Our climber Nelly Attar, Sirdar and Guide Aang Phurba Sherpa, plus the film crew documenting our waste clean-up and climbing expedition awaiting clear weather for a heli flight to Annapurna base camp. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering mountain cleanup project expedition team continues to wait for a weather window that would allow them to make the move to Annapurna base camp. While they wait, the team has made the most of their time by enjoying good food and rest as they prepare for the climbing and cleaning activities ahead. Climber, Nelly Attar checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello, this is Nelly! I’m reporting live from Tatopani, today is March 28th.

We’re actually supposed to be on base camp at the moment, but because of weather conditions, we haven’t been able to fly out. So instead, we spent a rest day in Tatopani. We ate, we slept, and we’re getting ready to move tomorrow! So, it’s either a long hike up to Annapurna 1 base camp (4130m/13,549ft), or we’re going to take a chopper if weather conditions permit. Stay tuned for exciting updates! Buh-bye.

The valley leading to Annapurna Base Camp. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The valley leading to Annapurna Base Camp. (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.

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Sirdar and guide Aang Phurba Sherpa, climber Nelly Attar, and guide Terray Sylvester on the Thorang La. (Photo by Tenzi Sherpa)

Topping out at over 5,400 meters, the team enjoyed excellent weather and views during their final acclimatization hike before moving to Annapurna base camp. With good weather tomorrow, the team will make the move and begin their climbing and cleanup efforts shortly after. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from the Himalayas:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Annapurna (8091m/26,545ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) expedition and clean up – today is March 26th.

Today we woke up early and hiked from Thorung Phedi up to Thorang La (5416m/17,769ft), the main pass on the north side of Annapurna. That was a great hike! We topped out at about 5,400 meters. So with that, we are well acclimatized for the move to base camp (4130m/13,549ft). Weather dependent, we will fly into base camp early tomorrow morning and then we’ll start picking up trash in base camp and higher on the mountain, and preparing for our first rotation on the mountain.

So, everything’s going well here in Nepal and we will be in touch tomorrow!

The team ascending the Thorung La. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The team ascending the Thorang La. (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.

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Sirdar, Aang Phurba Sherpa hiking with climber, Nelly Attar below the Thorung La. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering mountain cleanup project expedition team continued their acclimatization efforts today by moving up to Thorung Phedi, passing through the Muktinath shrine again under beautiful weather, sharing good conversation, many smiles, and laughs along the way. It won’t be long before the team arrives in base camp where climbing and cleanup efforts will get underway! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Annapurna (8091m/26,545ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) expedition and clean up – today is March 25th.

Today we hiked from Ranipauwa (3700m/12,140ft) up through the Muktinath shrine and up to Thorung Phedi where we’ll spend the night at about 4200 meters. We’re just continuing to acclimatize before we move to Annapurna base camp (4130m/13,549ft).

All is well here! We had a little bit of rain and snow yesterday afternoon, but today was beautiful. Tomorrow, we’re planning to hike up to Thorung La (5416m/17,769ft) over 5000 meters, and then we’ll begin descending back down into the bottom of the Kali Gandaki Valley, and eventually catch a helicopter to base camp.

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

Climber, Nelly Attar spinning a prayer wheel in the famous Muktinath shrine. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Nelly Attar spinning a prayer wheel in the famous Muktinath shrine. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Sirdar, Aang Phurba Sherpa and guide, Terray Sylvester relacing in Thorung Phedi. (Photo by Nelly Attar)

Sirdar, Aang Phurba Sherpa and guide, Terray Sylvester relacing in Thorong Phedi. (Photo by Nelly Attar)


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:

Acclimatizing above Muktinath with views of Dhaulagiri! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The mountain cleanup project expedition team spent today acclimatizing in Muktinath, visiting the area’s sacred shrine, and taking in the views of the surrounding Himalayas! Everyone is in great spirits and looks forward to continuing their move towards base camp tomorrow. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Annapurna (8091m/26,545ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) expedition plus cleanup – today is March 24th.

Today we acclimatized above Muktinath (3762m/12,343ft) here in the Mustang region of Nepal. We started by going up to the famous Muktinath Shrine which is very sacred to Buddhists and Hindus, and then we hiked another few hundred meters up into the hills.

It was a beautiful day with excellent views of Dhaulagiri (8167m/26,795ft)! It was really fun and spectacular to visit the Muktinath Shrine where there are 108 sacred fountains that people bath in, and two pools that people bath in as well.

So now we’re just resting and tomorrow we’re looking forward to moving up to Thorong Phedi where we’ll spend the night tomorrow evening! We’ll be in touch.

Climber, Nelly Attar approaching Muktinath. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Nelly Attar approaching Muktinath. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Sirdar Aang Phurba Sherpa bathing in the sacred fountains of Muktinath. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Sirdar Aang Phurba Sherpa bathing in the sacred fountains of Muktinath. (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:

Taking a lunch break in the village of Dana, en route to Jomsom.

The mountain cleanup project expedition team is coming ever closer to their first climbing and cleanup objective, Annapurna 1. Navigating their way through the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, the team enjoyed an exciting and scenic drive with views all around of towering cliffs and the river below. A few days of acclimatizing is planned for the team over the next few days as the team prepares to continue higher on the way towards Annapurna! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Annapurna 1 (8091m/26,545ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) expedition – today is March 23.

Yesterday we drove from Pokhara (822m/2,697ft) to the little town of Jomsom (2743m/8,999ft) on the border of Mustang, just to the west of Annapurna 1 and to the east of Dhaulagiri (8167m/26,795ft). The drive was very scenic! The Kali Gandaki River Gorge is one of the deepest gorges on the planet because it’s between two 8,000-meter peaks. We had a great dinner last night and we woke up this morning to clear, sunny skies and excellent views of Nilgiri North (7061m/23,166ft) and Tilicho Peak (7134m/23,406ft).

From here we drive to Kagbeni (2804m/9,199ft) and then we’ll trek up to Muktinath (3762m/12,343ft). We’ll acclimatize for the next few days before heading over to Annapurna base camp (4130m/13,549ft) where we’ll start preparing for our climb and also start picking up trash. This expedition is a combined climbing and trash cleanup trip!

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

Members of the team at breakfast in Pokhara.

Members of the team at breakfast in Pokhara.

Views of Nilgiri North and Tilicho Peak from the team's tea house in Jomsom!

Views of Nilgiri North and Tilicho Peak from the team’s tea house in Jomsom!


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:

Breakfast in Pokhara!

After a few days spent in Kathmandu organizing gear and preparing for this special project, our team is back on the move! The team flew to Pokhara, the second most populous city in Nepal, and has an exciting drive to look forward to with new sights to take in in all directions. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Annapurna (8091m/26,545ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) cleanup expedition – today is March 22nd. We just woke up here in our pleasant lakeside hotel in Pokhara (822m/2,697ft) and we’re getting ready to drive from here in Pokhara, to Jomsom (2743m/8,999ft) in the Kali Gandaki Valley on the west side of Annapurna.

For the next week, we’ll be acclimatizing by hiking up toward the Thorong La (5416m/17,769ft), the main pass on the north side of Annapurna, and then we’ll head to base camp after that.

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

Filing onto the plane!

Filing onto the plane!

Views of Kathmandu including the famous Boudhanath Stupa, while departing for Pokhara.

Views of Kathmandu including the famous Boudhanath Stupa, while departing for Pokhara.


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:

Efforts from phase 1 of the Mountain Cleanup Project last fall (photo by Terray Sylvester)

We are very excited to announce the commencement of phase two of our Mountain Cleanup Project! After a successful fall season in 2023 cleaning up trash from Lobuche East, Ama Dablam, and Mera Peak, we’re kicking off the second phase of the project on Annapurna and Lhotse. The team has all arrived in Kathmandu, enjoyed a welcome dinner together, and are preparing for their departure in a few days time! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Annapurna (8091m/26,545ft) plus Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) expedition – today is March 19th. Yesterday our climber, Nelly Attar, arrived here in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft) and we had a nice welcome dinner at a tasty Arabic restaurant near our hotel, The Yak and Yeti. Today, we’re doing a gear check and organizing items for our departure to Annapurna in a couple of days.

We’re excited for this expedition! This will be the second phase of the trash cleanup project that we started last fall in the Everest region. Last fall we picked up trash on three popular 6,000-meter peaks over there: Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft), Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft), and Mera Peak (6476m/21,247ft). This spring, we’re focusing on Annapurna and Lhotse.

So, all is well here in Kathmandu and we’ll stay in touch!


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:

Summit photo during a beautiful day on Aconcagua!

Just like that, another great Aconcagua season has come to a close! The season was capped off with an expedition led by Ed Viesturs and Cacho Beiza, with the team reaching the summit under beautiful, clear blue skies. The combination of spectacular weather, a rockstar guide team, and one awesome team that kept the stoke high throughout made for an unforgettable climb! We’re filled with gratitude to get to spend time in these places with amazing people.

Join legendary mountaineer, Ed Viesturs next season on Aconcagua for a fun and exciting adventure in Argentina!

Congratulations, team!

The team trekking toward base camp with Aconcagua in the clouds behind.

The team trekking toward base camp with Aconcagua in the clouds behind.

Getting ready to enjoy an asado prepared by guide, Cacho Beiza!

Getting ready to enjoy an asado prepared by guide, Cacho Beiza!

Sitting down for a meal in one of our dome tents in base camp!

Sitting down for a meal in one of our dome tents in base camp!

Guide, Cacho Beiza does it all!

Guide, Cacho Beiza does it all!

Moving up on a beautiful day in Argentina!

Moving up on a beautiful day in Argentina!

The team nearing the summit...

The team nearing the summit…

Madison Mountaineering guide team on the summit!

Madison Mountaineering guide team on 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:

On the approach towards Sincholagua under beautiful, clear blue skies! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Another summit for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition team! The acclimatization period continues to go smoothly with the team topping out at over 16,000 feet on Sincholagua today, which includes some technical rock climbing as you near the summit. Up next is Illiniza Sur! Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Just to let you know that we had another great day hiking on the volcanoes in Ecuador. Today we summited Sincholagua (4899m/16,073ft), which is 16,000 feet. We had a really, really great day! We started very early in the morning to see the sunrise on the way up to the volcano.

Carter and Saskia are feeling pretty good! Now everybody’s resting and tomorrow, we’re going to our next climb which is going to be Illiniza South (5245m/17,208ft). I left you a couple of pictures. Stay tuned!

Climbing the final pitch towards the summit on Sincholagua! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Climbing the final pitch towards the summit on Sincholagua! (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Cumbre! The team on the summit on Sincholagua. (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Cumbre! The team on the summit on Sincholagua. (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

On the approach with views all around (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

On the approach with views all around (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Hiking towards the days objective as the sun rises (Photo by Estalin Suárez)

Hiking towards the days objective as the sun rises (Photo by Estalin Suárez)


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:

Summit photo on Rumiñahui!

Another summit in Ecuador! Today the team reached the north summit of Rumiñahui Volcano as part of their acclimatization while they build up before Antisana and Chimborazo. During the climb, the team basked in the sunshine and took in the 360 degree views of surrounding peaks and beautiful Ecuadorian country. Expedition leader, Estalin Suárez checks in with this dispatch from Ecuador:

Hello! This is Estalin calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ecuador Volcanoes expedition. Today is January 28.

We did our second climb for the acclimatization. We did the Rumiñahui Volcano (4721m/15,489ft) north summit, which is 15,500 feet about. We had a really great day, sunny day, we could see all the volcanoes surrounding such as Cotopaxi (5897m/19,347ft), Antisana (5753m/18,875ft), Sincholagua (4899m/16,073ft). It was a really, really great day! It took us about eight hours up and down – a little bit of a long hike, but it was a really, really nice day. The guys are resting now because tomorrow, we’re going to start early for our next hike.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned!

Navigating the rocky slopes of Rumiñahui on the way towards the summit!

Navigating the rocky slopes of Rumiñahui on the way towards the summit!

Nearing the top!

Nearing the top!

A beautiful day in the Ecuadorian highlands!

A beautiful day in the Ecuadorian highlands!


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: