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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PHOTO-2026-09-12-04-25-46.jpg6821024Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2026-09-23 14:58:332026-09-23 14:58:33Coming back to climb another day
The Madison MountaineeringManaslu expedition team has arrived in base camp! With the final member of our team now on-site, it’s time to get to work. After fueling up for the day in Sama Village, we shouldered our packs and hit the trail en route to base camp. The team is settled in there now, and looks forward to the days ahead as they prepare to take to the climbing route and start making their way toward the summit! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Manaslu Base Camp:
This morning, we walked from Sama Village (3530m/11,581ft) up to base camp (4859m/15,944ft). We left Sama just before 8 a.m. and arrived in base camp in time for an early lunch. It was a really nice walk! The weather was a little rainy in the morning, but after an hour or so the rain dissipated, and for the rest of the way to base camp we had dry air, and really nice views down into the Nubri Valley far below us.
We’ve been resting this afternoon since arriving in base camp, and we’re looking forward to our Puja tomorrow! In other big news, our express climber, Woodie, arrived in Sama yesterday. He touched down in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft) yesterday morning, then went straight to the helipad and flew to Sama. So he joined us for the hike up to base camp today!
We’re looking forward to getting the climbing phase of the expedition underway, and we’ll be in touch tomorrow.
Our climbers Myles and Woodie en route to Manaslu Base Camp (photo by Terray Sylvester)
The Nubri Valley (photo by Terray Sylvester)
Hiking above Sama Village and the terminus of the North 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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PHOTO-2026-09-14-06-40-02.jpg7681024Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2026-09-14 12:37:262026-09-14 15:10:56Manaslu Base Camp!
The Madison MountaineeringManaslu expedition team boarded another flight this morning. This time, on a helicopter set to fly to Sama Village! While some clouds hung high overhead, passengers on the heli were able to enjoy excellent views of the valley, full of waterfalls, monasteries, and more. After dropping their bags and spending a little time resting, the team was able to go out for a short hike to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh mountain air. And tomorrow, we’ll go out again with the goal of continuing the acclimatization process and getting ready to move up to base camp! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:
This morning we woke up early. We left our hotel at about 5:45 AM. And by 8:30, we were in Sama Village (3530m/11,581ft) here at the foot of Manaslu at 11,300 feet.
We headed over to the domestic terminal at the Kathmandu Airport (1400m/4,600ft) and caught a helicopter up here to Sama. It was a really nice flight! There was a high overcast, but, you know, below us was clear. So we had really nice views of the Budhi Gandaki River Valley, where there are lots of waterfalls and lush terraces, villages, and monasteries tucked among the cliffs.
We rested most of this afternoon. It was raining lightly, and then in the evening, it cleared up! So, we just went for a nice walk up and down the valley around Sama.
Tomorrow, we are planning our first acclimatization hike out of Sama Village as we prepare to move up to Manaslu Base Camp (4859m/15,944ft) in a few days!
Everything’s going really well here in Nepal. We’ll be in touch tomorrow!
Nonstop flight to the beautiful Nubri Valley
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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PHOTO-2026-09-10-05-57-02.jpg12001600Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2026-09-10 13:56:392026-09-10 15:38:34At the foot of Manaslu
The Madison MountaineeringManaslu expedition team took to the city streets today for some sightseeing around Kathmandu! We visited both the Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple before going back to the team hotel to make our final preparations for tomorrows move into the mountains. With good weather, we’ll load onto the helicopter and fly into the Mansiri Himal part of the Nepalese Himalayas, in the west-central part of Nepal. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Kathmandu:
It was a beautiful morning here. We’ve had a little bit of rain each day since we arrived. But this morning was sunny and it was a nice time visiting both of those amazing temples. And then we spent the rest of the afternoon just doing our final packing and preparation for our early heli flights to Sama Village (3530m/11,581ft) tomorrow.
We’re just heading to bed now after a nice dinner and looking forward to our helicopter flight into the mountains! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.
Touring around Kathmandu (photo by Terray Sylvester)
Our climber, Myles, visiting Pahupatinath Temple with local tour guide, Rita (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:
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.“
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2026 Madison MountaineeringManaslu expedition kicking off from Kathmandu! The first member of our team arrived today. After settling in, we gathered together to conduct a gear check and orientation, before heading out in the city streets for a nice welcome dinner. The journey continues tomorrow with a tour of Kathmandu’s most sacred sites. Then, we’ll get ready to fly into the mountains and move one step closer to the climb ahead on the world’s eighth highest peak. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Kathmandu:
Today we had our orientation and gear check, and then went out for a welcome dinner with the first member of our team who’s arrived. The weather in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft) is very pleasant today; warm and sunny in the morning, and then a little bit of rain in the afternoon. And then really pleasant temperatures this evening.
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PHOTO-2026-09-08-07-50-43.jpg12001600Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2026-09-08 15:50:152026-09-08 16:05:33Manaslu team touches down in Kathmandu!
With happy hearts, we’re excited to report that the entire Madison Mountaineering team is now safely off of the mountain and heading home! Some of the team is back in Kathmandu, reintroducing themselves to the comforts of life in the city. A few team members, guides, the Sherpa team, and base camp staff are wrapping up the season in Everest Base Camp! While climbers are quick to pack their bags one last time before boarding their flights back home, there are sure to be many hugs and ‘see you laters’ as this special season comes to a close. We are so proud of the entire team for another incredible season in the Himalaya! With over 30 summits on Mount Everest, memories, and new friends that will last a lifetime, the past month and a half is one we won’t soon forget. With that, we are proud to present the 2026 Mount Everest summiteers list:
#
Name
Nationality
1
Francisco Arenas
United States of America
2
Richard Draves
United States of America
3
Ashley Keightley
United States of America
4
Brandon Scott
Canada
5
Andrew Green
United States of America
6
Frank McCarthy
Ireland
7
Pratyay Poddar
United Kingdom
8
Tomas Walsh
United States of America
9
Jeffery Arnold
Canada
10
Reid Tileston
United States of America
11
Garrett Madison
United States of America
12
Terray Sylvester
United States of America
13
Juan Pablo Escobar
Argentina
14
Javier Beiza
Argentina
15
Aang Phurba Sherpa
Nepal
16
Dawa Sange Sherpa
Nepal
17
Dorchi Sherpa
Nepal
18
Chhong Ngima Sherp
Nepal
19
Ngima Tashi Sherpa
Nepal
20
Sumba Sherpa
Nepal
21
Shere Thapa Magar
Nepal
22
Ngima Sona Sherpa
Nepal
23
Lale Tamang
Nepal
24
Dawa Sungder Sherpa
Nepal
25
Nima Sange Sherpa
Nepal
26
Pemba Sherp
Nepal
27
Pemba Serwa
Nepal
28
Chheten Dorgee Sherpa
Nepal
29
Dorchi one Sherpa
Nepal
30
Siddhi Tamang
Nepal
31
Hira Bhote
Nepal
32
R D Tamang
Nepal
33
Mane Tamang
Nepal
34
Santosh Bhote
Nepal
Bookings for the 2027 Mount Everest expedition are OPEN! Reach out to our team to learn more. We are already looking forward to coming back again next year!
Hey! This is Garrett checking in for the Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft) expedition team.
We are all down off the mountain now. The last of us, myself, Terray, Reid, and Jeff, along with our incredible Sherpa team came down to base camp (5364m/17,598ft) today from Camp IV (7900m/25,919ft). Everyone’s down from Camp II (6500m/21,325ft). And we’re happy that the whole crew is safely down off the mountain.
Most of our main team is already down in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft), enjoying the city life, and hot showers, warm beds, and looking forward to getting home soon.
It’s been a great expedition! Just incredible success all around. Everybody who went for the summit made it. That’s 10 clients, four guides, and, over 20 Nepal Sherpa. So just an amazing expedition! Very thankful, very grateful we were so fortunate and had so much success and safety all around.
So it’s been a great season here in Nepal. So fortunate, so thankful, and we’ll check in soon.
(From left to right) Aang Phurba Sherpa, Garrett Madison, and Jeff Arnold nearing base camp after descending from Camp IV.
Looking up at the summit from the South Col.
The team moving together beneath the Lhotse Face.
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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PHOTO-2026-04-28-06-31-57.jpg7681024Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2026-05-28 14:29:282026-05-28 15:04:07Safely back in Base Camp
The Madison MountaineeringMount Everest expedition teams have been keeping busy all over the Khumbu Valley! Over the weekend, our main team successfully summited Lobuche Peak, which is where we hold our first acclimatization rotation. Meanwhile, the Everest Express team flew from Kathmandu to Pheriche and are working their way up towards Everest Base Camp. Not too far away as the crow flies, we also had successful summits on Island Peak! Wherever the teams were at, we enjoyed excellent weather and had lots of fun in such a special place. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:
Our main team returned back to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft) after climbing Lobuche Peak (6119m/20,075ft) with great conditions and great views up top – a nice way to continue working on skill development, and getting some acclimatization and training in!
Our Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) team just summited Island Peak. Congrats to Sandra and CR!
The weather’s been great; blue skies, clear views. We’re just patiently keeping an eye on the Khumbu Icefall route, that currently has an impasse, watching and waiting, as the ice fall doctor team continues to try to find a safe way up through the difficult section.
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PHOTO-2026-04-26-02-09-09-4.jpg9601280Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2026-04-27 11:22:262026-04-27 16:50:35Weekend Update from Mount Everest
The Madison MountaineeringMount Everest expedition team checked into one of our favorite places to stay in the Khumbu Valley today, the Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar! With no shortage of good weather and excellent vibes, the team is doing great and looking strong on the trek so far. We’ll spend two nights in the bustling village of Namche to acclimatize before packing our bags and continuing on up the valley! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Namche Bazaar:
Today, we trekked up to the village of Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft). We’re really happy to be here, staying in the Panorama Lodge with our good friends, Mingma Sherpa and his family. We’ve stayed here for many years and it’s just wonderful to return every year, and get to be with them and enjoy their beautiful lodge, and the town of Namche!
Great views today, some epic suspension bridges we crossed over. A few other teams and yaks on the trail, but we’re looking forward to a hike up to the Everest View Hotel tomorrow; hopefully get a view of Everest if it’s clear! And visit the Sagarmatha Next Foundation building that we work with with with our nonprofit, the Madison Mountaineering Foundation.
So, the team’s doing well! We’re happy to be here. We are having some great weather. We’re just heading uphill, living the dream!
We’ll check in soon.
All smiles and prepared to cross another suspension bridge.
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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PHOTO-2026-04-15-06-45-48.jpg5761024Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2026-04-15 15:00:142026-04-15 15:22:12Checked in at the Panorama Lodge in Namche!
It’s good to be back! The 2026 Madison MountaineeringMount Everest expedition team has begun their journey to the highest point on Earth. The team gathered together in Kathmandu after long flights from their homes around the globe. With gear checks done and a welcome dinner shared, we’ll continue the adventure, step by step towards Mount Everest. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison kicks off the expedition with this inaugural dispatch from Kathmandu:
Our team is here, and we are excited to be flying into Lukla (2860m/9,383ft) today. The first wave of our team flew by helicopter just a few minutes ago, and the rest of us are heading out shortly. So, fingers crossed for good weather; and we’ll be up in the Khumbu Valley with some clear skies and great mountain views. Check in soon!
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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PHOTO-2026-04-13-16-53-22.jpg1024768Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2026-04-14 07:11:312026-04-14 14:23:362026 Mount Everest Expedition Team is off!
The Madison MountaineeringGokyo Ri, Lobuche East and Island Peak environmental restoration expedition team has concluded their time in the Khumbu! After a beautiful trek out of the valley and one final celebratory dinner together, the team said their goodbyes and began the journey back to their home countries. It was a hugely successful trip to the Khumbu Valley made possible by an awesome team of climbers, Sherpa’s, porters and guides. The team put boots on the summit of both Lobuche East and Island Peak, as well as Gokyo Ri and removed around 76 kilos of trash while doing so! Awesome work to the team. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this closing dispatch from this post-monsoon season in Nepal:
Today, we flew back from Luka (2860m/9,383ft) to Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft). Over the last several days, we enjoyed a really beautiful hike back down the Khumbu Valley from Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft). The weather was excellent – clear blue skies and beautiful fall colors on the hillsides.
And then, yeah, since we’ve arrived back in Kathmandu, we’ve been getting sorted out, taking showers, getting repacked. We just finished up our final dinner at Le Sherpa restaurant here in Kathmandu. And then early tomorrow morning, our first guests will start to depart for their home countries.
So, all in all, it was a really great trip! Successful summits on the Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) and Island Peak, as well as Gokyo Ri (4750m, 15,583ft.) And we cleaned up a total of about 76 kilos of trash, which is a good amount! That was mostly from Gokyo Ri and Lobuche East. But then the heavy snow put a stop to our cleanup efforts for this trip. However, we will continue to look for cleanup opportunities this fall, and of course, in future climbing seasons.
So all is well here! It was an excellent expedition. And looking forward to coming back to Nepal in the future!
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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PHOTO-2025-11-06-08-26-26.jpg11991600Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2025-11-06 15:26:332025-11-10 18:09:40Cleanup expedition complete in the Khumbu!
