Trekking to the 8000m mountains and travelling the world

8000m Mountains

Mount Everest North and Southwest faces burn red at sunset from Gokyo Ri.

Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse From Kala Pattar

The K2 West Face shines in the late afternoon sun from Concordia. The K2 West Ridge is on the far left. The Southwest Pillar separates the sunny west face from the K2 South Face. The Great Serac is just in shadow to the right below the K2 Summit. The K2 Shoulder is farther down to the right, partially in the sun. The K2 West Ridge was first climbed by Japanese Eiho Otani and Pakistani Nazir Sabir, reaching the K2 summit on August 7, 1981.

K2 West Face from Concordia. K2 West Ridge on left, Southwest Pillar, South Face, Great Serac, and K2 Shoulder.

Kangchenjunga main summit close up from Pangpema

The view of the Lhotse West Face, South Col, and the Geneva Spur from Knobby View north of Gokyo are the best in the Khumbu for a trekker.

Lhotse West Face, South Col, Geneva Spur from Knobby View north of Gokyo

Makalu West Face, Makalu West Pillar, and Makalu Southwest Face close up from the West Col (6143m). The East Col is at the lower right of centre of the photo to the left of the snow.

Makalu West Face, West Pillar, Southwest Face and East Col from West Col.

The sun slowly descends the south face of Cho Oyu (8201m), the sixth highest mountain in the world, at sunrise from Gokyo, turning the colour of the face from a golden yellow to extremely bright white within a few minutes.

The sun slowly descends Cho Oyu south face at sunrise from Gokyo.

The South and North Faces of Dhaulagiri blazed at sunrise from the camp just below the Mesokanto La.

The South and North Faces of Dhaulagiri blazed at sunrise from the Mesokanto La.

Manaslu southwest face sunrise from Syala

Nanga Parbat Rupal and East faces at sunrise from Tarashing

Annapurna Main (8091m), Central (8051m) and East (8026m) summits dominate the view at sunrise from Annapurna Sanctuary Base Camp.

Annapurna Main, Central and East summits from Annapurna Sanctuary. (click to enlarge)

Close up of the Broad Peak Central Summit and the Broad Peak Main Summit just after sunrise from Concordia.
The first ascent of Broad Peak was completed by Marcus Schmuck, Fritz Wintersteller, Kurt Diemberger, and Hermann Buhl on June 9, 1957. This extremely small expedition marked a major step forward in the development of Himalayan climbing. Diemberger: ‘[Buhl's] plan was that from base camp onwards there would only be climbers on the mountain; they would do everything, load-carrying, establishment of camps and, finally, the assault on the summit. And it was all to be done without the use of oxygen.’ Diemberger reached the summit just as Marcus Schmuck and Fritz Wintersteller started their descent. As Diemberger was descending from the summit he met Buhl still ascending. ‘Slowly, with all that incredible strength of his will, he started to move, very slowly, upwards. ... Two men were standing on a peak, still breathing heavily from the ascent, their limbs weary - but they did not notice it; for the all-enveloping glory of the sun's low light had encompassed them too. Deeper and deeper grew the colours. ... No dream-picture, this. It was real enough, and it happened on the 26,404-foot summit of Broad Peak.’ – Summits And Secrets by Kurt Diemberger.

Close up of Broad Peak Central and Main Summit just after sunrise from Concordia.

Shishapangma, the 14th highest mountain in the world at 8012m, shines in the early morning sun from Kathmandu’s Mountain flight. The steep and treacherous southwest face is in shadow on the left. The north face is just visible in the sun on the right. On the far right the pointy rocky peak is Phola Gangchen (7716m), first climbed in 1981, and to its left is Shishapangma’s East face.

Shishapangma shines in the early morning sun from Kathmandu’s Mountain flight.

Shishapangma East Face shines at sunrise from Shishapangma North Base Camp (5029m). The North Face is in shadow to the right.

Shishapangma East Face shines at sunrise with North Face in shadow from Shishapangma North Base Camp.

Everest North Face glistens in the morning sun with Rongbuk Monastery.

The snow clad east faces of Lhotse and Everest from the Kharta Valley in Tibet.

Just after leaving Concordia, I looked up the Godwin Austin Glacier as the sun finally hit the K2 West Face, with Angel Peak (Angelus Peak) coming into view on the left. The K2 Southwest Pillar separates the sunlit South Face from the West Face mostly in shadow to the left. The South-southeast Spur is now lit up by the sun and arrives at the K2 Shoulder on the right. On the far right is the Abruzzi Ridge / Spur, the East-southeast ridge, the normal ascent route.

Full view of K2 West Face and South Face from just beyond Concordia with Angel Peak on the left.

Kangchenjunga main, central, and south summits; Talung, Kabru, and Ratong.

Nuptse, Everest Southwest and Southeast faces, Lhotse, Lhotse Middle and Lhotse Shar close up from Mera High Camp (5770m) at sunset.

Nuptse, Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Middle and Shar from Mera High Camp at sunset.

The Makalu West Face changes from white to yellow to orange to a soft red in the last rays of the sun from Gokyo Ri.

Makalu West Face burns to a soft red in the last rays of the sun from Gokyo Ri.

Cho Oyu (8201m) is particularly beautiful at sunset seen from Chinese Base Camp (4908m). (click to enlarge)

I had a great view of sunrise on Dhaulagiri from the dining room window at the New Dhaulagiri Hotel in Chitre (2420m). This view is basically the same as that from the famous Poon Hill.

Sunrise on Dhaulagiri from Chitre (2420m), similar to the famous Poon Hill.

Manaslu summit plateau with the East Pinnacle on the left and the summit to the right from Bimtang

Manaslu summit plateau with East Pinnacle on left and summit on right

Nanga Parbat Rupal Face And Rakhiot Peak From Bazhin Glacier Just Past Rupal Face Base Camp

After crossing the Thulo Bugin, we finally crested the ridge of the Miristi Khola. I could finally see the Annapurna north massif from floor to ceiling - man, it's huge. Clouds and mist covered it for the most part, but the ridge from Annapurna Northwest Face to Fang peaked out once in a while for me.

Annapurna Northwest Face and ridge to Fang (click to enlarge)

Just after leaving Concordia, the sun finally hit Broad Peak. The North Summit is on the far left, the Central Summit is slightly out of view in the middle, and on the far right is the Main Summit. The first ascent of Broad Peak North summit was made by Renato Casarotto on June 28, 1983. The first traverse of the three Broad Peak summits was completed by Jerzy Kukuczka and Wojtek Kurtyka. They climbed the west ridge to the North summit, continued along the ridge to the Central summit. The pair then descended to Broad Col from where they followed the original route over the Forepeak to the main summit on July 17, 1984.
The first ascent of the Broad Peak Central or Middle summit was completed by Poles Kazimierz Glazek and Janusz Kulis on July 28, 1975 while three other members huddled 40m away and a few metres lower.

Broad Peak North Summit, Central Summit and Main Summit from near Concordia

The Shishapangma Southwest Face burns orange at sunset from Shishapangma Southwest Advanced Base Camp.

Pungpa Ri, Shishapangma East Face, and Phola Gangchen from Kong Tso (5175m).

Other Mountains

Gasherbrum IV, Pakistan

Gauri Shankar and Menlungtse, Nepal

Mount Kailash, Tibet

Mera Peak, Nepal

Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, Ecuador

Canada - Mount Assiniboine, Mount Robson

Travel - Nepal and Tibet

Nepal - Kathmandu

Nepal - Mustang

Nepal - Rolwaling Valley

Tibet

Tibet Buddhism

Tibet Guge Kingdom

Gauri Shankar at sunrise from Suri Dhoban

Close up of climbing route to Mera Peak on left, Mera Peak Central Summit (6461m), the rock sheltering Mera High Camp (5770m), and Mera Peak North Summit (6476m).

Close up of climbing route to Mera Peak Central and Mera Peak North Summits

Sunrise on Mount Kailash North Face is just perfect from Dirapuk.

As we drove to Tambopaxi, the clouds slowly lifted and Cotopaxi revealed itself just before sunset. Located about 75km south of Quito, Cotopaxi (5897m) is the second highest mountain in Ecuador, after Chimborazo. Cotopaxi has an almost symmetrical cone that rises from a highland plain of about 3800m, with a width at its base of about 23km. It has one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world, starting at 5000m.

Cotopaxi (5897m), located about 75km south of Quito, is the second highest mountain in Ecuador, after Chimborazo. (click to enlarge)

Bright Orange Light Of Sunrise On Mount Assiniboine And Glacier Below Summit From Lake Magog

Mount Robson Early Morning From Bridge Over Robson River Near Park Headquarters and Visitor Centre

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a complex of beautiful Hindu temples and shrines built in the 16th and 17th centuries in pagoda style embellished with intricately carved exteriors. Trailokya Mohan Narayan, Maju Deval and Narayan Temples shine in the early morning sun. Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple (1690) stands on a five-stage plinth with three roofs and is dedicated to Vishnu.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Trailokya Mohan Narayan, Maju Deval and Narayan Temples.

The first sight on reaching the top of the stairs is the Swayambhunath stupa flanked by two snow lions, with a giant gilded vajra above a mandala worked in a drum-shaped base. The earliest record of this stupa's existence dates from a 5C stone inscription; however, scholars and archaeologists believe that there was probably a shrine here as far back as 2,000 years ago.

Swayambhunath Stupa entrance at the top of the pilgrim steps in Kathmandu.

The Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang is about a deity named Dorje Jono who battles his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. The demon father wreaked havoc on Mustang by bringing a shortage of water and causing many resulting disasters from famine to animal loss. Dorje Jono and his retinue perform a series of 52 magical dances to repel the resident evil. Dorje Jono eventually beats the demon and banishes him from the land. The festival takes place in the main town square in Lo Manthang.

The Tiji Festival takes place in the Lo Manthang main square in Upper Mustang

The Potala Palace, perched high above Lhasa on the Marpori (red mountain), is a place of spiritual pilgrimage and a mammoth tribute to Tibetan architectural skills. The name Potala derives from the Sanskrit ‘Potalaa’, the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Unlike most Tibetan monasteries, the Red Guards did not sack the Potala during the Cultural Revolution, and, as a result, all the chapels and their artifacts are remarkably well preserved.

The Potala Palace, the winter home of the Dalai Lama, is perched high above Lhasa.

Commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1270, the Kumbum chorten was built in the style of a 108-sided mandala by craftsman from the Kathmandu Valley, and houses many excellent unique frescoes of Newari influence, a painting style originating in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. It rises in eight stages to over 52m and has lots of images (Kumbum means '100,000 images') and 70 chapels. It is topped in typical Nepalese Buddhist style with the all-seeing eyes, the spire, umbrella and the pinnacle. The first five floors are four-sided, while the upper floors are circular, forming a huge three-dimensional mandala.

The Kumbum chorten in Gyantse, Tibet, rises in eight stages to over 52m.

The Tibetan Wheel of Life is perhaps the most common of all pictures in Buddhist art.

The Serkhang chorten in Tholing in the old Guge Kingdom in Western Tibet is bathed in an evening rainbow.

Serkhang chorten in Tholing (Tibet Guge Kingdom) is bathed in an evening rainbow.

Kang Nachugo east face at sunrise from the Trakarding Glacier

Menlungtse (Melungtse) From Mountain Flight 1997

But what dominates the view from the Mera La (5415m) is, of course, Mera Peak with the trail to Mera High Camp (5770m) snaking up the glacier towards the rock on the left. The climbing route then goes to the right above the long snow ridge in shadow. Mera Peak Central Summit (6461m) is in the middle of the two large snow ridges, and Mera Peak North Summit (6476m) is on top of the right snow ridge.

Route from Mera La to Mera Peak Central (6461m) and North (6476m) Summits

Mount Kailash South Face shines beautifully in the mid-morning sun from the Inner Kora.

Chimborazo, located 150km south-southwest of Quito, is the highest mountain in Ecuador at 6310m. From left to right are four of the five summits of Chimborazo - Ventimilla (6267m), Whymper (6310m, Main), Politecnico (5820m, Central) and Nicolas Martinez (5570m, Eastern).

Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador at 6310m.

Terrapin Mountain, Mount Magog, Mount Assiniboine, Sunburst Peak, The Marshall, Lake Magog, Sunburst Lake, Cerulean Lake Early Morning From the Nublet

Terrapin Mountain, Mount Magog, Mount Assiniboine, Lake Magog, Sunburst Lake Early Morning From Nublet

Mount Waffl, The Helmet, Mount Robson North Face, Berg Glacier and Berg Lake From Berg Trail

Kathmandu’s 36m-high Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal, and one of the largest in the world. It is a religious centre for Nepal's considerable population of Tibetans. It supposedly dates from the fifth century. With three square tiers surrounding the central circle of the dome, Boudhanath is built in the form of a mandala, a symbol of the universe that is often used in Buddhist meditations.

The Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu is a religious centre for Nepal's Tibetans.

Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath temple complex is the holiest Hindu site outside India. Pashupati is one of the many names of Shiva, the most revered god in the Hindu pantheon, this one meaning the Lord of the Animals. Supposedly Shiva needed a holiday from Mount Kailash and chose the Kathmandu valley. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple. Below the Pashupatinath temple runs the Bagmati River, a holy river that eventually joins the Ganges. Pilgrims throw the holy water onto themselves, while a few hearty Hindus bathe fully.

The Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu is the holiest Hindu site outside India.

The trail descends from Lo Manthang (3910m) to cross a stream before ascending to the Lo La (3950m) with our last view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The trail then traverses the Tholung Valley before reaching a ridge (3580m) looking over the village of Tsarang (3560m). The trail descends to cross the Tsarang Chu, and climbs 125m to Tsarang, the second largest village in Mustang. I walked across the village to see the entrance chorten nicely framing the village and the Tsarang gompa and old dzong.

Tsarang chorten in Upper Mustang frames the Tsarang gompa and old dzong.

The Chapel of Jowo Shakyamuni is the most important shrine in Tibet, housing a 1.5m sitting image of Shakyamuni at the age of 12. It is supposedly one of only three made during his lifetime. It was a gift from the Chinese Princess Wencheng to her husband King Songtsen Gampo. The Jowo sits on a majestic massive three-tiered stone platform. Two silver-plated dragons presented by the Chinese emperor entwine the ornate pillars that support an intricate double canopy over the Jowo. An ornate crown of coral, turquoise, diamonds, rubies, and other precious gems, sits on the Jowo’s head. Although there’s no photography allowed, here’s a photo from my 1993 trip. Note the photo of the current Dalai Lama, allowed in 1993 in a period of religious tolerance.

Jowo Shakyamuni statue in Lhasa Jokhang temple is the most important in Tibet.

The most impressive Tashilhunpo sight is the Maitreya Chapel, a tall red building with a gold roof at the complex’s northwestern corner, built in 1914 by the ninth Panchen Lama. It houses a 26.2m image of Maitreya, the Future Buddha, whose ears are 2.6m long and each finger 1.2m. The statue contains 279kg of gold and 150,000kg of copper and brass molded on a wooden frame.

The Tashilhunpo Maitreya Chapel in Tibet houses a 26.2m image of Maitreya.

We watched the devout pilgrims prostrate themselves at the Jokhang Temple’s entrance doors. Their hands are protected by large mittens or small block of wood fixed to the waist by a lace. People kneel, their hands reach the ground and they start sliding until the whole body extends on the ground too. Standing up they then repeat the action again and again.

Pilgrims prostrate themselves at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.

Immediately to the right of the door of the White Temple at Tsaparang in the old Guge Kingdom in Western Tibet is a 5m-high guardian figure, blue Vajrapani (Tib. Chana Dorje). The significantly elongated torsos, a typical Guge trademark, have been broken open, exposing the straw. This has since been closed with what looks like white plaster. To the left of Vajrapani is an empty pedestal that used to contain a statue of Tara. Photo - Weyer/Aschoff: Tsaparang, Tibets Grosses Geheimnis.

Blue Vajrapani statue in the White Temple at Tsaparang (Tibet Guge Kingdom)

Travel

Canada - Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper

India - Delhi, Jaipur

The Cascades Of Time Gardens Look Down On Bow River Bridge and Banff Avenue With Cascade Mountain In Summer

First Rays Of Sunrise Burn Mount Victoria Yellow Orange Reflected In The Still Waters Of Lake Louise

Mount Athabasca and Mount Andromeda, Athabasca Glacier, Snow Dome From Columbia Icefield

The roof of the Hotel NH Parque Central in Havana Centro had spectacular sunset views of the Capitolio, the Gran Teatro de la Habana, Hotel Inglaterra, and Hotel Telgrafo in 2008.

Havana: Capitolio, Gran Teatro de la Habana, Hotel Inglaterra, and Hotel Telgrafo.

Dubai Creek, the historic focal point of life in the city, is a natural seawater inlet that cuts through the city's centre and separates Deira from Bur Dubai. The creek is alive with trade and tradition, the loading and unloading of trade ships that still travel ancient routes, and the beautiful promenades that line both sides of the water. In this view from near the mouth, the Grand Mosque dominates the Bur Dubai skyline, while the buildings of Deira are behind, including the Etisalat building with the golf ball on top, the Dubai Creek Tower, the curved National Bank of Dubai, and finally the triangular Dubai Chamber of Commerce building.

Bur Dubai: Grand Mosque, Etisalat, Dubai Creek Tower, National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

Here is a view of Quito taken from north of the airport looking south. Quito is the capital of Ecuador with a population of about two million people, situated between two mountain ranges at an altitude of 2800m.

Quito (2800m), the capital of Ecuador, from our airplane north of the airport looking south.

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of The Queen and is one of the most famous and easily recognizable façades of any building in the world.

Buckingham Palace is the official London, England residence of The Queen.

Eiffel Tower From Place Trocadero Square

The blue-footed booby is one of the highlights of our trip to the Galapagos. We could get so close it was amazing.

Galapagos Islands: Blue-footed booby is one of the many highlights.

Just 10 minutes walk from the Victoria Peak Tram station along Lugard road is this spectacular view of the Central District, the harbour, and Kowloon. It is especially breath-taking at night.

Victoria Peak view of Hong Kong with the Central District, the harbour, and Kowloon.

Gullfoss is Iceland’s most famous waterfall.

Delhi India Gate And Canopy

Jaipur Hawa Mahal Palace of Winds Early Morning

Swimming Next To The Corniche with Cafe L'Orient, Le Vendome Hotel, Marina Tower and Platinum Tower

Mutrah is especially beautiful at night with the lights reflecting off the water and the white facades of the old merchants' houses that front the promenade.

Muscat: Mutrah is especially beautiful at night.

From the Swissotel Equinox restaurant on the 70th floor, I took photos of the downtown towers, the Singapore River, and the Padong as the lights came on.

Singapore downtown towers, the Singapore River, and the Padong.

Just after entering the Wat Phra Kaeo we saw the golden Phra Siratana Chedi.

New York City Top Of The Rock Just After Sunset South Midtown To Empire State Building To Financial District, Bank of America Tower

Empire State Building To Financial District From Top Of The Rock (click to enlarge)

Mount Rundle Is Reflected In Frozen Vermillion Lake In Late Afternoon In Winter

Lake Agnes With Teahouse At Far End Near Lake LouiseValley Of The Ten Peaks - Mount Little, Mount Bowlen, Tonsa Peak, Mount Perren, Mount Allen, Mount Tuzo, Deltaform Mountain, Neptuak Mountain From Rockpile Near Lake Louise

Valley Of The Ten Peaks Behind Moraine Lake

Spirit Island In Maligne Lake With Mount Paul, Monkhead Mountain, Mount Mary Vaux

The Palacio Brunet, now the Museo Romantico, is a two-storey mansion in warm yellow stucco on Plaza Mayor in Trinidad de Cuba. The ground floor of the Palacio Brunet was built in 1740, and the upstairs was built in 1808. It was once owned by a sugar baron, but was converted into a museum in 1974. On the left with the yellow and green bell-tower is the former convent of San Francisco de Asís, now the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos.

Trinidad de Cuba: Palacio Brunet (Museo Romantico) on Plaza Mayor

After dark the translucent fiberglass wall of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai serves as a projection screen for a nightly light show. Here is a dusk view from the beach of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Burj Al Arab in Dubai dusk view from the beach of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel

We had dinner at Cafe Mosaico in an old house high up on a hill overlooking Old Quito. The view from Cafe Mosaico is excellent. Here is a view of Old Quito and El Panecillo just after dusk as the lights came on.

Old Quito and El Panecillo just after dusk from the Cafe Mosaico.

The Tower Bridge was opened in 1894 and measures 120m between the two towers, which house the machinery for raising the bascules in 90 seconds. The upper walkway is open to visitors.

The Tower Bridge in London, England measures 120m between the two towers.

Paris Versailles Hall Of Mirrors

The panoramic view from the summit of Bartolome is probably the most photographed landscape in the islands. You can see the twin bays, the Pinnacle Rock, the moonlike landscape and a view of Santiago Island close by and its famous Sullivan bay.

The panoramic view of the twin bays and Pinnacle Rock from the summit of Bartolome.

The green-and-white Star Ferries that have been carrying passengers back and forth between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island since 1898.

Star Ferries carry passengers between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

You can take a boat trip on the lagoon and float among the icebergs. Supposedly the water is so cold that if you fell overboard you could expect to survive at most 2 minutes.

You can take a boat trip on the Jokulsarlon lagoon in Iceland

Delhi Qutab Minar Tower Of Victory, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar Of Delhi

Delhi Qutab Minar, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar Of Delhi

Jaipur Amber Fort On The Hill Above Maotha Lake Early Morning

Pigeon Rocks Natural Offshore Rock Arches In West Beirut Corniche

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the third largest in the world, built between 1995 and 2001 from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone. The complex is 1000m long and 885m wide. The most visible part of a mosque is the minaret, the tower from which the call to prayer is broadcast five times a day. There are four 45.5m minarets on the corners and a big central one of 91.5m, the five minarets symbolizing the five pillars of Islam.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is the third largest in the world.

The regal Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 as a 10-room bungalow, and exactly one hundred years later in 1987, it was declared a national monument. The hotel has seen its fair share of kings and queens, presidents and movie stars. We couldn’t afford to stay there are, but we did go in to gaze at its elegance and style.

The regal Raffles Hotel in Singapore opened in 1887 as a 10-room bungalow.

Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Po was built by Rama I in the 16C and is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. The enormous Reclining Buddha is 46m long and 15m high, with each foot 3m high and 5m long. The statue is brick, covered with layers of plaster, and gold leaf. The most striking part of the statue is its soles, which are decorated with 108 auspicious patterns inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

The enormous Reclining Buddha in Wat Po in Bangkok, Thailand.

View South To 1 Times Square From Top Of Red Stairs in New York City Times Square At Night

Times Square At Night From Top Of Red Stairs in New York City (click to enlarge)

Mountains Of Travel Photos

Jerome Ryan on Chukung Ri (5550m) near Mount Everest in 1997

Jerome Ryan on Chukung Ri lower summit (5550m) near Mount Everest in 1997

Jerome Ryan, Peter Ryan, Charlotte Ryan on Kailash Dolma La (5636m) in 2006

Mustang Future King Jigme S. P. Bista And Jerome Ryan At Royal Palace In Lo Manthang in 2008

Charlotte Ryan, Dangles, Peter Ryan, and Jerome Ryan pose on the roof of the Jokhang Temple with the Potala Palace behind.

My name is Jerome Ryan and I am an amateur photographer who loves to trek in the mountains; or as I like to say, "I climb to the bottom of the mountains". I also like to travel around the world.

For the first 17 years of my life, I only traveled less than 100km from my hometown. I started dreaming of what was over the next hill, and that fascination is still with me today. Give me a hill, and I have to climb to the top to see what's on the other side.

My wife Charlotte Ryan and my son Peter Ryan travel with me a lot of the time, but usually not on the treks. They did trek over the Dolma La (5636m) on the Mount Kailash kora in 2006.

Although I had traveled in the mountains over the years, my keen interest started in 1996 when I read the September 1996 Outside magazine "The Story On Everest" article by Jon Krakauer. Over a few months period, I kept going back to the article, especially admiring the beautiful colour photographs, like the Balcony and the Hillary Step and summit ridge. I was hooked.

Trekking in the Nepal mountains and Tibet over the years has led me to an appreciation of their local culture, especially Tibetan Buddhism. From my travels through Europe, I've grown to love art and sculpture.

Photos may be used freely for personal non-commercial use. Have fun travelling on my web pages.

News

New YouTube Videos

Site Updates

May 2013 - Added Photos and Youtube videos for my trip to Jaipur, India in October 2011

March 2013 - Added Photos and Youtube videos for my trip to Delhi, India in October 2011

January 2013 - Added Youtube videos for the Canadian Rockies featuring Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Mount Assiniboine and Mount Robson

December 2012 - Added photos from my many trips to the Canadian Rockies featuring Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Mount Assiniboine and Mount Robson

July 2012 - Added Paris, France from trips in 2003 and 2010. Added Cloisters to New York City.

April 2012 - Added the trip to Shishapangma Southwest ABC, the East Face vis Kong Tso, and the North ABC from my trip in October 2010

February 2012 - Added the trip to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Kora from my trip in October 2010

January 2012 - Added Mount Everest North Face and Rongbuk Monastery from my trip in October 2010

January 2012 - Added Cho Oyu drive from Tingri to Chinese Base Camp and Intermediate Camp from my trip in October 2010

January 2012 - updated Tibet from my trip in October 2010 - Kathmandu to Nyalam to Tingri with views of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu and Mount Everest HD Video and photos

November 2011 - added Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan Temple in Kathmandu HD Video and photos

July 2011 - added Mount Kailash Inner Kora / Nandi Parikrama YouTube HD Video and photos

June 2011 - added K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and Gasherbrum IV photos from my June 2001 trek featuring photos of Nanga Parbat on flight to Skardu, Skardu to Thongol, Paiju Peak, Uli Biaho Tower, Trango Nameless Tower, Trango Towers, Cathedral, Lobsang Spire, Masherbrum, Muztagh Tower, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II, Gasherbrum IV, Gasherbrum I, Baltoro Kangri, Chogolisa, and Mitre Peak.

May 2011 - added Nanga Parbat photos from my trek to the Rupal Face base camp and Fairy Meadows in June 2001.

January 2011 - added Kathmandu videos from October 2010 including Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Patan Durbar Square, Patan Golden Temple, and Gokarna Mahadev Temple.

May 2010 - I finally finished all of my Mount Everest photos from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp.

April 2010 - Added New York City photos, including Landing At Laguardia, Times Square, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center And Top Of 30 Rock, Flatiron Building, Chrysler Building, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, the Museum Of Modern Art (MOMA), and the huge Metropolitan Museum Of Art.

February 2010 - Added Lhotse photos. These Lhotse photos are pulled from the other sections on Everest, Makalu and Mera Peak.

February 2010 - Added photos to Everest from my 2008 crossing of Cho La and Kongma La. Kongma La has sensational views of Lhotse West Face and Lhotse South Face.

January 2010 - Added Mera Peak. Photos from my October 2009 trek down the Hongu Valley and climbing Mera Peak with views of five of the six highest mountains in the world - Cho Oyu (#6), Everest (#1), Lhotse (#4), Makalu (#5), and Kangchenjunga (#3). Magnificent! From Mera Peak, I trekked down the Hinku Valley, and over the Zatrawa La to Lukla.

January 2010 - Added Makalu. Photos from my October 2009 trek to Makalu Base Camp South in Nepal, and then over the East and West Cols to the Hongu Valley. Also includes photos of Makalu North Face from my 1998 trek to the Kama Valley in Tibet, and photos from the Khumbu area of Nepal.

October 2009 - Added all photos of my 1998 drive from Kathmandu to Everest North Face and the trek from Kharta to the rarely visited Everest Kangshung East Face.

August 2009 - Added Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Photos of the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Sanctuary, Annapurna North Base Camp, Jomsom to Mesokanto La, Marpha to below Dhampus Pass. Excellent views of Annapurna, Fang, Dhaulagiri, Tuckuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare.

May 2009 - Added Cho Oyu. Major update to Everest. Photos of Thame, Renjo La, Khumkung to Gokyo, Gokyo, Gokyo Ri, Nameless Fangs, Scoundrel's View, and Knobby View. The sunset photos from Gokyo Ri of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cholatse, Taweche are sensational if I do say so myself.

March 2009 - Major update to Kathmandu - new photos of Kathmandu, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Added photos for Budhanikantha, Kirtipur, Chobar Gorge, and Kathmandu Mountain Flight photos of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Site Navigation

1. Click on an entry on the two navigation bars at the left. This will bring you to the main menu of each area.

2. The main menu gives a brief overview of the area, my favourite memories of the area, and another navigation bar on the left.

3. Click on that navigation bar to see the photos. If there are lots of photos, I've grouped them into chapters. I've also included references I used for my treks and trips, such as guide books, books, website extwernal links and DVDs and videos.