Tag Archive for: Tengboche Monastery

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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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Training and Awaiting

Excellent views of EBC and the peaks above it from the slopes below Pumori! Photo pulled from the Madison Mountaineering archive. (Photo: Terray Sylvester)

While our first wave of climbers awaits to greet their fellow teammates in base camp, they continue their technical training in the neighboring ice formations to their base camp! Good weather has made for good times in the Khumbu thus far, not to mention delicious food and movies to watch as the sun sets over Everest Base Camp (EBC). 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 – today is April 17th.

Today we had a third day of technical training on ice formations next to base camp (5364m/17,598ft) – practiced ascending and rappelling steep ice, as well as went over technique for ladder crossings. And then, (we) relaxed in the afternoon! In the evening, we had a great dinner of fried chicken, pasta and potatoes! Then, we watched The Hangover, was our movie selection tonight.

Our second wave of climbers are in Deboche (3820m/12,532ft) tonight. They stopped at the famous Tengboche Monastery on the way from Namche (3440m/11,290ft), and then are staying at the comfortable Rivendell Lodge tonight.

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

Climber, Larry Zitnick, receiving a blessing along the trek towards EBC!

Climber, Larry Zitnick, receiving a blessing along the trek towards EBC!

Climber, Larry Zitnick, spinning a few of the many prayer wheels encountered on the trail en route to EBC!

Climber, Larry Zitnick, spinning a few of the many prayer wheels encountered on the trail en route to EBC!

Climbing and trekking duo, Rich and Sarah Draves, smiling for a photo on the trek towards EBC!

Climbing and trekking duo, Rich and Sarah Draves, smiling for a photo on the trek towards EBC!

Climbers, Krisli Melesk and Stevie Hornick, stopping for a photo!

Climbers, Krisli Melesk and Stevie Hornick, stopping for a photo!

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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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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Namche Bazaar to Deboche

Climbers enjoying a tea break in Kyangjuma

Today our trekking and climbing teams moved up from Namche Bazaar past the Tengboche Monastery to the village of Deboche along the Imja Khola river.  Madison Mountaineering guide Terray Sylvester provides a recap of the day.

Also, be sure to check out Alan Arnette’s interview with Garrett Madison from Namche Bazaar:  https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2022/04/07/everest-2022-interview-with-garrett-madison-from-namche-bazaar/

Hello!  This is Terray calling in for the 2022 Madison Mountaineering Mount Everest expedition!  It’s Thursday, April 7th.

Today we trekked from Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,290ft) to the little village of Deboche (3820m/12,532ft).  We had nice weather along the way with more views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse.  We stopped for lunch at a little town called Phungi Thenga.  Then we crossed a suspension bridge across the Dudh Koshi river, which means “Milk River” because of the color of the water from the glacial silt in it.  Then we ascended the long switchbacks up to Tengboche Monastery at about 12,700ft, checked out the monastery and some of the other sites around it and then walked down the last 20 minutes to Deboche.

So we’re about to have dinner here and looking forward to tomorrow which will be a nice day.  We’ll walk through Pangboche and get the blessing of the local Lama there.

We’ll be in touch!

The climbing team at the Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar

The climbing team at the Panorama Lodge in Namche Bazaar

Climber David Courtney receiving a blessing before leaving Namche

Climber David Courtney receiving a blessing before leaving Namche

Climber Josh Garrison receiving a blessing before leaving Namche

Climber Josh Garrison receiving a blessing before leaving Namche

Along the trail to Deboche

Along the trail to Deboche

Climber Stephane Mayer visiting Tengboche Monastery with his family

Climber Stephane Mayer visiting Tengboche Monastery with his family

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 Garrett Madison’s daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my Madison Mountaineering flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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The Trek to Base Camp – Debuche (3730m)

Departing the Panorama Lodge in Namche with blessings

Leaving Namche Bazaar today, the Ama Dablam team was blessed by our friends at the Panorama Lodge and started making their way towards Tengboche.  Before reaching the lunch stop at the village of Phunki Tenga, they said farewell to the Gokyo trekking team as the trail split and the Gokyo trekkers headed north into the Gokyo Valley and the village of Mong.  After lunch on the riverside terrace overlooking the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola rivers, the Ama Dablam team crossed the big footbridge and made their way up to the hill to the Tengboche Monastery and the always awesome Cafe Tengboche for some well earned Khumbu apple pie at 3855m / 12,648 ft.!

From there it was just a bit further on, downhill, to the Rivendell Lodge in Deboche for the evening.

[ UPDATE:  Apparently the cafes in Phunki Tenga and Tengboche were closed due to the coronavirus so no apple pie!  🙁 ]

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 Garrett Madison’s daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions

– Instagram:

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Ama Dablam team nearing base camp

Ama Dablam

Our autumn Ama Dablam expedition kicked off earlier this week and the team has been trekking their way up to base camp from the mountain airport village of Lukla (2860m / 9,380ft.).  The first stop was the village of Monjo where they entered the Sagarmatha National Park. and from there up to Namche Bazaar where a couple of days were spent resting.  On their acclimatization hikes above Namche, the team caught the first glimpses of their objective:  Ama Dablam.  Great hiking weather with dramatic clouds unveiling the summit.  From Namche, the team pressed on to Deboche and were able to spend some time enjoying the Tengboche Monastery on their way.

Today they are now at the last village before Ama Dablam base camp, Pangboche and should be crossing the river and finishing up the trek to BC tomorrow.

Team arrives Lukla

Brook and Rick at the hanging bridges below Namche

Brook and Rick at the hanging bridges below Namche

Having a great trek and now are on the Namche cappuchino tour

Ama Dablam team - Brook, Conan, Rick

Ama Dablam team – Brook, Conan, Rick

Ama Dablam

First glimpse of the Ama Dablam

Ama Dablam team checking out the Tengboche Monastery en route to Pangboche

Also follow the team on Instagram:  @MadisonMtng

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Namche to Deboche

Outside the Tengboche monastery

Here is expedition leader, Garrett Madison, with today’s report on the trekking progress towards Everest Base Camp:

Helllo, this is Garrett calling in for the Mountain Hardwear Mount Everest Expedition.  Today is September 11th we had a great trek today from Namche down the hillside and across the river, up to the Tengboche Monastery, and then down into the rhododendron forest to the village of Deboche.  We are staying in the Rivendale Lodge here in Deboche.

 

We just had a great dinner and folks are heading off to bed.  It’s raining hard outside – it’s feeling like a bit of the monsoon season.  But we are hoping for clear sky tomorrow and a nice view of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam.  All’s well here on the trek to Everest Base Camp.

Enjoying tea on the trek to Debuche

Enjoying tea on the trek to Debuche

Outside the Tengboche monastery

Outside the Tengboche monastery

Post dinner guitar session at the Rivendell lodge, Debuche

Post dinner guitar session at the Rivendell lodge, Debuche

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow the team as they trek to Everest Base Camp and then make their attempt to summit the world’s highest mountain on:

– Instagram:

– our Garmin inReach Mini powered real-time tracking map:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear Garrett Madison’s daily audio expedition updates
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