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It was another beautiful day here in the Khumbu valley, and we had some nice views of Ama Dablam as we headed out of Namche, but high clouds keep us from seeing Everest today. Normally that wouldn’t be ideal, but the clouds and light breeze made for ideal hiking weather and we’ll certainly see Everest again soon enough.

We hiked for about 6 hours today up and down, dropping all the way down to a river called Dodh Koshi, which is a stunning turquoise, then climbed slowing up the hill to the famous Tengboche Monastery.

Traditionally we have gotten a blessing from a famous lama in Pangboche, but that lama has moved on to a higher calling. So today we were able to request a private Puja with another lama at Tengboche and each received a blessing. The Puja is a Buddhist ceremony where the lama chants a Buddhist prayer and gives us a blessing to protect us from harm. Everyone receive a silk scarf called a khata and a sungdi, which is a string we wear around our neck that embodies the prayer.

We've since settled into a nice and warm tea house called Rivendale that is hosting a handful of trekkers from around the world.
Hot showers and good conversations have rounded out the evening and now it's time for a little rest.

RMI Guide Casey Grom and the newly blessed crew.

Saturday, October 5, 2024 - 2:56 am PT

It was another brilliant blue sky morning in Namche, and so it was easy to get up and get going… but leaving comfy Camp de Base is never all that easy.  We were excited to start up the Thame Valley.  There were many many nice people on the trail from Lukla to Namche and the vast majority of them were headed for Everest Basecamp.  We took some satisfaction this morning in going out of town the other way.  We walked in forest for roughly the first three miles and then began to break out of the trees to see perfectly manicured small farms along the way.  Of course we sat for tea in Thamo, comfortable outside even as some clouds began to gather.  Then it wasn’t too much further to Thame.  We began to see the destruction caused by the recent outburst flood (essentially, a month ago a natural dam failed up valley, sending a wall of water and rock down upon this beautiful village).  As usual with such things it is jarring to see some farms and tea houses completely untouched while neighboring properties are simply gone or in ruins.  We were welcomed at the Paradise Lodge in early afternoon, having gone just over six miles from Namche.  A big lunch put the team in the proper mood for resting through the afternoon and adjusting to the “new” altitude. 

Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn

We awoke this morning to beautiful weather, the sky was pink, lighting up La Malinche and the air was fresh like late summer in the high desert. Today is the beginning of our Izta climb. We hiked to our basecamp, through the pines on the dusty trail. We had clear views of Izta ahead of us and Popo smoking behind us, the mountains making us feel small in the midst of their height and beauty. We prepared for our hike to high camp tomorrow, meticulously sorting through our gear, and just as importantly, snacks. Our team is ready to move up the mountain and excited for our bigger climbs ahead.

RMI Guide Abby Westling

Although the objective changed, nice weather and flexibility allowed RMI Guide Avery Parrinello and his team to reach the summit of Eldorado Peak, Sahale Peak and Sharkfin Tower.

After five days of climbing in the North Cascades the group will conclude their adventure today.  Until next time!

RMI Guides Mike King and Alan Davis led their Four Day Climb teams to 11,600' today before being turned back by new snow and poor conditions.  RMI Guide Alan Davis reported drifting snow up to 2 feet in places.  The teams departed from Camp Muir around 8 am and will conclude their program at Rainier BaseCamp today.

The Mt. Baker - Easton Glacier Team led by RMI Guide Dan May reached the summit at 9:30 am. The entire team stood on top! The team is back at camp where they will celebrate, re-fuel, and have a full night sleep before descending to the trailhead tomorrow.

Congratulations Team! 

Wednesday, July 5, 2023 - 12:55 am PT

The team woke up to snow and wind distorting the shapes of the tents we call home for the last 21 days. We hit snooze and hoped for the best. While I wouldn’t say the best ever came the allure of Roestis, showers, and beds pulled us out of our sleeping bags and into the fray. From 11,000 ft to the base of Ski Hill was a near total whiteout. We persevered through the wind, moisture, and visibility to reach basecamp at about 6pm, but conditions didn’t allow planes to come and land. We’re hopeful that tomorrow we’ll be back in civilization.

RMI Guide Dominic Cifelli

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