Tag Archive for: Nepal

Kristen, Sange and Terray near the top of Island Peak (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

It’s with great excitement that we get to share that the Madison Mountaineering Everest Base Camp, Lobuche, and Island Peak team have safely returned following their final climb on Island Peak and are off the mountain. Everyone is doing great, and looking forward to enjoying their final few days in the Himalaya as they descend down the beautiful Khumbu Valley that has been home the last few weeks. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this celebratory dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest Base Camp trek, (5364m/17,598ft) plus Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) climbs – today is November 5th.

Today we had an excellent climb on Island Peak! We left base camp at about midnight and enjoyed a fantastic sunrise just as we were coming up onto the summit ice fields on Island Peak. We had excellent views of Makalu (8463m/27766ft) in the distance, Baruntse (7162m/23,497ft) across the valley, plus the upper ridge line of Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and the south face of Lhotse, and the rarely seen northern aspects of Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) which are very spectacular.

After the climb we descended down to base camp and walked down to Chukhung (4730m/15,520ft). We just wrapped up dinner here and are looking forward to a good night of sleep. Tomorrow we will descend to Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft), with a stop at the bakery in Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft). So, we’ll be in touch tomorrow! All is going well here in Nepal.

Climbers on the summit of Island Peak (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Climbers on the summit of Island Peak (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Descending toward base camp with Ama Dablam and other peaks in the distance (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Descending toward base camp with Ama Dablam and other peaks in the distance (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

On the summit icefields of Island Peak / Imja Tse (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

On the summit icefields of Island Peak / Imja Tse (Photo by Terray Sylvester)


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram:

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering team has settled into their base camp and is primed and ready to make their summit push on Island Peak! The team continues to have excellent weather, with hopes of more perfect weather and climbing conditions on their final objective tomorrow. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Island Peak Base Camp:

Hello from Island Peak Base Camp! This morning we trekked here from Chukhung (4730m/15,520ft) with dramatic views of the south face of Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), the northerly aspects of Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) and, beside our base camp, the beautiful Imja Lake (5004m/16,417ft) with icebergs floating in it. The team is doing well. We’ve packed our kit for the climb and now we’re resting in preparation for an early start. We’ll be in touch tomorrow evening!


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram:

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Rested up and recovered after a stellar climb on Lobuche East, the Madison Mountaineering team was back on the trail today headed in the direction of their final climb, Island Peak! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this brief dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest Base Camp trek, (5364m/17,598ft) plus Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) climbs – today is November 3rd.

We moved from Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) to Chukhung (4730m/15,520ft) today on our way up to Island Peak! It was another beautiful day with great views of the valley, above Dingboche, excellent views of Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Island Peak and Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) off to our right. Tomorrow we will move to Island Peak base camp! We’ll be in touch then.


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram:

Near the summit of Lobuche East (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering expedition team had a great day in Dingboche after yesterdays safe and successful ascent of Lobuche East! Today they rested, recovered, and enjoyed a treat at the famous Cafe 4410 as they prepare to head into the mountains again tomorrow, this time to Island Peak! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest Base Camp, (5364m/17,598ft) Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) expedition – today is November 2nd.

Today we took a rest day in Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft). It was a beautiful, sunny day! So, we took showers, washed clothes and relaxed in the wonderful bakery here, Cafe 4410. Tomorrow we will move up to Island Peak Base Camp and begin our Island Peak ascent tomorrow night.

So, everything is well here in the Khumbu and we will be in touch tomorrow!

Evening light on Lobuche East (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Evening light on Lobuche East (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Walking to Dingboche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Walking to Dingboche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram:

Lobuche East and Island Peak climber, Kim approaching the summit of Lobuche East (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

It’s with great pleasure to announce that the Madison Mountaineering Lobuche East and Island Peak team topped out on Lobuche East today under beautiful, clear-blue skies and with perfect views of the surrounding Himalayan range! The team left under dark and starry skies, ascending from their high camp and onto the summit with fantastic views of the mountains around and valleys below. With a day of rest ahead, the team will recover and prepare for their next climb, Island Peak! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft) trek, and Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) climbs – today is November 1st.

Today we topped out on Lobuche East in excellent weather! We started out at about 1:30 AM under starry skies and topped out with excellent views of Makalu (8463m/27,766ft), and Cho Oyu (8188m/26,864ft), and many other peaks in the Khumbu area. Then we descended back to our high camp and continued descending on to Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) where we’ll spend the night.

Tomorrow we’ll take a rest day and then head on up to Island Peak base camp! Meanwhile, our Everest Base Camp trekkers arrived back in Namche (3440m/11,290ft). They are planning to do a scenic helicopter flight in the morning, and then travel back to Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft).

So, all is well here in the Khumbu and we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Climbers Kim and Kristen celebrating on the summit of Lobuche East with Dawa Tenzi Sherpa (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Climbers Kim and Kristen celebrating on the summit of Lobuche East with Dawa Tenzi Sherpa (Photo by Terray Sylvester)


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram:

Photo from the Spring, 2023 Lobuche East expedition.

The Madison Mountaineering Lobuche East and Island Peak climbers have parted ways with the Everest Base Camp trekkers and are positioned to make their summit push in just a few hours! The team did some skills training in camp today, and are feeling primed and ready to go for the summit. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this brief dispatch from Lobuche East High Camp:

Hello from Lobuche East High Camp! We moved here from Lobuche village this morning after breakfast, then did another session of skills training after lunch.

We just enjoyed a tasty dinner and are going to bed. The team is in good shape and the weather forecast is good. We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s climb!


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram:

The team at base camp! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering team reached Everest base camp today with beautiful weather! This marks their turn around point, where our trekkers will trek down the valley back to Lukla, and board their flight out of the Himalaya. Meanwhile, our Lobuche East and Island Peak climbers still have more to do before making their departure. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Lobuche village:

Hello! This is Terray calling in from Nepal for the Madison Mountaineering Everest base camp (5364m/17,598ft) trek, and Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) climbs – today is October 30th.

Today we had a big day! We touched Everest base camp, we left Gorak Shep (5164m/16,942ft) early and enjoyed solitude on the trails to base camp, as well as more fantastic weather. We arrived in base camp around 9:30, enjoyed the sun, took a lot of pictures, and then we walked back to Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft). We’re getting ready for dinner here in Lobuche now. We had light snow this evening, but also some alpenglow on Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) high above us.

We’re looking forward to tomorrow! Tomorrow our trekkers will continue down the valley to Deboche where they’ll enjoy some hot showers and cozy accommodations at the Rivendell Lodge. Our Lobuche East climbers will move up to Lobuche East high camp!

So, we’ll be in touch! All is well in Nepal.


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram:

The team topping out on Kala Patthar with excellent views of Mount Everest (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Everest base camp trekking team reached their high point today, ascending Kala Patthar which is considered a trekkers peak that overlooks Everest base camp and with 360 degree views of the mountains, valleys and glaciers all around. The team could not have asked for better weather and took their time while they soaked up the sun and views at over 18,000 feet. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest base camp (5364m/17,598ft) trek, and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) and Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) climbs – today is October 29th.

Today we trekked from Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft) to Gorak Shep (5164m/16,942ft). We had a nice lunch and then we hiked up to the top of Kala Patthar (5644m/18,519ft), which is higher than 18,000 feet – about 5,500 meters which would make it just about as high as the third highest peak in North America, but here of course, it’s just a foothill among giants. However, we had excellent views of Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft), Pumori (7161m/23,494ft), and even just a peak of Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft)! It can be pretty cold on Kala Patthar at times, but we got really lucky with the weather. We were able to bask in the sun for a little while, take some pictures, and then we hiked down to Gorak Shep where we’ll spend the night!

Tomorrow we’ve got another exciting day! We’ll go to Everest base camp and then we’ll start trekking back down the Khumbu Valley. So, we’re all doing well here in the Khumbu and I’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Everest and Nuptse, with Lhotse just barely visible (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Everest and Nuptse, with Lhotse just barely visible (Photo by Terray Sylvester)


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram:

Crossing Thuk La Pass (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The excellent weather continues for our teams in the Himalaya this fall! Today, the Madison Mountaineering Everest base camp trekkers, along with our Island Peak and Lobuche East climbers trekked up the Khumbu Valley from Pheriche to Lobuche village. They took in surrounding views, stopped at the climbers memorial on Thuk La Pass, and settled into their rooms for the night before following their noses to the famous bakery in Lobuche village for a treat! Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest base camp (5364m/17,598ft) trek, and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) and Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) climbs. Today we trekked from Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) to Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft). We stopped for lunch at Dughla (4620m/15,160ft), then climbed over the Thuk La Pass and spent a few moments at the climbers memorial there, and then continued to Lobuche village.

The great weather has continued! We had excellent panoramic views of all the high peaks from Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) to Cholatse (6440m/21,130ft) to Pumori (7161m/23,494ft) and over to the west shoulder of Everest (8848m/29,032ft) as we approached Lobuche.

So this afternoon we’ve been relaxing in the bakery cafe here in Lobuche, reportedly the highest bakery on the planet and we’re looking forward to dinner tonight! Tomorrow we’ll move to Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft) and hike up Kala Patthar (5644m/18,519ft) where we’ll get an excellent view of the summit of Everest! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Lobuche East and Island Peak climber, Thomas hiking out of the Pheriche valley (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Lobuche East and Island Peak climber, Thomas hiking out of the Pheriche valley (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Fun in the sun on the way to Lobuche Village (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Fun in the sun on the way to Lobuche Village (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The trail to Lobuche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The trail to Lobuche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Approaching Thuk La Pass (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Approaching Thuk La Pass (Photo by Terray Sylvester)


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram:

The team enjoying a sunny day at almost 5000m with Taboche and Cholatse in the distance (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The team took a well-deserved active rest day today in Pheriche with a hike above the village to take in the views and continue their acclimatization efforts. After descending from todays high point, the team made a stop at Cafe 4410 to fuel up and relax before making the hike back to their lodge. Tonight, our climbers will do some technical skills review and a gear check as they prepare for their upcoming climbs! Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest base camp (5364m/17,598ft) trek, as well as the Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) and Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) climbs – today is October 27th.

Today we took an active rest day here in Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft). We went for an acclimatization hike to almost 5,000 meters, above Pheriche, and then dropped down into Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) to relax in Cafe 4410 where we had some great pizza, coffee, fresh juice… Then (we) walked back to our lodge here in Pheriche! We’ll spend the evening reviewing some technical skills with our climbers and then have a nice early dinner and go to bed.

Tomorrow we’ve got a big day moving to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft)! So all is well here in the Khumbu and we’ll be in touch.

EBC trekker, Max acclimatizing above Pheriche with Ama Dablam in the background (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

EBC trekker, Max acclimatizing above Pheriche with Ama Dablam in the background (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Descending back to Pheriche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Descending back to Pheriche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)


In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.

Instagram: