On two expeditions to the Sky Tombs of Upper Mustang, Nepal, I was able to film and photograph an amazing team of climbers and scientists as they pieced together the ancient history of the region.

We tend to focus on the summit as the sole barometer of success - on mountains and in life - but come to find the top of the mountain is just a small part of the journey.

A random conversation about the Buddha and quantum physics on the slopes of Cho Oyu sparked thoughts about rigidity of faith 23 years ago, which continue to this day.

Lessons from Everest - and life - about hope, fear, challenges, and how to manage it all as we approach the new year.