En route to Mount Everest the team will begin their journey in Nepal before crossing the border into Tibet where they will approach the mountain from the north.

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The Kingdom of Nepal sits between the Tibet region of China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Home to the world’s largest mountain range, it has always drawn those with an adventurous spirit. It’s a magnet for mountaineers, trekkers, whitewater enthusiasts, mountain and road bikers, and others who are taken in by its land of ancient temples and rich history. Tourism is its leading service industry, but agriculture dominates Nepal’s economy. Eighty-three percent of the population makes its living from growing crops such as rice and corn.

Religion is a cornerstone of the rural Nepali life. Ninety percent of the country is Hindu, 5 percent is Buddhist, 3 percent are Muslim, and another 2 percent practice a range of beliefs including Christianity.

Temple in Durbar Square, Nepal

In Tibet, the overwhelming majority of people practice Buddhism. Historically, religion dominated all aspects of life and was the only educational system in place, and Buddhist monks served as heads of government. But Tibet has battled to keep their system of belief.

Tibetans have struggled throughout history to keep their religious and political independence from China. From 1966 to 1972, during the Cultural Revolution, religious practice in Tibet was halted. Bands of Chinese military destroyed most of Tibet’s Buddhist temples and persecuted monks and nuns.

Today Buddhism once again has a stronghold on Tibetans, and many of the temples have been rebuilt. But the Chinese government still monitors the religious activity in Tibet and limits the number of religious buildings and leaders. The government has also outlawed any public display of the Dalai Lama’s picture.

Like their Nepali neighbors, agriculture is the lifeblood of Tibetans. Useable farmland is limited to the river valleys. Leading crops are barley, wheat, buckwheat, rye, potatoes, and various other fruits and vegetables. The primary occupation on the Tibetan Plateau is raising sheep, goats, cattle, yaks, horses, and camels.