So, climbers do not want to waste their reserves on a summit window that is not a definite bet, so to speak. There is a lot at stake......so its important to save physical and emotional reserves for a clear window that provides enough time to allow for a serious summit bid.

Everyone in the team is raring to go and awaiting starters orders eagerly...........

(TIM's BLOG >>)

15 May: Watching and Waiting (By Abi at Base Camp)

Well, there have been ups and downs (quite literally) over the last few days with Tim's team on the mountain. The team ascended to camp 2 in excellent time and then rested for the following day.....building up the strength for the Lhotste Face and ascent to camp 3 the next day. So, next day was a pre-dawn Alpine start from camp 2 to avoid the searing midday heat and energy sapping effect of the sun while exposed on the Lhotse Face ascending to camp 3. The whole team reached the camp in good order, but understandably exhausted from the effort involved. Rest and rehydration was the order of the day, while weather forecasting information reaching base camp was indicating that wind speeds higher up the mountain appeared to be looking unfavorable for the following few days. Stay put or descend? That was the question........

After much deliberation, the decision to descend to camp 2 next morning was taken. To stay poised on the mountain, but rest at a more tolerable altitude until a window of opportunity arises. The team have had an excellent night sleep and awake with the hope that today's forecasting might indicate an easing of conditions sometime soon. Apart from some minor aches and pains from the efforts of ascending/descending Lhotse Face, everyone is in good health and clearly in the mood for a serious summit bid. We're all watching and waiting.........

(Tim's Blog >>)

10 May: Thanks to Paul & National Sameday

Thank you Paul and all the crew at National Sameday for all your help and support

10 May: University of Bedfordshire

A big thank you to the University of Bedfordshire for their kind support - i look forward to sharing the stories.

10 May: Message to Vasant

Hi Vasant, thank you for your birthday wishes - beers when i get back for sure!  Thank you Vasant for all you support and help for the expedition.

10 May: Family & Friends

Thank you to all my friends and family for their support!

8 May: Birthday Celebrations at Base Camp

Base camp chef made a lovely birthday cake! had a great time with the team!

8 May: Message to Halai family, Pankaj & Vijay

Thank you to the Halai family for your kind birthday wishes - looking forward to catching up when i am back.

Pankaj and Vijay and all at Crystal Units - thank you for your kind support - Need to book out Everest for some chilli chicken and propa pukka beers when i am back.

8 May: Message to David

Thank you David for your birthday wishes - hope you have made a full recovery!

6 May: Base Camp Everest

Am well.  Feeling much better than last time I came back from Camp 2.  Went to Camp 3. Really hard.  Sheer Ice face at 7,000m.  Resting at Base Camp Everest waiting for weather window.

1 May: Sad News

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the climber who sadly passed away today at Camp 3. 

1 May: Tutorial from the doctor

Yesterday chilled out at BC - feeling great after the rest of the last few days.  Today we have a tutorial from doctor on how to give injections and emergency high altitude medicine.  Then lesson on oxygen masks and regulators.  Tomorrow trekking to base camp Pomori.  Then next day straight up to C2 hard day.