We’re excited to announce that KE are sponsoring adventurers Matt Sharman and Hamish Frost's expedition to the remote Kangchenjunga region of Nepal. Far from just a mountaineering expedition (although it might include a 6,000 metre peak), the team are aiming to recreate what is believed to be the first photo taken of Everest by Vittorio Sella in 1899.

As the leading experts in Himalayan adventure travel for over 40 years, we’re proud to support this remarkable expedition that connects deeply with our heritage and expertise in the region.

The expedition will be featured in a film by Matt Sharman, Dom Bush and Hamish Frost: "A Thousand Words". The film will document the journey they undertook in Nepal and elsewhere but also investigate the power and evolution of a photograph within adventure travel, and into our everyday life. The film is set to premier at the prestigious Kendal Mountain Festival in November 2025 and possibly beyond in other film festivals in the UK and around the world, as well as being available online through the KMF Player.

Vittorio Sella (1859–1943) was an Italian mountaineer, explorer and pioneering photographer, renowned for his breathtaking images of some of the world's most remote and challenging mountain landscapes. Born in Biella, Northern Italy, he combined his passion for climbing with a mastery of large-format photography, producing images that remain iconic in the history of both mountaineering and photography.

In 1899, while on an expedition documenting the depths of the Himalayas, on the foothills of Kanchenjunga, Sella took what is believed to be the first photo of Everest. This simple panorama gave the pioneering Everest explorers the first glimpses of this fabled mountain, and the hope that it could be conquered.

While the main film protagonists are Hamish and Matt, there are many award winning cinematographers, producers and adventurers involved in this expedition. A mention needs to go to Dom Bush, Hel Lawrie and Simon Sylvester.

Hamish is an adventure and mountain sports photographer based in Scotland. He thrives in cold, wet and challenging conditions, capturing images of athletes pushing their limits in mountain environments. Adopting a fast and light approach to his photography, Hamish takes pride in his ability to move around the mountains quickly, keeping pace with his subjects whilst documenting their stories. His work is rooted in authentic narrative and storytelling, whilst being strongly brand focused.

Matt is a director and producer specialising in adventure and scientific research sectors. He has led multiple expeditions to the Greater Ranges including Everest, Ama Dablam and Mera Peak, combining a comprehensive film and photography skillset with the knowledge and ability to move safely in the mountains. Committed to crafting compelling narratives in demanding locations, Matt has worked with the UN, the Gates Foundation, Porsche and many more.

Far from just sponsoring the expedition, we have offered assistance with the planning of the trip. For over 40 years the Himalayas have been our heartland, where KE all started and where we are the true experts of trekking.

When Matt first mentioned this expedition we got our Himalayan guru, Kit, onto the case of finding this fabled photographic spot, and it didn't take long for him to find something. In actual fact it was a photo from a client on a previous trip in that area, which bears a striking resemblence to the epic landscape photo Sella took. This helped the team to in part, narrow down the area.

We have also drawn in our Nepalese ground team to help with logistical assistance offering advice from locals and those that have trekked in this remote area before.

Before Matt headed off to Nepal we grabbed him to answer a few questions we had about this expedition. Watch the video to learn more about the history, Sella and how KE helped assist .

The short film documenting this adventure will premiere at the Kendal Mountain Festival in November. There will also be an amazing exhibition at the Brewery Arts Centre, where you'll get to see the bridge that is 125 years of mountaineering heritage in a single space.

If you’re feeling inspired by this expedition (we certainly are!), check out our Himalayan adventure range. Whether you’re interested in easy-paced walking in the scenic foothills of the Annapurnas in Nepal or bagging the 6,000m peak of Tsomothang, in Ladakh, India, our expert local guides and carefully crafted itineraries means that you’ll be taking on an adventure of your own.

For updates of Matt, Hamish and the team’s journey, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.