D-Day.

Up at 4 am and several hours of trekking later and we arrive at the top of Kala Patter, some 18,500 ft up.

The way up was like nothing I have ever experienced before, every 15-20m as the top approached it became necessary to stop and try and catch your breath as the oxygen seemed to be non-existent.

Someone as we approached the top helpfully pointed out that the oxygen level was only about 48% that at sea level. Finding that out, at that point, did little for my lungs!

But as we reached the top we were able to behold the wonderful sight of.......nothing!

Our climb had been shrouded in mist and the clouds were swirling round the top and so there was actually no view.

But after about 40 minutes on the summit and as we prepared to head back down the clouds started to clear as the sun started to burn through the mist and ultimately my breath was taken away, literally.

In perfect view was the whole Himalayan landscape and then I started to attempt to capture some of the grandeur in photos.

So I give you Nuptse, front right, South Col, front left, and the big one, Mt Everest, the foreboding dark one at the back.

A day I will never forget for so many reasons!