Everest 2009: Inside Himex’s 5-Star Luxury Basecamp

Himalayan Expedition’s (Himex) 2009 Everest Basecamp looks to be another leap into luxury for Russell Brice, the leader for the Himex team.  During the 2007 Everest climbing season some discussion (and whispers) took place regarding the luxury that Russell Brice always brings to Everest.  This seems to be quite contradictory to many people’s beliefs of the rugged Everest expedition.  Russell has outdone himself again in 2009.

This is coming from the blog of the Discovery Channel film crew, who is involved in filming Russell’s Himex team for season three of Everest: Beyond the Limit:

I haven’t seen anything quite as close as Russell Brice’s 2009, 5-star, luxury base camp. The kitchen has shiny fan-assisted ovens, chefs in starched linen aprons arrange salmon on platters with parsley and flowers in baskets hang from the walls (Ok, so the flowers are plastic, but it works!).  You’ll think I’m exaggerating when I tell you there are hot-cross buns baking on Easter morning, but trek past the Himex camp with its white-domed communal tent with fully stocked bar, plasma TV, surround-sound stereo, then smell the cinnamon-baked bread wafting across the Khumbu Valley and you’ll get an idea of the level of comfort Russell has brought to Everest.

I am betting that you won’t see the luxurious white dome in the final cut of Everest: Beyond the Limit.  It was left out of Season 1, and I don’t recall it being shown in season two.  I do remember reporting about his set-up during season two.  Most of the other expeditions are in awe of the luxury, or look down upon the attempt at making one of the most inhospitable environments a little more friendly.  To them, luxury is not Everest.

The Discovery Channel Everest film blog also tells us that Russell’s 2009 Himex team consists of 26 people.  Each of these individuals have paid upwards of $50-75,000 each for the chance at the summit of Everest.  That may explain why the Basecamp for Himex is a bit more luxurious than most.  Add in the benefits of having one of the world’s most reknown Everest authorities as your guide, an impeccable safety record, and an 80-90% success rate for summits and you can see why Himex always gains attention on Everest.

How is this for a look at the menu?

There was no handwritten menu, but let me tell you, there are freezers with beef steaks, salmon and chicken, and there is real mayonnaise! They had grilled tomatoes topped with melted cheese, scones with cream cheese and strawberry jam, fresh fruit and vegetables. I’m sorry to go on, but up here we spend entire evenings fantasizing about food like this.

When most climbers are choking down protein bars, rice pudding/porridge, and beef jerky, Himex’s menu is sure to make even the strongest climbers weak in the knees.

If your going to dish out $50,000 on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you might as well do so in the lap of luxury and hope that the luxury will eventual land you on the summit of Mt. Everest.  If not?  Well, at least you had some delicious scones, watched some cool movies on plasma flatscreens, and enjoyed a very cool $50,000 Nepali vacation like few others have the chance to experience.

What do you think of the Himex luxury?  Is it to much for one of the world’s greatest adventures?  Should it be a more rugged experience?  Chime in with your thoughts in the comments below.