Himalaya Sites

Nothing captures the imagination quite like the Himalayan mountain range, in particular those brave souls who live (and often die) to conquer them. An account written by anyone tackling one of the world's 8,000 meter peaks is always a thrilling read, so in the spirit of adventure we've selected what we think are the very best Himalayan blogs for your enjoyment. Why should you read them? In the immortal words of Mallory, "because they're there!"

• Everest News

  www.everestnews.com

  The ultimate Everest news and commentary site, with absolutely everything occuring on the mountain being reported here as it comes in with a strong editorial voice. If that wasn't enough, the site also houses more information and guides on Everest than you could hope to read in a week.

• Alan Arnette

  www.alanarnette.com/index.php

  There isn't much Alan Arnette hasn't gotten to the top of, and there also isn't much about his adventures that isn't covered here. Alan is a prolific writer in the climbing world and devotes a lot of his time and effort to the Cure Alzheimer's fund, so if you enjoy his blogs then do consider donating.

• IMG blog

  www.mountainguides.com/wordpress

  The team from IMG are currently ascending Everest, posting updates of their epic climb almost daily as the summit approaches. If you feel inspired enough to tackle a mountain of your own, the main site will see you in good hands.

• Peak Freaks blog

  www.peakfreaks.com/everestnews2010.htm

  Peakfreaks are one of the most passionate teams in the high-altitude climbing world and are proud of their Himalayan safety record. As they've been climbing since 1983, there's plenty of gripping climb journals to choose from (of Everest and beyond).

• MM blog

  www.mountainmadnessinc.blogspot.com/

  The dispatches from the Mountain Madness team are frequently filled with striking photography and great mountain stories. Having just tackled Everest, the guys are now in the Alaskan mountains.

• Jordan Romero

  www.jordanromero.com/weblog/

  You've probably seen the name Jordan Romero recently, who hit the news for being the youngest person to reach the summit of Everest (at thirteen). Read the live-update blog of this inspirational teenager.

• Adventure Peaks

  www.adventurepeaks.com/news/everestnews2010.html

  A step-by-step account of the Adventure Peaks' journey to the Everest summit, written with large doses of humour and insight into what it's like to come up against the Himalayas.

• Summit Climb

  www.summitclimb.com/new/default.asp

  The Summit Climb group tailor unforgettable experiences for avid climbers around the world, including the majestic 8,000m peaks. Keep up with the news from their latest expeditions with a few currently on the way to the Everest summit.

• TA Loeffler

  www.taloeffler.com/default.asp

  Dr. TA Loeffler is a man on a mission - to climb the seven highest peaks on each of the seven continents. He's on the highest in the world right now, uploading his gripping journal to the site each week.

• RMI dispatches

  www.rmiguides.com/dispatches/

  There is a vast quantity of blow-by-blow accounts of the toughest climbs as they occur, thanks to the expert guides at RMI. Dave Hahn in particular, the team's Himalaya specialist, has a gift for writing in a way that puts you right on the mountain with him.

• Dream Guides blog

  www.dream-guides.blogspot.com/

  The latest Dream Guides trek to the Everest summit saw a lot of drama, and for a while it looks very unlikely that the team would make it to the top at all. Gripping reading punctuated with some awe-inspiring pictures - what more could you want from an Everest blog?

• Gearjunkie Blog

  www.gearjunkie.com/everest-blog

  The Gearjunkie Everest climb has made for a phenomenal travelogue, with articles on various aspects of high-altitude climbing mixed in seamlessly with accounts by the mountaineers. Highly recommended.