Tag Archive for: Mount Everest

Summit rotation is underway!

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

The Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition team has begun their summit push! In the early morning hours on May 17, the team emerged from their tents, shouldered their packs, and set off through the Khumbu Icefall with the summit of Mount Everest and 11,000 vertical feet of relief towering above them. It’s been confirmed that the team has safely and successfully reached Camp 2 where they plan to take a rest day before moving up to Camp 3. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Camp 2:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft) team. Today is May 17th, 2:00 AM and we are headed out of base camp (5364m/17,598ft) on our way up to Camp 2 (6500m/21,325ft) to start our summit rotation! It’s a beautiful, starry night. We’re looking forward to it! All is well, 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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Nuptse Summits!

Members of our team on the summit of Nuptse in 2023! Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive.
It comes with great pleasure to share the recent success of our Nuptse team who reached the true summit at 7861m / 25,791 today! Our climber, guides, and Sherpa team put all boots on the summit, marking the second year in a row that our team has reached the top and opened the route for other teams to follow for the season. Congratulations to everyone involved! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Everest Base Camp:

Cacho, Casey, along with four of our Sherpa team (Dawa Tenji, Kam Dorji, Chhetan, Mingmar) just reached the summit of Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) with perfect conditions! They are on the way down now.

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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Cleanup in the Western Cwm

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

The Madison Mountaineering Mountain Cleanup Project expedition team had a productive weekend cleaning and climbing as they continued their efforts in the camps shared by Mount Everest and Lhotse. The team cleaned up more than 100kg of waste from Camp 2 and will keep collecting trash as they climb to higher camps before making a summit attempt on Lhotse. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Camp 2:

Hello from our advanced base camp at Camp 2 (6500m/21,325ft)! Yesterday and today we picked up more than 100kg of waste here. Tomorrow we plan to wake up early and move up to Camp 3 (7230m/23,720ft). We’ve had beautiful warm weather here at 6,500m / 21,300′ in the Western Cwm. Low winds are in the forecast. 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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Mountain Cleanup team on the move!

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

Through the Khumbu Icefall and into Camp 2! The Madison Mountaineering Mountain Cleanup Project expedition team moved swiftly through the lower section of the route climbers take to climb Mount Everest and Lhotse. With a summit attempt on Lhotse ahead, the team’s first objective is to clean up the camps along the route, shared by both Mount Everest and Lhotse. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Western Cwm:

Hello from Camp 2 (6500m/21,325ft)! Today we enjoyed a spectacular walk up the Western Cwm from Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft). In general, the weather was excellent: partly sunny skies with occasional snow flurries. We plan to spend the next few days here in Camp 2 cleaning up waste. Then we’ll continue higher, to make our summit attempt on Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and pursue our cleaning work in the higher camps. We’ll keep 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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Perfect day on Kala Patthar!

The team topping out on Kala Patthar with excellent views of Mount Everest (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Everest base camp trekking team reached their high point today, ascending Kala Patthar which is considered a trekkers peak that overlooks Everest base camp and with 360 degree views of the mountains, valleys and glaciers all around. The team could not have asked for better weather and took their time while they soaked up the sun and views at over 18,000 feet. 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 is October 29th.

Today we trekked from Lobuche village (4940m/16,210ft) to Gorak Shep (5164m/16,942ft). We had a nice lunch and then we hiked up to the top of Kala Patthar (5644m/18,519ft), which is higher than 18,000 feet – about 5,500 meters which would make it just about as high as the third highest peak in North America, but here of course, it’s just a foothill among giants. However, we had excellent views of Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft), Pumori (7161m/23,494ft), and even just a peak of Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft)! It can be pretty cold on Kala Patthar at times, but we got really lucky with the weather. We were able to bask in the sun for a little while, take some pictures, and then we hiked down to Gorak Shep where we’ll spend the night!

Tomorrow we’ve got another exciting day! We’ll go to Everest base camp and then we’ll start trekking back down the Khumbu Valley. So, we’re all doing well here in the Khumbu and I’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Everest and Nuptse, with Lhotse just barely visible (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Everest and Nuptse, with Lhotse just barely visible (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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Hello from Namche Bazaar!

Climbers, Anna and Thomas crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering fall, 2023 Himalayan expedition teams have reached the heart of the Khumbu Valley: Namche Bazaar! The team enjoyed excellent weather from Phakding while trekking along the Dudh Koshi River, across suspension bridges, and with a few breaks along the way before emerging into Namche, which is a major hub in the Khumbu Valley. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalaya:

Hello! This is Terray calling in from Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft), Nepal – it’s October 23rd. Today our teams here in Nepal hiked from Phakding (2610m/8,562ft) to Namche Bazaar. We had beautiful weather along the way and got our first view of Everest (8848m/29,032ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) as we climbed the hill to Namche!

We had just a great time! (We) stopped in Monjo (2835m/9,301ft) and had a nice cup of tea in the sun, then we had a great lunch in Jorsalle (2740m/8989ft) and climbed up the hill to Namche across the famous Ed Hillary suspension bridge.

So, we just wrapped up dinner and we’re going to bed. Tomorrow we’re looking forward to a hike up to the Everest View Hotel where we’ll get a great view of Everest as well as Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft), which is the objective for some of our climbers here in Nepal.

We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

The team preparing to depart from Pahakding (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The team preparing to depart from Phakding (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Everest Base Camp trekkers, Kirk and Nick at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Everest Base Camp trekkers, Kirk and Nick at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Madison Mountaineering expedition team members Kristen, Kim and Max approaching Namche Bazaar (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Madison Mountaineering expedition team members Kristen, Kim and Max approaching Namche Bazaar (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Enjoying lunch in Jorsalle (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Enjoying lunch in Jorsalle (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Sunny weather in the Khumbu Valley (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Sunny weather in the Khumbu Valley (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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Lukla to Phakding

Madison Mountaineering fall Nepal expedition members starting their trek up the Khumbu Valley (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Today was another magnificent day in Nepal with our Madison Mountaineering teams leaving the lowlands and stepping foot onto the trail! The team had perfect flying conditions with views all around of beautiful country and the high peaks of the Himalaya. With their first day of trekking under their belts, the team continues further up the valley tomorrow to Namche Bazaar. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Khumbu:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering expeditions in Nepal – it’s Sunday, October 22nd. Today our teams here in Nepal flew from Ramechhap (1218m/3,999ft) to Lukla (2860m/9,383ft). We had excellent weather for our flights, not a cloud in the sky! So, we had great views of Everest (8848m/29,032ft) and Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), and other beautiful peaks as we flew to Lukla. We touched down, had a late breakfast, and then enjoyed a leisurely walk to Phakding (2610m/8,562ft). We had just great weather, really pleasant temperatures for the entire walk down to Phakding!

So, we’re just about ready for dinner here. It’s a peaceful evening on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. The plan tomorrow is to wake up nice and early, and then hike to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft) – the heart of the Khumbu Valley! We expect another great tomorrow, the forecast is excellent.

So the teams with us right now are our Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft) trekkers, our base camp trekkers who will also climb Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) and Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft), and then our Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) climbers as well. So, all is well here and we’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Touching down in Lukla!(Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Touching down in Lukla! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Ama Dablam climber Anna trekking to Phakding (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Ama Dablam climber, Anna trekking to Phakding (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Trekking from Lukla to Phakding on a peaceful evening in the Khumbu Valley (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Trekking from Lukla to Phakding on a peaceful evening in the Khumbu Valley (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Everest Base Camp trekker, Kirk spinning prayer wheels en route to Phakding (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Everest Base Camp trekker, Kirk spinning prayer wheels en route to Phakding (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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Back in Base Camp

Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The 2023 Madison Mountaineering team is back in base camp after summits on Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with a quick update from Everest Base Camp:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition. Today is May 26th, we’re down in base camp (5364m/17,598ft).

We had great climbs of Everest, Lhotse, also Nuptse earlier in the season. The last of our Sherpas are coming down the mountain tomorrow. Some of our climbers have already flown to Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft), enjoying hot showers in a hotel room tonight. The rest of us are here in base camp and planning to head out 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 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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Lhotse summits!

We are pleased to announce that the Lhotse climbing team of the 2022 Madison Mountaineering Everest/Lhotse expedition successfully reached the summit of Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) on May 21, 2022, between approximately 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM NPT (local time).

Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world at 8,516m (27,940 ft), after Mount Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga.

# Name Country
1 Mr. Robert “Josh” Garrison 🇺🇸 United States
2 Mr. Cameron Kenny 🇺🇸 United States
3 Mr. Chase Merriam 🇺🇸 United States
4 Mr. Garrett Madison 🇺🇸 United States
5 Mr. Siddi Bhadur Tamang 🇳🇵 Nepal
6 Mr. Sange Sherpa 🇳🇵 Nepal
7 Mr. Lakpa Sherpa 🇳🇵 Nepal
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