Dispatches

Ama Dablam 2026

Skills review for Ama Dablam

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team had another excellent day in the Himalaya today, practicing technical skills and cleaning up trash from around base camp and higher up the mountain. Everyone is doing great and looking sharp for the climb ahead! With some weather forecasted tomorrow, the team will wait to see how conditions shape up before going ahead with their plan for the day. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Ama Dablam base camp:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 28.

Today was another beautiful day here in the Khumbu Valley of Nepal. So we spent the morning practicing technical skills in the training zone on the outskirts of base camp (4600m/15,100ft). We practiced fixed-line ascent and descent techniques. The team did really well! And then we spent the afternoon resting.

Tomorrow, we will play it by ear. It looks like some snow is coming our way as a result of a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. So depending on how much snow falls, we may head out for an acclimatization hike, or maybe we’ll just hunker down in base camp and wait out the weather.

Today we also did another day of cleanup. Our crews picked up about 20 kilos of trash from above base camp and up toward the base of the ridge below Camp 2 (5980m/19,619ft). So that feels good and we’ll keep working on that as the expedition progresses!

We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Our climber, Calvin, getting ready to rappel.

Good times in high places!

Our climber, Naomi, practicing technical skills at the foot of Ama Dablam.

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:

October 28, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ama Dablam 2026

Ama Dablam Base Camp

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team has arrived in their base camp at the foot of the mountain! Widely considered one of the most beautiful peaks on the planet, it’s not a bad place to call home for the next few weeks… The team moved strongly and swiftly up the trail from Pangboche, even collecting some trash along the way as we kick off our cleanup efforts. After dropping our bags and settling into our tents in camp, the team came together for the pre-climb puja ceremony, which is an important piece of our expeditions in the Himalaya and Karakoram. It’s good to be in base camp! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition 2026 edition. Today is the 27th of October.

This morning, we left our lodge in Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft) around 8:00 a.m. and hiked up to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4600m/15,100ft). It took us just about two and a half hours to get here. Overall, our team is really strong and they made great progress today. Ama Dablam Base Camp is about 4,500 meters, but temperatures were really nice when we arrived. It was another clear, sunny day.

We had some ramen, some tea, rested a bit, and then we had our pre-climb puja. Today’s a very auspicious day for ceremonies, according to the Tibetan calendar. So we had our regular expedition puja to ask the mountain for safe passage. That went really well! And then we’ve spent the rest of the afternoon resting. We’re about to have dinner and then we’ll head to bed. We’re expecting a beautiful night tonight! The skies are clear, so the stars should be really brilliant this evening.

In other news, we started our cleanup effort today. We collected trash as we hiked up to Ama Dablam base camp, just what we could find along the trail. It was good. We got two small bags full and we’ll continue that in the days to come as we do our first rotation on the mountain and then possibly during summit push. But our crews will head out tomorrow to begin picking up trash above base camp.

We’re going to partner with Sagarmatha Next for this. In the past, we’ve donated old fixed-lines and other gear from Ama Dablam and other mountains to Sagarmatha Next. And when we visited them while we were in Namche (3440m/11,290ft) on our trek up the valley, they said that they can definitely use some more equipment, which is excellent material for their resident artists! We also partner with the SPCC on these cleanups, the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee.

Okay, we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

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:

October 27, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ama Dablam 2026

Blessings at the Pangboche Monastery

Crossing the Imja Khola River (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team had a short day on the trail, moving from Deboche to Pangboche. More beautiful weather shined overhead as the team moved efficiently while taking in the views surrounding them. There’s been no shortage of amazing views so far! After settling into our lodge, the team made their way towards the Pangboche Monastery, where they received a blessing from the Lama. Now, the team is settled in for the evening and looking ahead to the move to base camp tomorrow! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalayas:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 26th.

Today, we trekked from Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) to Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft). We arrived in Pangboche mid morning, had some nice ginger lemon tea. And then we went up to the Pangboche Monastery, which is the oldest one in the Khumbu Valley, and received a blessing from the Lama there. After that, we headed down to our lodge, the Shyar Khumbu, and had a nice lunch. And now we’re relaxing until dinner!

Today was a shorter day, which is nice. It gives us a bit more time to rest before we move to base camp (4600m/15,100ft) tomorrow. The weather was great again here in the Khumbu Valley, and we’re looking forward to more of the same for the next couple of days. Well be in touch tomorrow.

Ama Dablam rising above the team (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:

October 26, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ama Dablam 2026

Tengoche Monastery

Entering Tengboche Gompa (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team took to the trail again today, leaving their stay in Namche Bazaar and continuing on to Deboche. The team trekked under clear skies and with excellent views of the surrounding peaks, and some wildlife too! Along the way, we stopped at Tengboche Monastery which is the largest gompa in the region, then made our way to the neighboring cafe to fuel up before pushing onto our next stop. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 25th.

Today we trekked from Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft) to the village of Deboche (3820m/12,532ft). It was another fantastic day here in the Khumbu Valley; blue skies, not a cloud in sight! So we had great views of some of the many giant peaks in this region including Taboche (6495m/21,309ft) and Cholatse (6440m/21,130ft), Thamserku (6623m/21,729ft), Kangtega (6782m/22,251ft), Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), and our objective, Ama Dablam.

We stopped for lunch in Phunki Tenga (3250m/10,663ft), and then we climbed the hill through the rhododendron forests to Tengboche Monastery. We toured the monastery, and then afterwards we relaxed at the cafe next door, had some espresso drinks and pastries.Then we descended to Deboche.

We also had two wildlife sightings today. We saw Himalayan Goral in the rhododendrons below Tengboche, and we spotted a Danphe as well. Those are also called Himalayan Monal, it’s a brightly colored bird that is the national bird of Nepal!

Tomorrow we’re looking forward to moving to Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft). Well be in touch then!

Our climber, Calvin, exploring Tengboche (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Rhonda, spinning prayer wheels at Tengboche Monastery (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Naomi, visiting Tengboche (photo by Terray Sylvester)

A massive prayer wheel at Tengboche (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Great weather in the Khumbu Valley! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Departing from the Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar.

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:

October 25, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ama Dablam 2026

First views of Ama Dablam!

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team finally laid eyes on their objective after several days trekking up the valley. Let’s just say it was worth every step to get there and the team is more excited than ever! After a nice hike, the team sat down for a break to take in the views and some tea, then returned back down to their hotel where they’ll spend one more night before we pack our bags and continue on our way towards the mountain. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 24th.

Today we had an active-rest day here in Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft). We hiked up to the Everest View Hotel, relaxed there, had some tea, and then visited Sagarmatha Next, an environmental NGO in Syangboche, just above Namche Bazaar. And then returned to our lodge and rested for the rest of the afternoon. Today was a beautiful day; clear blue skies, not a cloud in the sky. So we had great views of Ama Dablam, plus Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft), Taboche (6495m/21,309ft), Cholatse (6440m/21,130ft), and many other peaks surrounding us.

Tomorrow we’re looking forward to moving to Deboche (3820m/12,532ft). We’ll be in touch then!

The team at the Everest View Hotel with views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Hiking above Namche Bazaar (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Views of the Everest Massif (photo by Terray Sylvester)

A spectacular day in the Khumbu (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:

October 24, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ama Dablam 2026

Checking in from Namche!

Crossing the Ed Hillary suspension bridge (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team has arrived in Namche Bazaar, which is a favorite stop for many while trekking up the Khumbu Valley! They left Phakding under beautiful, blue skies and had excellent views and temperatures the entire was as they navigated the trail and suspension bridges which lead to their next stop. After dropping their packs, the team followed their noses to Sherpa Barista for coffee, pastries, and some time relaxing. With full bellies after a nice dinner, they are off to bed and looking forward to an active rest day tomorrow. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Namche Bazaar:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the fall 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 23rd.

Today was another beautiful day here in the Khumbu Valley of Nepal. We woke up early and walked from Phakding (2610m/8,562ft) to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft). There wasn’t a cloud in the sky today and we had a really nice time! We stopped for tea and pastries in Monjo (2835m/9,301ft), then entered Sagarmatha National Park, then stopped for a light lunch in Jorsale (2740m/8989ft), and climbed the hill to Namche, along the way, passing the famous Ed Hillary Suspension Bridge.

We spent the afternoon relaxing in Sherpa Barista, one of our favorite hangouts here in Namche Bazaar. And then had a nice dinner and we’re heading to bed now.

Tomorrow we will spend an active rest day above Namche. We’ll be in touch then!

Beautiful views in the Khumbu Valley (photo by Terray Sylvester)

A warm welcome to the Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar.

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:

October 23, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ama Dablam 2026

Clear skies en route to Lukla

Departing Lukla en route to… Ama Dablam! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team enjoyed crystal clear skies and views of the Himalaya hanging high overhead as they buzzed towards Lukla. After touching down, the team fueled up for the day with a nutritious breakfast and began the trek! The team navigated their way through Lukla before trekking down towards the Dudh Khoshi river, across several suspension bridges, and into the next tea house situated within earshot of the river in the village of Phakding. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the autumn 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 22nd.

Today, we left our hotel in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft) at about 5:45 AM, and by just after 8 AM, we were touching down in Lukla (2860m/9,383ft). It was a beautiful day for a heli flight. We had really clear skies and great views of the spine of the Himalayas, all the way from Manaslu (8156m/26,759ft) in the west, to Makalu (8463m/27,766ft) in the east. As we turned into the lower Khumbu Valley, we had really nice views of Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) straight up the valley ahead of us!

After a nice breakfast in Lukla, we hiked to Phakding (2610m/8,562ft) and arrived in time for a good lunch. Now we’re just relaxing before dinner.

Tomorrow we’re looking forward to our trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft), the famous town in the heart of the Khumbu Valley.

So all is well here in Nepal, and we will be in touch tomorrow!

Approaching Lukla (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climbers with sirdar and guide Aang Phurba Sherpa. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Getting ready to board the helicopter en route to Lukla (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climbers Calvin and Rhonda before flying to Lukla (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Naomi, just before lifting off from Kathmandu. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The team crossing the Dudh Khoshi River in Phakding. (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:

October 22, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett

Ama Dablam 2026

Ama Dablam team in Kathmandu!

The 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition is officially underway! The team gathered in Kathmandu over the last few days, going out to tour some of the cities most important religious sites, and getting ready for the expedition to come! With gear checks and an orientation behind them, the team is packing their bags once again and getting ready to fly into the Himalaya tomorrow! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the autumn, 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 21st.

Today we kicked off our expedition. Over the last couple of days, our climbers arrived here in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft). So today we visited two UNESCO World Heritage sites here in the valley: Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath, the major Buddhist zone in Kathmandu and the most important Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley. Then we came back to our hotel, the Yak and Yeti, for our orientation and gear checks. And we just wrapped up dinner at our favorite restaurant here in this part of Kathmandu, Mezze.

Tomorrow morning, we have an early flight scheduled to Lukla (2860m/9,383ft). So hopefully we’ll have great views of the Himalayas during that helicopter ride. It’s just beautiful here in Nepal right now. Today was a really nice, peaceful, sunny day, blue skies. And if we’d been just a little higher up, I think we would have had great views of the Himalayas!

So we’re looking forward to getting the trek to base camp (4600m/15,100ft) underway and we’ll be in touch tomorrow.

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:

October 21, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett

Manaslu 2026

Coming back to climb another day

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archives (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The mountains always have the final word.

After continued snowfall, high winds, and challenging conditions, the 2026 Manaslu season has come to a close. Turning around is never easy, but bringing everyone home safely will always come first.

A huge thank you to our climbers, guides, Sherpa team, and everyone who worked so hard this season.

The mountains will always be there—and so will we.

Next up: Ama Dablam in late October. We’re incredibly excited to get back to Nepal and take on one of the most beautiful mountains in the world!

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:

September 23, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett

Manaslu 2026

Great views of Manaslu from Camp I

Clear skies over Manaslu (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Manaslu expedition team is settled into Camp 1, and the first rotation on the mountain is officially underway! After a big breakfast, the team shouldered their packs and climbed under mostly clear skies to their next camp. The weather provided excellent views of the mountain and nearby glacier to further motivate the team as they climbed into Camp I. Now settled in, the team will continue to rest and acclimatize the rest of the day before climbing higher tomorrow. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Camp I on Manaslu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2026 Madison Mountaineering Manaslu (8156m/26,759ft) Expedition. Today is September 17.

This morning, we had a nice breakfast in base camp (4859m/15,944ft): french toast, homemade yogurt, bacon, omelets. And then just after 9 AM, we climbed to Camp I (5700m/18,700ft). We had a really nice day for it! Today was the driest day so far since we moved to base camp; a few passing clouds, but really nice views of the Manaslu Glacier and the north face of the mountain.

We arrived in Camp I at just under 5,800 meters and we’ve been resting since then. We just had some ramen soup and we’re looking forward to dinner in a little while. And then a night of acclimatization at Camp I before we venture into the ice fall between Camp I and Camp II (6400m/21,000ft) tomorrow.

Everything’s going well here in the Himalayas in Nepal. We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Climbers Woodie and Myles ensconced in Camp 1 (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Camp 1 (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Approaching Camp 1 (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Climbing on the lower Manaslu Glacier (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:

September 17, 2026/0 Comments/by Garrett