The Everest Years

This memoir captures Sir Chris Bonington's extraordinary expeditions, including his leadership during the historic 1975 Everest ascent, chronicling triumphs and tragedies alike.

In The Everest Years, Sir Chris Bonington shares the remarkable journey of his mountaineering career, focusing on four significant expeditions to the Himalaya and Everest. He vividly recounts the 1975 South-West Face expedition, where he led Doug Scott and Dougal Haston to become the first Britons to reach the summit of Everest. Bonington's narrative is not just about the thrill of climbing; it delves into the logistics, challenges, and emotional toll of high-altitude expeditions, including attempts on K2 and The Ogre in the Karakoram, as well as Kongur in China.

Bonington's passion for the mountains is evident as he reflects on the beauty and peril of these majestic peaks. While sharing tales of triumph, he also confronts the tragedies that accompany such daring pursuits, including the loss of friends and the weight of responsibility he felt for those waiting at home. His experiences reveal a deep, personal connection to the mountains that shaped his life.

The book also highlights Bonington's gratitude for the support of his wife, Wendy, and the loyal Sherpas who stood by him. He pays tribute to fellow climbers like Doug Scott, Dougal Haston, and others who shared in these unforgettable adventures. The Everest Years is the final chapter of Bonington's autobiography, offering readers a blend of raw emotion and breathtaking landscapes that define his extraordinary life in mountaineering.