Tag Archive for: lobuche

Cleanup and climbing team has arrived in base camp!

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archives. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering mountain cleanup project expedition team has arrived in Everest Base Camp! The team left Lobuche Village and set forth on the path to their next stop under clear, blue Himalayan skies. Fueled by tea and the excitement of moving into their temporary home, the team stepped into base camp ready for their climbing and cleaning activities on Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest peak! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from base camp:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering spring cleanup and climbing expedition – today is April 25th.

Today we left Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft) under warm, sunny skies and walked up to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft) with a short break for tea in Gorak Shep (5164m/16,942ft) along the way. We got to base camp just before lunch, moved into our tents, and then had a great lunch. We’ve been relaxing and getting settled this afternoon.

It’s great to be here and great to meet the rest of the team! We’re looking forward to a rest day tomorrow, then a little bit of training and skills review. As soon as possible, we’ll start heading up the mountain to begin our cleanup work and our climbing! So, all is going really well here and we’ll be in touch 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:

– 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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World’s highest bakery!

Climber Nelly Attar with Madison Mountaineering Everest Base Camp trekker & Lobuche East climber Jeannette Glass in the famous bakery at Lobuche Village! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering mountain cleanup project expedition team has moved from Pheriche to Lobuche Village – a stop that wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world’s highest bakery! The team met up with another Madison Mountaineering climber who is preparing to ascend Lobuche East, sharing laughs and treats as they swapped stories from their journeys so far. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering spring cleanup and climbing expedition – today is April 24th.

Today we hiked from the village of Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) to Lobuche Village (4940m/16,210ft) at about 5,000 meters. Another day of great weather, pretty much sunny all day with a little dusting of snow in the evening. We relaxed at the bakery here – the world’s highest bakery with one of our team’s base camp trekkers who’s now headed up to climb Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft)! Then we relaxed after our bakery stop and now we’re about to sit down for dinner. So, all is well here and we will move to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft) tomorrow!

Climber Nelly Attar near Lobuche Village with Nuptse Range in the background. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Climber Nelly Attar near Lobuche Village with Nuptse Range in the background. (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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Spring in the Khumbu!

Arriving at Tengboche Monastery, last stop before Deboche. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Mountain Cleanup Project expedition team has had great weather so far for their trek up the Khumbu Valley on the way toward base camp. Clear skies and t-shirt weather have made for perfect views of the high peaks above them as they continue on up, now settled into Deboche for the night. In the next few days, the team will continue on utilizing their acclimatization to reach Everest Base Camp where the climbing and cleanup efforts are set to begin! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Nepal:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering spring Annapurna (8091m/26,545ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) cleanup and climbing expedition – today is April 22nd. We are continuing our approach to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft) up the Khumbu Valley. The weather continues to be really warm, honestly a little unseasonably and surprisingly warm, but it’s very pleasant. It means we’ve had clear skies, no rain, and t-shirt weather as we’re walking up the valley.

Today we came from Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft) up to Deboche (3820m/12,532ft). Along the way, we stopped for coffee in Kyangjuma with excellent views of Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft), Lhotse, and Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft)! Then we continued up an old and slightly less often used trail up the slope to Tengboche Monastery (3867m/12,687ft) where we had a nice coffee and some pastries, and then continued down the hill to Deboche. We’ll spend the night here, and then we’ll make good time hopefully since we’re well acclimatized on up to base camp. We’ll spend a night in Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft), one night in Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft), and then head straight to Everest Base Camp where we’ll rest and then start preparing to clean on the upper mountain.

Okay! We’ll be in touch.

The team taking a break at Kyangjuma with great views of the Everest Massif and Ama Dablam.

The team taking a break at Kyangjuma with great views of the Everest Massif and Ama Dablam.

Hiking up to Tengboche Monastery (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Hiking up to Tengboche Monastery (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Rhododendrons in bloom en route to Tengboche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Rhododendrons in bloom en route to Tengboche (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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More beautiful weather in the Khumbu!

The team during an acclimatization hike on a spectacular day in the Himalaya!

The Madison Mountaineering Himalayan expedition teams are nearing base camp as they continue to move further up the Khumbu Valley. The weather was spectacular for their acclimatization hike above Pheriche, giving them great views of the high peaks above them and the valley below. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from the Himalayas:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) climbing team and trekking team.

Today is April 20th and we are heading up to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft) after a couple of good nights here in Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft). We did an acclimatization hike up the hill, magnificent views all around and the team is doing great! Beautiful weather here today, clear skies, and looking forward to heading up the hill, getting to base camp (5364m/17,598ft) in a few days time.

Clear, blue skies in the Himalaya!

Clear, blue skies in the Himalaya!

Next stop: Lobuche!

Next stop: Lobuche!

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 summit push coming up!

Photo from the Spring, 2023 Lobuche East expedition.

The Madison Mountaineering Lobuche East and Island Peak climbers have parted ways with the Everest Base Camp trekkers and are positioned to make their summit push in just a few hours! The team did some skills training in camp today, and are feeling primed and ready to go for the summit. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this brief dispatch from Lobuche East High Camp:

Hello from Lobuche East High Camp! We moved here from Lobuche village this morning after breakfast, then did another session of skills training after lunch.

We just enjoyed a tasty dinner and are going to bed. The team is in good shape and the weather forecast is good. We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s climb!

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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Everest Base Camp

The team at base camp! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering team reached Everest base camp today with beautiful weather! This marks their turn around point, where our trekkers will trek down the valley back to Lukla, and board their flight out of the Himalaya. Meanwhile, our Lobuche East and Island Peak climbers still have more to do before making their departure. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Lobuche village:

Hello! This is Terray calling in from Nepal 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 October 30th.

Today we had a big day! We touched Everest base camp, we left Gorak Shep (5164m/16,942ft) early and enjoyed solitude on the trails to base camp, as well as more fantastic weather. We arrived in base camp around 9:30, enjoyed the sun, took a lot of pictures, and then we walked back to Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft). We’re getting ready for dinner here in Lobuche now. We had light snow this evening, but also some alpenglow on Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) high above us.

We’re looking forward to tomorrow! Tomorrow our trekkers will continue down the valley to Deboche where they’ll enjoy some hot showers and cozy accommodations at the Rivendell Lodge. Our Lobuche East climbers will move up to Lobuche East high camp!

So, we’ll be in touch! All is well in Nepal.

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 perfect weather in the Himalaya!

Crossing Thuk La Pass (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The excellent weather continues for our teams in the Himalaya this fall! Today, the Madison Mountaineering Everest base camp trekkers, along with our Island Peak and Lobuche East climbers trekked up the Khumbu Valley from Pheriche to Lobuche village. They took in surrounding views, stopped at the climbers memorial on Thuk La Pass, and settled into their rooms for the night before following their noses to the famous bakery in Lobuche village for a treat! 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, and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) and Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) climbs. Today we trekked from Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) to Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft). We stopped for lunch at Dughla (4620m/15,160ft), then climbed over the Thuk La Pass and spent a few moments at the climbers memorial there, and then continued to Lobuche village.

The great weather has continued! We had excellent panoramic views of all the high peaks from Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) to Cholatse (6440m/21,130ft) to Pumori (7161m/23,494ft) and over to the west shoulder of Everest (8848m/29,032ft) as we approached Lobuche.

So this afternoon we’ve been relaxing in the bakery cafe here in Lobuche, reportedly the highest bakery on the planet and we’re looking forward to dinner tonight! Tomorrow we’ll move to Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft) and hike up Kala Patthar (5644m/18,519ft) where we’ll get an excellent view of the summit of Everest! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Lobuche East and Island Peak climber, Thomas hiking out of the Pheriche valley (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Lobuche East and Island Peak climber, Thomas hiking out of the Pheriche valley (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Fun in the sun on the way to Lobuche Village (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Fun in the sun on the way to Lobuche Village (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The trail to Lobuche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The trail to Lobuche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Approaching Thuk La Pass (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Approaching Thuk La Pass (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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Blessings in Pangboche

The team departing from Deboche with views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Under beautiful, clear-blue Himalayan skies, our Madison Mountaineering teams continued their trek further up the Khumbu Valley with a stop in Pangboche for a blessing at the monastery. This is a special experience for many – these cultural experiences along with trekking and climbing in the Himalaya make for a truly engaging combination. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Pheriche:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest base camp (5364m/17,598ft) trek, Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) and Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) climbs – today is October 26.

Today we trekked from Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) to Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft). Along the way we stopped for a blessing at the monastery in Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft). That’s always a nice ceremony – a nice way to mark a milestone in our trip as we get closer to Everest base camp. In Pangboche, we also parted ways with the Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) team. They’re going to spend the night in Pangboche tonight, and then move up to Ama Dablam base camp (4600m/15,100ft) tomorrow.

But now, the Everest base camp trekking team is here in Pheriche – we’re just relaxing before dinner. For most of the day we had excellent weather yet again with crystal clear skies, and great views of Everest (8848m/29,032ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) ahead of us. We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Garrett and our Everest Base Camp crew: Max, Alex, Kirk and Nick (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Garrett and our Everest Base Camp crew: Max, Alex, Kirk and Nick (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Everest Base Camp trekker, Max visiting the monastery in Pangboche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Everest Base Camp trekker, Max visiting the monastery in Pangboche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

EBC trekker, Max and climber, Thomas trekking above Deboche with Garrett (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

EBC trekker, Max and climber, Thomas trekking above Deboche with Garrett (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Visiting the Pangboche Monastery (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Visiting the Pangboche Monastery (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our Everest Base Camp trekking team approaching Shomare with Lhotse in the background (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our Everest Base Camp trekking team approaching Shomare with Lhotse in the background (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

A yak on the trek towards Pheriche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

A yak on the trek towards Pheriche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

EBC trekkers, Max and Nick trekking toward Pheriche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

EBC trekkers, Max and Nick trekking toward Pheriche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Trekking guide, Aaditya Nachhiring approaching Pheriche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Trekking guide, Aaditya Nachhiring approaching 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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Visiting the Tengboche Monastery

Visiting the Tengboche Monastery (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The team is back on the trail after an acclimatization day and some rest in Namche Bazaar! Under beautiful, clear-blue skies, the team set forth further up the Khumbu Valley, stopping at the famous Tengboche Monastery on the way to Deboche. After touring the monastery and fueling up on coffee and pastries, the team continued on before reaching their next stop in Deboche. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering expeditions in Nepal – today is Wednesday, October 25.

Today we hiked from Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft) to Deboche (3820m/12,532ft). We had another beautiful, sunny day! The weather on this trip has just been excellent. Along the way from Namche, we stopped at Tengboche Monastery, toured the monastery where the monks were practicing a dance for an upcoming ceremony. We enjoyed some great coffees and pastries at the bakery there at the monastery. Then we descended here to Deboche!

We’re just wrapping up dinner and looking forward to tomorrow when we will hike up to Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft) and participate in a blessing there, and then continue on to Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) for the night. We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Excellent views of Kangtega (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Excellent views of Kangtega (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Nick and Kristen relaxing after lunch at Phungki Thenga (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Nick and Kristen relaxing after lunch at Phungki Thenga (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Tom, spinning prayer wheels at Tengboche Monastery (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Tom, spinning prayer wheels at Tengboche Monastery (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Dawa Tenji (left) and Aditya Rai (right), members of our excellent local staff, taking a break on the way to Tengboche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Dawa Tenji (left) and Aditya Rai (right), members of our excellent local staff, taking a break on the way to Tengboche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Ama Dablam climber, Anna, chatting with friends on the way to Deboche (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Ama Dablam climber, Anna, chatting with friends on the way to Deboche (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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