Tag Archive for: Namche Bazaar

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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The Mountain Cleanup Project continues!

Climber, Nelly Attar arriving in Namche Bazaar with guide, Terray Sylvester!

Climbing and cleanup efforts continue for the Madison Mountaineering Mountain Cleanup Project expedition team! After a great expedition on Annapurna, the team has relocated to the Khumbu Valley where they’re currently en route to Everest Base Camp! This time to clean up the camps on and around Lhotse, with a summit attempt on the peak to come. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Namche Bazaar:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering spring trash cleanup and climbing expedition – today is April 20th. We are currently walking up the final long hill into Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft) here in the Khumbu Valley. We are en route to Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) where we will make a summit attempt and also continue our trash cleanup efforts in Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft), Camp 2 (6500m/21,325ft), and higher on the mountain on the way up to the summit of Lhotse.

We just wrapped up our cleanup and climbing efforts on Annapurna (8091m/26,545ft). We had a great expedition there, picked up over 300 kilos of trash from Camp 2 down to Camp 1, base camp, and down the approach trail. So that felt great! And then yesterday after a few rest days in Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft), we took a helicopter to Lukla (2860m/9,383ft) and had a really pleasant evening walk to Phakding (2610m/8,562ft).

Right now, the weather in the Khumbu is fantastic! It’s a warm, spring day – flowers are blooming, fresh veggies are for sale. We’ve been enjoying cappuccinos, good company, and excellent scenery! Our climber, Nelly Attar is in great shape and high spirits! So, we will continue on to Namche Bazaar. We’re looking forward to moving into our cozy lodge this afternoon and then relaxing in the heart of the Khumbu Valley! We will be in touch tomorrow.

Crossing the famous Edmund Hillary suspension bridge on the way to Namche Bazaar. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Crossing the famous Edmund Hillary suspension bridge on the way to Namche Bazaar. (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

At our blessing today in Pangboche!

After spending a day in Namche Bazaar acclimatizing, the Madison Mountaineering Himalayan expedition teams hit the trail again today towards Pheriche. The team made a stop at the Pangboche Monastery where they received blessings before continuing toward their next destination. Situated below Ama Dablam, the views here are magnificent and the team looks forward to hopefully having more Himalayan views tomorrow during an acclimatization hike. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from the Himalayas:

Hey! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft) climbing and trekking team. Today we made it to Pheriche (4371m/14,340ft). We had an easy walk up the valley after a wonderful blessing this morning in Pangboche Monastery (3985m/13,074ft)!

The team’s looking good! Everyone’s very strong and healthy, and we’re very excited for our acclimatization hike tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll get some great views of some of the 8,000-meter peaks surrounding us!

All is well here in the Khumbu Valley of Nepal and we’ll check in soon!

All smiles while trekking up the Khumbu Valley.

All smiles while trekking up the Khumbu Valley.

Trekking up the Khumbu Valley in the fog.

Trekking up the Khumbu Valley in the fog.

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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Arrived in Namche!

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

The Madison Mountaineering Himalayan expedition teams have arrived in the exciting town of Namche Bazaar! Namche serves as the main hub in the Khumbu region where climbers and trekkers from around the world can enjoy the comforts of comfortable lodges, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and more! The team had a spectacular day trekking along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing multiple suspension bridges along the way high above the river below. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Namche Bazaar:

Hey! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition! Today is April 15, Monday, and today we arrived in Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft)! We trekked up the beautiful Khumbu Valley along the river, across some suspension bridges, and made our way into Namche this afternoon. (We) had a wonderful, restful afternoon, got hot showers, had a nice dinner, and now we’re off to bed. So, we’re looking forward to spending another night here, and fun hike tomorrow up to the Everest View Hotel, and continuing on our way!

Everyone’s doing well, we’re happy to be 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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Hello, from the Khumbu Valley!

The team making their way up the beautiful Khumbu Valley!

Hello, from the Khumbu Valley! The spring, 2024 Himalayan season is underway and our team has begun their trek towards Everest Base Camp. After traveling from around the world and arriving in Kathmandu, the team settled into their hotel rooms before conducting a gear check, orientation, and enjoying a nice welcome dinner as a team! The following morning after a big breakfast at the Yak and Yeti hotel, our team gathered on the helicopter pad and awaited their lift to Lukla – the starting point for where we’ll begin the trek to Everest Base Camp. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Phakding:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition team! Today is April 14, Sunday, and today we flew from Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft) to Lukla (2860m/9,383ft) by helicopter to start the trek. We trekked to the first village, Phakding (2610m/8,562ft), where we had an afternoon lunch and dinner. We had beautiful views today – so nice to be up in the Khumbu Valley where the air is fresh, the views are magnificent, and the people are wonderful.

So, we’re excited to be in the mountains heading uphill towards Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft) and beyond. Everyone’s doing well and we’ll check in soon tomorrow from Namche (3440m/11,290ft)!

Team photo outside of our team hotel, the Yak and Yeti!

Team photo outside of our team hotel, the Yak and Yeti!

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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Down the Khumbu Valley

Team meal at our lodge in Pangboche

With the climbing behind them, the Madison Mountaineering Everest Base Camp, Lobuche East and Island Peak team is relishing in their trek back down the valley with cold and clear skies overhead! The team treated themselves with hot showers and a warm meal before crawling into bed this evening – just what you want after a long day on the trail! Expedition leader, 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 Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) climbs – today is November 6th.

Today we trekked down from Chukhung (4730m/15,520ft) to Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft). It was another beautiful day in the Khumbu Valley! It feels like fall – the creeks are starting to freeze and there’s a little tang of winter in the air! We moved into our lodge here in Pangboche, and enjoyed some hot showers, and we’re getting ready to have dinner.

Tomorrow we will continue descending down to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft)! All is well here in Nepal and we will 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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Lobuche East Summits!

Lobuche East and Island Peak climber, Kim approaching the summit of Lobuche East (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

It’s with great pleasure to announce that the Madison Mountaineering Lobuche East and Island Peak team topped out on Lobuche East today under beautiful, clear-blue skies and with perfect views of the surrounding Himalayan range! The team left under dark and starry skies, ascending from their high camp and onto the summit with fantastic views of the mountains around and valleys below. With a day of rest ahead, the team will recover and prepare for their next climb, Island Peak! Expedition leader, 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 Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) and Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) climbs – today is November 1st.

Today we topped out on Lobuche East in excellent weather! We started out at about 1:30 AM under starry skies and topped out with excellent views of Makalu (8463m/27,766ft), and Cho Oyu (8188m/26,864ft), and many other peaks in the Khumbu area. Then we descended back to our high camp and continued descending on to Dingboche (4410m/14,470ft) where we’ll spend the night.

Tomorrow we’ll take a rest day and then head on up to Island Peak base camp! Meanwhile, our Everest Base Camp trekkers arrived back in Namche (3440m/11,290ft). They are planning to do a scenic helicopter flight in the morning, and then travel back to Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft).

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

Climbers Kim and Kristen celebrating on the summit of Lobuche East with Dawa Tenzi Sherpa (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

Climbers Kim and Kristen celebrating on the summit of Lobuche East with Dawa Tenzi Sherpa (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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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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