After a short flight from Kathmandu to the mountain hamlet of Lukla, it took me 12 days to reach Base Camp, trekking 160km and climbing 10, 000 feet, hiking through dense forest, over a dozen suspension bridges, above the tree line and, finally, into a frozen landscape of ancient rock and glacial ice.

BBC: Everest's growing problem

Squadron leader Spike Wright, the officer commanding Sea Flight 22 Squadron, said those hoping to visit the mountain and new centre should be prepared for the mountain's dangers.

BBC: Rescue warning over Snowdon cafe

Mr Roberts said his team and the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team would find themselves being called out more often in cases where a flight from Humberside would take too long.

BBC: Boulmer search and rescue: Mountain rescue 'busier'