Tag Archive for: Namche Bazaar

Technical Training in Base Camp

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, monitoring the training. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team has been hard at work in Everest Base Camp (EBC) doing technical training in the neighboring Khumbu Glacier! With our second team arriving in EBC shortly, climbers will continue their training and acclimatization before making their first rotations. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with this 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 – it’s April 15th.

Today our team here in base camp (5364m/17,598ft) went out into the ice formations of the Khumbu Glacier next to base camp to begin practicing technical skills, ascending and descending on fixed lines. We’ll spend at least a few more days practicing technical skills before we start moving up to Camp 1 (6050m/19,849ft). And then, in the evening we had a great dinner of cashew curried chicken, fresh vegetables, and then we watched We’re the Millers afterward for our movie.

Meanwhile, our second team of climbers is in Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft), making their way up the Khumbu Valley to base camp!

So, it was another great day here at the foot of Mount Everest and we’re looking forward to another good day tomorrow! We’ll be in touch.

Climbers, Debbie and Erwin navigating through the Khumbu Glacier during training! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climbers, Debbie and Erwin navigating through the Khumbu Glacier during training! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Serge Larouche, practicing traversing on steep ice. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Serge Larouche, practicing traversing on steep ice. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Erwin Visser, practicing crampon and fixed line descent skills. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Erwin Visser, practicing crampon and fixed line descent skills. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Pieter Swart, navigating an icy canyon near base camp. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Pieter Swart, navigating an icy canyon near base camp. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Our second wave of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse climbers making their way up the Khumbu Valley! (Photo: Cacho Beiza)

Our second wave of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse climbers making their way up the Khumbu Valley! (Photo: Cacho Beiza)

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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Clear Skies and High Spirits!

The team on their acclimatization hike, with views of the Himalayas behind! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

With clear skies and unobstructed views of Everest, Lhotse, and the surrounding Himalaya, the team is full of high spirits after their acclimatization hike today! Tomorrow, their journey will continue on from Namche Bazaar with a stop at the Tengboche Monastery, before arriving at their next stop in Deboche. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from the Khumbu:

Hello, this is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft), and Nuptse (7861m/25,791ft) expedition! It’s April 6th today.

Today we hiked up to the Everest View Hotel above Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft). It was an acclimatization hike during our active rest day here in Namche, and the weather was fantastic! Clear skies, not much smoke or dust, so we had excellent views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) and other peaks nearby. Then we came back down to Namche and we’ve been relaxing for the afternoon.

We’re just abut to start dinner, and then tomorrow we’ll wake up and walk to Deboche (3820m/12,532ft), past the famous Tengboche Monastery.

So, all is well here in Nepal! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Ama Dablam (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Ama Dablam (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, and climbers, Peter Horsman and Erwin Visser on today's acclimatization hike. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, and climbers, Peter Horsman and Erwin Visser on today’s acclimatization hike. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Rick Irvine, on today's acclimatization hike! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Rick Irvine, on today’s acclimatization hike! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Everest and Lhotse from afar. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Everest and Lhotse from afar. (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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The Gateway to the Himalaya

Expedition Sirdar and Guide, Aang Phurba Sherpa, delivering tea at a stop on the trek to Namche Bazaar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team arrived in Namche Bazaar today, which is the main hub of the Khumbu region. Upon their arrival, the team was able to get cleaned up, and enjoy massages and a burger – well deserved after crossing multiple suspension bridges and climbing the famous Namche hill! The team will take a rest day tomorrow, with hopes of laying eyes on Mount Everest and Lhotse for the first time on this expedition! Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s dispatch from Namche Bazaar:

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 Wednesday, April 5th.

Today we walked from Phakding (2610m/8,562ft) to the famous town of Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft). We had fantastic weather, yet again – a really peaceful stroll! We stopped for tea in the village of Manjo (2835m/9,301ft), then continued to Jorsale (2740m/8989ft) where we had lunch, and then we climbed the Namche hill for the final 2,500 vertical feet up to Namche with a stop at the final bridge – the famous suspension bridge below Namche along the way. We spent the afternoon enjoying some hot showers and massages in Namche, as well as a coffee and burger at Sherpa Barista.

We’re looking forward to another rest day here in Namche tomorrow! We’ll wake up at, not too early in the morning and go for a scenic hike up to the Everest View Hotel, where we hope to get our first clear view of Everest and Lhotse.

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

On the trail towards Namche Bazaar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

On the trail towards Namche Bazaar! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climbers crossing the famous suspension bridge before climbing Namche Hill. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climbers crossing the famous suspension bridge before climbing Namche Hill. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Posing for a photo high above the valley below on the famous suspension bridge! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Posing for a photo high above the valley below on the famous suspension bridge! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Members of the team crossing a suspension bridge en route to Namche Bazaar. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Members of the team crossing a suspension bridge en route to Namche Bazaar. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Bruce Smith, smiling while taking in the views of the Khumbu Valley! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climber, Bruce Smith, smiling while taking in the views of the Khumbu Valley! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Members of the team breaking for water and a short rest on todays trek. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Members of the team breaking for water and a short rest on todays trek. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team exploring one of the villages while on the trek towards Everest Base Camp! (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

The team exploring one of the villages while on the trek towards Everest Base Camp! (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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Into the Khumbu!

The team ready to set off on the trek to Everest Base Camp! Photo: Terray Sylvester)

Climbers and trekkers alike have left the comforts of the Yak and Yeti hotel in pursuit of their journey towards Everest Base Camp, Lobuche, Lhotse and Mount Everest! The team awoke early this morning in excitement for what lies ahead, boarded helicopters, and lifted off from Kathmandu en route to the famous Lukla airport. Their trek got underway following a stop for breakfast to fuel up, taking in first sights of the beautiful Khumbu Valley. Now in Phakding, the team is resting up and prepared to continue on towards Namche Bazaar tomorrow. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester, checks in with today’s update from the Himalayas:

Hello, this is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest (8848m/29,032ft) expedition! Today is April fourth.

Today we woke up early and took helicopters from Kathmandu (1400m/4,600ft) to Lukla (2860m/9,383ft). We had great weather, beautiful sunny skies, and excellent views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. We had breakfast in Lukla, and then walked to Phakding (2610m/8,562ft). We arrived in time for lunch and just in time to (inaudible) rain shower…

Tomorrow, we plan to walk to the famous town of Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft)! We’re looking forward to that. All is well here in the Khumbu! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Among the clouds on the helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Among the clouds on the helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Climbers trekking across one of the many suspension bridges in the Khumbu Valley. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Climbers trekking across one of the many suspension bridges in the Khumbu Valley. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Climber spinning one of the many prayer wheels that you encounter when in Nepal. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Climber spinning one of the many prayer wheels that you encounter when in Nepal. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, talking with the team during a break on their first day of trekking! Photo: Terray Sylvester

Expedition leader, Garrett Madison, talking with the team during a break on their first day of trekking! Photo: Terray Sylvester

Walls of mani stones line the trail with prayer and meditation along the trek. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Walls of mani stones line the trail with prayer and meditation along the trek. 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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Alpenglow on the Himalaya!

Alpenglow on Ama Dablam. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team continued onward from Namche Bazaar today, making stops at the Tengboche Monastery and the local bakery before arriving in Deboche. This evenings sunset cast beautiful alpenglow lighting upon the surrounding Himalaya while the team ate dinner and prepared to continue on their journey tomorrow. Expedition guide, Terray Sylvester checks in with todays dispatch from Deboche:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition – it’s October 24th.

Today we walked from Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft) to the village of Deboche (3820m/12,532ft). Along the way we stopped at the famous Tengboche Monastery (3867m/12,687ft) and had a coffee and some pastries in the bakery there, and then toured the monastery. There was a big puja underway, so that was interesting to see! Then in the evening, we caught a beautiful sunset that lit up Everest (8848m/29,032ft), Lhotse (8516m/27,940ft) and Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) with really nice alpenglow light.

So, we just finished dinner and are looking forward to another great day in the Khumbu Valley tomorrow! Tomorrow, we plan to hike up to Phortse (3840m, 12,598ft), then head over to Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft), which is where we’ll spend the night. We’ll be in touch tomorrow!

Climber, Jocelyn crossing the Dudh Koshi River on the way to Deboche! Photo: Terray Sylvester

Climber, Jocelyn crossing the Dudh Koshi River on the way to Deboche! Photo: Terray Sylvester

Tengboche Monastery. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Tengboche Monastery. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Our climbers at Tengboche Monastery. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Our climbers at Tengboche Monastery. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Approaching Tengboche with Kangtenga in the distance. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Approaching Tengboche with Kangtenga in the distance. 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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Perfect Weather On the Way to Namche!

Sirdar and Guide, Aang Phurba Sherpa crossing the famous suspension bridge below Namche with Guide, Hannah Smith. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Today, the team arrived in Namche Bazaar under crisp, clear blue skies. Namche is the main hub of the Khumbu region, and the biggest village climbers and trekkers alike will visit on their way further up the valley. 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 22nd.

Today we walked from Phakding (2610m/8,562ft) to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft). We had another day of excellent weather. When we arrived in Namche we enjoyed a coffee at Sherpa Barista. Tomorrow we plan to take a rest day here in Namche.

So all is well in Nepal! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Walking from Phakding to Namche. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Walking from Phakding to Namche. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Expedition Leader, Garrett Madison giving the morning briefing. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Expedition Leader, Garrett Madison giving the morning briefing. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team arriving in Namche. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team arriving in Namche. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team in Jorsale. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The team in Jorsale. 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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Summit Push Preparations

Climber Saskia Jacobson practicing the use of the oxygen mask (📸: @terray_s)

Summit push preparations are in full swing at Everest base camp.  Here’s Everest guide Terray Sylvester with a recap of the day’s activities at base camp and the plan for what’s next:

Hello!  This is Terray calling in for the 2022 Madison Mountaineering Everest and Lhotse expedition.  It’s May 12th.

Today we did some preparation for our summit push.  We did an instructional oxygen system talk here in base camp and we sorted food for our high camps.  The weather forecast still looks good for our departure, not tomorrow but the following morning early, pre-dawn.

Spirits are high and we’re all looking forward to getting started up the mountain

We will be in touch!

Guide Rob Smith providing instruction on the oxygen system (📸: @terray_s)

Guide Rob Smith providing instruction on the oxygen system (📸: @terray_s)

Climber Todd Ammerman gives the O2 mask two thumbs up! (📸: @terray_s)

Climber Todd Ammerman gives the O2 mask two thumbs up! (📸: @terray_s)

Climber Cameron Kenny trying on his oxygen mask (📸: @terray_s)

Climber Cameron Kenny trying on his oxygen mask (📸: @terray_s)

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 at EBC

Josh Garrison departing for EBC (📸: @terray_s)

The “dropback” rest period is complete and the team has returned to base camp.  Here’s Everest guide Terray Sylvester with a recap and the plan for what’s next:

Hello!  This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Everest and Lhotse expedition.  It’s May 11th.

Today our climbers flew back from Namche Bazaar where they were resting for a few days pre-summit attempt. Great weather for the flights, really beautiful scenery. We settled back into base camp and had a nice dinner of pork chops, roast pumpkin, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, and fruit salad for dessert.

Now, we are settling in to watch “Gladiator“! Our summit plans have taken shape and in all likelihood we will leave base camp within the next couple of days, aiming for a summit in just a little over a week.

So, all is well here in base camp. It’s a beautiful warm and misty night.

We will be in touch!

Sara Safari leaving Namche for EBC (📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terray_s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@terray_s</a>)

Sara Safari leaving Namche for EBC (📸: @terray_s)

Cockpit view (📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terray_s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@terray_s</a>)

Cockpit view (📸: @terray_s)

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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Last Dropback Rest Day

Guide Cacho Beiza and climber Josh Garrison spinning a prayer wheel in Namche Bazaar (📸: @terray_s)

The Everest team finished their last dropback rest day in Namche Bazaar and will fly back to Everest Base Camp tomorrow as reported by Everest guide Terray Sylvester:

Hello!  This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest and Lhotse expedition.  It’s May 10th.

Today our climbers enjoyed their final rest day in Namche.  Tomorrow we’ll fly back up to base camp to begin preparations for our summit push.

All is well here in Namche and 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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Active Rest in Namche

Climbers Carter Beck and Saskia Jacobson spinning prayer wheels (📸: @terray_s)

Today our Everest team had a chance to experience more of the unique culture of Nepal while continuing their dropback rest period before the upcoming push for the summit.  Everest guide Terray Sylvester provides today’s expedition dispatch:

Hello!  This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest and Lhotse expedition.  It’s May 9th.

Our climbers are still resting in Namche as part of their dropback.  We’ll fly back to base camp on Wednesday, the 11th.

Today we hiked up to Khumjung, a village just a little ways above Namche.  We visited the monastery there where the monks were in the process of reading the Kangyur.  It is a 108 volume set of scriptures that tells the life of The Buddha.  It happens just once a year and the reading rotates from monastery to monastery around the valley.  So it was kind of a special occasion to catch it there.  We listened to part of that and we also looked at the reputed Yeti scalp, which is in the monastery there in Khumjung.  Then we walked back and had lunch in Namche.

Now we are just relaxing before bed.  All in all it was a really pleasant day and we’re looking forward to another one tomorrow.

We’ll be in touch!

Approaching Khumjung (📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terray_s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@terray_s</a>)

Approaching Khumjung (📸: @terray_s)

Buddhist scriptures in the monastery at Khumjung (📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terray_s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@terray_s</a>)

Buddhist scriptures in the monastery at Khumjung (📸: @terray_s)

The mani stone walls in Khumjung, some of the longest in the Khumbu (📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terray_s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@terray_s</a>)

The mani stone walls in Khumjung, some of the longest in the Khumbu (📸: @terray_s)

Decorations in Khumjung (📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terray_s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@terray_s</a>)

Decorations in Khumjung (📸: @terray_s)

Walking above Namche (📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terray_s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@terray_s</a>)

Walking above Namche (📸: @terray_s)

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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