Our Everest season is truly underway.

We have welcomed climbers and trekkers from all over the world to Kathmandu and our First Wave (Western Guided Team Climbers, Rugged Luxury Trekkers, 3 Peaks Climbers) have flown into the Khumbu valley on helicopters and trekked to the riverside town of Phakding.

Today they will launch up to Namche: 11,286 ft (3,440m) which will take them between 5-6 hours and they will gain +2,723ft (830m) in elevation. The trail starts by weaving its way through lush Rhododendron forest, along the river banks, up over some thrilling suspension bridges that span across the raging glacial-fed Dudh Khosi River before tackling the 2,000ft (610m) Hill that leads to Namche Bazaar.

The first of the treks’s challenging climbs, it’s best to take it slow and steady and make use of the well built stone terraces to stop, rest and enjoy the views. They are in no rush, and their bodies are beginning their acclimatization process so they can expect to be a bit breathless!

Terraced into the hill side in a C shape, Namche Bazaar is the Sherpa capital, a brilliant, vibrant town, filled with fun little shops, great bakeries and cafes and narrow winding pedestrian streets.

Meanwhile, The Crum Family are enjoying a custom itinerary with added acclimatization days in Lukla and they will fold into our second wave tomorrow and trek to Phakding.

In Kathmandu; our Second Wave (Our Private 1:1 Climbers & our EBC & Gokyo Trekkers) have settled in and today will do their gear checks and expedition briefing at the Hyatt, before readying themselves to fly into the Khumbu Valley by helicopter tomorrow.

All is well and happy in Nepal.

Cheers
CTSS Team