Ben Ayers

Ben is a journalist, writer, National Geographic Explorer, and humanitarian who has been based in Nepal for over 20 years. In addition to founding and leading two successful nonprofits in Nepal, Ben is an award-winning film producer and director. His work includes The Last Honey Hunter (2017), which won 17 international awards including the Cartel Award for Best Documentary at the Camden International Film Festival.

Latest Stories

Exploration & Survival

You Have Questions About the Nepal Floods. Our Himalayan Expert Has Answers.

Ben Ayers has lived in Nepal for the last 25 years, and worked as a rescuer during the 2015 earthquake. Ayers offers insight into the devastating floods that killed hundreds and left thousands missing.

August 29, 20261

Exploration & Survival

What Really Happened on Broad Peak, the Deadliest High-Alpine Tragedy in More than a Decade

Ten climbers set out to summit the notorious Broad Peak during a narrow weather window. None of them made it back alive. This is what really happened during the expedition and the harrowing body recovery mission that followed.

August 7, 20265

Exploration & Survival

Search Parties Begin to Recover Bodies Following the Broad Peak Avalanche Tragedy

Rescuers are searching the 26,400-foot peak, while nearby K2 expeditions have been canceled to assist in recovery operations.

July 31, 2026

Exploration & Survival

World-Famous Climber Nims Purja Is Among 10 Missing Following an Avalanche

A massive avalanche on the 26,400-foot-tall Broad Peak has left ten climbers missing, including Nirmal “Nims” Purja.

August 1, 20261

Everest

How Tyler Andrews Shattered the 23-Year-Old Everest Ascent Speed Record

After years of chasing a purist, no-oxygen record, the American ultrarunner pivoted to supplemental gas—and shattered a 23-year-old speed record by over an hour.

June 25, 20261

Everest

What’s Inside a Mount Everest Sherpa's Bag? Everyone Else’s Gear.

Think your job is tough? Chhebe Bhote, a Mount Everest climbing Sherpa, ascended 35,000 vertical feet and carried at least 400 pounds up and down the mountain during the 2026 season. Bhote shows us what’s inside his 90-pound pack.

June 10, 20261

Everest

Hillary Dawa Sherpa Survived Six Days Alone on Mount Everest After Being Left on the Peak

The Everest guiding world has been transfixed by the unbelievable survival story of Hillary Dawa Sherpa, who was left for dead on the mountain

June 6, 20262

Everest

Update: A Sherpa Guide on Mount Everest Has Been Rescued Six Days After Going Missing

On June 4, Nepali officials found Hillary Dawa Sherpa crawling out of the Khumbu Icefall, nearly six days after he went missing below Camp IV on Mount Everest

June 3, 20263

Everest

Two Climbers Died on Mount Everest After Reaching the Summit

Two climbers of Indian origin died on Mount Everest on May 22. Both had reached the top and perished while descending.

May 22, 20262

Everest

He’s Climbed Mount Everest 32 Times. Here’s What He Thinks About Mountaineering Records.

We recently sat down with Kami Rita Sherpa, the record holder for most ascents of Mount Everest. He shares his thoughts on the mountain’s sacred reputation, the growth of the climbing industry, and what Everest hopefuls should know about the peak.

May 20, 20261

Everest

This Crazy Ski Descent Near Mount Everest Has the Mountaineering World Buzzing

Ski mountaineer Bartek Ziemski doesn’t do social media or sponsorships. But he just skied down Lhotse and Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen in dramatic fashion.

May 19, 2026

Everest

Climbing Mount Everest Will Never Be Easy. Mountaineers Explain Why.

Sure, advancements in technology guiding techniques have made Mount Everest easier than in the days of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. Experts explain why reaching the summit is still a punishing feat of endurance, resilience, and good fortune.

May 26, 2026

Everest

You Have Questions About Mount Everest. Our Reporter at Base Camp Has Answers.

Do you have a question about Mount Everest, Nepal, or adventuring in the Himalayas? Drop your inquiry in the comments section of this post. Ben Ayers, who is stationed at Everest Base Camp, will write you an honest answer.

May 13, 20264

Everest

Mount Everest Live Updates: Officials Expect Summit Climbs to Surpass 950

The climbing season on Mount Everest is speeding toward its close, as Nepali officials are slated to take down the ladders and ropes in the Khumbu Icefall on Friday, May 29.

May 28, 2026

Everest

She Escaped the Taliban. Now She’s Climbing Mount Everest.

River Ahmad survived a Taliban massacre as a teenager. Now, she’s climbing Mount Everest to inspire other Afghan women to chase their dreams.

May 12, 2026

Everest

A Second Climber Has Died on Mount Everest amid Preparation for the Summit Push

Bijaya Ghimire, a high-altitude worker from Nepal, collapsed and died while ascending the Khumbu Icefall. Ghimire broke caste barriers in Nepal’s climbing community.

May 10, 20261

Everest

I Brought a Ton of Gear on the Hike to Mount Everest Base Camp. These 8 Items Were My Favorites.

Our Mount Everest reporter recently completed the 11-day hike to Base Camp. These boots, gaiters, jackets, and masks helped him thrive in the rocky terrain and extreme elements.

May 8, 2026

Everest

Drones Were Supposed to Make Mount Everest Safer. Then the Government Stepped In.

The government of Nepal recently canceled cargo drone operations on Everest, cutting off a valuable tool for guiding companies. The decision left politicians, outfitters, and the drone operators scratching their heads.

May 6, 20261

Everest

There Was a Dramatic Rescue in Mount Everest’s Khumbu Icefall

Another climber captured video of the frantic operation to free the two people who were buried by ice after a serac collapsed in the Khumbu Icefall

May 5, 2026

Everest

The Guiding Industry on Mount Everest Just Suffered the First Death of the 2026 Season

A 52-year-old guide and mountain worker died while hiking from Gorak Shep to Base Camp, marking the first 2026 fatality for the Everest industry

May 3, 20262

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Ben Ayers

Latest Stories

You Have Questions About the Nepal Floods. Our Himalayan Expert Has Answers.

What Really Happened on Broad Peak, the Deadliest High-Alpine Tragedy in More than a Decade

Search Parties Begin to Recover Bodies Following the Broad Peak Avalanche Tragedy

World-Famous Climber Nims Purja Is Among 10 Missing Following an Avalanche

How Tyler Andrews Shattered the 23-Year-Old Everest Ascent Speed Record

What’s Inside a Mount Everest Sherpa's Bag? Everyone Else’s Gear.

Hillary Dawa Sherpa Survived Six Days Alone on Mount Everest After Being Left on the Peak

Update: A Sherpa Guide on Mount Everest Has Been Rescued Six Days After Going Missing

Two Climbers Died on Mount Everest After Reaching the Summit

He’s Climbed Mount Everest 32 Times. Here’s What He Thinks About Mountaineering Records.

This Crazy Ski Descent Near Mount Everest Has the Mountaineering World Buzzing

Climbing Mount Everest Will Never Be Easy. Mountaineers Explain Why.

You Have Questions About Mount Everest. Our Reporter at Base Camp Has Answers.

Mount Everest Live Updates: Officials Expect Summit Climbs to Surpass 950

She Escaped the Taliban. Now She’s Climbing Mount Everest.

A Second Climber Has Died on Mount Everest amid Preparation for the Summit Push

I Brought a Ton of Gear on the Hike to Mount Everest Base Camp. These 8 Items Were My Favorites.

Drones Were Supposed to Make Mount Everest Safer. Then the Government Stepped In.

There Was a Dramatic Rescue in Mount Everest’s Khumbu Icefall

The Guiding Industry on Mount Everest Just Suffered the First Death of the 2026 Season

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