EVEREST NEWS and PHOTOS of our April 2024 EXPEDITION to Everest Nepal Summit

EVEREST NEWS, PHOTOS, VIDEOS of our EVEREST EXPEDITION to the Summit. Also Lhotse Summit, Everest Training Climb

Video by ‪@liulangCooki‬

Caption : Almost there. The Summit. Photo Evan

Please scroll down for latest news and photos.

Our team has just returned from their successful expedition. The weather was very good this year, allowing us to go to the summit two days later, so we missed the crowds. We were the only team on the summit. Congratulations to all of our members, leaders, Sherpas, and thanks to their families, sponsors, colleagues and friends for your support. Now we are planning for 2025 Everest and invite you to join another successful strong team, with British and American leaders and helpful, friendly and experienced Sherpas: www.SummitClimb.com/Everest . Please tell all of your friends and scroll down for latest news and photos.

29 May - Hi this is David, some of us are in Kathmandu and some ending the hike down the Everest trail to Lukla. It was wonderful to be part of this team, a happy coherent unit, and a privilege to be the leader. Evening’s in base camp were proper fun, with long chats, long stories and long witty poems mainly from Henry our resident wordsmith.

I hope that everyone has learnt more than a bit about themselves. If life is about learning, the intensity of an Everest expedition brings many many learning opportunities.

A massive congratulations to those of us who got to the top of Everest and Lhotse especially Tenji our marvellous, strong and eternally positive head Sherpa who got to his twentieth Everest summit this year.

Good bless David

Video by David O'Brien

Caption : View for the Summit. At the summit. Photo Marcel

26 May - Hi this is David, it’s been a hectic few days coming down from camp 4. It’s an exhausting descent, without sleep, after the summit push.
Yesterday took us through a very hot and slushy ice fall down for celebrations with our incredible Sherpas at base camp. I’m very proud of everyone’s achievements. Summiting is a marker of the long arduous endeavour. The real marker should be in putting yourself in the arena in the first place. There is huge mental and physical effort required to get yourself fully prepared to the start line. Some times it works, sometimes it doesn’t. This year we had the whole mountain to ourselves. There were no queues, no passing people, no waiting, no wind. No one else on the top section. Just our team and the big mountain. How magical is that.

24 May - Current conditions in C2: All members and Sherpas are safe in C2 after a long and challenging day. Everyone has had their dinner and lots of hot drinks prepared by our C2 kitchen team and they have retired to their tents for the night. Current weather in C2 is -4 degrees Centigrade, 25 degrees Fahrenheit. No wind, low clouds, but not snowing. The plan for tomorrow is an early breakfast and pack up and head down the Western Cwm and down through the Khumbu Icefall before 8:30 AM. Safe and Careful Descent to Base Camp Everyone!

Caption : The SummitClimb team summited Everest.

24 May - Hi this is David, everyone is now down here at camp 2, exhausted, it’s been a long long day. Very proud of everyone’s efforts. A special mention for Eoin, a type 1 diabetic, possibly only the fifth type 1 to ever summit.

24 May - Everest update: All members and Sherpas are now safely returned to the South Col - C4. Our plan is to eat a big breakfast, drink lots of hot drinks and head down to C2 in the Western Cwm where we have a cook! It’s going to feel good to descend to thicker warmer air!

Caption : All members and Sherpas are safe at C2 after a long and challenging day.

24 May - Big News : Everest leader David O’Brien: All members summited in perfect weather. All are now back at the balcony for a short rest and will descend the snow slope to the South Col, C4 for a celebratory hot drink. Everyone please join us in wishing the team a big CONGRATULATIONS!!!

23 May - New update from Everest SummitClimb Team: Its 8:30 pm on the South Col of Everest at Camp 4. There is no wind, no cloud, perfectly clear skies and the temperature is -10 degrees Celsius, 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It seems to be a very perfect night to attempt the summit of our world's highest peak. Two of our members and 2 Sherpas set out from the high camp at 6:30 pm, one is leaving now, with his Sherpa, and 3 members and 3 Sherpas will leave at 9pm. Godspeed Team! By the way, at the moment there are no other teams going for the summit, and there is no line of headlamps going up Everest.

Caption : Almost there The Hillary step. On the way to summit. Photo Evan.

Caption : Two different day of summit seen from Camp 4. Photo Evan

23 May - Everest News - We are resting in C4 today at the South Col after yesterday’s climb from C3-C4. The path was not crowded. We do not expect to experience crowds on summit day either. Current conditions at the South Col are -5 degrees Celsius, 23 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind is currently 20 kph, 12.5 mph. Currently it is snowing lightly through thin clouds. Our members are feeling very well rested, fed and watered, as are our Sherpas. We plan to leave tonight at 8pm, reaching the summit tomorrow morning at 6am. Each member will climb together with a Sherpa, and both will be using supplemental oxygen. Everyone will carry extra food and water. The weather forecast calls for a sunny summit day tomorrow with light winds. We plan to return to the South Col - C4 by 5pm, in time for dinner and hot tea. We pray for a safe journey to our world’s highest point!

Caption : At Camp 4 before heading for the summit. Resting inside tent having extra oxygen supply .

Everest/Lhotse blog 21 May : Hi this is David from camp 3. We made good time to get up here despite the sun beating down on our single thermals. No need for layers today. The tents of camp 3 appeared as a welcome sight at the top of several ice steps on Lhotse face, a long steep ice gulley, that leads up to the Lhotse peak. Roxane joined us at camp 3 late in the evening having summited Lhotse this morning. Well done Roxane !!

Caption : Everest Summit seen from Lhotse and Lhotse summit.

20 May - Everyone did very well getting up the ice fall in record times. Things slowed down a bit then with the hike from camp 1 to 2. The heat was intense in the Western Cwm with the sun reflecting off the amphitheater of mountains. We had a rest day today at camp 2 and will start the climb up the Lhotse face tomorrow.

20 May - Everest members are in Camp 2 and are planning to go to Camp 3. Lhotse members are in Camp 3 and are planning to go to Camp 4 tomorrow. If they feel well, they will try to summit. There has been a bit of snow. The weather is supposed to improve.

Caption : Camp 2, with a view of climbers ascending the Lhotse face, their headlamps forming a line.

18 May - Hi this is David from base camp as we get our last preparations in place before heading up to camp 2 at 1am tomorrow morning. Well then have a rest day before heading on up the Lhotse face to camp 3. The weather is settling down to a period of low winds, which is what we want for our summit push.

Caption : Base camp spreads a long way on the glacier.

17 May - Today’s Dispatch. Our Everest team is in basecamp waiting for optimum conditions. Lhotse team is in C2, poised for the summit. Today was a sunny beautiful day, with more on the way.

16 May - Hi this is David from Base camp. We made a short helicopter flight up from Namche. It was amazing to follow the trail up past the tree line and onto the moraine. A 2 day walk down took about 15 minutes back. It’s currently windy up high so we’re waiting a few more days until we start our summit push.

Caption : Arrive at Everest Base Camp. The Everest Basecamp.

Caption : Cook and Sherpa team are in basecamp.

15 May - Our climb begins: first member heading up through the icefall tonight. They are going for Lhotse. Good luck team !

Caption : Everest Summit seen from South col. Lhotse face.

Caption : Pumori, Cho oyu, Camp 1, Camp 2, Western CWM.

Caption : Two vibrant yellow tents stand out against the snowy expanse and majestic backdrop of Lhotse mountain. Lhotse face

14 May - Celebrating Henry's 19th birthday was an unforgettable experience at Namche Bazaar, Everest! From the incredible cake to the electrifying performance by the Hungry Yak Bar and Band, every moment was pure magic! Happy Birthday Henry

Caption : Birthday celebration of our member Henry. Photo : David.

Caption : Eat smart every night !!. Photo : David. and Evan.

12 May - Hi this is David, Namche Bazaar was fairly misty and danp today. It cleared enough around lunchtime to allow us some time for fitness walking on local paths. There is one particularly peaceful walk down through rhododendron trees and small purple ground flowers to a fairytale stream. A beautifully contemplative place to sit a while and be.

May 10 - Phase 5 update. Weather is looking good here this morning in Namche. Members are looking to head back to BC on Monday or Tuesday. Sherpas will have finished supplying higher camps giving earliest summit 22/23. Hope everyone’s are providing physical and mental space. Keep calm and carry on, see you all soon.

Caption : Members are enjoying their time with good food in Namche. Photo David.

Caption : Tent with beautiful mountains in the background in Namche. Beautifully decorated stone along the way. Photo Evan.

May 8 - Phase 4, higher acclimatisation finished with a theatrical entrance from the kitchen staff to our dining tent carrying plates of flaming chicken sizzler. Not only looking great but tasted better than anything you’d get in the trekking lodges or restaurants on route. Well done cooks they really make fantastic food with very minimal equipment.
The rest, recuperate, reasses phase has now begun. Some of us walked the 2 days to Namche Bazaar for the oxygenated air, endless showers and change of scene for this phase. Others stayed at base camp. Either way we’ll take the positive effects of giving bodies and minds some down time while we waite for our string Sherpas to stock higher camps with oxygen, tents, food and fuel. David.

Caption : The sunny yellow tent stands out cheerfully against the snowy backdrop of Everest Base Camp 1. Photo Evan K.

Caption : Member standing outside of the tent. Lhotse Face. Photo Evan K.

Caption : Selfie time at Camp 2. Photo Evan K.

Caption : Background Everest and Lhotse. Almost there at Camp 3. Photo Marcel

Caption : What a view for rest. Near camp 3. Photo Eoin B.

Caption : Some old tents near camp 3. Enjoying the climb upto camp 3. Photo Marcel.

May 04 - Hi this is David, it’s our last night at camp 2 having finished our acclimatisation. We’re looking forward getting back to base camp and the relative comforts that it brings. A shower, comfortable dining tent and very tasty food. Camp 3 has been touched and resting at altitude will assist in the all important production of red blood cells.

Caption : Helicopter flying around the Himalayas. Video Evan.

Caption : Team members climbing with the help of ladders. Rescue helicopter seen from Camp 1. Photo Evan.

Caption : Camp site at camp 2. Having lunch at camp 2.

Caption : Dinner time at Camp 2. Evening at Camp 2.

May 04 - Team has now finished their acclimatization journey to the Lhotse Face in the Everest Massif where Camp 3 is located. Everyone is planning to head back down to base camp for some well deserved rest, before they head back up to try for the summit. Congratulations!

Photo : Evan. Marcel

May 2 - Hi this is David from camp 2. We have a lovely camp site with no through traffic. It seams almost just us with the huge Lhotse face above. Yesterday the wind was a constant roar of whipping tent nylon caused by the steady 50kmph wind. Today is much calmer and the team have hiked higher to gain further acclimatization.

Caption : Nestled in a lovely campsite with no through traffic, we're greeted by the imposing sight of the huge Lhotse face above.

2 May - The weather is sunny and windy. team is in c2, and some still resting in c1. Team are thinking of when they would like to go to camp 3. Sherpas are preparing the camp. Hopefully the winds will reduce soon.

30 May - The weather is very sunny today. Some members of our team plan on going to C2, while others want to take another acclimatization day in C1. Let’s enjoy the walk up the Western Cwm.

Caption : Sunny day. Photo : Eion

29 April - Hi this is David from camp 1. The route up the ice fall changes every year to deal with the flow of ice down from the Khumbu Glacier. This year the route has been set as a long snaking route sometimes dropping down before gaining height again. I think I might prefer the straight up approach. The team arrived at various times for a well earned rest and sleep. It’s been windy up here but sunny too. The views are amazing, looking around we’re in an amphitheater of spectacular mountains.

Caption : Pemba Sherpa during Ice fall climb. Member during Icefall climb.

29 April : The weather is very good today and the members are resting in C1. Some Sherpas have gone up to set up C2.

28 April - Our team is climbing through the icefall now. Some members and Sherpas have already reached camp 1. Some members and Sherpas are still climbing. The icefall is more challenging this year but doable. Weather is good with sunshine and some wind. We wish everyone the best of luck and a successful ascent!

Caption : Panoramic view from Camp 1.

Cpation : Everest Camp 1. What an interesting camp for reading books. Photo Eion B.

Caption : Climber gracefully navigating the Icefall with the assistance of a ladder. Photo Marcel.

April 27 - Hi this is David, we’ve had an early dinner at base camp after a day of packing gear for the higher camps. It’ll be a chilly midnight rise first us and then on up the ice fall to camp 1 hopefully in the sunshine.

Caption : Heading to Camp 1. We start in the middle of the night. Video Evan K.

26 April - we had a necessary rest day after the puja celebrations, interrupted with ladder practice in advance of crossing crevasses higher up.
Today was a mixed day of activities. Some of us trekking the seven hour round trip to Kala Patar, a hill with fine views of Everest and Lhotse. David and Roxanne stumbled upon an American coupled mid way through their wedding a decidedly unusual sight at 5300m. For some reason they turned down an invitation to the reception!!

Caption : Puja celebration in Everest Base Camp.

Caption : Ladder training by our climbing member.

Caption : Ladder practice by our climbing member.

Caption : Two people, amazed by nature's grandeur, start a new journey among towering glaciers, symbolizing their resilient love.

Caption : Welcoming the warm, morning sunshine. Photo by Marcel.

23 April - Hi this is David, yesterday we had a windy acclimatisation walk up to the high base camp of Pumori, one of the mountains overlooking base camp. Today was the big Puja ceremony. The weather was kind to us and the Buddhist chants from the Lama drifted off in the stiff breeze. The religious part of the ceremony intertwined itself with some alcohol into the Sherpa disco, quite an occasion at 5300m with huge peaks all around.

Caption : Dancing and enjoying ourselves during our Puja ceremony before embarking on our Everest adventure. Thanks to the Sherpa. Video Evan K.

21 April - Hi this is David. Beautiful day in base camp today. Tenji set up some ropes on the ice pinnacles below us to practice ascending and descending fixed lines. A relaxed afternoon and we’re now looking forward to more culinary delights that’ll undoubtedly come out of the kitchen.

Photo: Marcel

Caption : Preparation before climbing.

Photo : Marcel

Caption : Scott with the fancy glasses. Fixed line practice. Photo: Marcel

21 April - 9 Sherpas left for Camp 1 to deliver all the expedition goods, while most of the members participated in ice training at Everest Base Camp. I'll update with more photos and videos soon. Stay tuned!

Caption : Members participated in ice training. Video : Evan.

Photo : Marcel

17 April - Hi this is David, we’ve now reached Loboche our last overnight stop before base camp. The weather has continued to treat us well with precipitation only late afternoon and night when we’ve finished walking. There were stunning views to savour today. Everyone is well and looking forward to getting to base camp tomorrow.

Caption : Fine view back towards Pheriche. Photo: David W.

15 April - Pangboche was bathed in sunshine when we got up this morning. It was a short walk up to the monastery for a puja (blessing) ceremony (no filming allowed) . Then on for a few hours to the Vally View guest house in Dinboche at 4400m altitude. So far we’ve managed to dodge any rain while walking.

Caption : A short hike around the Dingboche Hills. Photo : Marcel and Brett.

Caption : Café 4410 in Dingboche. Photo Marcel.

Caption : Birthday celebration for our member named James Lawson. Video : David.

Caption : Outside the Pangboche monastery with the distinctive profile of Ama Dablam in the back ground. Photo : David.

14 April - There was much rain yesterday afternoon and through the night, although it sounds heavier on the corrugated roofs inside than the reality outside. Thankfully it has all cleared for a beautiful morning and views of fresh snow cover on the surrounding mountains. Hopefully it’ll stay that way for the walk up to Pangboche. David

Caption : The team ready for the off with a beautiful backdrop of fresh snow. Photo: David W.

Video caption : Prayer Wheel at Tangboche. Video : Brett

Caption : Everest Trek after Namche. Photo: Tenji.

13 April - Hi this was a David, we’re on the last of our days in Namche Bazaar. It’s a great place to acclimatise, relax a bit and spend money in the well stocked outdoor shops. Who doesn’t like an outdoor shop? In fact there are endless ways to remove your hard earned cash here with fancy bakeries, alpine style restaurants and an Irish bar. I think Owen and his dad have been seen in there a few times.

Caption : Yoga on the lawn led by the irrepressible. Photo : Evan

11 April - Hi this is David sitting with the team in the Hilltop Lodge with great views over Namche Bazaar. We managed to dodge the rain on the walk up here and will have a rest day with a short acclimatisation tomorrow.

Caption : Stunning views seen from Namche. Video Raj.

Caption : Members having good time at Everest View Point.

Caption : Tenji our head Sherpa in one of the many cable bridges.

11 April - Had a wonderful relaxed evening in the Sonam lodge, it wasn’t busy so we could spread out and enjoy some big food and chat. It’s a peaceful place with the sound of the river below to drift off to sleep to. Lovely send off this morning with a ceremonial scarf presentation from the owners.

Caption : Members welcoming by Locals at Phakding. Photo: David W.

Photo : Brett F.

Caption : Buddhist mantra engraved in stone. Photo : Evan K.

Photo : Evan K.

Caption : The plane took off from one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

April 10 - This morning, we embarked on a scenic flight up to Lukla airport. Despite its notably short runway, our landing was smooth. From there, it was a relatively brief walk along the Dudh Koshi river course to reach the tea house in the next village, Phakding.

Caption : River Dhud khosi. Member walking down to Phakdhing village.

Caption : Feeling amazing upon reaching Lukla airport. Photo : David W.

Caption : Members at Lukla. Lukla Airport.

Cation : Members are in Ramechhap Airport.

Caption : Team at Freedam lodge at Ramechhap.

9 April - All members of the Everest, Lhotse, and Everest Training teams arrived and prepared to depart for Ramechhap. Finally, both members and the Sherpa team reached Ramechhap. We are currently having dinner. Tomorrow, we plan to fly to Lukla. Fingers crossed!

Caption : The Expedition Leader obtaining the permit card from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Caption : The team members are having a good time together.

Caption : Sherpas are arranging necessary supplies for the Everest expedition in the office.

Caption : A member taking a photo in the hotel after celebrating the Holi festival.

Everest Nepal

David O'Brien (LEADER)
Evan K.
David W.
Brett F.
Micheal B.
Eoin B.
Jim L.
Gyorgy P.
Henry H.
Marcel V.

Lhotse / Everest Training Team Roster -

Paul M.
Roxane L.
Scott C.
Colleen B.

Sherpas And Staff -

Tenji Sherpa
Ang Dorji Sherpa
Ang Furba Sherpa
Gyalje Sherpa
Karma Gyalje Sherpa
Pasang Nuri Sherpa
Wongchhok Sherpa
Pemba Sherpa
Gelbu Sherpa
Pema Sherpa
Jamnge Sherpa
Sange Sherpa
Jay Bahadur Nagarkoti
Nima Dorje Lama