Tag Archive for: Dingboche

Enjoying the comforts of Cafe 4410!

The team together earlier in the expedition (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering environmental restoration team has descended down the valley to Dingboche after their successful climb on Lobuche East! The team welcomed the comforts of Cafe 4410 – a frequent stop of ours while trekking and climbing in the Everest region of Nepal! It’s been a productive rest day full of pastries, coffee, rest, and communications with friends and family back home. Tomorrow, the team continues on their way to Island Peak! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello, this is Terray calling in for the 2025 Madison Mountaineering Gokyo Ri, Lobuche East and Island Peak expedition – today is October 31st.

Today we’re taking a rest day in Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft). We arrived yesterday afternoon after a nice descent through beautiful, snowy weather from Lobuche East High Camp. Today we’ve just been enjoying showers, and catching up on emails and communications with home, and the great food and drink available at Cafe 4410 – one of our favorite places here in the Khumbu Valley!

Tomorrow we plan to move up to Island Peak Base Camp to prepare for our ascent of Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft).

The weather was snowy over the last three days, but actually today, the precipitation has been very light, and the forecast is looking good. We will 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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Environmental restoration expedition update: summits and cleanup!

Our climbers Rick, Marco, Karl and Bill leaving the summit of Lobuche East with climbing Sherpas Aang Phurba Sherpa and Kam Dorji Sherpa (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering environmental restoration team has been hard at work in the Everest region of Nepal! The team summited Gokyo Ri and began their cleanup initiative, collecting about 16 kilos of waste from Gokyo Ri before moving to Lobuche East High Camp and collecting an additional 61 kilos of trash. Following the cleanup efforts, the team set out to climb Lobuche East, landing all boots on the summit today despite challenging weather conditions, including steady snowfall, limited visibility, and wind. Now safely back in camp, the team plans to rest and descend back down the valley tomorrow. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Gokyo Ri, Lobuche East and Island Peak environmental restoration expedition – today is October 29th.

Today was a great day! We had an excellent summit on Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft), 100% success! Conditions were a little bit challenging. Yesterday, it began to snow, and the snow continued falling steadily all day today. But, I’m really proud of our team. They did a great job pushing through abnormal conditions on this peak. The visibility wasn’t that great, and it was a little windy on the summit, and the footing was a little tough occasionally because of the new soft snow. But, conditions were safe for climbing and the team did a really great job with everybody touching the summit this morning at about 11 a.m. And then, we made it back down here to base camp, and we’re relaxing. We’ll stay another night here in base camp before descending down to the village of Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) tomorrow.

We’ve had a great few days here in Nepal actually! Several days ago, we summited Gokyo Ri (4750m/15,583ft), and we started our clean up effort, picking up about 16 kilos of waste from the summit of Gokyo Ri. We’ve also conducted a cleanup here at Lobuche East High Camp. Fortunately, we got that started before the snow fell. We’ve picked up a total of about 61 kilos of waste here at Lobuche East. Now, unfortunately, there’s a lot of snow on the ground, so picking up waste is a little tougher, but we’ll still look for fixed lines and other trash in the days to come – old fixed lines I should say.

So all is well here in Nepal! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Our climber Steve with Tendi Sherpa and Guide Terray Sylvester on the summit of Lobuche East (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber Steve with Tendi Sherpa and Guide Terray Sylvester on the summit of Lobuche East (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Guide and Sirdar Aang Phurba Sherpa with the 61kg / 134lbs of waste our team has collected from near Lobuche East High Camp (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Guide and Sirdar Aang Phurba Sherpa with the 61kg / 134lbs of waste our team has collected from near Lobuche East High 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.“

– Instagram:

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Island Peak

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:

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Off to Island Peak!

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:

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Rest in Dingboche

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:

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Lobuche East Summits!

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:

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Active Rest in Pheriche

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:

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Rest at 17,500 feet!

Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

With the collective team all together in Everest Base Camp (EBC), the team spent the majority of today resting up, with an acclimatization hike to get their bodies moving! With the second rotation coming, the team will continue to rest and will spend some more time practicing technical skills in the neighboring Khumbu Glacier to keep their mind and skills sharp before heading further up the mountain. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with today’s dispatch from EBC:

Hello! It’s Friday, April 28th. This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft) expedition!

Today we had a nice, restful day in base camp (5364m/17,598ft)! All of our climbers are here; our team that did the first rotation up to Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft) and Camp 2 (6500m/21,325ft) was taking it easy here in base camp, and our team that climbed Lobuche peak (6119m/20,075ft) recently, and just arrived in base camp yesterday was taking it easy. Although, we did go for an acclimatization hike today just up above base camp. (We) had some great views, nice opportunity to stretch the legs, get some oxygen in the body. We’re just enjoying base camp!

We’re going to start doing a little more technical review over the next few days and start gearing up for our next rotation up to Camps 1 and 2, and touching Camp 3 (7230m/23,720ft)!

It’s great weather at the moment, although there is a little snow in the forecast the next few days. But, the team’s doing well and we’re happy to be here! We’re looking forward to more good days ahead here on Mount Everest.

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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Back in base camp!

Everest Express climber, Danah Ali, acclimatizing above Pheriche! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team all gathered together in base camp today after the completion of their first acclimatization rotations! With the first rotation under their belts, the team will enjoy some rest and relaxation the next few days before beginning preparation for their second rotation on the mountain. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Pheriche:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 27th.

Today our first wave of Everest climbers took a rest day in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) after returning down from Camp 2 after their first acclimatization rotation on the mountain.

Our second wave of climbers hiked back to base camp after successfully summiting Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) yesterday morning.

Down here in Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft), I went for a hike with our express climber, who arrived yesterday via helicopter. We went for a great hike above Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) with fantastic views of Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) and a nice sunny morning!

So, all continues to go well here in Nepal and we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Everest Express climber, Danah Ali, during today's acclimatization hike. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Everest Express climber, Danah Ali, during today’s acclimatization hike. (Photo: 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:

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Rest and relaxation in EBC!

Excellent views of EBC and the peaks above it from the slopes below Pumori! Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Having spent the last few days doing lots of training and review for the climbs forthcoming, our first team enjoyed a day of rest and relaxation under the sun in base camp! The second of our climbing teams took an active rest day of their own around Pheriche, and looks forward to progressing further up the valley tomorrow to Lobuche. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from the Khumbu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2023 Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition – today is April 19th.

Today our group here in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) took a rest day! We had four pretty active days practicing technical skills and acclimatizing, so today we just relaxed, caught up on showers, laundry, things like that. It was a beautiful day! Really pleasant here in base camp – sunny and warm.

Meanwhile, our second wave of climbers had an active rest day in Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft). They hiked up to a point pretty high above Pheriche, called Nangkartshang, then went down to Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) and had some coffees, pastries and lunch in the nice bakery there.

So, all is well here in Nepal! Tomorrow, with the team here in base camp, we plan to do a foray into the icefall just a little ways, and then back to base camp for lunch. Meanwhile, the other team will move to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft)! 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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