Entries from Everest BC Trek and Lobuche

What a day! What a day!

We seem to have settled into the trail life, finally leaving the jet lag and nerves surrounding what to expect on the trip behind and walking with ease.

We climbed to the top of Namche this morning and traversed along a winding trail. Patchy clouds stuck around from a little snow last night but we still had some beautiful mountain views.

Nawang, one of our Sherpa guides, spotted two Himalayan tahr - a type of mountain goat - below the trail today. What a lucky sight! We all would have walked right past them even though we were keeping our eyes out.

The clouds got more dense as we left our lunch break for the big hill climb to Tengboche. Soon after, it started snowing. It was a peaceful and quiet snow and we mostly climbed in silence just taking it all in.

We made it to the top of the hill and the ancient Tengboche monastery. It was so special to be there and spend some time learning about the sacred site.

Soon we found ourselves descending to Rivendell — our teahouse for the night. While the snow continued outside, we stayed cozy in the dining room playing Farkle and Bananagrams! Some of us kept track of our score on our phones and some of us *cough cough David* kept track using almonds and pistachios. I guess the almond method worked because he beat us all.

The snow continues outside our windows but we’re all tucked in under sleeping bags and ample warm blankets.

Sweet dreams from the Himalayas!

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team

The goal for today was to take care of ourselves and do what we needed to do to be ready to go higher tomorrow.

We had a couple options for the day but we all chose to take a short hike to the top of Namche to see views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam! We stood in the sun, talked about the routes and conditions on the mountains (it’s been a very low snow year so they all look a little barren) and then headed into the museum next door to learn more about the Himalayas and the people who live here.

We spent the afternoon exploring the shops and cafes around Namche Bazaar and having lunch at Eat Smart (think yummy sandwiches, fresh juices and warm soups). Some of us got pampered with a $7 hairwash and blowout - who would guess we’d have these amenities over 11,000 feet in the middle of the Himalayas?

With full bellies and clean hair, we headed back to our teahouse just in time for an afternoon snack of tea, yak cheese and crackers.

Ah, the life of a rest day in Namche. We lived it up! And are ready to keep heading uphill tomorrow.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team

Thursday, March 20, 2025 - 5:10 pm PT

The daily life is rewarding out here and part of that is how simple it is. We woke up in Phakding this morning and had a delicious breakfast. The dining room was cozy and heated by a stove in the middle of the room. Soon, we said our goodbyes to Nawang (the owner of the teahouse who smiles with his whole face) and started the hike to Namche.

We meandered along the side of the Dudh Koshi river, so vibrant with its blue rushing water.

We crossed many suspension bridges, one time we even made it half way across one before a big mule train faced us down from the other side - we backtracked! You never challenge a mule on a hanging bridge.

Soon we found ourselves at the base of the Namche hill - we slowed our pace and moved together one step at a time. Halfway up, we saw a glimpse of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) and that was the boost we needed to keep going.

Being close to nature, having a great community with this team and having a goal each day to enjoy the moment we are in - this is the simple life but it feels like pure happiness.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team

There were perma-grins on our face today as we flew into the Himalayas. We got so lucky with nearly perfect weather and amazing views of the highest mountains in the world.

We got an early start and after landing in Lukla headed to the Sunrise Teahouse. We sat in the window-filled dining room and enjoyed tea, coffee, and our first (of many!) teahouse breakfasts. We watched the planes and helicopters fly in and out. Met our incredible Sherpa team - Dawa, Kala, Jangbu and Nawang and eventually began our trek.

Even though the trail can be described as “sometimes up, sometimes down” today was mostly trending down. We crossed our first suspension bridges and breathed deep in the peace of the walking.

We learned yesterday about the importance of enjoying the moment you are in and we definitely did that when we walked to the bakery this afternoon and enjoyed fresh cookies, cakes and bread.

It feels so good to finally be in the mountains.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche Team

Namaste - we made it to Kathmandu!

The Lobuche climbing team has all arrived in country. We hit the ground running today with our first team meeting followed by a round of gear checks.

Before we knew it, it was time to head out to experience the sights and sounds of Kathmandu. We loaded the van and were propelled by the honks, horns and beeps from the cars and bikes around us as we made our way to the Boudhanath - our first of two UNESCO world heritage sites we visited.

We strolled around the gleaming white dome and visited an ancient silk Thangka painting school where we learned more about this vital part of the Tibetan Buddhist culture and took in the detailed and vivid paintings.

Next thing we knew, we were at Swayambhu also affectionately known as the “monkey temple”. We reveled in the views over the city and snapped wayyyy too many photos and videos of monkeys being cute as heck. Don’t worry! We kept the proper distance and no phones, water bottles or snacks were snatched by the smart little guys.

The jet leg started to hit about then so we headed to Thamel - a vibrant area of town full of shops, restaurants, trinkets and treasures galore. We powered through an early dinner, picked up some last minute gear and headed back to the hotel.

We’re all doing some final packing before we fly to Lukla early tomorrow morning. Cross your fingers for good weather!

RMI Guide Jess Wedel

This morning, we woke up early, had our last teahouse breakfast and headed for the helicopter pad.

It was a busy day at the airport since the weather was clear. We saw planes and helicopters land, take off and finally, it was our turn.

After a 45-minute flight, we landed safely in Kathmandu.

We got together for one last team dinner tonight. Reflecting on our nearly 3 weeks in Nepal and enjoying a delicious meal at Le Sherpa.

Some of us fly home in the early hours of the day tomorrow and the rest soon after.

What a trip! Thank you for following along and we can’t wait to see our friends and family to share more about this incredible adventure when we get home.

RMI Guides Jess Wedel, Sam Marjerison and Team.

The highlight from our walk to Lukla today was the Rhododendron. On the way in, a few trees were blooming here and there but now, it is full on Spring. Almost every tree had buds or flowers in every shade of pink imaginable. It was a sight to see. At one point on the trail, I said “it’s so quiet and peaceful today” and one of our members said “not quiet, serene” and that was spot on. We passed many teams heading uphill but we also had hours to ourselves with birds chirping, the sound of the Dudh Kosi river flowing, and our little feet hitting the ground in a rhythm we are all so familiar with now.

It was a perfect day to reflect on the trip and to tuck away some of these sights and sounds and feelings of serenity somewhere deep in our minds to be able to recall when we need them as we head back home. We made it back to Lukla and tomorrow we fly to Kathmandu, but tonight we had a very special last dinner with our Sherpa guide team and our infinitely strong porter team. We thanked them for letting us be able to experience their country and their beautiful mountains. We would not have been able to do this trip without them.

With full hearts and tired feet,

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche Team

PC: Jess Wedel

Tashi Delek!

Last night we got to spend the night in a very special place - a traditional teahouse with views overlooking the oldest monastery in the Khumbu Valley - the Pangboche Monastery. We had a very quiet and serene night since we were the only team staying there. We woke up early, had our usual coffee, pancakes, some version of eggs (plain omelette? Veg omelette? Fried eggs? We like them all!) and got to walking.

April is one of the busiest months in the Khumbu Valley with Trekkers and Everest climbers all making their way to base camp. While we were one of the few teams walking downhill, we passed team after team after team heading up. A highlight of the morning was FINALLY seeing a baby yak. We’ve been keeping our eyes out and have seen some yak teens but today we got to see a full on baby fluff! We watched him stumble between his mama and another yak and even buck and get a little sassy from what we suppose was a bug or some other nuisance. The cutest.

After nearly five hours of walking, we arrived back in Namche. And boy, does it feel good. We’ve run into lots of friends and fellow climbers, we had a big lunch at Eat Smart (our favorite non-teahouse food of the trip!) and spent the afternoon enjoying the excited energy of this little city during the climbing season. We’re so happy to be back at Base de Camp Teahouse that has hot showers in the room and some pretty incredible views.

One more day of walking to Lukla tomorrow. It’s hard to believe this trip is nearing its end.

RMI Guides Jess and the Lobuche team

Good morning!

Today we made our way from Lobuche high camp down to Pangboche. On the quiet trail down from high camp we ran into a posse of “Nepali Chickens” these shy little animals are often heard but rarely seen. We stopped and took the time to watch them move through the valley.

We stopped for lunch in Pheriche and said goodbye to the fields of yaks as we headed down valley. We all got to walk our own pace, take in the views and reflect on an incredible trip. This is one of my favorites parts of walking back to Lukla - time to breath in the thick air and feel how incredibly special these mountains are.

We made it to upper Pangboche in the early afternoon and our tea house is located right behind the monastery with views looking out to Ama Dablam. We had an early dinner because we are all still tired from our Lobuche climb! Off to bed. Tomorrow we’ll head to Namche.

RMI Guides Jess, Sam and the Lobuche Crew
 

Sunday, March 31, 2024 - 7:10 am PT

All evening and into the night the wind ripped through our high camp and with the wind, snow and snow and snow. I laid awake thinking about if we were even going to be able to leave our camp for a Lobuche summit attempt. Just after 1:00am, the winds seemed to settle but there was a fresh 4 inches of snow. It was beautiful but when you have a couple hours of walking on steep slabs of rock - fresh snow isn’t ideal. The Lobuche team left high camp at 2:30am and immediately what should have been some of the easiest climbing of the day proved remarkably difficult. We set fixed lines, and worked together to keep moving uphill. It took a lot of guts and a lot of perseverance to keep climbing. After nearly 5 hours, we made it to Crampon Point at 18,300 feet. It’s been a very dry winter here in the Himalayas and the glacier was in rugged condition. Up steep ice steps and even some rock/ice/mixed climbing thrown into a mountain and a route that’s usually much smoother. The weather held steady and we had the time to keep pushing and I’m happy to report we stood on top after over 9 hours of climbing. The views were remarkable all day - mountains beyond mountains and this one feels special because of the effort and heart of this team. Thankfully, that sun blasted those 4 inches of snow and we were able to make it down in about 3 hours and without any of the additional fixed lines we had to set in the early morning hours. We were welcomed in camp with warm soup and fried rice and we are all now tucked in bed for some well-earned rest. What an adventure! We’re all looking forward to heading to Pangboche tomorrow and dropping to below 16,000 feet for the first time in 6 days. Thick air, here we come!

RMI Guide Jess and the Lobuche climbing team 

Saturday, March 30, 2024 - 11:10 pm PT

Hi there! Conditions were tough on Lobuche today but I'm happy to report this team is tougher. We're standing on the summit now and will head down soon. Will share more about this epic day when we make back to high camp tonight!

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From RMI Guide Sam Marjerison & The Everest Base Camp Team

We woke up to clear skies this morning and new snow on the ground here in Pheriche. After enjoying a lovely breakfast filled with coffee and lots of Tibetan bread, we had a restful day in the sun which was greatly appreciated. 

Some of us spent the day reading and walking through the town of Pheriche, others caught up on sleep. 

Jess and the Lobuche team reached the summit at around 12pm and reported tough conditions. They are back at high camp and resting before they meet up with the rest of the team in Pheriche tomorrow. We will report back tomorrow when we are all one big group headed downhill. 

RMI Guides Sam, Jess and Crew