Tim Howell Chasing the Highest Wingsuit Jump That will ever be

Tim Howell Returns to Lhotse for the World’s Highest Wingsuit Jump

Howell Flying over Aconcangua Photo: Tim Howell

Last year, British wingsuit pilot and BASE jumper Tim Howell set his sights on making history with the highest wingsuit jump ever attempted from the summit ridge of Lhotse. But as he sat perched at nearly 8,000 meters, watching the weather close in, he was forced to make the tough call to abandon his attempt. Now, he’s heading back with a refined strategy and an even greater determination to complete the jump.

A New Benchmark in Wingsuit Flying

Potential launh points for the Lhoste flight. Photo: Tim Howell

Howell’s goal isn’t just to set a record—it’s to establish an exit point so high that no one else will have the chance to surpass it. With Everest offering no suitable cliffs for takeoff, Lhotse’s summit ridge provides the best opportunity for this historic leap. The plan requires climbing the normal route up Lhotse before veering toward one of three potential launch sites, where he will wait for optimal conditions before launching off the South Face.

Lessons from 2024: Smarter, Stronger, and More Prepared

This year’s attempt isn’t just a repeat—it’s a refined version based on hard-earned experience. In 2024, Howell was sidelined by a severe case of Khumbu cough, which put him in the hospital for three days mid-expedition. To avoid a repeat, he’s adjusting his pace, using air-warming masks, and fine-tuning his acclimatization plan.

Perhaps the biggest change is in his approach to timing. Since the chosen exit point isn’t at the true summit of Lhotse but rather an ice gully lower down, Howell and his team no longer need to wait for summit ropes to be fixed. Instead, they can move as soon as Camp 3 is established, potentially saving up to three weeks.

Stronger Support, Better Chances

This year, Howell is stepping up his game with increased manpower from outfitter Climbing The 7 Summits. A larger Sherpa team will assist in fixing ropes along their alternative ascent route, ensuring Howell and his team can reach the jump site efficiently. The added support also allows him to carry gear for both a wingsuit flight and a standard BASE jump, giving him flexibility based on conditions.

Guide Jon Gupta on the Lhotse Ridge. Photo: Jon Gupta

The Flight

Like in 2024, Howell will climb with supplemental oxygen but won’t use it for the flight itself. His descent will take him southwest toward Chukhung village at 4,730 meters. To withstand the extreme temperatures, Howell has modified his wingsuit with down insulation while also planning to remove extra layers just before takeoff. Heated shoes and gloves will help ensure he maintains dexterity in the bitter cold.

A Career Defined by Firsts

Tim Howell is no stranger to pioneering wingsuit jumps. He was the first to launch from the summits of Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro and has spent seven years climbing and BASE jumping all six of the Great North Faces of the Alps. Now, he’s on the brink of adding another groundbreaking feat to his resume—the highest wingsuit flight in history.

Photo: Tim Howell

With better preparation, stronger support, and an adaptable strategy, Howell is ready to return to Lhotse and take his sport to new heights—literally. Stay tuned as he chases history once again.

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