Everest 2018

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More Everest summit photos13:34 GMT, 21/May/18

Here's a photo of Oliver Ames and Rakesh on the summit of Everest last week. During his climb Oliver raised US$10,000 for an inner city Washington DC school (Bishop Walker School) where he volunteers. His mom, Eve, trekked into base camp with Oliver at the start of the expedition, she turning 70 whilst in Nepal and he 30. Congratulations to Oliver for his summit, which he credits Rakesh with.

Everest Summit Report14:15 GMT, 19/May/18

Climbing Everest is never easy, but some summit days are more difficult than others. Despite all our efforts to reach the top on a straightforward day we ended up climbing to the top in quite difficult circumstances. It is a sign of the changing nature of Everest climbing that these difficulties were entirely caused by not by weather, wind or snow, but by other people. When setting out from Camps 2 or 3 on the summit bid it is never entirely clear how many other climbers are targeting the same summit date. Only once we were underway did it become clear that there were a lot of other people on the move, and only after the climb did it become clear that a record 140 people had climbed Everest from the Nepalese side on 16th May.

We had left Base Camp on 11th May hoping to reach the summit on the 14th or 15th. We then lost a day due to a logistical issue and another due to bad weather. The same things affected many other people and the outcome was that most of the teams targeting the 14th, 15th and 16th ended up being pushed onto the same date.

It was early evening on the 15th when we reached Camp 4 at the South Col. (7950m). The weather forecast was good for the following day and we did not have sufficient supplies of oxygen to spend a rest day before attempting the summit. Although the situation was far from ideal we snatched a brief sleep and set out for the summit at 23.00hrs. This put us quite near the back of the queue of climbers heading upwards and we could see a long line of headlamps above.

The climb breaks down into three distinct sections and the first, to the 'balcony' passed without problems. The other climbers were mostly well ahead of us and any delays we encountered did not add more than an hour to the journey time. The 2018 season has been one of exceptionally snowy conditions on Everest and the slope between Camp 4 and the balcony which is often rocky has been totally covered in deep snow. Dawn arrived when we were about 30 mins below the balcony and it was fully light by the time we reached the ridge.

Conditions had not been noticeably cold during the hours of darkness, but on a totally calm day it became apparent with daylight that it was going to be a very warm day. It would have been possible to climb in light clothing but with everyone dressed in down suits it now became a major problem to avoid overheating. We were now at the tail end of a slow moving 'snake' of people and the climb to the South Summit which would tale less than 3 hrs in normal conditions took more than 5 hrs.

It was after 10.00 hrs when we reached the South Summit and looked along the ridge to the main summit, 100m above. Conditions were clear and most of the rocky difficulties were buried under snow. Under normal circumstances this would make the climb easier and a time of one hour would be reasonable. But there were more than a hundred people strung out along the route, some going up and some coming down. No one seemed to be moving very quickly.

Some of our team made it to the summit in 3 hrs, others took almost 4hrs. Progress was painfully slow. Most of the climbers on the route were adequately competent and courteous (although there were a few exceptions) it was just that there were a lot of people in a confined space where passing was difficult. The 'Hillary step', or rather the deep snow covering the feature, proved particularly challenging as it created a bottleneck where it was impossible for the upward and downward climbers to pass. Above this it was a tiring 30 minute walk on a gentle incline to the top. In the one hour window when our team were on the summit there was a rotating group of about 5 - 10 other people on the summit as well. Conditions were clear and we could see a well marked trail with fixed ropes on the Tibetean side showing where climbers on he North side of the mountain has been climbing.

The only significant advantage of being at the back of the queue was that as we descended we did not meet any climbers coming in the opposite direction. Before 13.00 we we all heading down. Two of the team with their Sherpas were moving well and descended fairly quickly to Camp 4 on the South Col. The second party, of 2 climbers and 2 Sherpas, were tired and moved more slowly. They had to carefully conserve their supplies of oxygen as darkness fell and they crept back into Camp 4 at 20.30, ending a very long, but successful day.

The climbers had trained hard, both before the expedition and during the trip. We all thought that we were in good shape for the climb. However our four Sherpas proved exceptional on summit day and without their strength, endurance and assistance none of the climbers would have had a chance to reach the summit. So a big 'thank you' to Pem Chiri, Ang Rinji, Rakesh and Ong Di for making the climb possible.

David Hamilton - Everest Base Camp / 19 May 2018

Summit photos and Sherpa names confirmed13:21 GMT, 18/May/18

The Everest 2018 team are all safely back in base camp after a very tough summit day and tiring descent.

Expedition leader, David Hamilton, has confirmed that in addition to himself, Steve, Kjetil and Oliver, they were supported by Pem Chiri, Ong Di, Rakesh and Ang Rinji, all of whom helped them reach the top. So, eight members of the team on the summit in total.

Steve Graham on the summit.

David Hamilton on the summit of Everest for the 9th time.

Climbers on the summit of Everest.

A busy day on the final summit ridge, 16 May 2018.

Everest Summits!20:10 GMT, 16/May/18

Expedition leader, David Hamilton, summited Everest today with three Jagged Globe team members (Kjetil, Steve and Oliver) and our amazing Sherpas (Sherpa names to follow once we have confirmation). The climbers reached the top of the world between 11:30 and 12:30 having set off from Camp 4 on the South Col last night at 22:30. The last climbers were back on the South Col today by 20:30, so all in all, it was a very long day for them. This is especially so, having arrived on the South Col later than anticipated on Tuesday afternoon. Many congratulations to the team on this phenomenal effort. Look out for a full report once they are back down in base camp. Tomorrow they will descend to Camp 2 and on Friday, we would expect them to continue to base camp.

NB. Stock photo - view from Everest summit by Matt Parkes.

In Camp 4 on the South Col14:37 GMT, 15/May/18

The Jagged Globe team are in Camp 4 on the South Col and will try for the summit tonight. The climb from Camp 3 to Camp 4 took a little longer than planned and the team will only have a few hours rest on the South Col before starting the summit climb.

Please note that we will not post any updates on the blog until we hear that the team are safely back at Camp 4, following their summit climb on 16 May. We have spoken to base camp this afternoon (15:00 GMT on 15 May) and weather is reported to be excellent. The weather forecast for tomorrow is also reasonable. We wish David and the team the best of luck!

Stalled in Camp 308:11 GMT, 14/May/18

Stalled in Camp 3. The team are preparing to spend a second night in their least favourite camp. Along with about 30-40 climbers from other groups they set out for Camp 4 on the South Col after 08.00. However, it soon became clear that the weather was a lot worse than forecast. After 3 hours in strong winds and driving snow they returned to Camp 3. If the weather allows they will try again for Camp 4 tomorrow.

N.B. Archive photo.

Team in Camp 3 on summit push12:25 GMT, 13/May/18

At last the good weather arrives in the upper Khumbu. A calm night preceded a beautiful morning and the Jagged Globe team set off from Camp 2 at 08.40. PG turned back within an hour and the remaining 3 climbers with David and Pem continued to Camp 3 in hot conditions, taking 5-6 hrs. We believe the rope fixing team reached the summit this afternoon and the route to the top is open. We are on target for Camp 4 tomorrow and the summit on 15 May if weather conditions allow.

Winds still strong up high, holding in Camp 206:46 GMT, 12/May/18

Despite the forecast, the predicted period of low winds has not arrived. Sherpas from various teams are struggling to get loads to Camp 4 at the South Col. The ropes to the summit are not yet fixed, although 2 teams are poised to do this as soon as conditions permit. The Jagged Globe team are waiting in Camp 2 watching developments. They will start their summit bid as soon as conditions are suitable.

Team in Camp 2 on sumit push08:43 GMT, 11/May/18

There were strong winds at all altitudes during the night. This led to drifting snow in the icefall. The Jagged Globe team were the first on the move this morning and had to break trail and pull the ropes free as far as Camp 1. This slowed progress and the team took 9hrs for the trip from BC to Camp 2. The Sherpa team are carrying loads to Camp 4 today despite the continuing strong winds. Later tonight the team will decide if tomorrow will be rest day, or if they are in a position to move to Camp 3.

(Note: archive photo)

Gearing up for the summit push14:33 GMT, 10/May/18

The period of strong summit winds forecast from 7-10 May is ending. Several teams will start moving up the mountain again in the next 24hrs. There is an expectation that the route to the summit will be fixed in the next few days during the anticipated low wind period. The Jagged Globe Sherpas, led by Pem Chiri, aim to carry the remainder of our summit equipment to Camp 4 on the South Col tomorrow, 11 May. The climbing team are leaving Base Camp for Camp 2 tomorrow also. This will put them in a position to set off for the summit in a few days time when the route is opened, if weather conditions are favourable.

Everest 3 Peaks 3 Passes team visits base camp 06:30 GMT, 07/May/18

The trek team came to Base Camp for lunch on Sunday 6th and visited the Jagged Globe Everest Expedition. The weather was fine all day and they had good views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Expedition leader, David Hamilton, joined the trek team for the hike to Lobuche and spent the night there. In the morning the trek team made an early start of the crossing of the Kongma La. David stayed in bad a bit longer before hiking back to Everest BC later in the morning.

Flying exit 18:34 GMT, 05/May/18

Three of the climbing team are taking a low altitude holiday from Base Camp and have flown to Namche Bazaar.

We had been hoping to make an early summit bid (in the period 8-12 May). We needed four things to happen for this to be possible: the team had to get suitably acclimatised, our Sherpas had to make three load carries to the South Col, the ropes had to be fixed all the way to the summit, and the weather had to be suitable. Only the first of these four things has been achieved, so we are now switching to Plan B.

A period of very strong summit winds is forecast for 8-12 May and this could stop all work on the upper mountain for a few days. Our earliest possible summit window now looks to be around 16 May, assuming suitable weather. Therefore the climbers will be confined to Base Camp for up to a week. Hence the decision of three of the team to fly down to Namche for a few days where the air is thicker and there is some good apple pie available. They intend to return to BC on 9 or 10 May.

The expedition leader (DH) is remaining in BC to monitor the weather situation and to ensure that the Sherpas return to the upper mountain at the first opportunity.

Waiting for the weather07:57 GMT, 04/May/18

The team are all in Base Camp having completed their third rotation on the mountain. Everything has gone exactly to schedule during the acclimatisation phase of the expedition and the team are now awaiting a suitable period of weather to make their summit bid. In theory the group are ready to be on the summit in 5-6 days time. However the snowfall on the mountain during the past few weeks has delayed the rope fixing to the summit and the Sherpas ability to stock Camp 4 on the South Col. Taking this into account the earliest that any summit bid could be made is in 8-10 days. Meanwhile, anything can happen to the weather and this schedule could easily be pushed back by a further week (taking us into the 'classic' mid/late May slot when the majority of Everest summits have occurred in past seasons).

Cold night at Camp 308:31 GMT, 03/May/18

The team made a quick descent from Camp 3 to Camp 2 this morning after spending a cold and uncomfortable night. The tent platforms were small, sloping and uneven. And it was very cold. Watches, cameras and all electronics shut down. Even the novelty of sleeping on oxygen did little to relieve the unpleasantness. The only good point is that now the team have experience of ‘sleeping’ above 7000m.

Team in Camp 3 on the Lhotse Face09:11 GMT, 02/May/18

The climbers are all now safely in Camp 3 (7,080m) where they will spend the night before returning to Camp 2 tomorrow. They left Camp 2 at 07.00 in breezy conditions. As they climbed the wind dropped and temperatures rose. At times the Lhotse Face was unpleasantly hot. The team took between 5.5 and 6.5 hours to arrive at Camp 3. They will enjoy the highest night on the mountain before the summit push. 3 of the 4 climbers have just set personal altitude records, having never been above 7,000m before.

Update from Camp 213:46 GMT, 01/May/18

A quiet day in Camp 2. The weather pattern of clear mornings and snowy afternoons continues. Our Sherpa team set off early aiming to carry loads to Camp 4 but were turned back by deep snow at the foot of the Geneva Spur. They will try again in a day or two. The climbing team are heading for Camp 3 tomorrow and aim to spend one night there before returning to Camp 2.

Back in Camp 208:55 GMT, 30/Apr/18

The team are now on their third rotation on the mountain. Everyone left Base Camp at 01.30 and reached Camp 2 by 09.30. Clouds hid the full moon during the climb and light snow fell after dawn. We will climb to Camp 3 in the next few days. The route to Camp 4 is now open and our Sherpa team will start to carry equipment to the South Col tomorrow. We hope to get most of the loads delivered before the expected weather downturn on 4 May.

Tent move day08:23 GMT, 29/Apr/18

When we first arrived in Base Camp, 3 weeks ago, the Sherpa team created level platforms for all the tents amid a chaotic scene of ice and rocks. As temperatures have warmed up the rocks and ice have moved and the platforms have become very uneven. Most of the team have made 'repairs' over the past few weeks, but my tent remained untouched with the depression in the centre becoming larger by the day. Finally I could stand it no longer and after breakfast this morning took all my possessions outside and lifted the tent out of it's hole.

These are quite large tents (MSR Stormking) and could sleep up to four people on a regular camping trip. So they have a fairly large footprint and need a large flat area. Early morning is not the best time for a tent move as the ground is frozen solid. However, the regular afternoon snow showers are best avoided too. So Pem Chiri and I did the best we could with a pick axe and shovel. After an hour the ground was acceptably flat and we lifted the empty tent back into position. The surface is reasonably flat inside and should be good for another few weeks. If we make an early summit window the tent will not need moving before we leave Base Camp. If we are still here into the second part of May the tent will probably need to be moved again. Early tomorrow morning we are leaving BC, heading for Camp 2, to start our third rotation on the mountain. The aim is to sleep at Camp 3 on the Lhotse Face at around 7200m before returning to Base Camp to wait for ideal summit weather conditions.

Heavy snow in base camp08:22 GMT, 28/Apr/18

Heavy overnight snow left a thin covering on the ground at Base Camp this morning. Over the course of a sunny morning this all disappeared before the afternoon clouds arrived. The team took showers and did some laundry to get ready for the next trip up the mountain. Everyone was issued with oxygen masks and regulators and we had a practice session using them. All in all a quiet and restful day in Base Camp.

Everest team back in base camp09:06 GMT, 27/Apr/18

The team have completed their second rotation on the mountain and are now resting for a few days days before returning to climb above Camp 2. The weather conditions have been good enough for them to complete their planned acclimatisation programme, but strong winds at altitude and moderate snowfall lower down the mountain have stalled the planned rope fixing. The rope fixing teams have not yet reached Camp 4. All the Jagged Globe equipment is in position in Camp 2 and the Sherpas are ready to carry this to Camp 4 on the South Col as soon as the route is open. In a few days the team will climb to Camp 3 and spend a night there before returning to Camp 2. Once all the equipment has been carried to the South Col and the route to the summit has been opened they will start watching the weather forecasts and studying conditions high on the mountain. In recent years the best 'summit windows' have often occurred in the second half of May, but if suitable conditions appear in the first half of the month the team want to be in a position to take advantage of this.

To the base of the Lhotse Face09:00 GMT, 26/Apr/18

All team members climbed to 6,750m at the foot of the Lhotse Face. In a cold and clear morning, with no other climbers moving above Camp 2, the team left Camp 2 at 06.00 following the trail to Camp 3. They turned back from the start of the fixed ropes at 08.30, and were back in Camp 2 for breakfast by 09.30. Conditions were a bit colder than expected, but they expect things to warm up a bit before they climb to Camp 3 next week. Tomorrow (27 April) the climbers are going down to base camp for a few days rest before the start of their 3rd rotation on the mountain. This will see them return to Camp 2 and climb higher on the Lhotse Face to Camp 3 (7,000m).

Acclimatising in Camp 215:48 GMT, 25/Apr/18

The team left Camp 2 at 06.00 and descended to Camp 1 to collect some equipment. They were on their way back to Camp 2 by 07.30 and arrived by 10.00. There was some light snowfall between 06.30 and 07.30, but after this the weather has been a mix of sunshine/clouds. The team are all well and resting in Camp 2 for the afternoon.

Team in Camp 209:14 GMT, 24/Apr/18

All team in Camp 2 (6,400m). Conditions were cold this morning for the climb from Camp 1. We started at 06.00 and arrived at 08.30. Now warm and sunny in Camp 2, but with a cold wind. The rope fixing team is visible on the Lhotse Face between Camps 3 and 4 and some Sherpas are carrying loads to Camp 3.

Team in Camp 109:41 GMT, 23/Apr/18

Everest Team in Camp 1 after a successful morning climb from BC. Started out at 02.10 and arrived at 07.40. Weather cold & clear at first becoming hot & sunny by mid morning. Plan to make the short hike to Camp 2 tomorrow (24 April)

High Altitude Book Review09:34 GMT, 22/Apr/18

There can be no better book to read at Camp 1 (6070m) on Everest than Ed Hillary's account of the first ascent in 1953. WH Tillman visited in the Khumbu Glacier in 1950 stopping a few miles before the site of the current Base Camp and reported that he could see no way to the summit. It was Ed Hillary in 1951 who first saw the route up the Khumbu Icefall and pioneered the route into the Western Cwm. Swiss expeditions in the Spring and Autumn of 1952 used this approach to climb within a few thousand feet of the summit. When the large British expedition under the leadership of John Hunt attempted the peak in 1953, again it was Ed Hillary who found the route from Base Camp to the site of the current Camp 1 at the entrance to the Western Cwm. Received wisdom has it that this section of the Everest route has become more difficult in the intervening years. But if Hillary's account is accurate the icefall sounds like it was a more dangerous and difficult obstacle in 1953 than it is today. All in all, an easy book to read in a few hours in a tent. Not too heavy to carry, and a bargain at two shillings and sixpence (12.5 pence, or less than 20 cents in the USA)

Puja ceremony20/Apr/18

Today (20 April) was the Puja (Buddhist blessing) Ceremony in Base Camp. This is normally done right at the start of the expedition but a few factors led to it being delayed by a week this year. The new Lama from Pangboche monastery presided and was helped by several of our Sherpa team. As we are sharing a Base Camp with the Himalayan Guides team the ceremony was shared with their climbers and Sherpas. As well as prayers the event is not dissimilar to an outdoor tea party with a little alcohol thrown in. In past years this has often turned into a rowdy party but many of those present were aware that HG lost three Nepali staff in the 2015 earthquake and their Pujas are now a bit more sombre. It was interesting for the team to see some local culture and they are now resting before heading back up the mountain in a few days.

Return from Camp 109:45 GMT, 20/Apr/18

Everyone had a fairly pleasant time on the first overnight above 6,000m. The team travelled from Camp 1 to Base Camp today in perfect early morning conditions. They left C1 at 05.30 and reached BC at 08.30. There were some Sherpas on the route carrying loads to C1 and C2, and some western climbers either heading for C1 or making training trips. Luckily for us the trail was not busy and we made good time in easy conditions.

19 April - In Camp 108:05 GMT, 19/Apr/18

David Hamilton updated us this morning via InReach.

"Team in Camp 1. Left BC at 0100 on a very cold starlit night. Very good conditions through the Icefall. Only 7 ladders. Many Sherpas on the route. Arrived at Camp 1 at 0700 to become the first group of the season to occupy. One other team arrived a few hours later. Hot and sunny afternoon."

Follow David on his Garmin InReach

Remembrance11:50 GMT, 18/Apr/18

The team are all well and looking forward to climbing to Camp 1 for the first time. Our plan had been to go to Camp 1 today but the Sherpa team requested that 18 April should be a 'no climbing day' as a mark of respect for the Sherpas who died in the Icefall accident, in 2014. We of course agreed and changed our plans, instead making an acclimatisation hike to a viewpoint west of camp at a height of 5,500m, returning to camp in time for lunch. The team will leave Base Camp at 01.00 on 19 April and climb to Camp 1, where they will spend the night.

Climbing to 5,850m in the Khumbu Icefall13:10 GMT, 16/Apr/18

Everest Base Camp was shrouded in low cloud and mist at 03.00 when the team set off for their second practice climb in the Khumbu Icefall. A few hours later they had climbed into clearer weather as dawn broke over the mountains. The target height of 5,850m was reached by 07.00 and the team were back in Base Camp enjoying breakfast by 09.30.

Climbing conditions in the lower section of the icefall are excellent at the present time. Much of the surface underfoot is snow rather than hard ice. The route avoids most of the larger crevasses and this reduces the numbers of ladders needed to a minimum. The team are hoping that similar conditions exist for the final section up to Camp 1 and they are hoping to complete this section of the climb on the morning of 18 April.

Everest News on 14 April09:11 GMT, 14/Apr/18

It has been a busy few days since the team arrived in Base Camp. Our Sherpa team have set up the BC facilities: sleeping tents, kitchen, mess tent, shower tent, toilets etc. The climbers have explored the icefall close to camp, made an acclimatisation hike to Pumori ABC (5,660m), done some ice climbing skills practice, and today climbed in the Khumbu Icefall to (5,600m) on the route to Camp 1. We are lucky to be one of the first teams in Base Camp to have achieved all this before the bulk of the other teams arrive. Camp facilities are still being sorted out and today is the first day that the WiFi connection has worked.

Trekkers reach base camp08/Apr/18

Five trekkers and two climbers left Gorak Shep at 8 for the 200m climb to Base Camp. Trail close to valley side but steeps and dips with loose surfaces made the going hard work. Long yak trains to be avoided on a sometimes narrow and exposed track. Arrived at BC entrance in under three hours but JG HQ was another forty minutes of boulder walking with a few streams to cross. We were met by our climbers who guided us the final route to JG. Excellent hot lunch in the mess tent with views of sunny Khumbu icefall. Time for some photocalls before final adieus as the five trekkers headed back down the valley leaving four climbers and leader David Hamilton to review plans for their possible six week stay.

Brian Yates

Kala Pattar09:38 GMT, 08/Apr/18

Two climbers elected to walk direct to Base Camp. The eight remaining members set off at 07:00 for Kala Pattar (5,550m). After a short steep ascent the steady climb took us through fresh snow. Everest appeared through drifting clouds as did Nuptse and Pumori. The final 100m of boulders took the entire group to the summit. It was one member's first time over 5,000m and another hadn't been at that altitude since 2006. The downward journey gave excellent views of Base Camp and Khumbu.

A welcome refreshment stop was provided by one of our Sherpas who had brought flasks of hot lemon up the 100m steep section to meet us.

Brian Yates, team member

Gorak Shep09:43 GMT, 07/Apr/18

The Everest team are now in Gorak Shep and will make the short hike to Base Camp tomorrow. The weather in the Khumbu valley remains unsettled with snowfall most afternoons and nights. This had the unfortunate effect of making the trail from Lobuche to Gorak Shep rather muddy this morning. Today the team visited the 'Pyramid' research facility close to Lobuche before completing the hike to Gorak Shep in time for lunch. Our Sherpa team are already in Base Camp and are looking forward to welcoming the climbers tomorrow. The trek team will climb Kala Patar in the next few days when the weather improves and they have a good chance of clear conditions.

Teams reunited in Lobuje10:09 GMT, 06/Apr/18

All the members of the climbing team and the trek team are now in Lobuje (4,910m). Two of the trekkers made the hike from Dingboche in five and a half hours with a Sherpa guide. The other team of 8 with two Sherpas made the 13.9km hike over the 5,535m Kongma La pass. The weather was perfect with clear skies and bright sunshine when the team set off at 07.00. As the morning progressed conditions became more overcast and the clouds increased. There was a bit of a view of surrounding peaks from the top of the pass but it started to snow heavily as the team descended. Navigating the crossing of the lower Khumbu glacier in a white out proved to be quite challenging, but the team reached the comfort of the Lodge at Lobuje at 14.30 after seven and a half hours of effort. Special mention goes to the three members of the trek team who set personal altitude records on the pass and coped admirably with the slippery snow on the descent.

Update from Chukkung09:05 GMT, 05/Apr/18

Light overnight snow left a few centimetres on the ground by morning at Chukkung (4,730m) where we have spent the last two nights. There was low cloud in the valley at 07.00 when the climbing team set off for Chukkung Ri, a popular trekking peak situated close to the village. We made good progress in cool conditions and reached the 5,550m summit just before 10.00. The clouds parted just long enough for us to get a good view of Cho Oyu and Pumori, the 7,165m peak that overlooks Everest Base Camp.

Everyone was back at the lodge in time for lunch and we said farewell to two members of the trek team who are following the low level route to Lobuche. We shall all be reunited there tomorrow night after everyone else crosses the Kongma La (5,535m). Once we are all in Lobuche it is only two short days hike to Everest Base Camp and we hope to arrive on Sunday 8 April.

Easter Monday in the Khumbu15:39 GMT, 02/Apr/18

Today was the first full day of sunshine on the trek. All the climbers and three of the trek team climbed to the top of Nangkar Tshang 5071m above the village of Dingboche. There were excellent views of the nearby peaks, dominated by the sheer north face of Ama Dablam 6856m. We also got our first sight of two 8000m peaks in the distance, Makalu to the east and Cho Oyu to the west. We were all back at the lodge for a lunch of pizza and chips. In the afternoon all the solar panels came out and the team were able to charge a variety of devices in the courtyard outside the lodge.

News from Dingboche 14:23 GMT, 01/Apr/18

The Everest climbers and trek team are now 5 days into the journey to Base Camp. They reached the mountain village of Dingboche (4400m) at lunchtime today (1 April). Conditions on the trail have been pleasantly cool for walking. The sky has rarely been clear and there have been quite a lot of mid level and high level clouds. However there have been views from time to time of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse as well as Ama Dablam. While it has been dry during the day there have been significant overnight snowfalls and this has left a thin layer of snow on the trails during the mornings. The group will spend 2 nights at Dingboche before climbing to a higher village on the way towards Base Camp.

Everest Team arrive in Namche10:07 GMT, 30/Mar/18

Expedition Leader, David Hamilton, has sent this update from Everest: "The Everest climbers and the trek team are well on their way to Base Camp. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla operated on schedule on March 28th. After two days of walking everyone reached Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu valley. The Spring trekking season is just starting and the trails are still quiet. The weather has been mostly cloudy during the day with some rain and snow at night. This morning the streets of Namche were covered in a few cm of fresh snow, but after a few hours of sun this had all disappeared. Tomorrow we start the two day hike to Dingboche (4410m) where we will stop for a few days to acclimatise before continuing on the trail towards Base Camp."

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Leader - David Hamilton

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