Entries by Garrett

Ama Dablam: Climb on!

After a few days in Ama Dablam base camp we are now ready to begin our summit attempt. We have been reviewing fixed line techniques, rappelling and have sorted our equipment and food for the high camps. The weather forecast looks good, and the recent snowfall has negligible effect on our route as it is […]

Ama Dablam kicks off!

This morning we flew by helicopter (a brand new AS350 B3e) from the lower Makalu base camp to Ama Dablam base camp, it was a spectacular ride! We flew right by Baruntse, and many other high peaks before swooping down into Ama Dablam base camp. As you likely know, we called off our Makalu climb […]

Makalu: dangerous conditions end expedition

We have just returned to base camp after pushing as high as possible on Makalu. Above our Camp 2 at 22,500′ we found deep snow left by the recent storm that caused the avalanches and fatalities on nearby peaks in the Annapurna region. We felt it unreasonable to press on in such difficult / dangerous […]

Waiting on the Weather

Greetings from Makalu base camp! The forecasted storm came and deposited about 30 centimeters of new snow in our base camp. Currently the winds are still very high, we hope they will drop in a few days. We are waiting patiently here in base camp, enjoying the clear blue sky and sunshine during the day, […]

Makalu 2nd Rotation

After a few nights up high on Makalu at elevations of approximately 21,000′ we are now back in base camp relaxing and enjoying the comforts of our camp. We accomplished our goal of stocking camps with gear and food, as well as acclimatizing to the higher altitudes. We experienced perfect weather thus far, but we […]

Makalu Route Change

We had a great time the last few days up at our advanced base camp on the South East Ridge. Great views of the surrounding peaks and fun climbing on the ridge line! We are now enjoying a rest day in base camp, with hot showers and great food! We have decided to change our […]

Acclimatization

Yesterday we went for an acclimatization hike up to 19,000′ and found a good location for our advanced base camp on the South-East Ridge route. The hiking was mostly on rock and scree and we reached the snowy ridge line where we took a break before heading down. Today we had our Puja ceremony in […]

Makalu Base Camp!!

After six days of trekking over approximately 80 miles have finally reached Makalu base camp! We are very excited to be here, as we can now settle into our new home here for a few weeks. At just under 16,000 ft, we are now above the clouds and rain that were present for much of […]

Makalu Base Camp!

After six days of trekking over approximately 80 miles have finally reached Makalu base camp! We are very excited to be here, as we can now settle into our new home here for a few weeks. At just under 16,000 ft, we are now above the clouds and rain that were present for much of […]

Flight to Tumlingtar

We just arrived in Tumlingtar, after a short 35 minute flight from Kathmandu! Today we will stay in Khadbari, in the hotel MISS U! Then early tomorrow we will buy some fresh food at the local market for our trek, and drive about 5 hours to Num. From here we will be on foot for […]