There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as the members of the Everest Glacier School summited their objective, Lobuche. The group awoke in the middle of the night, and climbed up a rocky face to the glacier. It was at this point that the members got to put into practice everything that they had learned over the course of the week. They crossed the glacier and found the fixed lines, after over 450 feet of ascending the snowy face they were greeted with incredible views from the summit. There are few things more beautiful than sunrise on a glacier, but when the Khumbu glacier is out in full force the views crazy. 

With tired legs and great feelings of accomplishment the group made it back to basecamp and rested. The cook Pasang surprised everyone with a congratulations cake that he baked. There were hugs of joy, some tears, and congratulatory handshakes as Bill said goodbye to the group. They continued their adventure onto Lobuche today with tired legs, but the electricity and excitement that came from summiting the mountain that shone above them carried them through the day.

Varughese Joe, Belinda, and Ang Sange relax on the summit of Lobuche under a clear sky with great views of Everest (Bill Dwyer).

Hey, this is Bill Dwyer calling with the Everest Glacier School dispatch, it’s October 22nd and I think it’s Saturday.

Wanted to tell you about the day. The highlight of the day was for sure hanging out in the sherpa kitchen and getting to know Pasang who is our cook. He’s also the tallest of our crew, looks like he’s 7 feet tall. It’s a school holiday in Nepal so it’s cool having his son and a bunch of his friends helping out. It’s kind of neat because Pasang had his son in the kitchen showing him the ropes and teaching him how to be a cook out here. They were getting the flour all ready and adding water to it, making chapatis and then rolling it out and making spring rolls and working together having a good time. It’s cool to see the transition a little bit, father and son and seeing the two of those guys having a good time. He’s a great cook, good guy and always smiling.

Other than that, today we’re at Lobuche base camp. We hiked from Cho La base camp. It was about a 2 hour hike, mostly downhill, so it was a nice stroll. We got fresh snow on the ground so it was a little wet coming down, but beautiful seeing all the mountains and peaks in the valley covered in snow as you’re walking through. We followed the trail along a big glacier lake, which was great to see because the banks were all, again, snow covered. We had extremely bright sunshine though as we were walking, so even though there was snow on the ground everybody was in a t-shirt and had to wear a lot of sunscreen. Definitely didn’t feel like cold temperatures at all.

We stopped off in Dzongla so that Varughese could recharge his camera batteries. He’s been taking a lot of really cool photos and a good man for this photography up here. Joe and Belinda ordered some pringles too so when Ang Sangay, Arjun, and Varughese came into the tea house we all had pringles and tea sitting around while the batteries charged up. Then we finished coming into camp and had a briefing, I sat down with everybody, told them about what to wear and what to expect on the summit day and what the big plan was for the next 48 hours.

We’re all looking really forward to it. We checked our O2 saturations and everybody is healthy and awesome. People are feeling strong and pretty positive. They’re getting their equipment sorted and getting ready for our push up to high camp tomorrow, which we plan to do after lunch.

It’s been a beautiful day and right now we’ve got a ton of stars out and I’ve got a hot water bottle in my sleeping bag warming it up for me already, and so has everybody else. It’s going to be a great night. So, thanks for checking in and I’ll call back tomorrow and hope all is well. Bye.  back to top

It is a strange feeling departing from friends that have shared so much together. Even though we met only one week ago, when sharing experiences as rich as the ones we have experienced on this trek it is hard to say goodbye. The two groups from the Everest Glacier School and the Everest Base Camp Trek parted ways today, and although tears were shed most laughed with each other as we said goodbye.

The group awoke after a sleep-in at the teahouse and had a lengthy breakfast sharing stories that have grown over the last few days. Coffee and tea were poured and people laughed as they ate a delicious meal of Tibetan Bread and eggs. Seeds of friendship were planted and after exchanging emails, visiting invitations, and addresses we hope that something sprouts with future adventures. The Everest Base Camp Trekkers walked under a completely blue sky towards their next tea house destination all feeling healthy and positive as they climb.

The participants of the Everest Glacier School had an acclimatization day today. After a quick lunch they gathered for a hike up the ridge above Pheriche. There are no longer trees to block the view, so the immense valleys of the Himalaya seem too big to fit in one camera shot. Varughese continues to practice his photography and when we topped out the ridge he was overwhelmed with the beauty and did not know where to shoot first.  Lhotse, Makalu, Island Peak, and Cholatse all towered above the group making for vistas that seem unimaginable unless they are experienced first-hand. Joe and Belinda told stories of family back home, and laughed together as they hiked along the ridge. The group climbed above 400 metres/14,000 feet while feeling great, and with an awesome view of Lobuche (the mountain they are heading towards) they are only feeling better.

The rest of the afternoon was spent socializing and reading books, getting ready to eat another great dinner at the tea house together. Thoughts are sent over to the trekkers, as it will not be the same dinner without our good friends, but adventure awaits us. The teahouse we are staying at has a selection of chocolate cake, apple pie, and carrot cake, so we are sure that dining will be another excellent experience!

Thanks for checking in, and we look forward to reporting again tomorrow! -Bill Dwyer back to top

 Rick and Laurie smile as the clouds part to reveal Mt Everest (Bill Dwyer).

The beacons of Ama Dablam and Everest continue to grow on the horizon as if they are floating closer. The members of the Everest Glacier School and Everest Base Camp Trek have gone through hundreds of photos of the mountains, as every turn provides another breathtaking view.

The trees began to thin out and the yaks began to get more fur the higher the group ascends, but the fresh mountain air is helping everyone appreciate the mountain environment. All around the stunning views of snow capped mountains and cascading rivers flood the senses as we trek.

We awoke to the sound of cymbals and horns blowing in the distance from the monastery at Tengboche. After a light breakfast the group began walking up the valley through falling leaves and the changing colours of the autumn season.

Our first stop was the Buddhist Nunnery at Deboche where a smiling nun gave us a private tour of the inner prayer rooms and gardens. It was a quiet location where participants were able to interact with the artwork and symbols adorning the walls without the tourist crowds of the other monasteries on the trek.

The climb went up to fourteen thousand feet and participants had their first experience with high altitude in the Himalaya. All were happy with the accomplishment of climbing the high mountain pass, and greeted each other with high fives and handshakes on the top. As the forest thinned out on the hike immense fields and rocky slopes began to unfold to the horizon. The sun fell behind a veil of clouds, adding to the mystery of the valley. Farm houses lined the valley and the large furry yaks stood with stoicism on the grassy ridges, blowing in the mist.

After cresting the 4000 metre/14,000 foot ridge we were greeted with views of Pheriche, where we would be spending the night. We walked through the scrub-grass field and into town, where we found a warm fire and a large teahouse with fresh carrot cake. Everyone is doing well and looking forward to a quiet night sleeping above thirteen thousand feet in a warm teahouse.

Thanks for checking in and we look forward to reporting again tomorrow. -Bill Dwyer back to top

 Belinda, Joe and Varughese stand in front of Lhotse on our acclimatization hike (Bill Dwyer).

The sound of horns blew from the top window of the monastery.  Monks in red robes began to climb the stone steps up toward the prayer room.

On the inside incense was burning and tea was poured. The monks huddled over their pillowed seats and began to chant together. High in this Himalayan town the participants of the Everest View Glacier School and The Everest Base Camp Trek were treated to a prayer ceremony from the monks of Tengboche Monastery.

The day began in Namche with hot showers and fresh breakfast. Tea and coffee were had while looking out over the ancient city from our tea house window. We began the hike at 8 in the morning and soon found ourselves walking high above the river valley we had come from. Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam were our beacons of light as we followed the trail towards their base. The crisp morning burned off quickly as we climbed upwards through the trees, and the sun came out in full force. The high mountain breeze was appreciated by all and kept everything at the perfect temperature.

We had lunch at a tea house next to a river where Pramila was treated to some great soup and others sampled the Dal Bhat, the traditional Nepali food. It was a perfect location to refuel for the climb into Tengboche where we would be spending the night. It was a steady climb, but the conversation never stopped as Belinda and Bill wowed the group with some jokes.

When we reached the high mountain village of Tengboche we were greeted with warm ginger tea and biscuits. Soon the monks were calling from the window of the monastery to invite us over to watch their prayer ceremony. Inside the smell of incense and tea was strong, the chanting was mesmerizing, and the artwork on the walls was incredibly colorful.

The group is doing well and looking forward to a warm dinner and hopefully a view of the sunset through the clouds, as we spend the night in our high mountain town. Thanks for checking in, and we will post again tomorrow. -Bill Dwyer back to top

 Roger, Rick, Lori, Pramila and Marian say goodbye as they hike out of Pheriche (Bill Dwyer).

Hello, this is Roger Naylor from the Everest basecamp trek calling in from Namche Bazaar. Today we had an acclimatization day. Following a good breakfast, we headed up a ridge above Namche. After an hour and a half slogging uphill beyond the corner, we had stunning view of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse. Simply breathtaking. After spending some time at 3800 metres, we headed back downhill to Namche at 3400 metres. We went to the sherpa museum and did some shopping. Everyone had a great day and is doing well and we’re all looking forward to tomorrow. That’s it for now, and we’ll call in again tomorrow. Bye bye. back to top

As we rounded the bend in the trail, it came into view. Off in the distance the most famous mountain on the planet shone under a clear blue sky. The sun had been out for the entire morning, so the cooler breeze made the hike a perfect temperature. It was a shorter hike, only for acclimatization, but it was hike that the participants agreed would be something they remember for the rest of their lives. 

The day began early again when there was still a crispness in the morning air. We had pots of coffee and ginger tea over breakfast as we planned the day. Leaving our teahouse, the 'Himalayan Lodge', we climbed up winding stone steps out of the amazing town of Namche. We had views extending down the entire Khumbu Valley with thousand foot waterfalls cascading downwards. The further up we walked the more the snowy peaks began to show themselves. Soon we rounded a corner and got our first glimpse of the steep snowy face of Ama Dablam. The white snow rose majestically out of the alpine tundra. As we continued around the corner Mt. Everest came into view, a mountain many of us had only heard about in history books. Now we were face to face with one of the most amazing peaks on the planet. We climbed up the hill before clouds formed in the valley, so the view was clear and perfect. 

When we arrived at a hotel at the top of the climb there was tea waiting for us on the back deck, where we could laugh together and take in the view. On the way back down, Ang Sange took us to the Sherpa museum where artifacts of the valley were displayed. Everyone was able to learn a little more about the culture and understand the people that they are climbing and trekking with. After today everything around us seems like a much richer experience.

We had lunch at a local café which had just opened its doors. Joe and Belinda were able to get espresso and cappuccino, while Rick enjoyed a "perfect" club sandwich. The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering through the winding streets and taking in the markets of town. The group is doing great, acclimatizing well and all are happy to be having a once in a lifetime experience. -Bill Dwyer back to top

Varughese and Pramila look out at the incredible views of Ama Dablam (Bill Dwyer).

This is Rick Gross with the Everest Base Camp and Glacier School programme. The date is October the 12th.

The update for the day is: I cannot put into words the overwhelming beauty of this land and people that we are experiencing. Yesterday we trekked up and down the trails from Lukla dropping from about 8000 to 8500 feet in elevation. Today we trekked through the Himalayas for 8 hours and 2400 feet in elevation gain arriving in Namche. At over 11,000 feet it felt like finishing a marathon. This is the holy grail of trekking in Namche. It’s amazing, the people are warm and friendly and the views are absolutely beautiful. There’s masses of people everywhere and everything is trekked up the mountain by the Nepalese including the kitchen sink. Can’t get enough of the view, smells of food and the amazing tea houses. back to top

Prayer flags rustled with the morning breeze as the team awoke. We gathered for a tasty breakfast of eggs, fruit, and Tibetan bread with honey and then walked out of Phadking towards the river. The trail wound around rock hewn steps, and through forested hills. The team crossed suspension bridges over rapids with incredible views above the forests into the snow capped peaks.

As we crossed through the small mountain villages the group was able to watch the local Sherpa people farming, with children playing in the fresh cut grass. In one village we stopped for a lunch at a tea house. Pramila ordered a chicken curry with the traditional Dal bat and was pleased when the waiter brought out a whole plate of fresh vegetables. We socialized on the back deck and enjoyed the sunshine and the fresh mountain air.

We continued the hike up the first large hill. The group was slow and steady as they climbed through the trees and into the alpine zones.

Views of the valley started to drop below the group and waterfalls were cascading down into the river valley below. Marian and Bill walked together through the climb talking about family and friends back home, but were continually distracted by the singing birds and breathtaking views.

As we topped out the hill, Varughese pointed out towards the horizon to a large snowy mountain with streaming plumes of snow. It was our first view of the highest point on the planet, Mt. Everest. For many it was a reminder of where they were and just how far they had come.

The hike finished by wrapping around into the mountain village of Namche Bazar. Namche is a colourful village and the largest town in the valley. Prayer flags, prayer wheels, and winding stone streets add to the magic atmosphere of excitement. Even though it is the largest town in the valley, the snowy mountains that line the horizon make everything seem small.

The group finished the beautiful day with a hot shower at the local tea house and gathered for laughs and reflection over hot ginger tea.

Even though it was a full day of walking the group continues to glow with an excitement about the city they have climbed to. -Bill Dwyer back to top

 The team walks past an area of written prayers as they ascend the Khumbu Valley. Team pose for a photo at the park entrance. Roger spins prayer wheels as we pass through a shrine (Bill Dwyer).

Hello SummitClimb News, this is Belinda with a dispatch for the glacier school and base camp trek. It’s October 11, and we're reporting live from Phakding.

We’re safe with 5 of us pursuing the Everest base camp trek and 3 of us pursuing Lobuche peak. Today was our first day and we flew in small planes from Kathmandu to Lukla. It’s really amazing and exciting. Almost as exciting as Kathmandu was, but I guess nothing would compare to landing at the Lukla airport while navigating through close mountain passages and landing on the shortest runway known to mankind. We all held our breath.

We had time for breakfast and then we trekked from Lukla to Phakding. This initialed walking trails through many villages and an exciting river crossing over a suspension bridge, again a lot of breath holding. Of course all of this was made possible today by our tireless sherpas and our awesome expedition leaders. Tonight we sleep in Phakding and tomorrow Namche Bazaar. Thanks for taking this dispatch and I hope everything is clear. Take care. back to top

Out of the City and into the Hills

It was an early rise for the members of the Everest Base Camp Trek and Everest View Glacier School. After a few days taking in the amazing sights, sounds, and smells of Kathmandu we left the city for the Himalayan Range. Bags are packed, boots are tied, and equipment has been purchased, everyone was ready to go as the bus picked them up after breakfast. The airport was a beehive of excitement with the team getting all of the luggage ready for the flight, but even with all the action things flowed smoothly for us all.

The flight gave aerial views over the Kathmandu temples and winding streets. The green hills far below the plane were dwarfed by the large snow giants of the Himalaya range in the background. As we flew, jaws dropped at the sight of the area we were soon to enter.

Arrival into the first mountain town of our journey, Lukla, was refreshing. We could smell the fresh forests surrounding town, and the sound of prayer flags and bells were heard in the distance. We had brunch at a local restaurant, where participants enjoyed the fresh eggs from the village. Belinda was happy to see a Starbucks in Lukla, and amazed when she received a real latte with fresh espresso.

We hit the trail after breakfast and walked along the valley edge.

Throughout the day the sound of the white water churned in the river.

We walked through monasteries filled with color, flags, and spinning prayer wheels. All around we were greeted with the traditional “Namaste” and smiles from the local people. It was a world apart from what many of the members were used to, but the smell and sights of the mountain towns brought a sense of peace to everyone as we walked.

Ang Sange and the support of the porter team was extremely helpful.

They loaded the yaks, which walked with a Buddha-like calmness under their loads. Varughese practiced his photography as the yaks passed him on the trail over some of the bridges that stretched across the rivers and streams. Some of the Sherpas walked with the members and Pramila, who is originally from India, got to know them by talking in Hindi.

It was a magic day for the start of our journey.  As we arrived in Phadking to a late lunch we could all see the snowy peaks rising into the background, reminding us of the adventure that is yet to come.

Thanks for following!