Entries from Expedition Dispatches

We woke up this morning fully intending to move. Bags were packed, boots were on, breakfast was happening. And then we looked at the sky, looked at each other, and made the call: one more day in Namche.

The morning had given us just enough to keep us guessing — clouds rolling in and out, the peaks beyond Namche appearing and disappearing like they couldn’t quite commit. By afternoon, the snow settled in for real, steady and cold, and it became clear the weather had already made this decision for us.

Here’s the thing about an extra acclimatization day that’s easy to forget in the moment: it’s not a setback. It’s one of the best things that could have happened to us. At altitude, your body is doing serious background work — building red blood cells, adjusting to thinner air, recalibrating systems that have worked perfectly at sea level your whole life. That process doesn’t care about your itinerary. It runs on its own clock, and what it needs most is time.

So today we gave it time. Some of us explored a Sherpa museum, some walked to a monastery at the top of town, we ate a lot, drank more tea than any of us thought possible, and checked out all the bakeries in town.

Tonight we’re making it a proper snow day game night — salad bowl, cards, and Farkle around the table. Somewhere out there the route to Tengboche is getting a fresh coat of white. We’ll be ready for it tomorrow.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel

A jam-packed rest day in Namche. (Classic.)

Namche is such a sparkling little town, and with a hike to the Everest View Hotel on the menu, most of us were in. The forecast was calling for rain and snow, but we woke up to mostly blue skies — so we loaded our daypacks and headed uphill before the clouds could change their minds.

They sure tried. By the time we crested the top of Namche, they were already building again, and I’ll admit I started mentally composing a very sad “no mountain views today” dispatch. But plot twist — the clouds blew through, and suddenly there they all were: Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, and more, taking turns peeking out between the grey. We stood there completely awestruck and took approximately one thousand photos.

By the time we reached the hotel itself, the curtain was drawing back closed. Perfect timing —nothing left to do but sit down for tea and hot chocolate.

The hike down came with bonuses: our first yak sightings of the trip, roaming the hillside like they owned it (they do), and a stop at Sagarmatha Next, the recycling hub for this whole region. What they’ve done with the trash up here — turning it into legitimate art — is genuinely impressive.

Back in Namche, lunch at Eat Smart was a near-unanimous barbecue chicken sandwich situation. The afternoon went in several directions at once: shopping, massages, and — yes — the salon, where more than one team member got a hair wash and blow dry. We are absolutely roughing it out here.

It’s snowing now, with some thunder and lightning thrown in for funsies. Tomorrow’s forecast is looking like more of the same, so we’re crossing fingers for a clear enough window to make our move to Tengboche. Whatever the mountains give us, we’ll adapt — that’s kind of the whole job.

Rested, ready, and still a little giddy about those views.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the team

Hello from Namche Bazaar!

Today we made our way up from Phakding, following the Dudh Koshi River and crossing a series of suspension bridges — including the iconic Hillary Bridge. High, swaying, and for one teammate, an instant rollercoaster moment. Hands up and everything.

From there, the trail turned upward. The climb into Namche is steady and steep — the kind that reminds you to settle into your breath and just keep moving. We shared the trail with zopkio and mule trains along the way. Shared is a loose term. You learn quickly who has the right of way out here.

We stopped for lunch and swapped favorite moments from the trip so far — including last night’s newly invented card game (Sploot, a masterpiece) and the simple joy of these trails and bridges.

We pulled into Namche this afternoon, greeted by colorful buildings, rolling clouds, and the satisfying feeling of a solid day in the mountains. The team is strong and stoked, and we’re looking forward to a couple nights here acclimatizing.

— RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the team

P.S. Good luck to Ben on his hockey tournament! Forecheck, backcheck.

Hello from Phakding — a little village hugging the Dudh Koshi river at 8,700 feet and our first stop on the trek.

We made it to the trail.

But not before being genuinely humbled on the helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Lukla. The mountains don’t ease you in — they just appear, enormous and right. there.

The humbling continued when our pilot Priya mentioned, casually, that in Nepal they don’t consider anything below 7,000 meters a real mountain. We nodded along like we knew that. Then we looked at each other, because by that definition, basically none of us have ever climbed a mountain.

Good to know where we stand.

Getting on the trail this morning involved a lot of hurrying up to wait, then hurrying again — obscure checkpoints, duffels flying in every direction, the usual chaos of travel through the domestic terminal of the Kathmandu airport.

Eventually we were walking, on a trail made of stones, trending gently downhill, which felt like a dream.

We also got to meet our local guide team: Dawa Nuru, Nawang, and Melan — all born and raised in these mountains. They know this terrain the way most people know their own neighborhood.

The afternoon was spent at a bakery next to our teahouse, laughing and talking with no particular agenda.

It’s a good feeling. All of it.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the team

We had a full day in Kathmandu today.

After breakfast, we gathered in the garden for a team meeting — a little pocket of calm before the city fully woke up. We talked through the plan for the days ahead and shared what brought everyone here: a curiosity about the Himalaya and those who call them home, a desire to honor loved ones, a chance to step away from the everyday and even a little geology enthusiasm in the mix. Good people, good reasons.

The rest of the morning was dedicated to gear checks. Lots of gear checks. Layers sorted, boots inspected, stuff sacks ripped (iykyk… purely accidental). Not glamorous, but essential.

Then — Kathmandu.

If you’ve never visited this city, nothing quite prepares you for it. The traffic alone is a cultural experience. Crossing the street requires a mix of calm confidence, a light jog, and a willingness to trust the universe just a little. We did fine.

Our first stop was Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. We walked beneath prayer flags and wandered into a thangka painting school, where artists can spend years on a single piece. One painting we saw had taken over seven years and was valued at $1.6 million. We took that in, nodded, and collectively agreed we will not be bringing that one home.

Next up: Swayambhunath — the Monkey Temple — perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the city. The vistas are incredible, but the monkeys absolutely stole the show. No filter, no personal space, full commitment to whatever they’re doing at any given moment. Honestly… goals.

We wrapped the afternoon with a stroll through the chaotic, colorful streets of Thamel — Kathmandu’s adventure-gear-meets-tourist-bazaar neighborhood — before heading to an early dinner.

Now we’re back at the hotel, packing and repacking for an early start. Tomorrow, weather permitting, we’ll fly to Lukla and officially begin the trek.

We’re ready to get moving.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel

Namaste, everyone!

We’re here. We actually made it.

If you’ve been following the news out of this region lately, you know those three words are doing a lot of heavy lifting. Getting to Kathmandu this season took rerouting, rebooking, and a particular brand of stubbornness that — good news — also happens to be useful when we head to 19,000 feet. Before a single boot has hit the trail, this team has already proven something about themselves.

And what a team it is. Nine strangers and one very lucky guide — no old friends, no familiar faces, just nine individuals who each made the same slightly audacious decision and ended up (most of us) in the same Kathmandu hotel lobby.

Six arrived in time for dinner — some fresh-faced and buzzing, others with the thousand-yard stare of someone who hasn’t slept horizontally in 40+ hours. (Maybe that was just me).

Three more are still in transit (they should be landing any minute!) and honestly, after the travel week we’ve all had, we’re just glad everyone is on their way.

Kathmandu greets you at full volume whether you’re ready or not and after the journey it took to get here, that felt about right.

There’s always a spark when a group like this first meets and realizes they’re all cut from the same weird, wonderful cloth. Tonight, there was plenty of it.

Nine strangers, not for long.

Tomorrow brings our team meeting, gear checks, and a proper introduction to this chaotic, beautiful city. Then we fly to Lukla — and the real adventure begins.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the team

At the beginning of the trip Anna asked what climb I loved most and why. Immediately I said, the people I am with. This trip was no different. Our team contained inspiring people. Whynde - humble, incredible listener,and supportive, Jesse - cool, calm, and thoughtful, Hannah - our social butterfly, always has good questions, and introspective, Anna - good energy, moral booster, and full of life, Maria - full of knowledge, kindness, and encouragement, Carlos and Allan - our logistics specialists, we couldn’t have done it without you, and lastly our lead guide Ben - el jefe, our fearless leader, keeping our team in good spirits, and making sure each of us were heard. I am grateful to spend this experience with each of you. Until next time, climb on!

RMI Climber Ethan Pickett

Pico. De. Orizaba. 

What an incredible place, an incredible volcano, and an incredible climb. Congratulations to the team today for making it to el cumbre! After a glorious dinner last night before bed, prepared by the wonderful Rudolpho and Allan, we woke up same night to tackle our final objective. The night shined bright thanks to an almost full moon, lighting up the Labyrinth light a simple fable....with almost no wind and not a mouse to be heard (only felt on the back of the head while sleeping), we then enjoyed an insanely colorful sunrise that pictures can't even describe. Not all of us made it, but we are ecstatic for those that did. Now here we sit, back in Tlachichuca, all showered and bonito again. We could not be more grateful for our local guide Allan, and the rest of the Servimont crew for all of their hosting, driving, cooking, and overall hospitality. David Bowie may portray it better, but we will miss this place, once we are gone.

RMI Guide Ben Luedtke & Team

Mexico dispatch 2.27.26

Today we woke way too early, with way too little coffee, to leave our
quaint spot in Puebla to head out for Tlachichuca (or as I  call it "T+10,"
that saves everyone from my terrible spelling and even worse pronunciation)...it's time for the main event, Pico de Orizaba.

We got a great tour of the soap factory turned climbers' hut that's 100+ years old. It was good little history lesson of the Industrial Revolution as well. Who knew climbing was so educational?!

We got one last quick & delicious lunch and fingers crossed we've got all our needed gear for the next ~24 hours. Then 2 hours of hot, bumpy, dusty and smoky fun up to our campsite.

It's been an amazing journey so far with great people and many memories made. From bumpy roads, unique baños, dusty hikes, delicious dinners and everything in between. This trip is definitely one for the books and it's not over yet!

High  camp is a beautiful rocky spot where the clouds envelop us. It's quite nice minus the wildfire smoke. The Refugio was a nice little place to have our dinner after a quick avalanche briefing and hike to get the blood flowing. Next step is up.

I want to take a moment to give a big thank you to all our families and friends back home who are supporting us chasing our dreams in
the mountains.  We couldn't do this without y'all. I hope y'all have enjoyed following us along on this adventure. (And a special hug to my Scoops! I miss you buddy.)

iMuchas Gracias!

RMI Climber Anna Hern

P.S. - I just lost the game ;)
#IYKYK

Today was a decadent day of relaxation in Puebla, named “Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.

The day was warm, the sun was shining, and music filled the air. This historic city could not be more charming from its tree filled main square, to the artisan markets, churches, and restaurants.

During the day, we strolled the streets, visited Pirámide Tepalcáyotl, and just caught up on life and work.

We all met in the evening for a team dinner at an exceptional restaurant, Mural de los Poblanos. We tasted moles from the region (while wearing bibs), gazed up at the moon through the open ceiling, and caught up on each other’s days.

On the way home, we indulged in the largest churro one has ever seen. We took it back to the hotel and proudly ate it on the rooftop while taking in the city views. It was a truly special moment.

If we were to write a 6-word memoir for our time together it might be: ‘Came for mountains, left as friends.’

As we have remarked throughout the trip, we love the mountains, but it is really the people that make the experience. We all come for different reasons — to immerse in nature, to stand on the top of the world, to challenge ourselves and push boundaries, to enjoy time with friends, to be truly alive… and when we leave we are always a little bit changed in a profound way. We are grateful for our paths to have crossed and that we got to take this unforgettable journey together. 

Tomorrow we head to Pico de Orizaba for the last leg of our adventure. Here we come!

RMI Climber Whynde Kuehn