Category: International Expeditions

Everest Team Poised and Ready for Summit Attempt!

May 12, 6pm: Mt Everest in evening light from Camp 1 on Pumo Ri, which sits across the valley from Everest.

 

The last time we checked in we had just returned from spending a few nights up high.  Since returning to Base Camp we have spent this time preparing ourselves physically and mentally for an attempt at reaching the summit.  For the last several days we have been hydrating, eating a lot of food, and taking a few day hikes to keep our legs fresh.  One of our hikes was to Kala Patar, which is a popular destination for trekkers because it offers a nice view of Mt Everest.  Another hike we have done is to the last town below Everest Base Camp, Gorak Shep.
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While up high we were faced with very challenging route conditions.  A dry winter had left very little snow on the ground.  As a result the route has a lot of hard ice showing.  We have also seen sections of the Lhotse Face get bombarded by rockfall.  We needed this portion of the route be moved.  We also needed some snow to fall to harden up the loose sections of the route so the rockfall would stop.  Thankfully over the past few days we have had some good snowfall.  The rockfall has stopped and there is now much more snow covering many of the previously icy sections of the route.
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Expeditions are all about teamwork.  In addition to needing route conditions to improve we have also needed to establish Camps 3 & 4 plus a route to the summit.  Over the past few days we have had a team of Sherpa’s take care of establishing Camp 3 at 7406m/24,300′ and Camp 4 at the South Col at 7955m/26,100′.
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Establishing the route to the summit mainly entails anchoring fixed rope on steep sections to protect climbers from bad fall potential.  With increasing winds at high elevations “fixing” a route to the summit is currently on hold.  We have a team in place and ready to go once weather improves.  In the meantime we are taking care of final preparations before we embark on our summit attempt.  We have packed several days worth of food, reviewed our oxygen equipment, and taken care of any fine tuning of equipment that has needed to get done.
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We plan to post a update once we know our exact time table.  It is anybody’s guess now as to when we embark but we are hoping it will be sometime within he next week.
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Below are a few pictures from the last few days.  As always you can view a sampling of photos taken since the start of our expedition at the SMI Photo Gallery site here:

May 11, 7am: Spindrift being reflected off of morning sun on Mt Everest's West Shoulder as winds increased up high.

Fred trimming his beard in preparation for our summit attempt to allow for a better fit of his oxygen mask.Our Base Camp as seen through a 400mm lens from Pumo Ri Camp 1.

Our Base Camp as seen through a 400mm lens from Pumo Ri Camp 1.

Fred enjoying some Internet time in a tea house at Gorak Shep.

Lhotse (8516m/27,939'), the 4th highest mountain in the world, in evening light from Pumo Ri Camp 1.

Mt Everest from Kala Patar.

Fred with the Angel wrapped in prayer flags atop Kala Patar.

Kurt on top of Kala Patar with Everest and Nuptse behind.

Fred wrapped up in prayer flags on top of Kala Patar.

Everest Team Safely Returns From Acclimatizing Up High

Kancha Nuru Sherpa, Kurt Wedberg, and Fred Simmons near the base of the Lhotse Face during an acclimatization day hike on May 1.

Camp 2 and the Lhotse Face at night. Look closely and three headlamps are visible at Camp 3.

It is snowing in Base Camp today May 5 as we write this. After spending several days sleeping up high we are safely back to rest and recuperate. We started off on schedule on April 28 and moved straight up to Camp 2 at 6495m/21,309′. Our plan was to rest a day, then take a couple day hikes, followed by a move up to Camp 3 at 7406m/24,300′ to sleep.

We acclimatized well at C2 and after three nights we were ready to move up to C3. We nixed that plan when we got to the base of the Lhotse Face, which is the next portion of our route. It turns out the Everest region is very dry right now. It hasn’t received much snow from the past winter. Normally the face would be solid firm snow but instead it is hard ice. Additionally, rock faces above that are usually frozen and covered in snow are now exposed with loose rock. Rocks are coming down the slick icy Lhotse Face at high speeds. We didn’t think it safe to ascend it in these conditions so we didn’t. Concerns were shared among several guides who were at C2. A bunch of us got together for a meeting to discuss route conditions and options. We decided a few people who were still fresh would explore a different way up to C3. The good news is a route was found to the lower end of C3 and a small party anchored fixed line into that area. We spent one more night at C2 then returned to Base Camp.

Our four nights we spent in total at C2 were productive. We got noticeably stronger each day and stayed healthy the entire time living at 6495m/21,309′ and above. In spite of falling short of reaching C3 we feel that after our time up high followed by a few days rest at Base Camp we will be ready to make a summit attempt. Before trying for the summit though we also need a big change in the weather pattern. The upper reaches of Mt. Everest have been pummeled by 120+ mph winds for several weeks now. With conditions like this a summit bid isn’t realistic. We also need some fresh snowfall; preferably 1′-2′. This would offer some anchoring of the slopes containing loose rocks. Fortunately our forecast over the next dew days is calling for just that; decreased winds and snowfall through May 10. Let’s hope the weather forecast is correct!

Up until this point our expedition has gone according to plans almost as smooth as clockwork. This is the first time we have encountered any amount of resistance from the mountain. In mountaineering there are things you can control and others you can’t. Our strategy now is to take care of the things we can control and set ourselves up for success should Mt. Everest present an opportunity to climb it. We are back at Base Camp resting, hydrating, recuperating, getting strong after spending time up high, staying healthy, and are preparing ourselves physically and mentally for a summit attempt. In spite of the conditions we recently encountered we are optimistic we will have an opportunity make a summit attempt soon! Thanks to everybody for your continued prayers and support. Your comments on the blog are awesome too! We will try to update you as soon as conditions on the mountain shake out over the coming days and we have our next plans in place.

Here are a few pictures from the last few days:

April 28, 6am: Looking back from the lower Khumbu Icefall at the early morning light on Pumo Ri (7165m/23,507') rising high above Everest Base Camp still in shade below.

April 28: Fred crossing a crevasse at the top of the Khumbu Icefall en route to Camp 2.

Camp 2 with the Lhotse Face behind.

May 1: Kurt and Fred near the base of the Lhotse Face. The people in between their heads behind was as close as they were willing to get to the face without being exposed to rock fall from above.

Climbers starting up the Lhotse Face in spite of constant rockfall. The source of the rockfall is from the Geneva Spur out of the photo to the left. Rocks small and large were raining down at a rate of 2+ per minute. These climbers were yelling "rock" while they slowly ascended completely exposed to the barrage.

Mt Everest guides discussing route conditions and options on the Lhotse Face. We all agreed exposing our clients, Sherpa's, and guides to the current conditions is unacceptable. Seated far left Max, Damian Benegos, Dave Hahn. Far right Eric, Adrian, Kurt Wedberg. (note: some full and last names left out upon request).

This cut away photo of the Lhotse Face attempts to show the old and new routes to Camp 3. The new route starts at the lower right of the photo and ends on the upper left. The location of the route exposed to rockfall starts on the lower left of the picture where the large horizontal crevasse ends on the right.

Some of our crack group of Sherpa's. There are no stronger people on the planet at extreme high altitude. Some of them will assist in carrying loads to our high camps and some will climb along side our team members on our summit attempts. From left to right: Pasang, Pemba, Cheten Dorjee, Phinjo Dorjee, Nima Nuru, Kancha Nuru (Phortse), Dasona, Phura Ongel, Kancha Nuru (Pangboche).

A helicopter hovering above Camp 2. Since the 1996 disaster on Everest it hasn't been until now that a helicopter can reliably reach this camp. The helicopter took two test flights with separate pilots taking turns at the controls. The following day they flew to 7600m/24,934'!!!

May 2, 7:30am: Fred crossing over a deep crevasse on a ladder in the Khumbu Icefall on our descent back to Base Camp.

May 4, 9pm: Headlamps light up team member's tents in this moonlight photo from Base Camp. Nuptse is to the right of the moon, and the West Shoulder of Everest is to the left. From Base Camp the West Shoulder obscures our view of Everest's summit.

May 5: The entire Mt Everest massif is shrouded in clouds as a storm brings much needed snow to the upper flanks of the mountain. This should help improve climbing conditions up high.

Everest Base Camp Living!

Everest Base Camp Living!

Greetings from Everest Base Camp.  Since last we checked in we had just descended from C2 after sleeping a few nights up high.  Since then we have spent the last few days resting, hydrating, consuming lots of calories, and in general regenerating our bodies and planning for our next trip up high.
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The days spent at Everest Base Camp are an excellent excuse to relax and be lazy.  One of the joys of expedition climbing is having time to sit and enjoy a good book, write, and take some time to simply relax “guilt free” which has become an increasingly rare commodity in our modern society.  We also find a renewed appreciation for the simple things in life such as an unhurried hot shower or putting on a clean pair of socks and a fresh t-shirt for the first time in several days.
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Weather has been pretty typical for April in the Himalayas.  Night time temperatures dip into the teens or low 20s.  During the daytime the mornings are clear, sunny, and usually very pleasant with little to no wind.  Most afternoons see the skies turn partly cloudy.  Occasionally it will cloud over enough for light snow to fall.  The ridge lines above 7000m or 24,000′  have been getting hit by strong winds of 60+ mph, which is typical for this time of year.  Recently at Base Camp we have seen the first signs of the coming spring.  Temperatures are starting to gradually warm up and the sun is peaking over the ridge tops a little earlier each morning.
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After several days of rest and preparation we are now ready to make our next trip above Base Camp.  These forays we make to higher camps are referred to as “rotations”.  Here is the plan for our next rotation:
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April 28:  Climb to C2 (6495m/21,309′)
April 29:  Rest at C2, small hike to stretch our legs
April 30:  Hike to the base of the Lhotse Face, return to C2
May 1:  Climb the Lhotse Face to C3 (7406m/24,300′), sleep here
May 2:  Return to C2
May 3:  Return to Base Camp
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A special thanks to everybody for following along with us through this blog.  For all of you who have written words of encouragement in response to our posts on this blog please know we have read every single one of your comments.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  We will plan on checking in again after returning from our next rotation up high.
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Below are a few pictures from the last few days of Base Camp living:

Teammates at dinner time.

One of our awesome Sherpa cooks in the kitchen. Our kitchen equipment includes several large propane burners hauled in by yaks. All water is boiled and the cooking area is kept clean at all times. These guys do a fantastic job in a challenging environment keeping us fed three square meals a day!

Pizza, potatoes, and cooked vegetables for dinner at Everest Base Camp!

Inside our shower at Everest Base Camp complete with slate flooring!

Our Base Camp shower's plumbing. A large blue drum is filled with icy water from the Khumbu Glacier. The water travels down a syphoned hose and passes through a gas powered "on demand" water heater on its way to the shower head.

Grooming rituals... Kurt getting acquainted with his beard trimmer at Everest Base Camp.

Fred (right) and teammate Atte from Finland (left) examining our oxygen system at Base Camp.

Fred satisfied with the fit of his oxygen mask that he'll use on our summit attempt in May.

Rest days are a great time to visit friends we are sharing the mountain with. On one afternoon Kurt and Atte visited long time good friends from Argentina. Over several rounds of South American Yerba Mate we caught up with Fernando Grajales and friends who help us with expedition logistics when we guide our Aconcagua expeditions. Left to right: Kurt, Fernando, Tomas, a Sherpa, Atte, Luciano, and another Sherpa.

A glacial lake on the Khumbu Glacier near our Base Camp.

Strong winds aloft create a snow plume off the ridge in front of the summit of Nuptse (7864m/25,800') as seen from Everest Base Camp.

Everest Team Reaches Camp 2!



Fred and Kurt in the Western Cwm.

Greetings from Everest Base Camp!  We are safely back here after spending four nights at Camps 1 & 2.  On April 19 we had a pre dawn breakfast and left EBC at 4:45am.  We navigated a short way by headlamp then put on our crampons and began climbing through the Khumbu Icefall.  After several previous acclimatization climbs we had become a very efficient climbing team and it showed as we made it past the Icefall and all the way to Camp 1 in a very respectable 4 1/2 hours arriving at 9:15.
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Our goal by sleeping at Camps 1 & 2 was to continue the acclimatization process by living for a few days at higher elevation.  We spent the rest of April 19 doing just that.  We hydrated, read books, and generally relaxed as our bodies adjusted to this new elevation.  We had previously reported Camp 1 to be at 6120m.  After being there we are readjusting that elevation to 6100m/20,012′, which was still the highest altitude we had reached during the expedition up until then.
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On April 20 we climbed to Camp 2 at 6495m/21,309′ then returned to Camp 1.  Our route to Camp 2 takes us farther up the Khumbu Glacier through an area we call the Western Cwm (pronounced “coom”).  The terrain levels out significantly over what it is in the Icafall.  We crossed a few ladders that bridged deep crevasses but overall found the route to be straightforward posing no real problems.  The scenery in the Western Cwm is spectacular. Dominating our view was Lhotse, the 4th highest mountain in the world at 8516m/27,939′.  Dramatically rising above the Western Cwm almost 6000′ to its summit is the Lhotse Face.  Later in the expedition our route from Camp 2 to 3 will take us directly up this face.  The summit of Mt. Everest also reveals itself (to the left of Lhotse) during our climb to Camp 2.
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The Western Cwm is a big valley with walls rising several thousand feet on three sides.  Solar radiation in the Cwm creates a dramatic rise in air temperature that can make climbing through it uncomfortably hot.  To combat this we left Camp 1 at 6:45am while the Cwm was still in shade.  By the time the sun reached us after 8am we were well on our way to Camp 2.  Arriving at our destination three hours after departing we relaxed, hydrated, and had an early lunch before returning to Camp 1.
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On April 21 we moved up to Camp 2.  We had received a weather forecast calling for the jet stream to make a significant drop in elevation which would threaten to give us high winds over these days we had planned to spend at Camp 2.  “Weather forecasts” are just that though; they’re forecasts.  To rely solely on them without using good mountaineering sense and judgment is a good way to shortchange your climbing team.  Also, we have no idea how hard the winds would blow.  Given that we had all the clothing and equipment to withstand inclement weather we went ahead with our plans to move to Camp 2.  Winds went from calm to a steady 20-25 mph.  This added a wind chill to the air temperature but nothing we weren’t prepared to handle.
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Winds stayed steady all day and all night with occasional gusts hitting 60+ mph.  On April 22 we decided to stay with our plan to take an acclimatization hike towards the base of the Lhotse Face.  Our goal was to try to hit 22,000’/6700m.  We put on our clothing layers and ventured out late morning from Camp 2.  With wind gusts ranging from 10-30 mph (and occasionally stronger) we roped up on the glaciated terrain and had a nice hike.  Only a handful of climbers have ventured this high so far this season.  The winds made the hike colder and more strenuous but this only served to add additional benefit to our acclimatization.  After hitting our intended altitude we descended back to Camp 2.  Winds continued for the rest of the day and evening.
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On April 23 we woke at 3:45am to pack up and descend to Base Camp.  We wanted to hit the Khumbu Icefall in the early morning hours.  After breakfast we put on our climbing harnesses and crampons, saddled up our rucksacks, and left Camp 2.  Early morning cold temperatures coupled with wind made for raw conditions as we started walking at 5:15am.  We moved well going downhill though and we were through the Icefall and back to Base Camp at 9:00am.
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Warmer temperatures and relatively thicker air greeted us here.  Our plan now is to rest for the next couple days.  We will plan on moving higher and hopefully climbing the Lhotse Face on our next trip up.  We’re currently planning on leaving on April 27.
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Here are a few pictures from our adventures over the last few days:

April 19: Fred crossing a ladder spanning a large crevasse in the upper Khumbu Icefall en route to Camp 1.

April 19: Kancha Nuru Sherpa near the top of the Khumbu Icefall

Camp 1 on the Khumbu Glacier in the Western Cwm at 6100m/20,012'.

April 19: Kurt and Fred after arriving at Camp, 6100m/20,012'.

April 20: Looking up the Western Cwm during a day hike. Lhotse is the right peak on the skyline. The summit of Everest is just starting to reveal itself as the highest point on the left skyline.

Kurt and Kancha Nuru Sherpa in the Western Cwm. Mt. Everest is on the skyline above Kurt's head. Kancha reached the summit of Everest for the first time with Kurt on May 21, 2008. He has now summitted four times.

Ladder crossing in the Western Cwm.

Fred and Kancha at a rest break en route to Camp 2.

The Lhotse Face from Camp 2.

April 22: Kurt leading the way towards the base of the Lhotse Face.

April 22: Kurt, Fred, and Kancha near the base of the Lhotse Face during an acclimatization hike.

Everest Team Ready To Move Above Base Camp!

Since arriving at Base Camp (5365m/17,600′) our primary focus has been to start the acclimatization process in preparation for moving higher on the mountain.  Acclimatizing is the term used for the human body as it adjusts to higher elevation.  As one ascends the available oxygen diminishes.  By the time we hit approximately 5500m or 18,000′ we have half the available oxygen as at sea level.  The summit of Everest (8850m/29,035′) has 21% of the O2 that’s at the ocean.  The human body’s reaction to living at higher elevation is to produce more red blood cells in an effort to more efficiently transport oxygen through our systems.  Climbing higher and returning to Base Camp helps this process nicely.

The view from our Base Camp. Mt. Everest is obscured from view by the prominent point left of center, which leads to Everest's West Ridge. The Khumbu Icefall is the broken up snow/ice directly above the dirt in the foreground.

We have now taken several acclimatizing day hikes and have had great success.  Each time we took another hike we felt stronger.  One hike we took was to Camp 1 of a nearby mountain called Pumo Ri (7165m/23,507′).  This striking peak sits on the border of Nepal and Tibet on the opposite side of the Khumbu Glacier from where Mt. Everest is located.  Hiking to C1 on Pumo Ri not only got us up to 5640m/18,503′ but we got a nice view of the route where we will soon be climbing.

Fred enjoying an acclimatization hike on Pumo Ri above Base Camp with the dramatic backdrop of Nuptse (right) and Everest (left).

Kurt on an acclimatization hike on Pumo Ri. The unnamed alpine lake below is at 5400m/17,716'.

Fred at the base of the Khumbu Icefall with Everest Base Camp behind.

We also climbed into the infamous Khumbu Icefall.  The Khumbu Glacier begins at an altitude of over 6700m or 22,000′.  It flows down past our Base Camp (we’re camped on the Khumbu Glacier) to its terminus at about 4900m or 16,000′.  There’s an area above Base Camp where two ridge lines on either side of the glacier angle towards each other forcing it to flow through a more narrow corridor.  Right at this location the terrain steepens considerably.  This causes the glacier to do two things:  (1) speed up its flow to about 3′-4′ per day, and (2) break up its smooth flow into large ice blocks that weigh several tons and crevasses that can be 30m or 100’+ deep.  This feature on a glacier is called an “icefall”.
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To navigate through the Khumbu Icefall climbers must weave their way around and over countless large ice blocks and cross ladders that are anchored in the snow/ice to span the large crevasses.  We took three trips into the Khumbu Icefall.  Each successive time we went higher in elevation offering us the chance to further acclimatize.  This also gave us the opportunity to practice and get efficient with climbing techniques that we use as we climb higher on Mt Everest.  Climbing efficiently is essential for energy conservation on big mountains, and critical for a safe and successful ascent of Mt Everest.  Each time through we analyzed how the day went and identified areas that we could work on to help make the next trip more efficient.
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Our last climb up the Khumbu Icefall was on Aprl 16. We made it to an altitude of 6050m/19,849′.  This brought us all the way through the Icefall to within about 30 minutes from Camp 1.  After a quick break for water and food we descended back to Base Camp.  We did the round trip in a very respectable 7 hours 40 minutes.  With the success of this latest climb we are now ready to explore and sleep higher on Mt Everest!
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Our plan for the next few days (weather permitting) is to sleep as high as Camp 2 then return to Base Camp to rest and recuperate:
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April 17-18:  Rest/prepare food and equipment for being at Camps 1 & 2.
April 19:  Move to Camp 1 (6120m/20,078′), sleep here.
April 20:  Climb to Camp 2, sleep at Camp 1.
April 21:  Climb to Camp 2 (6495m/21,309′), sleep here.
April 22:  Climb to base of the Lhotse Face (6750m/22,145′), sleep at C2.
April 23:  Return to Base Camp.
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We plan on spending a few days resting at Base Camp then we will climb back to C2 and try to sleep above this camp.  To put us in position for a summit attempt we will establish Camp 3 at 7406m/24,300′ and Camp 4 at 7955m/26,100′.  More on these camps later.  Stay tuned…
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We’re feeling strong and healthy as we prepare to make our move towards Camps 1 & 2.  A special thank you to all our family and friends for your continued support.  We will plan on checking in again after April 23!
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Below are a few pictures of our adventures climbing in the Khumbu Icefall:

Fred crossing a crevasse on the Khumbu Glacier during an acclimatization climb on April 14, 2012.

Fred topping out on a large ice block while climbing in the Khumbu Icefall.

Fred climbing a ladder spanning an overhanging ice block in the Khumbu Icefall.

Fred crossing a ladder spanning a deep crevasse in the Khumbu Icefall on the descent of an acclimatization climb.

Kurt at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall at the end of another successful acclimatization climb.

More from Everest Base Camp!

Fred enjoying an acclimatization hike on Pumo Ri above Base Camp with the dramatic backdrop of Nuptse (right) and Everest (left).

Our Sherpa's dancing at the end of the "Puja ceremony".

Kurt and Fred dancing with the Sherpa's at the culmination of the "Puja ceremony" at Everest Base Camp on April 10, 2012.

Fred (standing on the far left) joining our Sherpa's in their "Puja ceremony" at Everest Base Camp. They construct an alter where they burn juniper. They hang prayer flags from a post above the alter. A lama from the town of Pangboche walked up to read some pray

Everest Team Reaches Base Camp!

Greetings from Everest Base Camp at 5365m/17,600′.  We arrived here on Easter Sunday. After leaving Pheriche we spent three nights at a camp at the base of Lobuche Peak before moving to EBC.  Camped in a small amphitheater we were treated to outstanding views of the north face of Cholatse as well as distant peaks we passed by in prior days.  On April 8 we packed up our gear and trekked past the villages of Lobuche and Gorak Shep.  The route then drops onto the Khumbu Glacier.  Pumo Ri (7165m/23,507′), Nuptse (7864m/25,800′), Lhotse (8516m/27,939′), and Everest (8850m/29,035′) dominated our field of view.
Arriving at EBC caps off one of the all time classic treks in the world.  From the culture to the stunning scenery and the people and wildlife along the way this trek is an experience like no other!  There were several people who accompanied us to Everest Base Camp just to experience everything this trek has to offer.  After spending a couple days with us they took off on April 11 to descend back down valley en route to Kathmandu to catch flights home.
Since arriving at EBC our primary focus has been to get acclimated to this elevation.  Over the coming days we plan to take a few day hikes around our area and make our first forays into the Khumbu Icefall.  On April 10 we did our first training and practice on the skills and techniques needed to climb above EBC.  This included cramponing, ascending and descending fixed lines, and practicing walking across the rungs of ladders that will be spanning crevasses in the Icefall and beyond.

Fred practicing fixed line ascension on an ice tower on the Khumbu Glacier near our Base Camp.

Everest Team Moving Closer to Base Camp!

Mt. Everest (8850m/29,035') and Lhotse (8516m/27,939') the first and fourth highest mountains in the world with the Tenzing Norgay monument in the foreground. The first ascent of Mt. Everest is credited to Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. This monument was built in 2003 in honor of Tenzing Norgay.

After 3 nights in Namche Bazaar we hiked 5 hours to the village of Deboche at 3820m/12,533′ where we spent the nights April 1 and 2 at the Rivendell Lodge.

Deboche is located 40m/131′ below Tengboche, site of the most well known Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu.  The team visited the monastery then went next door to the best bakery in the Khumbu.  We sat outside enjoying freshly baked apple pie and chocolate cake under sunny skies with views of Everest (8850m/29,035′), Lhotse (8516m/27,939′), and Ama Dablam (6856m/22,493′).

The entrance to the Tengboche monastery.

Kurt and Fred at the Tengboche monastery.

Inside the Tengboche monastery.

On April 3 the team packed up to move to Pheriche (4240m/13,910′).  Along the hike we were treated to a close sighting of a group of Nepalese mountain goats perched on a shelf directly above our trail.  Moving higher the team passed through Pangboche where we visited Lama Geshe, a local monk who offered his blessing on our climb.  His blessings included chanting, incense burning, and the presentation of a scarf an a choker around each trekker’s neck along with a delicate “head butt”.  After our visit the weather turned cloudy and by noon light snow was falling.  We stopped at a tea house for lunch then finished our hike to Pheriche with snow creating a thin blanket on our trail.

A Nepalese mountain goat watching us from a perch above our trekking route.

Fred and Kurt on a suspension bridge spanning a river filled gorge far below.

Fred getting a "head butt" blessing from a lama in Pangboche.

The weather cleared on April 4 and the team decided to take an acclimatization day hike above Pheriche where we got nice views of the surrounding peaks.  Besides Everest there are many spectacular peaks in this region of the Himalayas.  Every new bend in our route reveals more of these beautiful mountains.  We feel humbled and truly blessed to be among these great peaks, many of which rise over a mile above us and are relatively unknown among the general mountaineering community.  Peaks within our field of view today included Tabuche (6495m/21,308′), Cholatse (6335m/20,784′), and Arakam Tse (6423m/21,072′) as well as the more well known Island Peak (6189m/20,304′), which is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the region.

Located in Pheriche is a high altitude medical clinic that has been in operation since 1973.  The Himalayan Rescue Association staffs it with doctors who provide service to trekkers and climbers in need of medical attention. The work done here over the past 39 years has led to a large contribution of what we know about high altitude medicine today.  The team visited the clinic in the afternoon after our day hike where one of the doctors shared some insights on high altitude medicine then gave us a tour of the facility.

On April 5 our plan is to move to Lobuche (5290m/17,355′) Base Camp.  Lobuche is another trekking peak in the area.  It’s Base Camp will be a nice place to continue our acclimatization.  We’ll spend three nights here then trek to Everest Base Camp!  It looks like we’ll be “out of range” from the outside world during this time.  The next time we expect to check in will be after we’re settled at Everest Base Camp.

We want to thank everybody for all your prayers and support during our journey so far.  We look forward to being in touch again soon!!

A Sherpani girl in Pangboche.

Sherpa's in Pangboche cultivating their fields preparing for the upcoming growing season when the monsoons come in June.

Yaks being herded past our route as the snow began to fall en route to Pheriche. Yaks are the local beast of burden in Nepal and Tibet. They normally live above 10,000'.

Fred nearing Pheriche Pass (4218m/13,838') en route to the village of Pheriche in a white out while light snow continued to fall.

Fred (right) and fellow team member Bandar (left) crossing a bridge shortly before arriving at Pheriche.

Fred and Kurt arriving at the Himalayan Hotel in Pheriche, the tea house where they slept in for two nights.

Fred, Brad, Lisa, Vanessa, and Karl enjoying the spectacular views on a day hike above Pheriche.

Kurt and Fred pause on a ridgeline where rocks were stacked to hang prayer flags during an acclimatization day hike above Pheriche.

A Himalayan Griffon souring above checking us out during our acclimatization day hike above Pheriche.

SMI founder and guide Kurt Wedberg with Ama Dablam in the background. Kurt climbed this mountain by the Southeast Ridge in October of 1998.

A group picture at approximately 15,000' during an acclimatization day hike above Pheriche. Fred and Kurt are trekking and sharing Base Camp with them during their Everest expedition. Front row: Kurt, Lopsong Sherpa, Bandar, Brad. Back Row: Kevin, Jan, Andy, Karl, Dwayne, Lisa, Catherine, Mark, Ray, John, Jenni, Justin, Vanessa, Fred, Purna, Mingma, Atte, Furi, and Tashi.

Everest Team Healthy And Moving Well

Kurt Wedberg and Fred Simmons on the deck of the Everest View Hotel above Namche Bazaar. The peak to the right is Ama Dablam. Everest is obscured by clouds behind.

Greetings from Namche Bazaar at 3440m/11,286′.  This village is located in a small natural amphitheater where three major routes coming from different valleys intersect.  The location of Namche makes it a natural center of commerce for the area.
We arrived here on March 29 with the intention of staying here three nights before continuing to higher elevation.  We checked in to the Khumbu Lodge, which is a well known tea house where many famous climbers have stayed over the years.
On March 30 we took a day hike to a couple nearby villages that are higher in elevation to see the sights and acclimatize.  Our first stop was the Everest View Hotel.  As the name suggests it is possible to see Everest from its perch.  Clouds obscured Everest but we were able to see several scenic and beautiful peaks including the stunning Ama Dablam (6856m/22,493′), which is known among the mountaineering community as being one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.  We sat on the deck of the hotel and sipped hot chocolates while enjoying the vistas before continuing on to the village of Khumjung at 3780m/12,401′.  Sir Edmund Hillary was instrumental in building a school here for the Sherpa community back in 1961.  Today 500+ kids attend school here from several villages including Namche.  The kids in Namche daily walk up and down the 440m/1444′ change in elevation for their education.  We visited the school and had lunch before descending back to Namche where we had a little time to relax and hydrate before dinner.

Kurt and Fred at the school at Khumjung (3780m/12,401'). After Sir Edmund Hillary became the first person to reach the summit of Mt. Everest he spent much of his life work to helping the Sherpa community. He helped found many schools including this one in 1961. The statue behind is a monument commemorating Hillary.

March 31 was a rest day for us.  We visited the local market where people are selling local vegetables, fruit, meat, and grains.  Team members also took time to shop in the tourist markets where they sell Tibetan made wool and silk rugs, yak wool shawls and scarfs, locally made beads, necklaces, yak bells and much more.  After lunch, a group of trekkers walked up to the rim of Namche’s amphitheater to visit the Sagarmatha National Park Conservation Museum and the Sherpa Museum that highlights and honors some of the famous Sherpas in mountaineering history.
Feeling healthy and strong we’re ready to pack up tomorrow for our move to the next village up the valley; Deboche at 3820m/12,533′.
Below are a few more pictures taken by Kurt Wedberg.   We will keep trying to upload more to the SMI photo gallery at www.kurtwedbergphotography.com.

The village of Namche Bazaar sits in an amphitheater in the mountains of Nepal at 3440m/11,286'.

A Nepali lady at market day in Namche Bazaar.

Yak bells for sale in Namche Bazaar.

Sherpani's conducting business at market day i Namche Bazaar.

Men buying and selling fruit at market day in Namche Bazaar.

A local porter (left) buying fruit at the market in Nmche Bazaar.

The local meat market in Namche Bazaar.

A Nepali man selling hot peppers at the market in Namche Bazaar.

Kids in Khumjung.

Everest Team Is On It’s Way!

Fred and Kurt greeted upon arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Kurt Wedberg and good friend of SMI Fred Simmons have embarked on their much anticipated expedition to Mt. Everest! After all the planning and preparation they had one last meal with Fred’s family in Los Angeles then boarded a Thai Airlines flight bound for Kathmandu, Nepal on March 24. We will attempt to share highlights of the journey through this blog. This is the first entry as written by Kurt Wedberg:

Our last meal with Fred's family before flying to Kathmandu.

Fred boarding our Thai Airlines flight to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Greetings from the town of Phakding at 2620m/8596′ in the Khumbu region of Nepal.  All the altitudes are in meters here.  To convert we multiply by 3.2808.

After 24+ hours of travel from LA to Kathmandu landing on March 26 we spent two nights and one day in Nepal’s capitol city making final preparations before starting our trek into Everest Base Camp. We organized our equipment into gear that will be shipped by yak directly to Base Camp and other necessities that will be used during our 11-day trek. Fred and I have tacked ourselved onto a large tea run by my good friend Eric who has been organizing Everest expeditions for many years. We will be using all their logistics and support and be able to climb on our own schedule.

On March 28 we left our hotel at 4:45am and soon were at the airport where local flights originate from (versus where the international flights go in and out of).  A bit of organized chaos ensued as we got 23 people plus 23 duffle bags through security.  Shortly after 6am we were called to our flight and boarded a Twin Otter that holds about 15 people.  We divided into two groups on separate planes and took off on the 45 minute flight that ended at the village of Lukla at 2840m/9300′ in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal.  This airport is a trip.  The runway is angled at 11 degrees.  This helps the airplane stop on this short runway.  Upon exiting the plane there are several Nepali police officers who love blowing their whistles incessantly as we walk off the tarmac.

The first order of business was to get 23 porters matched with our 23 duffle bags.  While that was going on we took some time to have a little breakfast.  There are little bakery’s in Luka that have espresso and cinnamon rolls.  This mountaineering business is tough work!!  At 7:45am we took off on our trek.  Today was a very easy trek.  We had very little uphill mixed in with mostly downhill hence how we ended up 220 meters lower than where we started.  We took a leisurely pace and got to Phakding 3 hours after leaving Lukla.

We’re staying in tea houses.  These are little lodges that exist all up and down the Khumbu region.  They have simple bedrooms and a dining room.  The menus are pretty similar at all of them.  There are American dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, and chips (french fries to you and me).  They also have traditional Nepali food including dahl baht (rice with lentils) and momo’s, which are steamed dumplings with vegetables or meat.

For the next day of our trek we plan to hike approximately 6 hours to Namche Bazar at 3440m/11,286′. We plan to spend 3 nights here acclimatizing before trekking farther up the valley towards Everest Base Camp.

We will try to share a few photos from our journey on this blog. This may not always be possible though so we will also have them posted on the SMI Photo Gallery site here: http://www.kurtwedbergphotography.com/International-Expeditions/Everest-2012/22141785_sRN2QC

Upon arrival in Lukla we had espresso and fresh baked goodies at a local bakery before starting our trek.

Kurt at a Buddhist monument along the trekking route.

A young Sherpa watches from a distance as we trek by his home.

Fred crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River.