We run expeditions to both sides of the mountain - to the North Ridge and to the south ridge. We will run an expedition to the South Col because this remains the most popular choice for first-time "Everesters," as it gives the most assured means of reaching the top. Simply, the time spent at over 8,000 metres on the South side is less, as the summit is attempted from the South Col (just under 8,000 metres) in one push.

On the North Ridge, the top camp is located at 8,400 metres, which means you will be exposed to the extremes of altitude for appreciably longer, spending at least one night there during the summit attempt. The south side has a good record of success, not least because a lot of people go that way, but also because of the momentum that these people generate, especially once the route to the top is opened by each year's first ascentionists.

However, the North Ridge has become more accessible in recent years, and for those able to cope with the tougher physical demands imposed by the route, it gives a more cost-effective means of getting to the top. It also avoids the Hilary Step, which can become an insurmountable obstacle purely because of the number of people trying to negotiate it on summit day. However, technical interest is similar, if not more sustained on the North Ridge, as longer passages are on rock, with a series of "Steps" to be negotiated on the way to the summit.