Tag Archive for: lobuche

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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First Rotation: Complete!

Our Lobuche East climbers just after summiting this morning! Photo: Tenzi Sherpa

Today was a big day in the Himalayas for the 2023 Madison Mountaineering Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse expedition teams! Over the course of the last few days, our teams have been busy on their first rotations in the Himalayas. Our first wave of climbers successfully completed their first rotation up to Camp 2, and are safely back in Everest Base Camp after descending through the icefall. Further down the Khumbu Valley, our second wave of climbers enjoyed good weather and climbing conditions on Lobuche East, and successfully reached the summit this morning before descending back to the village of Lobuche for the night! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, checks in with today’s dispatch from Everest Base Camp:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft) expedition. Today is Wednesday, April 26.

We’ve got great news to report! Today, our first wave of climbers just returned down to base camp (5364m/17,598ft) from our first rotation up at Camps 1 (6050m/19,849ft) and 2 (6500m/21,325ft). We had a great rotation, four nights up high, and spent time hiking around Camp 2 at 21,300 feet, and made it down safely through the Khumbu Icefall today!

Our second wave of climbers, with guide Cacho Beiza, climbed Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) today and reached the summit ridge – beautiful views all around! They are now headed back to base camp tomorrow. So, our team will be all together!

Also, our Everest Express climber, Danah Ali arrived in Nepal and flew to the Khumbu Valley, and was met in Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) village by guide, Terray Sylvester. She will be integrating with our team in the next few days!

So, we’ve been enjoying good conditions here on Everest. Our Sherpa team has been doing a fantastic job carrying loads up the mountain and helping us climb safely. We look forward to some good weather in the coming days and weeks ahead! 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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Progress in Nepal!

Our team acclimatizing above Camp 1 during an active rest day on April 23! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

With the bulk of our collective team all in the Khumbu region, the teams are well on their way towards the objectives forthcoming! Our first wave of climbers have had great climbing conditions so far, as they navigated their way through the complex terrain of the Khumbu Icefall and are now spending time acclimatizing in the Western Cwm. After a few days of technical training in Everest Base Camp, our second wave of climbers is on their way to start their first rotation on Lobuche! Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this update from Nepal:

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 24th.

Today our first wave of climbers here in Nepal moved from Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft) to Camp 2 (6500m/21,325ft). They plan to spend two nights at Camp 2, and then return to base camp (5364m/17,598ft). That will complete their first acclimatization rotation! The’ve had great conditions so far. They had particularly good climbing conditions two days ago when the moved to Camp 1 up through the Khumbu Icefall. They were essentially the only team in the icefall that night, which made for really pleasant, smooth climbing without any lines!

Meanwhile, our second wave of climbers just left base camp. They hiked down to the village of Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft) today, and tomorrow they’ll move up to the Lobuche high camp, and then hopefully summit Lobuche peak (6119m/20,075ft) the following day. They spent the last two days practicing their technical skills here on the ice towers next to base camp.

So, all is well here in Nepal and we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

The "second wave" about to depart for Lobuche! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The “second wave” about to depart for Lobuche! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Lhotse climber, Karl Yoder, near the top of the Khumbu Icefall! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Lhotse climber, Karl Yoder, near the top of the Khumbu Icefall! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Our team in the Western Cwm! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Our team in the Western Cwm! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Our "second wave" of climbers training near base camp!

Our “second wave” of climbers training near base camp!

Technical training near base camp!

Technical training near base camp!

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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Snow in EBC

Our 'second wave' of climbers on top of Kala Patthar this afternoon, after hiking to Gorakshep!

While snow fell over base camp, our first team rested today and prepared for their first rotation through the Khumbu Icefall! They plan to wake up around midnight to start their climb towards Camp 1, knowing that they may push back their plan another day due to the fresh snowfall. Not far away, our second team reached Gorakshep and hiked up Kala Patthar. Despite the limited views, the team is in good spirits and psyched for the days ahead! 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) expeditions – today is April 21st.

Today we took a rest day here in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) while we packed and prepared for our first rotation up to Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft) for two nights, and then Camp 2 (6500m/21,325ft) for two nights, and then back down. However, this evening it’s snowing hard in base camp, so there’s a chance we’ll wake up at midnight and defer the beginning of that rotation for another day.

Meanwhile, the other group of climbers here in the Khumbu Valley is in Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft)! Today they hiked up Kala Patthar (5644m/18,519ft) – great acclimatization hike even though their views were limited due to the storm. And tomorrow they plan to move to base camp!

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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Into the Icefall!

The team climbing into the Khumbu Icefall! Photo pulled from Madison Mountaineering archive (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Today, the team made their first trip into the Khumbu Icefall to start to get a sense of what moving through the beautifully complicated terrain will be like on future rotations as they make their way higher up the mountain. Further down the valley, our second team has arrived in Lobuche, and is set to meet the rest of the team in Everest Base Camp (EBC) in just a few days! Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from EBC:

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 20th.

Today our team here in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) got up early and hiked maybe a fifth to a quarter of the way up to Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft). So we went part way into the Khumbu Icefall – it’s a really nice way for our climbers to start to get acquainted with the terrain that we’ll climb through in the dark in a couple of days when we head up to Camp 1 before dawn.

Meanwhile, our other group here in the Khumbu Valley hiked to Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft). They’ll stay there tonight, and then they’ll move to Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft) tomorrow, and hopefully make it to base camp the day after that!

We had a little light snow this evening and we might get a little bit more snow tomorrow, but for the group here in base camp, tomorrow will be a rest day. All is well here in Nepal! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Climber, Debbie Bulten, descending out of the icefall with Sange Sherpa. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Debbie Bulten, descending out of the icefall with Sange Sherpa. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Rick Irvine, rappelling in the icefall. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Rick Irvine, rappelling in the icefall. (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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Everest Base Camp Awaits!

The team on top of Kala Patthar, with Pumori in the background! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

After one final acclimatization hike to the top of Kala Patthar, the team is eager to arrive in base camp tomorrow! Today presented more incredible views of Everest Base Camp and the surrounding sights, giving the team a preview of what’s to come. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with todays dispatch from Gorakshep:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the 2023 Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition. Today is April 12th!

Today we moved from Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft) to Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft), and then we hiked up Kala Patthar (5644m/18,519ft) to just about 5,500 meters. From there we had our first really good views of the summit of Everest plus Nuptse, and just a little corner of Lhotse peaking out in the distance. Beautiful day today, yet again – clear skies and pleasant temperatures!

We’re going to spend a night here in Gorakshep, and then tomorrow we’ll head over to base camp (5364m/17,598ft) and finally move into our tents there. So, that’s exciting! (We) can’t wait to get into camp at the foot of Everest.

The team is doing well and we’re looking forward to tomorrow! We’ll be in touch then.

Mount Everest (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Mount Everest (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team ascending Kala Patthar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team ascending Kala Patthar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Nearing the top of Kala Patthar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Nearing the top of Kala Patthar! (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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First Views of EBC!

Passing Cholatse en route to Lobuche. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team has arrived in Lobuche! After this morning’s walk from Pheriche where they’d spent the last few days, the team settled into their rooms at their next stop before continuing on towards Everest Base Camp (EBC). Fueled by treats from “the highest bakery in the world” the team hiked up a moraine bordering the Khumbu Glacier, which revealed the team’s first views of EBC. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this dispatch from Lobuche:

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 11th.

This morning we walked from Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft)! Along the way we stopped and had a nice brunch in Dukla, and then in the afternoon we visited the bakery here in Lobuche, which advertises itself as the highest bakery in the world at over 5,000 meters! We hiked up on the lateral moraine next to the Khumbu Glacier and got our first view of Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft), plus great views of Pumori (7161m/23,494ft), Lingtren (6749m/22,142ft), Nuptse and Changtse (7543m/24,747ft) out on the Chinese border.

So, tomorrow we’ll continue to Gorakshep (5164m/16,942ft) and up to Kala Patthar (5644m/18,519ft) where we’ll get more great views of Everest and base camp!

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

Climber, Erwin Visser, and expedition leader, Garrett Madison, leaving Pheriche. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Erwin Visser, and expedition leader, Garrett Madison, leaving Pheriche. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Pieter Swart, sightseeing on a lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Pieter Swart, sightseeing on a lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Peter Horsman, and expedition leader, Garrett Madison, taking in the view near Lobuche! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Peter Horsman, and expedition leader, Garrett Madison, taking in the view near Lobuche! (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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Prayer Flag Point

The team at Prayer Flag Point on today's acclimatization hike! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team continued their acclimatization efforts today, touching over 16,000 feet at Prayer Flag Point above Pheriche! After taking in more spectacular views, everyone was excited to descend, knowing the treat that lied ahead – pastries and coffee at the famous Dingboche Bakery! The treats fueled the teams bodies to get them back to Pheriche, where they enjoyed dinner and alpenglow on the surrounding peaks, towering above the village. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from Nepal:

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 10th.

Today we hiked above Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft) up to prayer flag point, at a little over 16,000 feet, above 5,000 meters. It was a beautiful day! The clear weather has continued, so we had great views of Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) and Makalu (8463m/27,766ft) in the distance, and just a little corner of Cho Oyu (8188m/26,864ft). Then we came back down and relaxed in the bakery at Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) before walking back to Pheriche.

It’s a beautiful evening right now! We’re watching alpenglow on the peaks around Pheriche. Tomorrow, we’re looking forward to moving up to Lobuche (4940m/16,210ft).

We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Alpenglow on Ama Dablam. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Alpenglow on Ama Dablam. (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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