Tag Archive for: Khumbu Valley

Skills review for Ama Dablam

The team taking a break from training.

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team had another excellent day in the Himalaya today, practicing technical skills and cleaning up trash from around base camp and higher up the mountain. Everyone is doing great and looking sharp for the climb ahead! With some weather forecasted tomorrow, the team will wait to see how conditions shape up before going ahead with their plan for the day. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Ama Dablam base camp:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 28.

Today was another beautiful day here in the Khumbu Valley of Nepal. So we spent the morning practicing technical skills in the training zone on the outskirts of base camp (4600m/15,100ft). We practiced fixed-line ascent and descent techniques. The team did really well! And then we spent the afternoon resting.

Tomorrow, we will play it by ear. It looks like some snow is coming our way as a result of a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. So depending on how much snow falls, we may head out for an acclimatization hike, or maybe we’ll just hunker down in base camp and wait out the weather.

Today we also did another day of cleanup. Our crews picked up about 20 kilos of trash from above base camp and up toward the base of the ridge below Camp 2 (5980m/19,619ft). So that feels good and we’ll keep working on that as the expedition progresses!

We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Our climber, Calvin, getting ready to rappel.

Our climber, Calvin, getting ready to rappel.

Good times in high places!

Good times in high places!

Our climber, Naomi, practicing technical skills at the foot of Ama Dablam.

Our climber, Naomi, practicing technical skills at the foot of Ama Dablam.

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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Blessings at the Pangboche Monastery

Crossing the Imja Khola River (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team had a short day on the trail, moving from Deboche to Pangboche. More beautiful weather shined overhead as the team moved efficiently while taking in the views surrounding them. There’s been no shortage of amazing views so far! After settling into our lodge, the team made their way towards the Pangboche Monastery, where they received a blessing from the Lama. Now, the team is settled in for the evening and looking ahead to the move to base camp tomorrow! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalayas:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 26th.

Today, we trekked from Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) to Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft). We arrived in Pangboche mid morning, had some nice ginger lemon tea. And then we went up to the Pangboche Monastery, which is the oldest one in the Khumbu Valley, and received a blessing from the Lama there. After that, we headed down to our lodge, the Shyar Khumbu, and had a nice lunch. And now we’re relaxing until dinner!

Today was a shorter day, which is nice. It gives us a bit more time to rest before we move to base camp (4600m/15,100ft) tomorrow. The weather was great again here in the Khumbu Valley, and we’re looking forward to more of the same for the next couple of days. Well be in touch tomorrow.

Ama Dablam rising above the team (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Ama Dablam rising above the team (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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Tengoche Monastery

Entering Tengboche Gompa (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam expedition team took to the trail again today, leaving their stay in Namche Bazaar and continuing on to Deboche. The team trekked under clear skies and with excellent views of the surrounding peaks, and some wildlife too! Along the way, we stopped at Tengboche Monastery which is the largest gompa in the region, then made our way to the neighboring cafe to fuel up before pushing onto our next stop. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2026 Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition. Today is October 25th.

Today we trekked from Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft) to the village of Deboche (3820m/12,532ft). It was another fantastic day here in the Khumbu Valley; blue skies, not a cloud in sight! So we had great views of some of the many giant peaks in this region including Taboche (6495m/21,309ft) and Cholatse (6440m/21,130ft), Thamserku (6623m/21,729ft), Kangtega (6782m/22,251ft), Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), and our objective, Ama Dablam.

We stopped for lunch in Phunki Tenga (3250m/10,663ft), and then we climbed the hill through the rhododendron forests to Tengboche Monastery. We toured the monastery, and then afterwards we relaxed at the cafe next door, had some espresso drinks and pastries.Then we descended to Deboche.

We also had two wildlife sightings today. We saw Himalayan Goral in the rhododendrons below Tengboche, and we spotted a Danphe as well. Those are also called Himalayan Monal, it’s a brightly colored bird that is the national bird of Nepal!

Tomorrow we’re looking forward to moving to Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft). Well be in touch then!

Our climber, Calvin, exploring Tengboche (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Calvin, exploring Tengboche (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Rhonda, spinning prayer wheels at Tengboche Monastery (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Rhonda, spinning prayer wheels at Tengboche Monastery (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Naomi, visiting Tengboche (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Naomi, visiting Tengboche (photo by Terray Sylvester)

A massive prayer wheel at Tengboche (photo by Terray Sylvester)

A massive prayer wheel at Tengboche (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Great weather in the Khumbu Valley! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Great weather in the Khumbu Valley! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Departing from the Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Departing from the Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar.

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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Next stop: Everest Base Camp!

Enjoying the sunshine while stopping for a break on the trail to Lobuche village.

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition team has reached their final stop on the way to Everest Base Camp! They enjoyed excellent conditions on the trails today with blue skies overhead, making way to perfect views of the surrounding Himalaya. Tomorrow, we’ll pack our bags one last time before trekking to base camp and settling into our temporary homes for the duration of the expedition. Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Lobuche village:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft) expedition team.

Today, we are up at Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft). We had a great trek up from Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) and stopped by at the Everest Memorials on our way.

The team is doing great! Beautiful sunny day today. Awesome views of all of the surrounding peaks! And we’re looking forward to arriving in our Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft) tomorrow.

So, everything’s going well here and we’ll 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:

– 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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Acclimatization Day in the Khumbu

Excellent Himalayan views during our acclimatization day

What a day! The Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition team continued their acclimatization efforts by doing a hike that climbs high above the Khumbu Valley, before descending back down for another night in Pheriche. The team was treated to awesome views of many of the peaks that line the valley below, and then had a well-deserved lunch at Cafe 4411; one of our favorite places to stop on the trek to Everest. Onwards and upwards again tomorrow! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checked in with this dispatch from Pheriche:

Hey, this is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft) expedition!

Today, we went for an acclimatization hike out of Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft), climbed up to about 16,800 feet. We had some great views today! Beautiful views of the surrounding peaks: Makalu (8463m/27,766ft), Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft), Taboche (6495m/21,309ft), Cholatse (6440m/21,130ft), Cho Oyu (8,188m/26,864ft). We came back down for lunch in Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) at Cafe 4411. And now we’re settling in for dinner here tonight in Pheriche.

So tomorrow, our plan is to head up to Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft) for a night or two, and then on to base camp (5364m/17,598ft).

Everyone’s doing well! We are just having a wonderful time up here, beautiful days. Happy to be in the Khumbu Valley of Nepal!

Views during an acclimatization hike above Pheriche

Views during an acclimatization hike above 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 our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Moving up from Namche

The team together in front of the Tengboche Monastery

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition team took to the trails once again over the weekend to continue their trek towards Everest Base Camp! After fueling up for the day in Namche Bazaar, the trail climbs up and out of the village before making its way down to the river below, and climbing back up towards the Tengboche Monastery. The trail offers excellent views of Ama Dablam and other surrounding peaks, along with ample time share conversations, laughs, and smiles en route to the next stop. After a visit at the monastery and some tasty treats at a neighboring bakery, we continued on, excited for some good rest at the Rivendell Lodge. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from the Himalayas:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft) expedition.

Today, we trekked from Namche (3440m/11,290ft) over and across the river, up the big hill, to Tengboche Monastery (3867m/12,687ft). That was fun to visit! We went to a bakery nearby for some coffee and pastries, then dropped down into the rhododendron forest of Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) to one of our favorite lodges: the Rivendell!

Everyone’s doing great! It was a wonderful day, great views, sunshine, fresh air, good exercise, and we’re in really good spirits. So, looking forward to another great day in the Khumbu Valley, trekking uphill tomorrow.

Taking to the trail with Ama Dablam towering high above

Taking to the trail with Ama Dablam towering high above

After receiving a blessing from our friends at the Panorama Lodge

After receiving a blessing from our friends at the Panorama Lodge

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 day in Namche Bazaar!

The team at the Everest View Hotel with Ama Dablam and Everest peaking out from the clouds behind.

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition team spent the day acclimatizing around Namche Bazaar. After fueling up with breakfast, we took to the trails that lead up and out of Namche, towards the Everest View Hotel which offers excellent views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and more! Not to mention, a great spot to rest and enjoy tea and snacks on our active rest day. After descending back down to the team hotel, climbers rested, visited local cafes and got ready to continue on up the valley tomorrow. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft) team.

Today we had a great day! We hiked up from Namche (3440m/11,290ft) to the Everest View Hotel. We had wonderful views of Mount Everest, Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft), and the other surrounding peaks. It was great to hike up and check out Sagarmatha Next; the waste, recycling, and art facility. Then, we came back down for lunch.

Everyone’s doing great! It’s so nice to be up in the mountains. We’re having a wonderful time trekking in the beautiful Khumbu Valley. We’re looking forward to more great views tomorrow! We’ll check in soon.

First views of Everest!

First views of Everest!

Ama Dablam as seen from the trail.

Ama Dablam as seen from the trail.

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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Checked in at the Panorama Lodge in Namche!

One of the many suspension bridges on the trail to Everest Base Camp!

The Madison Mountaineering Mount 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:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft) team.

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.

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:

– 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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2026 Mount Everest Expedition Team is off!

Team photo in front of the Yak and Yeti Hotel.

It’s good to be back! The 2026 Madison Mountaineering Mount 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:

Happy New Year from Kathmandu, Nepal (1400m/4,600ft)!

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:

– 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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Makalu team en route to Base Camp!

The team at breakfast in Pangboche!

The Madison Mountaineering Makalu expedition team said ‘see you later’ to our Everest and Lhotse teams and are on their way towards Makalu! After a pleasant trek to Everest Base Camp and some productive days there spent  training and acclimatizing, they headed back down the Khumbu Valley and await their helicopter flight to their base camp. The climbing is set to start soon and everyone is excited for what’s to come! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Pangboche:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Makalu (8463m/27,766ft) expedition – today is April 26.

Yesterday, we departed from Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft). We trekked as far as Everest Base Camp with the main Everest (8848m/29,032ft)-Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) team to acclimatize, then we spent a few days there training and going for hikes, getting some higher altitude. But, yesterday we left and we headed down to Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft). We rested here last night. We’ll spend one more night here tonight, and then if the weather permits, we hope to fly to Makalu Base Camp tomorrow morning!

It’s a beautiful day here – breezy, warm, spring weather. And, we’re really looking forward to heading over to Makalu and getting started with the climbing! So, all is well here in Nepal and 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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