October 20th, 2017

Austin and Harry checked in from Pangboche this morning to let us know that everyone is doing fantastic.  No headaches and perfect weather.  The Team had a nice trek from Tengboche (12,600 ft) to Pangboche (13,100 ft) today.  This is not a long day but we gain a bit more altitude and start breathing hard.

A highlight of the day was pulling into Pangboche and being welcome to long time IMG Sherpa Guide Ang Pasang’s house.  Ang Pasang is a legend.  He has an incredible memory that stretches all the way to the early 80’s with expedition experience.  If you get an opportunity to be around Ang Pasang and hear climbing stories, you have to take the opportunity.

After lunch, the Team walked to the Lodge where they will stay for the night.  From the common room, the Team will be able to look right up hill at Ama Dablam.

All is well in the Khumbu Valley!

Greg Vernovage

October 19th, 2017

If you have been to the Khumbu Valley you know what we are talking about.  If you have not been to the Khumbu Valley yet, be prepared to visit Tengboche and see all that is the Himalayas.  Tengboche consists of a couple Tea Houses, a great bakery, a few horses grazing and of course, the Tengboche Monastery.  The Monastery is a powerful visit where you can embrace the culture and religion of the Khumbu Valley.

Our Team had great weather for their trek and had the opportunity to visit the Monastery during afternoon prayer.  What a great visit!

Tomorrow that Team will have a shorter day, trekking to Pangboche where they will visit long time IMG Sherpa Ang Pasang’s house for some home cooking!

All is well in the Khumbu Valley!

Greg Vernovage

October 17th, 2017

The Namche Hill is no joke!  The Khumbu Valley Teams had a great day trekking up to Namche from Phakding.  The Namche Hill is the first real test for everyone as they gain altitude and approach Namche (11,900 ft).  The key is to take a few deep breathes and concentrate on your feet.  The challenge of this section of the trek comes when you are breathing and stepping and the scenery is amazing, the suspended bridge is higher off the ground than anything you have crossed before and let’s not forget about the horse and Zopkyok or Jopkyo (Pack animals that are not cows but not yaks either). Are coming at you at times.

This is a great day of trekking and arriving at the Khumbu Lodge in Namche is like arriving home!  The view from the lodge is fantastic and it is a great opportunity to sit around and enjoy your successes.  You are in the Khumbu Valley now.

Tomorrow, the Team will take an acclimatization hike to the Everest View Hotel and eat lunch in Khumjung, home of a beautiful new monastery that has the Yeti hair and the Sir Edmund Hillary School.

All is well in the Khumbu Valley!

Greg Vernovage