East Rongbuk Glacier The route up to Advance Base Camp follows the left bank of the East Rongbuk Glacier to the base of the North Col. This is the easiest route expeditions follow to get within shooting distance of Everest's Northeast Ridge Route. In 1921, when Mallory was searching for the best route to take up the mountain, he missed the turn off from the main Rongbuk glacier to the East Rongbuk. That year, much effort was expended trying to find a route to the North Col. The first ascent of the East Rongbuk was accomplished in 1922 and since then the East Rongbuk has become the 12 mile highway, used by all, to the north side of Everest. Lost on Everest | High Exposure | Climb | History & Culture | Earth, Wind, & Ice E-mail | Previous Expeditions | Resources | Site Map | Everest Home Editor's Picks | Previous Sites | Join Us/E-mail | TV/Web Schedule About NOVA | Teachers | Site Map | Shop | Jobs | Search | To print PBS Online | NOVA Online | WGBH © | Updated November 2000