IMG Ama Dablam Team Prepares for Their First Rotation

November 6th, 2023–

The team during their Puja Ceremony surrounded by prayer flags to spread blessings and good will (Phunuru Sherpa)

After a wonderful Puja Ceremony and some much needed rest yesterday evening, the IMG Ama Dablam team woke up this morning excited for the day of training ahead. Climbers picked up integral skills quickly including rope ascension, rappelling, and other climbing techniques to be used on their ascent of the striking Ama Dablam. The team is feeling strong and prepared to begin their first acclimatization rotation tomorrow. Nice work team!

Climbers practicing rappelling skills near Ama Dablam Basecamp as preparation before their first rotation tomorrow (Phunuru Sherpa)

IMG Ecuador Team sees the sights!

November 5, 2023

IMG Team members on an acclimatization hike today (Romulo Cardenas)

IMG team members visiting old cathedrals in Quito (Romulo Cardenas)

Looking out over Quito (Romulo Cardenas)

Visiting cathedrals in Quito (Romulo Cardenas)

AÂ plaza in Old Quito (Romulo Cardenas)

After gear checks in the morning, the team set out to visit the lovely city of Quito! The team went for a series of acclimatization hikes and was able to get panoramic views of the city. The team also toured the Old City, visiting historic cathedrals and heritage sites.

Next the team will start to move upward on a series of acclimatization hikes before embarking on their first climb!

Audrey Simonson

Ama Dablam climbers reach Base Camp, Mera Climbers to Kathmandu

Nov 5, 2023 –

Phunuru and the lama at Ama Dablam Puja (Phunuru Sherpa)

After a night in Lukla, after flying out from Khote, Â the two teams said their goodbyes.Â The Mera climbers flew back to Manthali and then drove the rest of the way to Kathmandu, arriving in time for a late lunch.Â The Ama Dablam climbers flew up to Ama Dablam Base camp, in time to conduct their puja this afternoon (it was a very auspicious day, good for puja!). Â Allâ€™s well in Nepal, weâ€™ll keep you posted.

Mera climbers back in Kathmandu (Ang Jangbu)

IMG Nepal Team Unaffected By Earthquake

Nov 3, 2023 – IMG received confirmation that the Mera/Ama Dablam team was unaffected by the earthquake in Western Nepal.

IMG Ecuador team comes together in Quito

November 3rd, 2023–

IMG Ecuador team exploring the beautiful architecture and buildings in Quito, Ecuador (Max Bond)

IMG Ecuador guide Romulo Cardenas checked-in and let us know all climbers have arrived safely to Quito after long traveling days. The team met this morning for an extensive gear check to assure all climbers are well-equipped for their climbs ahead. Climbers are excited to spend the remaining of the day hiking above Quito through the Teleferico (Gondala) and exploring famous churches and other sites in Old Town Quito. All is well in Ecuador!

Climbers enjoy seeing a stunning ornate gold leaf in La Compania in Old Town Quito (Phil Ershler)

Bright and colorful stain-glass windows in Quito Churches (Max Bond)

IMG Team celebrates their successful summit

November 3rd, 2023–

IMG Mera Peak Team on their descent from Khare with stunning views of Kyashar (22,208ft) (behind) after a successful climb (Phunuru)

IMG Nepal team celebrated their successful summit of Mera Peak (6476m)Â after descending to Khote and passing incredible views of Kyashar (6769m) and other Himalayan peaks. The team enjoyed dinner and beers with smiles across everyone’s face as they reminisced on their climbing adventure. Climbers are resting for the night before they depart. From here, the Mera climbers will depart for home, and the Ama Dablam climbers will head to Ama Dablam Base Camp to begin their next stunning climb.

IMG Mera Peak team with big smiles celebrating their successful summit in Khote (Phunuru)

IMG Mera Team Stands on Top

Nov 2, 2023 –

IMG Team on the top of Mera Peak (21,247′) on a stunning clear, blue day with Everest peaking behind (Kelly Pittman)

IMG Guides Phunuru Sherpa, Justin Sackett, and Stu Johnson reached out to notify us of their successful summit of Mera Peak (21,247′) early in the morning of November 2, 2023. The team has safely passed through their high camp and are on their way back to Khare for celebration. Congratulations to the team!

Makalu from the summit of Mera Peak (Kelly Pittman)

The sunrise creeping up behind the IMG Team on their ascent of Mera Peak (Kelly Pittman)

IMG Mera Team heads to Mera Peak High Camp (17,388′)

November 1st, 2023–

IMG Mera Peak team during their fixed rope ascension lesson (Phunuru)

IMG Guide Phunuru checked in and let us know the team woke up early this morning eager to get out of the door and begin their ascent towards Mera Peak High Camp. The team spent the day yesterday reviewing fixed rope skills to prepare for their anticipated summit bid tomorrow, November 2nd. Climbers left Khare this morning feeling strong and hoping for good weather conditions for their summit attempt. Sending all the best of luck to our Nepal climbers!

IMG Guides Justin Sackett and Phunuru Sherpa teaching rope skills on a beautiful day in Khare (Phunuru)

IMG Mera Peak Team Prepares to Go Higher

October 31st, 2023–

Mera Peak (21,198′) standing tall amongst a clear, starry night (Kelly Pittman)

IMG Guide Justin Sackett checked in and reported the team is feeling strong and ready to climb Mera Peak (21,198′) after today’s skills trainings on fixed rope climbing. The team is packed and excitedly resting another night in Khare with plans to head up to high camp (19,200′) tomorrow morning. The team will attempt to summit the peak on Thursday, November 2nd. All is well in Nepal!

IMG Mera Team on a short acclimatization hike visiting a hydroelectric dam that powers Khare (Ang Karma Sherpa)

Mera Peak Team Resting in Khare

October 30th, 2024–

IMG Guides Phunuru Sherpa, Stu Johnson, and Justin Sackett checked-in to let us know that the team enjoyed a day of training and a short acclimatization hike in Khare before settling in for a cozy dinner in the tea house. Spirits are high and the team is feeling strong. The team will spend another day in Khare to continue to acclimatize and train rope skills in preparation for their upcoming climb of Mera Peak.

Mountain peak views from the tea house in Khare (5000m) (Phunuru Sherpa)

IMG Mera Peak team enjoying a nice dinner after a busy day training and hiking (Phunuru Sherpa)