Unbeatable views in the Karakoram!

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

Today was another spectacular day in the Karakoram, and we’re one day closer to reaching K2 Base Camp. The Madison Mountaineering K2, Broad Peak, and unclimbed peak expedition teams got an early start to the day, stepping onto the Baltoro Glacier under some of the world’s most famous and iconic peaks towering overhead! There was no shortage of views on this day, leaving the team psyched and ready to continue on in the days ahead. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Urdukas Camp:

Hello from Urdukas Camp (4034m/13,235ft) at 4,000m. Today was one of the most spectacular days of a trek that’s famous for its scenery. We left Paiju Camp (3400m/11,155ft) at 6 a.m. and then hiked up past the headwaters of the Braldu River onto the Baltoro Glacier, the planet’s largest non-polar glacier. For the next six hours, we enjoyed views of some of the most famous peaks on earth: Paiju Peak (6610m/21,686ft), Shipton Spire (5852m, 19,199ft), the Trango Towers (6286m/20,623ft), Uli Biaho (6417m/21,053ft), Lobsang Spire (5707m/18,724 ft), and eventually Gasherbrum IV (7925m/26,001ft), just as we arrived at Urdukas. The weather today was excellent. A high overcast and occasional showers kept the heat at bay without spoiling the views. Now we’re resting before dinner. The team is in good shape. 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:

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Beating the heat!

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

The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team took to the trail again today, trekking to their next stop at Paiju Camp. With striking views of Masherbrum, the Trango Towers, and other peaks that line the valley, the team walked along the Braldu River until they reached their temporary home at the foot of the mighty Baltoro Glacier. The trek continues tomorrow! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Pakistan:

Today we had a great trek from Jhola Camp (3151m/10,338ft) to Paiju Camp (3400m/11,155ft). We left Jhola early to beat the heat, and arrived in Paiju around 11:30. We’ve spent rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the views of the Baltoro Glacier, plus the lower flanks of Masherbrum (7821m/25,659ft) and the Trango Towers (6286m/20,623ft) in the distance. We’ll head to bed early for our long walk to Urdukas Camp (4034m/13,235ft) tomorrow. 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:

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The first day of trekking!

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

The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team set out today on the trek to K2 Base Camp, in great spirits and with excellent weather. Cooler temperatures and a few light rain showers were a welcome change, since the early days of this trek are often quite hot. With the first day behind us, we’ve settled in for dinner at camp, enjoying the beautiful views and each other’s company as we get ready for another day on the trail tomorrow. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Jhola Camp:

Hello from Jhola Camp (3151m/10,338ft)! Today we trekked here from Askole (3040m/9,974ft) in ideal weather. The first couple of days on the trek to K2 (8611m/28,251ft) can be hot, but today cooler temps and occasional light rain showers made for pleasant walking. Now we’re relaxing before dinner. The skies have cleared and we have great views of some of the lower glaciated peaks above the Braldu River. The team is healthy and in good spirits. We’re looking forward to the trek to Paiju (3400m/11,155ft) 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:

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Ready to start the trek to K2 Base Camp!

The team departing from Skardu.

The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team made the exciting and scenic drive from Skardu to Askole today, which requires creek crossings and navigating a winding mountain gorge that snakes along the Braldu River. Luckily, the road was in good shape and allowed us to make good time to our camp at Askole where we’ve settled in for the night and will begin our trek tomorrow! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Askole:

Hello from Askole (3040m/9,974ft)! This morning we ate an early breakfast and left Skardu (2220m/7283ft) by 5:30 a.m. We got an early start because the road to Askole crosses several creeks that tend to swell with snowmelt, making them challenging to cross later in the day. Fortunately the entire road was in good shape for us today and we arrived in Askole by early afternoon. Now we’ve set up camp, and we’re resting before dinner. The team is looking forward to our first trekking day tomorrow. 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:

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Sightseeing in Skardu!

Our climbers Josh, Ryan, Casey and Tracy enjoying the Karakoram scenery near Skardu!

The Madison Mountaineering K2, Broad Peak, and Unclimbed Peak expedition teams took an active rest day in Skardu today, touring the city, doing some sightseeing, and last minute shopping before continuing onward tomorrow! It was a pleasant day, leaving the team in good spirits and excited for what’s to come. Tomorrow, we’ll pack up and begin the drive to Askole! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Skardu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering expeditions in the Karakoram this summer – today is June 26th.

Today, we spent an active rest day in Skardu (2220m/7283ft). After breakfast, the team headed out for some sightseeing at the really beautiful lakes up above town, and visited Buddha Rock, which is an archaeological site right on the outskirts of the city. After lunch, we all headed out again for some last minute shopping before we leave civilization and we visited the K2 museum, which has some really great information on the mountain and the surrounding region!

Now, we’re relaxing back at our hotel. We’ll have an early dinner this evening and then get to bed early for our drive to Askole (3040m/9,974ft) tomorrow.

So, all is well here 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:

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We made it to Skardu!

The team outside of Skardu International Airport.

The Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team continued their journey onto Skardu, one step closer to the climbs ahead of them. Heavy rainfall came down as the team made their way to the airport, but the skies cleared as the day went on, presenting excellent views of K2, Broad Peak, and more. We’ll take a rest day tomorrow and continue to make preparations for the expedition ahead! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Skardu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering expeditions in the Karakoram this season – today is June 25th.

This morning, we woke up early and headed to the airport. It was raining hard as we left the hotel, but by the time we made it to the Islamabad Airport (540m/1,770ft), the rain had tapered off. Our flight left on schedule and we had fantastic weather actually, as we approached Skardu (2220m/7283ft)! We had excellent views of Nanga Parbat (8126m/26,660ft) off the right side of the plane, and then views of Broad Peak (8051m/26,414ft) and K2 (8611m/28,251ft) as we got a little closer to landing.

We landed in Skardu and we’ve spent the afternoon doing pre-expedition preparations and relaxing at our hotel here in the hills above town. We’re about to head down to dinner and we’re looking forward to another rest and preparation day tomorrow. We’ll also do some sightseeing tomorrow evening.

So, all is well here in Pakistan 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:

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2025 Karakoram expeditions are underway!

The 2025 Madison Mountaineering Karakoram expeditions team!

The 2025 Madison Mountaineering Karakoram season is officially underway! Our team has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, where the expedition begins. After some well-earned rest, an orientation, and a welcome dinner following their journeys from around the world, the team is set to fly to Skardu tomorrow—gateway to the high peaks. This season includes expeditions to K2, Broad Peak, and an attempt at a historic first ascent of an unclimbed peak. At the same time, we’re proud to be contributing to a cleanup initiative at K2 Base Camp and some of the higher camps along the route. The Karakoram holds a special place in our hearts, and we’re thrilled to be back among its towering giants! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Islamabad:

Hello! This is Terray calling in from Islamabad, Pakistan (540m/1,770ft) – today is June 24th.

Today is the first day of the Madison Mountaineering climbing expeditions here in Pakistan this summer. We have climbers going to K2 (8611m/28,251ft), Broad Peak (8051m/26,414ft), and attempting an unclimbed peak near those two mountains above the Baltoro Glacier. We’ll also be organizing a cleanup project on K2 as part of our cleanup initiatives through the Madison Mountaineering Foundation. So, we’re looking forward to a really great season in the Karakoram!

Our climbers arrived here in Islamabad over the last couple of days. They’ve been doing some sightseeing, and then today was the first official day of our itineraries! We just wrapped up a really nice welcome dinner here at the Serena Hotel and we’re planning to wake up early for our airport transfer tomorrow morning. If the weather allows, we will fly up to Skardu (2220m/7283ft) in Gilgit-Baltistan. So, 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:

 

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Heading home after success on Mount Everest!

Celebratory team dinner back in Kathmandu!

Our Mount Everest team just returned to Kathmandu after a successful summit on May 23rd. They enjoyed a perfect summit day with no crowds—a rare gift on the world’s highest peak—and had the top of the world entirely to themselves!

But that’s not all…

  • Lhotse Team: Summited on May 22nd, just one day before Everest.
  • Makalu Team: Reached the summit on May 11th.

It’s been a remarkable spring season for Madison Mountaineering, with successful ascents on three of Nepal’s highest peaks!

None of this would have been possible without our incredible guide staff—Terray, Cacho, Conan, and Aang Phurba—and our exceptional Sherpa team, whose strength and support make everything we do possible.

We are beyond proud of these achievements and grateful for the teamwork and dedication that define every Madison Mountaineering expedition.

Highlights from Mount Everest: Summit Day on May 23rd

Our team reached the top of the world under challenging conditions—with high winds deterring many other climbers that day. Thanks to careful preparation, peak fitness, and expert leadership, we made it happen.

  • Our two ‘Everest Express‘ climbers reached the summit in under one month—a fast, efficient ascent.
  • Susan Agar made history, becoming the oldest American & British woman to summit Everest at 66.5 years old!
  • We had the summit all to ourselves, enjoying an unforgettable, crowd-free experience.

We are proud to present the list of summiteers from the 2025 Mount Everest expedition:

# Name Country
1 Mr. Garrett Christian Madison USA
2 Dr. Susan Margaret Agar USA
3 Mr. Steven Andrew Pigott USA
4 Mr. Gregory Neal Taylor USA
5 Mr. Dean Michael Poulakidas USA
6 Dr. Thomas Blake Higgins USA
7 Mr. Ryan T Podolsky USA
8 Ms. Caroline Danielle Leon Australia
9 Mr. Claudio Javier Beiza Argentina
10 Mr. Aang Phurba Sherpa Nepal
11 Mr. Siddhi Bahadur Tamang Nepal
12 Mr. Kamdorji Sherpa Nepal
13 Mr. Mingdorchi Sherpa Nepal
14 Mr. Tenzi Sherpa Nepal
15 Mr. Dorchi Sherpa Nepal
16 Mr. Dorji Sherpa Nepal
17 Mr. Pemba Sherpa Nepal
18 Mr. Lal Kumar Tamang Nepal
19 Mr. Mgima Tasi Sherpa Nepal
20 Mr. Dawa Sundar Sherpa Nepal
21 Mr. Dawa Sange Sherpa Nepal
22 Mr. Chhaungima Sherpa Nepal
23 Mr. Asta Bahadur Rai Nepal
24 Mr. Chhayang Jyabu Bhote Nepal
25 Mr. Dawa Nurbu Sherpa 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:

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Descending from the South Col

Summit photo atop Mount Everest!

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition team will begin their descent from the South Col shortly! After successfully reaching the highest point on Earth the day prior, they plan to head down to Camp 2 for one night, and then to their base camp where we’ll be reunited with our wonderful base camp staff! Full of excitement from just a day ago, we say ‘goodbye’ to Camp 4 with good memories from time well spent in this place that’s unlike any other. Madison Mountaineering guide, Cacho Beiza checks in with this dispatch from the South Col:

Hello everybody! This is Cacho and Garrett over here at Camp 4 (7900m/25,919ft) on Everest (8848m/29,032ft) at 8,000 meters.

We’re just waking up over here, getting ready to head down with all of the members. The group is feeling great! Everybody is really happy about the summit yesterday after a great and hard day – a lot of wind up high, but we managed to go through and here we are! We’re happy to go down, get to base camp (5364m/17,598ft) in a couple of days.

We send this message to all of you guys!

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:

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From the top of the world!

Members of our team on the summit!

It comes with great pleasure to share that word came in on the morning of May 23rd local time that the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition team had topped out at the highest place on Earth! Albeit a bit blustery as the team left the South Col, the team was rewarded with excellent views as they climbed to the summit. After celebrating their achievement, snapping some photographs, and taking in the moment, the team started their descent and have safely made it back to Camp 4 on the South Col. Some of the team will continue their descent soon. Others have their eyes set on Lhotse, the fourth highest peak on the planet! A huge congratulations goes out to the entire team — we’re so proud! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from the summit of Mount Everest:

Hey! We’re up here at the summit of Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft)! Beautiful day, 360 degree views as far as the eye can see. It was a windy one, pretty blustery coming out of high camp (7900m/25,919ft) this morning. A lot of climbers turned back, but we kept going. We got lucky, so really proud of our team. Everyone did great today! Feeling blessed to be up here at the top of Everest – top of the world. Summit #15 for me and looking forward to a safe descent. We’ll check in soon!

Climbing up the Mount Everest's Southwest Ridge to the summit.

Climbing up Mount Everest’s Southwest Ridge to the summit.

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:

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