Mera Peak Summits!

October 19, 2016

: Climbing Mera Peak (Phunuru)

: Everest, Lhotse and Makalu (Phunuru)

: Sunset on Everest (Eric Simonson)

Phunuru called by Sat Phone from the summit of Mera Peak (21,198 ft / 6,461 m) early this morning!Â The Team left Mera La right on schedule and had a great climb of Mera Peak.Â The climb takes a gentle incline for the majority of the route.Â Near the summit, we take our time and work up the steeper slopes to take in the incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga.Â Tomorrow the Team will trek back down valley to Thagnak and get ready to catch a helicopter!Â Congratulations everyone on a great climb and summit of Mera Peak!

Greg Vernovage

Climbing Chukkung Ri

October 19, 2016

: Climbing Chukkung Ri with Ama Dablam in the background (Tye Chapman)

: Chukkung Ri View (Tye Chapman)

Our 3 X 3 Team took the day to trek up Chukkung Ri (18,238 ft / 5,560 m).Â They got an early start on a beautiful day to gain some altitude and take in some incredible views.Â Tomorrow is a scheduled rest day which is a great time to sit outside the Teahouse and look down the valley at Ama Dablam.Â Great job everyone!

Greg Vernovage

3 X 3 Team is Strong in Chukkung

October 18, 2016

Chukkung with Ama Dablam (Tye Chapman)

The 3 X 3 Team is having a great trek in the Khumbu Valley.Â We received word from Phu Tashi that the Team enjoyed a nice acclimatization hike to Nagartsang Ri today and will climb Chukkung Ri in the morning.Â From the summit of Chukkung Ri, they will take in beautiful views of Ama Dablam and Lhotse.Â The 3 X 3 trek is off the beaten path at this point and enjoys fewer crowds in the Teahouses.Â Have a great climb of Chukkung Ri tomorrow!

Greg Vernovage

Mera Peak Team In Position at Mera La

October 18, 2016

: On the way to Mera La (Eric Simonson)

: View from Near Mera La (Eric Simonson)

Phunuru checked in from Mera La today to let us know that the Team is ready to head out for their summit attempt tonight.Â Everyone is doing great with no altitude issues.Â The plan is to depart Mera La between 1:00 and 2:00 am Nepal Time.Â Have a great climb everyone!

Greg Vernovage

Carstensz Pyramid Expedition in Timika

October 17, 2016

: The Market in Timika (Greg Vernovage)

: Our Ride to Nasidome (Greg Vernovage)

Jonathan Schrock called from Timika to let us know that everything is going as planned for the Carstensz Pyramid Expedition.Â The gear has been checked, packed, and repacked to cut as much weight as possible for the helicopter flight.Â As long as the weather holds, the plan will be to fly into Nasidome (11,900 ft / 3,627 m) in the morning.Â We need about three hours of good weather for the helicopter flights into Nasidome.Â If they manage to get in tomorrow morning, they will be one day ahead of schedule.Â If they donâ€™t fly, no problem, there is training to be done!

Greg Vernovage

3 X 3 in Dingboche

October 17, 2016

: Tengboche Monastery at Night (Tye Chapman)

: Khumjung with Everest and Ama Dablam (Phu Tashi)

The 3 X 3 Trek has moved into Dingboche over the weekend.Â The Team is enjoying beautiful weather in the Khumbu Valley and taking advantage of it by viewing all of the sights along the way on their trek. Â The Team stayed in Khumjung for a night before heading to Tengboche and then on to Dingboche.

Greg Vernovage

Mera Peak Team Enjoying Khare

October 17, 2006

: Khare (16,404 ft / 5000 m) (Mingma Tenjing II)

: Acclimatizing above Khare (Mingma Tenjing II)

The Mera Peak Team had a great weekend moving into Khare (16,404 ft /5000 m) and training for their upcoming climb. It has been cool and clear for the Team.Â The trek up the Hinku Valley is quite a bit quieter than the Khumbu Valley.Â Gaining elevation to acclimatize can find the Team sitting by themselves, taking in the magnificent views.Â Tomorrow, they will move to Mera la and get into position for their climb!

Greg Vernovage

Khunde/Khumjung Loop

October 14, 2016

: Namche with Thamserku (Tye Chapman)

: Trekking in Khumjung (Tye Chapman)

Our 3 X 3 Trek enjoyed an active rest day.Â They took the Khunde/Khumjung trail loop and decided to stay in Khumjung for the night.Â On the trek, they visited the Khunde Hospital which is one of the best in the Khumbu Valley and then around to the Hillary School in Khumjung.Â Khumjung is a quiet village with a monastery that keeps the legendary Yeti skull.

The Team is enjoying great weather and feeling good!

Greg Vernovage

All good in Thagnak

October 14, 2016

: Route to Thagnak (Eric Simonson)

: Trail to Thagnak (Eric Simonson)

Phunuru checked in from Thagnak (11,417ft /4350m) in the Hinku Valley today.Â The Team is doing great and had a beautiful trek today.Â The Mera Peak Team got an early start and made it to Thagnak before lunch.Â Tomorrow, the Team will take in the sites around Thagnak and do some more acclimating.

Greg Vernovage

Acclimatization In Khote

October 13, 2016

Acclimatization hike near Khote (Eric Simonson)

The Mera Peak Team took the day to stretch their legs around Khote (11,417ft/ 3480m) and start adjusting to the altitude. Â Slow and steady is the key for the first few days in the Hinku Valley.Â Tomorrow, the Team will head up to Thagnak (14,271ft/ 4350m) and get a great look at their objective, Mera Peak.

Greg Vernovage