Tag Archive for: Kathmandu

Perfect Weather On the Way to Namche!

Sirdar and Guide, Aang Phurba Sherpa crossing the famous suspension bridge below Namche with Guide, Hannah Smith. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Today, the team arrived in Namche Bazaar under crisp, clear blue skies. Namche is the main hub of the Khumbu region, and the biggest village climbers and trekkers alike will visit on their way further up the valley. Terray Sylvester checks in with todays dispatch:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition – it’s October 22nd.

Today we walked from Phakding (2610m/8,562ft) to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft). We had another day of excellent weather. When we arrived in Namche we enjoyed a coffee at Sherpa Barista. Tomorrow we plan to take a rest day here in Namche.

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

Walking from Phakding to Namche. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Walking from Phakding to Namche. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Expedition Leader, Garrett Madison giving the morning briefing. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Expedition Leader, Garrett Madison giving the morning briefing. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team arriving in Namche. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team arriving in Namche. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team in Jorsale. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team in Jorsale. 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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Into the Himalayas!

Our team in Phakding. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team had spectacular flying conditions today with views of the towering Himalayas before landing in Lukla! Upon their arrival, a few moments were spent in town before hitting the trail and heading to their next stop, Phakding. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with todays dispatch:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition – it’s October 21st.

Today we had excellent weather for our helicopter flights from Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft) to Lukla (2860m/9,383ft). Our entire Ama Dablam team plus our Everest Base Camp trekkers touched down in Lukla at about 2,900 meters in, yeah, just beautiful weather with excellent views of the mountains to the north. We had a great view of Everest (8848m/29,032ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) just before we touched down.

Then we hiked to Phakding (2610m/8,562ft). We’ve had a relaxing evening here with a walk up to the monastery above town. We just wrapped up dinner and we’re looking forward to a nice peaceful night, with the sound of the Dudh Koshi River below us.

We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Inbound to Lukla. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Inbound to Lukla. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Climbers Jocelyn, Serge, Stephane and Alix after touching down in Lukla! Photo: Terray Sylvester

Climbers Jocelyn, Serge, Stephane and Alix after touching down in Lukla! Photo: Terray Sylvester

Walking to Phakding. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Walking to Phakding. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Visiting the monastery above Phakding. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Visiting the monastery above Phakding. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Ama Dablam climber, Stephane en route to the helicopter pad. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Ama Dablam climber, Stephane en route to the helicopter pad. 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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Ama Dablam Expedition Underway!

Team dinner in Kathmandu!

The 2022 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition has officially begun! The team all arrived in Kathmandu today, excited for the journey ahead. After arriving at the Yak and Yeti hotel, our team held a gear check and orientation to go over details of the expedition. With good weather tomorrow, the team will fly to Lukla and continue on their way towards Ama Dablam. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in from Kathmandu with todays dispatch:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition 2022 – today is October 20th.

The team is all in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft)! We had our gear checks today, had an orientation, talked through logistics, the itinerary and just finished our team dinner! Everyone’s feeling good and pumped to fly up to the Khumbu Valley tomorrow to Lukla (2860m/9,383ft), and start our trek along the way to base camp. So fingers crossed for good flying weather tomorrow morning! Hopefully we’ll be in Lukla for breakfast and on our way.

We’ll check in soon!

Gear check at the Yak and Yeti hotel - the climbers classic!

Gear check at the Yak and Yeti hotel – the climbers classic!

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison and guide, Terray Sylvester picking up the Ama Dablam climbing permits!

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison and guide, Terray Sylvester picking up the Ama Dablam climbing permits!

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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More Strong Climbers Joining the Expedition!

Mules laden with supplies on the trail to base camp. (📸: Terray Sylvester)

Today, our second wave of climbers made the helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Samagaun – we’re excited to have them join us in base camp in the next few days! The team already settled into base camp is resting and preparing for their move up to Camp 1. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in from Manaslu base camp:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2022 Madison Mountaineering Manaslu (8156m/26,759ft) expedition – it’s September 14th.

Today, our second wave of climbers took a helicopter from Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft) to Samagaun (3530m/11,581ft). They plan to acclimatize there and then move up to base camp (4859m/15,944ft), hopefully soon. Meanwhile in base camp, our other climber has been resting after acclimatizing for the move to Camp 1 (5700m, 18,700ft).

So, all is well here! We just finished dinner, are watching a movie and are heading to bed soon. We’ll be 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:

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The Journey Continues into the Mountains!

Photo taken from Madison Mountaineering archive.

Today, the team departed from the lowlands of Kathmandu Valley and arrived at the next stop on their way to Manaslu (8163m/26,781ft)! The helicopter flight to Samagoan (3530m/11,581ft) followed a beautiful river up through a gorge, passing many waterfalls along the way. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft):

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2022 Madison Mountaineering Manaslu expedition – today is September 2nd.

Today we took a helicopter from Kathmandu to the village of Samagoan at about 11,500 feet. It was a beautiful flight with fantastic views of waterfalls and the spectacular gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River. We’ll spend a few days acclimatizing here and then we’ll move up to base camp (4,800m/15,750ft) – just a days walk away from us.

So, all is well here! We’ll be 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:

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The Adventure Begins in Kathmandu!

The brilliant costumes of Hindu ascetics known as "sadhus" at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. (📸: @terray_s)

The team spent the day relaxing and visiting some of the sites in the beautiful city of Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft)! With good weather tomorrow, the expedition will continue to the next stop of Samagoan (3530m/11,581ft), the gateway to Manaslu (8163m/26,781ft). Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from Kathmandu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2022 Madison Mountaineering Manaslu expedition – it’s September 1st.

Today we spent the morning exploring some of the sites here in Kathmandu Valley. We visited two of the valleys seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We started off the day at Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the biggest Buddhist stupa’s in the world. Then we went over to Pashupatinath Temple which is very sacred to the valley’s Hindus. Then we got a great lunch at Fire and Ice, now we’re just relaxing until we hopefully fly out tomorrow. If the weather allows, we will fly to the village of Samagoan, just to the northeast of Manaslu tomorrow morning.

So, all is well! Beautiful weather here in the Kathmandu Valley at the moment. We’ll be in touch.

Monkeys at Pashupatinath Temple. 📸: Terray Sylvester

Monkeys at Pashupatinath Temple. 📸: Terray Sylvester

Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas. 📸: Terray Sylvester

Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. 📸: Terray Sylvester

A Ganesh statue at Pashupatinath Temple. 📸: Terray Sylvester

A Ganesh statue at Pashupatinath Temple. 📸: Terray Sylvester

A thangka painting demonstration at Boudhanath Stupa. 📸: Terray Sylvester

A thangka painting demonstration at Boudhanath Stupa. 📸: Terray Sylvester

Boudhanath Stupa. 📸: Terray Sylvester

Boudhanath Stupa. 📸: 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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2022 Manaslu Expedition Kicks Off!

Picking up our climbing permit at the Nepali Ministry of Tourism!

The 2022 Madison Mountaineering Manaslu expedition has begun and members of our team have started to arrive in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft), the capital city of Nepal! Today the team went through a gear check and enjoyed a nice dinner at a local restaurant. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from Kathmandu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2022 Madison Mountaineering Manaslu expedition – it’s August 31st.

Today, our first climber arrived here in Kathmandu. We spent the day doing a gear check, then we went out for a nice welcome dinner at Mezze – not too far from our hotel, the Yak and Yeti.

The weather is beautiful here in Kathmandu right now! The monsoon is tapering off and the temperature is perfect, with just scattered showers and beautiful, clear air. We plan to do a city tour tomorrow and then hopefully fly to Samagoan (3530m/11,581ft) where we’ll start our trek the following day.

So, all is well here and we’ll be 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:

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Deboche to Pheriche

Climber Becks Ferry receiving a blessing from Lama Ngawang Paljur in the Pangboche Monastery

Today our trekking and climbing teams trekked from Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) to the village of Pheriche (4280m/14,042ft).  Madison Mountaineering guide Terray Sylvester provides a recap of the day.

Also, be sure to check out Alan Arnette’s recent interview with Garrett Madison from Namche Bazaar: https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2022/04/07/everest-2022-interview-with-garrett-madison-from-namche-bazaar/

Hello!  This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition!  It’s April 8th.

Today we made our way from Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) to Pheriche (4280m/14,042ft).  We’re here in Pheriche, about 14,000ft.  It feels good to have gained some altitude and to be among the high peaks – Ama Dablam is towering right above us.

Along the way here we stopped at the monastery in Pangboche which is one of the oldest in the Khumbu Valley.  While we were there we recieved a blessing from a high Lama.  That’s a traditional stop for climbers bound to Mount Everest and other peaks nearby.

So all is well.  We’ll have a rest day here in Pheriche tomorrow and we’ll be in touch!

Climber Carter Beck spinning prayer wheels at the monastery

Climber Carter Beck spinning prayer wheels at the monastery

Trekking to Pheriche

Trekking to Pheriche

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 Garrett Madison’s daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my Madison Mountaineering flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Namche Bazaar to Deboche

Climbers enjoying a tea break in Kyangjuma

Today our trekking and climbing teams moved up from Namche Bazaar past the Tengboche Monastery to the village of Deboche along the Imja Khola river.  Madison Mountaineering guide Terray Sylvester provides a recap of the day.

Also, be sure to check out Alan Arnette’s interview with Garrett Madison from Namche Bazaar:  https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2022/04/07/everest-2022-interview-with-garrett-madison-from-namche-bazaar/

Hello!  This is Terray calling in for the 2022 Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition!  It’s Thursday, April 7th.

Today we trekked from Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft) to the little village of Deboche (3820m/12,532ft).  We had nice weather along the way with more views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse.  We stopped for lunch at a little town called Phungi Thenga.  Then we crossed a suspension bridge across the Dudh Koshi river, which means “Milk River” because of the color of the water from the glacial silt in it.  Then we ascended the long switchbacks up to Tengboche Monastery at about 12,700ft, checked out the monastery and some of the other sites around it and then walked down the last 20 minutes to Deboche.

So we’re about to have dinner here and looking forward to tomorrow which will be a nice day.  We’ll walk through Pangboche and get the blessing of the local Lama there.

We’ll be in touch!

The climbing team at the Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar

The climbing team at the Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar

Climber David Courtney receiving a blessing before leaving Namche

Climber David Courtney receiving a blessing before leaving Namche

Climber Josh Garrison receiving a blessing before leaving Namche

Climber Josh Garrison receiving a blessing before leaving Namche

Along the trail to Deboche

Along the trail to Deboche

Climber Stephane Mayer visiting Tengboche Monastery with his family

Climber Stephane Mayer visiting Tengboche Monastery with his family

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 Garrett Madison’s daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my Madison Mountaineering flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Active Rest Day in Namche Bazaar

Guide Cacho Beiza leading the group above Namche.

Enjoying an active rest day in Namche Bazaar, the teams hiked up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoyed…  (wait for it)…  some wonderful views of Everest and the surrounding peaks!  Madison Mountaineering guide Terray Sylvester provides a recap of the day:

Hello!  This is Terray calling in for the 2022 Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition!  It’s Wednesday, April 6th.  Today our trekkers and climbers hiked up to the Everest View Hotel, about 1,000ft above Namche Bazaar.  Along the way we had great views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest in the distance – just cystal clear skies.  Then the clouds came in and we hiked back down to Namche.  Some of us took a detour thru Khumjung (3790m/12,430ft) where they saw what is purported to be a skull of a yeti in a museum and a few others of us when and visited a new Sherpa cultural museum here in Namche with some really interesting history and artifacts.

Tomorrow we’ll continue on up past Tengboche Monastery to Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) and we’re looking forward to that hike.  There should be more great views along the way!

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

Ama Dablam in the distance.

Ama Dablam in the distance.

Approaching the Everest View Hotel with Thamserku in the distance.

Approaching the Everest View Hotel with Thamserku in the distance.

Garrett with climbers Sara Safari and Josh Garrison

Garrett with climbers Sara Safari and Josh Garrison

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 Garrett Madison’s daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my Madison Mountaineering flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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