KE Adventure Travel are proud to announce their sponsorship of an extraordinary 30-day expedition to Nepal's remote Kanchenjunga region, exactly 70 years on from the first ascent by British climbers Joe Brown and George Band. The expedition aims to recreate what is believed to be the first-ever photograph of Mount Everest, taken by Italian photographer Vittorio Sella in 1899, a feat that has not been achieved in the last 125 years. 

Led by former KE Adventure Travel employee Matt Sharman and world-renowned adventure photographer Hamish Frost, the expedition will aim to recreate the pioneering photograph by using an authentic 5x4 large format film. The ambitious project combines adventure with detective work and will be documented in a short film, 'A Thousand Words'.

Matt Sharman, multi-time expedition leader to Everest, explains the significance of Sella's original photograph:

“In 1899, when Sella picked his spot close to Kanchenjunga, virtually nothing was known about Mount Everest. Surveying techniques proved it to be the highest mountain in the world, but no-one had ever been there. Vittorio Sella's iconic image became a true call to adventure. Our culture spins into a kaleidoscope of images that are quick, easy and very often lazy, so what's the value of a photograph hard-earned through time, toil and trouble? In tracing Sella's journey, we hope to find answers.” 

The expedition aims to address profound questions about a future of AI content on demand. When technology gives us everything at once, why should we take the difficult route? Is the end result more important than the journey? What value remains in physically standing on the location to capture a photograph? 

Rachel Farr, Head of Marketing at KE Adventure said: “We are thrilled to be involved with this expedition and to be supporting Matt and the team on their quest. KE Adventure has been leading trips to Nepal and the Greater Himalaya area for 40 years, including to Kangchenjunga and we pride ourselves on our expertise and knowledge of the area. Our Himalaya Product Manager, Kit Wilkinson, has been helping Matt identify routes to help in the mission to recreate the photo.  All of us here at KE wish Matt and Hamish every success in their expedition and will be closely following their journey.” 

The results of the expedition and the journey will premiere as a film, "A Thousand Words", at the Kendal Mountain Festival in November. An exhibition at the Brewery Arts Centre will bridge the 125-year gap in mountaineering heritage by juxtaposing Sella's original iconic image with contemporary work of Hamish Frost.

Please find here:

Watch our Interview with Matt Sharman
Visit KE Adventure Travel's “A Thousand Words” webpage

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KE Adventure Travel offers 360 active adventures in around 100 countries, creating expertly guided small group and self-guided adventures worldwide. Best known for its pioneering itineraries, KE creates unforgettable adventures for active travellers of all abilities. Based in Keswick in the Lake District, KE is passionate about creating unique travel experiences for their customers. Established in 1984, KE Adventure Travel is a member of ABTA (W4341), AITO (5075) and holds an ATOL license (2808). www.keadventure.com.

Please contact Marketing Executive Ella Pattinson at ella@keadventure.com for further information or images.