Time to climb with Everest summit conquerer Billi Bierling

Billi Bierling is a professional climber based in Kathmandu and Islamabad and summited Mt Everest, the tallest peak in the world, in 2009. She gives us the scoop on the latest climbing routes, must-have gear, and has a little Everest secret just for us.

CNNGo: What are the best Himalayan climbing routes to try this season?

Billi Bierling: One of the remoter treks in the Nepal Himalaya is the Manaslu Trek. It is still relatively underdeveloped, even though expeditions have been coming through the region to climb Manaslu, the seventh highest mountain in the world, since the 1950s. It is actually quite interesting that the main town, Samagoan, only has a little shack as a school and there is no health facility. And as Manaslu does not really have many teahouses, the Manaslu trek is usually fully supported with tents and a team of porters, Sherpas and cooks. The highest point of the trek is the Larkya La at 5,215 meters, which is quite a strenuous day. 

Another fantastic trek I did a few years ago is a trail to the two villages of Nar and Phu. It starts at the very beginning of the Annapurna Circuit and then veers off towards the Tibetan border in the East. The two villages, especially Nar, are amazing and the trek is still relatively remote. You need a special permit for the trek, but it is certainly worth it. The trek itself is relatively easy, as it does not include any high passes.

Then of course there is the Everest Base Camp, which can get pretty crowded, especially in the climbing season from April to late May. With Ama Dablam -- "the Matterhorn of Asia" -- dominating the skyline for most of the trek, it is a magnificent landscape. The Everest Base Camp trail is also called the Coca Cola trail, as it offers everything from Internet to cappuccinos and pizzas and there is even an ATM machine in Namche Bazaar now. If you need anything in terms of climbing or trekking gear, Namche Bazaar offers an amazing range of clothing.

CNNGo: When is the best time to venture out during the Spring climbing season (and Summer if at all)?

Billi Bierling: It depends on what you are looking for. The classic trekking seasons are April and May and then again in October and November, with the latter being a little bit better as the monsoon rains have normally cleared the air, making the views magnificent. Both these trekking seasons can get quite busy and I have to say that I have done a few treks in December and they were fantastic. People worry that December might be too cold, but the days are actually quite warm and clear; of course the nights are colder, but with the right gear and a good sleeping bag you can get quite cozy in one of the many teahouses. I think the Everest Base Camp trek is great to do in December -- not many people, stupendous views, and cozy, warm, empty teahouses.

The summer months are normally too rainy to trek. It is a real shame when you put all this effort into treks and exhaust yourself for a couple of weeks and don't get a view at all. And on top of all that the leeches normally attack the trekkers, which can be a real nuisance. However, when I went to Nar and Phu in July 2006 we had clear days almost every day, which I guess was partly due to the fact that we were trekking in the rain shadow. Places like Tibet or Lhadak in Northern India are good to trek in the summer, as they are also in the rain shadow.

CNNGo: What’s one thing you haven't told anyone about your summit of Everest?

Billi Bierling: I have not told many people this, but on my way down from the summit I needed to pee very urgently and I actually managed to pee on the Hillary Step! As I summited quite late (9:50am on May 21st) there was noone else around, apart from my climbing mate Deano who asked me how much privacy I needed. So, I just unzipped my huge downsuit and managed to 'christen' the Hillary Step.

CNNGo: One thing you absolutely must try on the mountains before you die?

Billi Bierling: Climb Everest without oxygen.

CNNGo: What is the latest buzz in climbing gear and where to buy?

Billi Bierling: When I was on Everest I was amazed to see that most climbers had heated insoles. I had never seen or heard about them before and I didn't have any. One of my climbing mates who left the expedition early gave me his insoles and they were amazing. They are basically normal insoles with some thin wires that are attached to a battery pack. The battery pack goes on the outside of your boots and there are three heat levels. They certainly kept my feet warm on Everest.

Another favorite brand of mine is Wild Roses. They are an Italian outdoor clothing company, whose slogan is "Developed for women by women." As someone with long arms and long legs, but being relatively slim, I always have problems finding outdoor gear that fits me. Wild Roses just makes the right stuff and even though it is in the price range of Arc'teryx and is quite expensive, it is great gear and very stylish on top of it.

As far as trekking shops in Kathmandu go, I love Shona's -- it is a tiny little shop in Thamel and if you want to go and climb Everest and have nothing you can get everything in the shop.

Reputable trekking companies for the Himalayas:

(NOTE: These are recommendations from other climbers)

Himalaya Journey
Recommended for all levels of experience.

Asian Trekking
Premier trekking company leading eco-friendly Everest Expeditions.

Dharma Adventures
Founder has been operating trips in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet for the last 18 years.

Snow Leopard Trek
For treks in Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet, and Bhutan.

3 Sisters Adventure Trekking
Female-friendly, operated and run by women.