SummitTrek News, Everest, Basecamp Trek, Peaks in Nepal trekking news 2014

SummitTrek News, Everest, Basecamp Trek, Peaks in Nepal trekking news 2014

(Photos in slideshow: Valerie Hovland, Tunc Findik, Elselien te Hennepe, Bruce Manning, & Preston Stroud)
News of our recent expedition: Everest Basecamp Trek Nepal Spring

Blog posts: Please click one of the links below to go directly to that blog post or just scroll down.

view from kalapather. Photo Scot Younghusband. Team at Everest Basecamp.
 
View from kalapather. Photo Scot Younghusband.  Team at everest basecamp. Photo I dumanski
 
Long bridge near phakding. Photo Scot Beautiful day. Photo Scot
 
Long bridge near phakding. Photo Scot.  Beautiful day. Photo Scot.

21 April -

Blog 21 April Nepal Today many of our members again rested in Everest basecamp. We said goodbye to our excellent Canadian trekking team of Derek, Scott, Liam, Mike, Shamus and Ian. We are really going to miss you guys, and believe you to be in good hands with your guide Tenji Sherpa, a real gentleman, a trekking expert, and 14 time Everest Summiter. Howie was not feeling well and decided to return to Kathmandu. We miss you Howie and wish you very good health. Sophie and Will are trekking back to Kathmandu with GyelChiri Sherpa and Mik Raj Basnat. Have a great trek and we wish you and your families all of the best of luck.

Some of our members trekked around local basecamp hills. A few are resting in Gorak Shep.

Dan did some research around Gorak Shep and basecamp to try and learn what happened in the recent horrible tragedy in which it is reported that 13 Sherpas from 5 teams were taken from their families. It seems there may have been a roadblock on the climbing route in the icefall and a large group of Sherpas may have rested at that place together, rucksacks removed, when the avalanche and/or serac collapse struck. As we learn more we cannot but help feel sorrow and guilt that our team has survived while they have passed. May they rest in peace.

EBC shot taken from close to Icefall. Photo by Sam Chappatte Gary with cute Sherpa girl - fast friends. Photo by Patrick McKnight

EBC shot taken from close to Icefall. Photo by Sam Chappatte. Gary with cute Sherpa girl - fast friends. Photo by Patrick McKnight. 

Sam & Alex in front of Icefall. Photo by Sam Chappatte Sherpas, climbers, media & government attend the wake meeting in ABC. Photo by Mike Fairman

Sam & Alex in front of Icefall. Photo by Sam Chappatte.  Sherpas, climbers, media & government attend the wake meeting in ABC. Photo by Mike Fairman.

20 April -

Our team is mostly located in Everest basecamp. Today some of our members went for a walk on surrounding hills, while others rested in basecamp, or hung out at Gorak Shep. We are wondering if the icefall will be opened soon.

Everyone is wondering what to do after the sad loss of valiant Sherpas at the top of the icefall three days ago. Our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen. Amazingly, none of our Sherpas nor any of our group was there at the time. Since the tragic accident, it seems no teams are climbing Everest...
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South Col route taken from above Pomori ABC. Photo by Patrick McKnight Team breakfast in EBC, with Nouri, Patrick, Christie & Alex. Photo by Sam Chappatte

South Col route taken from above Pomori ABC. Photo by Patrick McKnight.  Team breakfast in EBC, with Nouri, Patrick, Christie & Alex. Photo by Sam Chappatte. 

Team Canada in EBC, with the Icefall in the background. Photo by Sam Chappatte Hiking up in Tangboche hill. Photo Scot

Team Canada in EBC, with the Icefall in the background. Photo by Sam Chappatte. Hiking up in Tangboche hill. Photo Scot. 

18 April -

We wish to send our condolences to those involved in the avalanche which hit the area just below Camp 2 at 6,400 metres (21,000ft) on Mount Everest this morning. (18th April 2014)

Our teams were not in the area at the time. All SummitClimb leaders, staff and team members are safe and well.

Disaster photo, with edit. Photo by Patrick McKnight & Sam Chappatte Flight landing at Lukla; onboard magazine open; Lukla village out of the window. Photo David Maidment

Disaster photo, with edit. Photo by Patrick McKnight & Sam Chappatte. Flight landing at Lukla; onboard magazine open; Lukla village out of the window. Photo David Maidment.

15 April -

Today we woke up to gorgeous views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse and after a delicious breakfast and some repacking, we walked for 20 minutes to upper Pangboche village where we visited the high lama of Pangboche, named Lama Geshe. He blessed all of the members of our trekking and climbing expedition and all of our Sherpas too. After a few cups of tea we enjoyed a liesurely 2.5 hour walk up to Pheriche Village at 4200 metres / 13,750 feet. It was a nice, slow paced, acclimatization day. Members enjoyed a few rounds of cards in the warm dining room of our lodge and then had an early night, beneath a gorgeous full moon.

Pangboche village with Ama Dablam and Everest in the background. Photo by Sam Chappatte Thile Nuru Sherpa and Lakpa Kongle Sherpa being blessed by Lama Geshe. Photo by Sam Chappatte

Pangboche village with Ama Dablam and Everest in the background. Photo by Sam Chappatte. Thile Nuru Sherpa and Lakpa Kongle Sherpa being blessed by Lama Geshe. Photo by Sam Chappatte.

Mike, Scott, Lakpa and Carlos spinning prayer wheels at Pangboche Gompa. Sam Chappatte Photo Stupa at the Tibetan Camp in Namche. Photo by Elmo Francis

Mike, Scott, Lakpa and Carlos spinning prayer wheels at Pangboche Gompa. Sam Chappatte Photo. Stupa at the Tibetan Camp in Namche. Photo by Elmo Francis.

Aleessandra, Patrick, Edward and Laxman on the Everest Trail to Tyangboche Monastery. Sam Chappatte Photo Ama Dablam at twilight seen from Pangboche. Photo by Sam Chappatte

Aleessandra, Patrick, Edward and Laxman on the Everest Trail to Tyangboche Monastery. Sam Chappatte Photo. Ama Dablam at twilight seen from Pangboche. Photo by Sam Chappatte.

14 April -

Everest Nepal Blog: 14 April: Today our team walked from Namche to Pangboche. It was a very beautiful day, with a lot of great views. It did snow part of the way, although the snow did not stick to the ground. Also it was a bit windy. One of the journey highlights was sighting a small herd of wild Himalayan Tahr sheep on the slopes near Kyangzoma. Another highlight was apple pie in Tyangboche. It is really nice to be in Pangboche, with stunning views of Lhotse south face and even of Everest itself.  back to top

13 April -

Namche Bazar Saturday Market. Photo by Iam Dumanski Edward and Laxman Hanging Prayer Flags on the Thada Koshi Bridge. Photo by Mike Fairman

Namche Bazar Saturday Market. Photo by Iam Dumanski. Edward and Laxman Hanging Prayer Flags on the Thada Koshi Bridge. Photo by Mike Fairman 

Photo of Patrick and Neal on a day trip to 3880m with our first view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Photo taken by Neal Kushwaha. Laxman and Karel crossing through Ghat Village. Photo by Mike Fairman

Photo of Patrick and Neal on a day trip to 3880m with our first view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Photo taken by Neal Kushwaha. Laxman and Karel crossing through Ghat Village. Photo by Mike Fairman. back to top

Neal sitting on a boulder with Mount Kwangde in the background (2). Photo by Patrick McKnight Team loading bags at the Lukla Airport. Photo by Sam Chappatte

Neal sitting on a boulder with Mount Kwangde in the background (2). Photo by Patrick McKnight.  Team loading bags at the Lukla Airport. Photo by Sam Chappatte.

Arsenal football club poster at Namche Bazzar. Photo by Sam Chappatte

Arsenal football club poster at Namche Bazzar. Photo by Sam Chappatte.

Namche on a sunny day. Mount Kwangde in the background. Sam Chappatte Photo A Buddhist Deity and Prayer Wheels at Namche Bazaar. Photo by Sam Chappatte

Namche on a sunny day. Mount Kwangde in the background. Sam Chappatte Photo. A Buddhist Deity and Prayer Wheels at Namche Bazaar. Photo by Sam Chappatte. back to top

12 April -

The team is all together again. Edward, Karel, Muhammad, Carlos and Mike F.

finally caught up with the rest of the team in Namche Bazar. Their flight was cancelled on the 10th but luckly made a flight to Lukla on the 11th. The rest of the team has enjoyed their rest day and all members from both goups are doing well. It was a beautiful day today with snow falling all the way up the trail to Namche, giving it a true Himalayan feel. We are all sitting around now enjoying some warm drinks and enjoying such a magnificant view.

Our tents outside the Danfe lodge in the morning of April 12. Photo taken by Neal Kushwaha. Thile Nuru Sherpa about to step into the SPCC office in Namche on April 12. Photo taken by Neal Kushwaha

Our tents outside the Danfe lodge in the morning of April 12. Photo taken by Neal Kushwaha.  Thile Nuru Sherpa about to step into the SPCC office in Namche on April 12. Photo taken by Neal Kushwaha.

2 Christie at the entrance to Namche upon her arrival after a 6 hour hike from Phakding. Photographer: Liam Photo Caption: Leave it to a Texan! Christie riding a Yak in Lukla.

 Christie at the entrance to Namche upon her arrival after a 6 hour hike from Phakding. Photographer: Liam. Photo Caption: Leave it to a Texan! Christie riding a Yak in Lukla. 

Sunrise well above Namche. This is a Kwangde. Next to it on the left is Numbur. Photo was taken very early as the sun was cresting various peaks by Neal Kushwaha. 1 Mike Lobsinger, Christie and Derek lounging at the Hotel Danphe in Namche Nepal after a 6 hour hike to 3345 meters from Phakding. Photographer: Alex

Sunrise well above Namche. This is a Kwangde. Next to it on the left is Numbur. Photo was taken very early as the sun was cresting various peaks by Neal Kushwaha.  1 Mike Lobsinger, Christie and Derek lounging at the Hotel Danphe in Namche Nepal after a 6 hour hike to 3345 meters from Phakding. Photographer: Alex. back to top

Very good day in hiking. Photo Scott Younghusband Jorsalle. Photo Scot Younghusband.

Very good day in hiking. Photo Scott Younghusband.  Jorsalle. Photo Scot Younghusband.

Walking down from lukla to Phakding. Photo Scot Scott Younghusband Dudh Koshi. Photo Scott Younghusband

Walking down from lukla to Phakding. Photo Scot Scott Younghusband.  Dudh Koshi. Photo Scott Younghusband.

10 April -

Today the Nepal team flew to Lukla in a 16 seat Twin Otter twin engined propeller plane. It was an exciting flight, the weather was perfect and we saw Everest! Upon arrival we went to a very comfortable teahouse and had a yummy breakfast. The Tibet team boarded a bus after some uncertainty if the road to Tibet would be open (it was opened at about 6 am, luckily).

As we speak they are bumping along the Arniko Highway up to the Tibet boarder. Luckily the weather has been dry so the road is passable. By the way, after a fun few days of the Nepal side and Tibet side SummitClimb and SummitTrek teams hanging out and socialising together, we parted company, we shall certainly miss joking around with them, and we wish them all of the very best. Perhaps we will meet them on the summit of Everest as we did last year.

Lukla airport runway. Photo Scott Younghusband Flower. Photo Scott Younghusband.

Lukla airport runway. Photo Scott Younghusband. Flower. Photo Scott Younghusband.

Watching the planes land overhead at the Lukla Airport, photo taken by Neal Kushwaha  The first group taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport on runway 20-02.

Watching the planes land overhead at the Lukla Airport, photo taken by Neal Kushwaha. The first group taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport on runway 20-02. 

Thump up for flying out for Lukla. Photo Scott Younghusband Lukla airport. Photo Scott Younghusband

Thump up for flying out for Lukla. Photo Scott Younghusband. Lukla airport. Photo Scott Younghusband.

9 April - 

In the morning we had a team meeting at our very comfortable and quiet Hotel in Thamel, Kathamandu. During the meeting we discussed the plans for our climbs and treks, equipment we would need, etc. In the afternoon we had a permit signing ceremony at the Ministry of Tourism and all members received a beautiful souvenir scarf.

Kathmandu domestic airport. Photo Scott Younghusband
 
Vans are loaded and we are headed to the Kathmandu airport. Photo taken by Neal Kushwaha. Kathmandu domestic airport. Photo Scott Younghusband.

8 April - 

Our teams arrived and the leaders and Sherpas continued packing, organizing, and preparing for the upcoming expeditions. We checked all of the member's gear to be sure they had what they needed and went shopping together so they could find any missing bits and pieces at one of Thamel's many trekking and climbing shops, with great prices. In the evening we had a delicious welcome dinner together with the team.

Rain god iin Kathmandu. Photo Scott Younghusband Basantapur Darbar. Photo Scott Younghusband

Rain god in Kathmandu. Photo Scott Younghusband.  Basantapur Darbar. Photo Scott Younghusband.

Perfect handicraft work. Photo Scott Younghusband Shoyambhunath. Photo Scott Younghusband

Perfect handicraft work. Photo Scott Younghusband. Shoyambhunath. Photo Scott Younghusband

After the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Tourism, taken by Michael Fairman Hand work in kathmandu. Photo Scott Younghusband

After the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Tourism, taken by Michael Fairman. Hand work in kathmandu. Photo Scott Younghusband.

Kathmandu Valley view. Photo Scott Younghusband Basantapur. Photo Scott Younghusband

Kathmandu Valley view. Photo Scott Younghusband. Basantapur. Photo Scott Younghusband.  

No of hindu gods in Shoyambhu. Photo Scot Biggest Budhish stupa in Kathmandu called Shoyambhu. Photo Scot

No of hindu gods in Shoyambhu. Photo Scot.  Biggest Budhish stupa in Kathmandu called Shoyambhu. Photo Scot.

 
Everest Base Camp Trek Team
  • Dan Mazur ( Leader), USA/UK
  • Scott Younghusband, Canada
  • Derek Tucker, Canada
  • Ian Dumanski, Canada
  • Liam McCready, Canada
  • Shamus Gordon, Canada
  • Mike Lobsinger, Canada
  • Gary Kellund, USA Back to top
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