The
1921 British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition set off to explore how it might be possible to get to the vicinity of
Mount Everest, to reconnoitre possible routes for ascending the mountain, and – if possible – make the
first ascent of the highest mountain in the world. At that time
Nepal was closed to foreigners, so any approach had to be from the north, through
Tibet. A feasible route was discovered from the east up the
Kharta Glacier and then crossing the
Lhakpa La pass north east of Everest. It was then necessary to descend to the
East Rongbuk Glacier before climbing again to Everest's
North Col. However, although the North Col was reached, it was not possible to climb further before the expedition had to withdraw.