The Madison MountaineeringManaslu expedition team is ready to go! Acclimatization is done, their final preparations are complete, and the team plans to depart on their summit rotation soon. The team is excited and ready to start their climbing! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Manaslu base camp:
Today we passed another pleasant day here in base camp (4859m/15,944ft). Today was a rest day, we also worked on our final preparation for our summit push! We sorted out food for our upper camps and worked through our packing list, made sure that all of our devices are charged, and all the other little items that we need to do before we head back up the mountain.
The weather was great today! Another beautiful sunny morning and then a few rain showers this evening. We’re just about to sit down to dinner and then have another restful night here in base camp! All is well and 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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PHOTO-2024-09-20-04-31-08.jpg10681600Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2024-09-20 11:29:552024-09-20 15:18:59Primed and ready for the summit push!
The Madison MountaineeringManaslu expedition team spent the day reviewing their oxygen systems and down suits, which they’ll use on their summit push! Today was somewhat of a rest day, albeit a productive day nonetheless as the skills reviewed are important to be familiar with as we climb above 8,000 meters. With this review behind us, the team is now one step closer to heading off on their summit push! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Manaslu base camp:
Today we’re taking a rest day here in base camp (4859m/15,944ft) since at this point we have completed our acclimatization on the upper mountain. This morning has been very beautiful – blue skies and warm temps. We’ve been walking around base camp in sandals! Yesterday evening was also really nice. We watched the full moon rise over Saula Himal (6235m/20,456ft), it’s the mountain range just across the Nubri valley from us to the east.
We also have ticked off a couple of important tasks this morning! We started the day by going over our oxygen systems to make sure our climbers are totally familiar with masks, regulators, and cylinders we’ll be using during our summit push. We had what we call a down suit party where everyone puts on their down suits and we make sure they’re adjusted properly and everyone’s familiar with all the features so that we’re good to go once we start climbing in the colder temps above Camp 2 (6400m/21,000ft), above Camp 3 (6800m/22,310ft).
So, it’s been a productive day here! We’re about to sit down to dinner and then we’ll watch a movie, and we’ll be in touch tomorrow! All is well here in Nepal.
Our climber, Chie, practicing with our oxygen system.
Our climber, James, practicing with our oxygen system.
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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PHOTO-2024-09-19-05-11-56.jpg16001200Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2024-09-19 12:11:232024-09-19 15:04:32Getting ready to go up!
The Madison MountaineeringManaslu expedition team has made their way back to base camp after finishing up their final acclimatization rotation before making their summit push! The team had great weather overall on the mountain, with great views of the route, the mountain above, and the far-off peaks and valleys surrounding them. The team is feeling great and looks forward to a few days enjoying the comforts of their base camp before getting back on the mountain and going for the summit! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from the Himalayas:
Today we woke up early in Camp 2 (6400m/21,000ft) and descended back to base camp (4859m/15,944ft). We arrived just before lunch, had a good meal, and then everyone spent the afternoon taking showers, starting on some laundry, and getting settled back in our cozy box tents here in base camp.
With that, we’ve wrapped up our acclimatization before our summit push. At this point, we’ve spent three nights in Camp 1 (5700m/18,700ft) and two nights in Camp 2. It seems like the whole team is doing really well! Everyone was feeling good higher on the mountain, feeling strong. So, I’m looking forward to a good summit push!
We’ll probably spend three to four days here in base camp and then hopefully start up toward the summit! But, it all depends on the weather and conditions on the mountain.
This last rotation was a lot of fun, in large part because we had such great weather! Yesterday afternoon and today we had really clear skies, which meant we could see out into the hills of Tibet and far down the Nubri valley, which is surrounded by glaciated peaks out toward the Ganesh range, and then even out toward Shishapangma (8027m/26,335ft), far in the distance.
So, all is well here! We’re just about to have dinner and watch a movie. It’ll probably be another Indiana Jones film, and then we’ll go to bed! We’ll be in touch tomorrow.
The team descending back to base camp at the end of a successful acclimatization rotation. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)
Our climbers, Chie and Sara, in their tent at Camp 1. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)
Approaching Camp 1. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)
Climbing through the icefall below Camp 2. (Photo by Terray Sylvester)
Sara with Siddhi Tamung, a member of our Sherpa team, during the rotation. (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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PHOTO-2024-09-18-05-12-15.jpg13642048Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2024-09-18 12:12:492024-09-18 15:18:51Acclimatization is complete!
It’s time to celebrate! The Madison MountaineeringK2 expedition team has all arrived safely back in base camp after successfully reaching the summit of the world’s second-highest peak on the day prior. A big ‘congratulations’ goes out again to the whole team – climbers, guides Sherpa team, Pakistani high altitude porters, and base camp staff. Every member is an important piece to the puzzle and this climb wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this brief dispatch from K2 base camp:
All members are back in base camp (4968m/16,300ft) 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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20220707_K2_R5_TerraySylvester_0223.jpg8401200Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2024-07-30 13:37:402024-07-30 15:35:18Back in Base Camp!
We are thrilled to announce that the Madison MountaineeringK2 expedition team has reached the summit of the world’s second-highest peak, putting all boots on top for those who left base camp on the summit rotation! We are so proud of our entire team for all of their hard work. It’s been a challenging season with tough weather that all came together for a beautiful summit day with epic views all around as far as the eye can see. The team gathered at the summit together and shared hugs and high-fives, taking in the moment and the huge feeling of accomplishment. Now back in Camp 3, the team will get some well-deserved rest before continuing their descent down the mountain tomorrow. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this celebratory dispatch from Camp 3:
100% summits success on K2 (8611m/28,251ft)! All team back in camp 3 (7250m/23,800ft) now, heading back to base camp (4968m/16,300ft) tomorrow. 6 clients, 3 western guides, 8 Nepal Sherpas, 1 Pakistan HAP.
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:
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.“
It comes with great pleasure to share that the Madison MountaineeringBroad Peak expedition team has successfully reached the summit, standing atop the world’s 12th-highest peak! Climber, Matthew Holt alongside Aang Phurba Sherpa and Temba Sherpa gathered on the summit and shared hugs and high-fives before starting their descent. More updates and photos to come from their climb!
Meanwhile, the K2 expedition team climbed from Camp 2 to Camp 3 today, navigating the Black Pyramid – a steep rock face that separates the two camps. With another good day of climbing under their belts, the team has crawled into their tents for the night with plans to continue their climb tomorrow! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Camp 3:
Greetings from Camp 3 (7250m/23,800ft) on K2 (8611m/28,251ft). All good here. Broad Peak (8051m/26,414ft) team made summit today, Matthew, Aang Phurba & Temba Sherpa!
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:
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.“
The Madison MountaineeringK2 expedition team has crawled into their sleeping bags after another great day of climbing in the Karakoram. The route from Camp 1 to Camp 2 involves climbing mixed-terrain and the famous House’s Chimney, one of the cruxes of the route! Spirits are high and the views from 6700m / 21,980ft can’t be beaten. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Camp 2:
Greetings from camp 2 (6700m/21,980ft), all good here! Nice views, planning to head to camp 3 (7250m/23,800ft) 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:
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.“
The Madison MountaineeringK2 expedition team has arrived at Camp 1! After spending one night in advanced base camp, the team continued their ascent today and crawled into their tents for the night, excited to continue up the mountain tomorrow. Everyone is in good spirits and is looking forward to the days ahead! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this brief dispatch from Camp 1:
Greetings from Camp 1 (6065m/19,900ft), everyone here and doing well. Cheers!
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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20220719_K2_R5_TerraySylvester_0027.jpg8921200Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2024-07-25 11:55:052024-07-25 13:31:46Made it to Camp 1!
Here we go! One month ago, our team arrived in Islamabad and has since traveled to the upper reaches of an Unclimbed Peak and to Camp 2 on K2 for their acclimatization rotations. Acclimatization, which is crucial to success at high altitudes along with technical training is done, and now it’s time to head up the mountain! Our teams have left the comforts of base camp and are en route to the summits of K2 and Broad Peak. Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from base camp:
We are excited to report that we are starting our summit pushes today! Matthew Holt is heading up to Broad Peak along with some of our Nepal Sherpas and Pakistani porters aiming at the 27th of July for a potential Broad Peak summit. The K2 team is heading out this afternoon to advanced base camp (5303m/17,400ft) and eyeing the 28th, 29th, or maybe 30th of July as a potential summit day.
It looks like we finally got some great weather in the forecast and fingers crossed that we’ll have some great route conditions up there. The team is very excited! We’ve been having fun here in base camp (4968m/16,300ft), keeping ourselves occupied with lots of hikes, climbing activities, and fun social activities – movies. But, we’re ready to get the final summit push underway! So, all is well here in base camp 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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20230703_K2_R5_TerraySylvester_0212.jpg10001500Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2024-07-24 06:16:592024-07-24 14:03:54K2 and Broad Peak summit pushes are underway!
Despite windy conditions high on K2, the Madison MountaineeringK2 expedition team is in good spirits and staying plenty busy in base camp while we await a weather window! Our Unclimbed Peak climbers share stories and reflect on an amazing climb, while the K2 team shares details of their first rotation and the route to Camps 1 and 2. All together now, we’re watching the weather and are ready to go when a window opens up! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from base camp:
We finished our Unclimbed Peak project, climbing very high on a beautiful new line on a sub-peak nearby K2, almost 7,000 meters. (We) had epic views up there and just a great experience on a beautiful mountain – great day out!
The last few days we have been in base camp (4968m/16,300ft) getting ready for our K2 summit push. It’s been windy up high, so we have been waiting in base camp and staying busy with ice climbing, day hikes, and explorations around the area, keeping our fitness up and our spirits up!
Everyone is doing well here and we are just getting ready to go for a summit push once the weather looks good, maybe in a week or so. All is well here in K2 base camp and we will 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:
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.“
https://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20230711_K2_R5_TerraySylvester_0308.jpg10001500Garretthttps://madisonmountaineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logomm-300x138.jpgGarrett2024-07-19 17:20:442024-07-19 19:04:28Preparing for the K2 summit rotation!
