Phortse Archives

The team made a visit to the Khumbu Climbing Center (KCC) today. The KCC’s mission is to “increase the safety margin of Nepali climbers and high altitude workers by encouraging responsible climbing practices in a supportive and community-based program.” Afterwards, the team trekked on to Pangboche, where they’ll spend the night and prepare to move on to Ama Dablam base camp tomorrow! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with todays dispatch:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Ama Dablam (6812m/22,349ft) expedition – today is Tuesday, October 25th.

We are in Pangboche (3985m/13,074ft)! Started off in Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) this morning and we crossed the river and hiked up to Phortse (3840m, 12,598ft) where we visited the Khumbu Climbing Center – wonderful building! After that we trekked up the valley to Pangboche where we’re spending the night. Tomorrow our plan is to head up to Ama Dablam base camp (4600m/15,100ft).

We’re doing well here. The weather’s just been spectacular – perfect blue bird, sunny skies everyday! We’re feeling very lucky and excited to get to base camp.

The team trekking from Phortse to Pangboche with great views of Ama Dablam. Photo: Terray Sylvester

The Khumbu Climbing Center. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Rare, vintage climbing books in the KCC. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Hiking to Phortse. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Our climbers, Tracy and Rock, trekking to Phortse. 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:

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

Tengboche Monastery. Photo: Terray Sylvester

Our climbers at Tengboche Monastery. 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:

Tag Archive for: Phortse

Khumbu Climbing Center Visit!

Alpenglow on the Himalaya!