A Himalayan Expedition and Feature Film Like No Other

We’re thrilled to announce that KE Adventure Travel are sponsoring adventurers Matt Sharman and Hamish Frost's expedition to the remote Kangchenjunga region of Nepal. Far from just a mountaineering expedition, the team are aiming to recreate what is believed to be the first photo of Everest taken by Vittorio Sella in 1899, a feat that has not been achieved in the last 125 years.

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 as well as the team's research into the iconic photographer, Sella, will be featured in a film by Matt Sharman, Dom Bush and Hamish Frost: "A Thousand Words".

Where To Watch The Film

The film will feature their journey from the archives of the Alpine Club in London to the heart of the Himalaya, following in the footsteps of legendary mountaineer and photographer Vittorio Sella. Along the way, it explores the power and evolution of a single photograph, from the golden age of exploration to the role images play in adventure and everyday life today.

"A Thousand Words" premieres at the prestigious Kendal Mountain Festival on Friday 21 November 2025. Get your tickets below and read on to discover more about this extraordinary expedition.

Get your tickets here.

The photo Vittorio Sella took in 1899, with Everest on the right. Photo credit - Alpine Club Photo Library, London.

003431 – Everest, by Vittorio Sella, 1899. The photo comes from the Sella album, ‘On the Roof of the World’.

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, Matt Hardy, Hel Lawrie and Simon Sylvester who are providing expertise to the project.

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, KE also provided assistance with the planning of the trip. For over 40 years the Greater Himalayas have been our heartland, an area in which we are the true experts in adventure travel.

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.