As the spring climbing season unfolds in the Himalayas, CTSS is once again headed up the Khumbu Valley—with 24 teams setting out to tackle a range of objectives, from trekking to Everest Base Camp to climbing some of the world’s tallest peaks.  A few of those teams include our Everest Base Camp trekkers, who will spend two nights in our luxury camp inside Base Camp Proper—an experience most EBC trekkers never get. 

The trek to Everest Base Camp is an experience like no other, blending rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and an energy that’s hard to put into words—a big reason we lead our own treks through the Khumbu Valley. Along that journey, which part of the trail or maybe a specific experience holds a special place in your heart, and what makes it stand out to you?

There are so many highlights, it’s hard to choose. But a few moments I look forward to every year include:

• • Catching the first glimpse of Everest while trekking up the Namche hill. That majestic view is a powerful reminder of just how immense the mountain is—and it also makes for the perfect rest break halfway up the climb.

• • Taking in the view of Ama Dablam from the Everest View Hotel in Khumjung. There are few peaks in the world as striking as Ama Dablam, and when it’s framed alongside Everest and Lhotse, the scene is nothing short of breathtaking.

• • Hiking through the rhododendron forests while they’re in bloom—there’s something magical about watching spring come alive while you’re on the trek to Everest Base Camp.

With decades of guiding experience, you’ve helped hundreds of climbers reach their goals. What qualities or traits do you see in those who are most successful in summiting Everest? 

That same philosophy carries through to every part of the expedition—whether it’s the trek to base camp, time in Kathmandu, or the upper camps. When climbers are comfortable, relaxed, well-fed, and well-cared-for, they’re not only happier, but they’re also more likely to succeed.

It’s part of what we call the Marginal Gains Philosophy—the idea that if you capitalize on every hidden advantage, 1% here, 1% there, gains quickly compound into a huge overall improvement. Some people might see better food or a cozy lounge as unnecessary luxuries, but for us, they’re highly strategic. We treat our climbers like the athletes they are, and we engineer every part of the expedition to help them stay strong, sharp, and ready to perform when it counts.

In a world where Everest is often reduced to stats and summit photos, Mike Hamill reminds us that real expedition success is built on something deeper: mindset, culture, and care for the mountain, the team, your Sherpa and guides, and yourself.

As our teams spread out across the Khumbu Valley this spring, carrying dreams of summit days and shared stories, Mike’s words are a grounding force. Whether it’s embracing the quiet patience that altitude demands, finding strength in the team around you, or appreciating the small comforts that help you perform at your best, his philosophy shapes every step of a CTSS climb.

This season, like every season, we’re not just climbing mountains—we’re doing it the right way.

With purpose. With humility. And with the best team on the mountain. 

Over the weekend, our Western Guided Team and 3 Peaks Team climbers arrived in Kathmandu for their gear checks and guide briefing before heading out to Lukla to start their trek up the Khumbu Valley.

Our Western Guided team is led by CTSS guides Nani Stahringer, Mike Bennett, and Sajjan Ghale, while Porter Crockard and Dawa Jangbu are at the helm of our 3 Peaks team.

Outside of those first two climbing teams, our Private 1:1 and Lobuche Team climbers arrived in Kathmandu yesterday. We are excited to welcome them to Nepal and anticipate that they will make their way to Lukla in a few days. 

Our second Rugged Luxury team has officially left Kathmandu and is on their way to Everest Base Camp! This team is guided by IFMGA Mountain Guide, 4x Everest summitteer, and former NNMGA Technical Director, Big Tendi.

After trekking to Namache, the team is resting and acclimatizing today. They will check out the famed Thamo Monastery, a Buddhist monastery that serves as a spiritual center for the local Sherpa community and trekkers.

Our first Rugged Luxury team made their way to Pheriche yesterday after a stop at the Tengboche Monastery, one of the most famous in all of Nepal. Today, the team followed in the footsteps of our second team by spending the day taking an acclimatization hike paired with some resting before moving higher up the mountain. The team has been catching sights of Ama Dablam, plus they caught their first glimpse of Everest!  

You may have noticed that all our Rugged Luxury trekkers are kitted out in new Rugged Luxury jackets – the team is certainly looking sharp!

Photos from team one courtesy of Nicole Porto and team two from Big Tendi.

CTSS owner Mike Hamill received a Khata scarf from Yandi on behalf of Tiger of the Snows Fund (CTTS’s non-profit arm) and all of our climbers and trekkers who have graciously donated to this organization.

Yandi lost her husband to a heart attack on Mount Everest several years ago, and since he was the primary breadwinner, she had no way to pay for her three daughters’ education. Luckily, Ang Pasang and Tendi Sherpa connected us with Yandi, and the Tiger of the Snows fund was able to step in to offer educational support to all three of her children. Since they live in a remote village, Yandi’s daughters go to school in a village far from their house and can only make the long trek home to see their mother when they have a week or more off from school. All three young women are incredibly dedicated to their studies and are getting excellent marks in school, which their mother is very proud of!

Mike shared with the CTSS team what an honor it was to receive the scarf from Yandi while he was in Kathmandu. These moments help bring things full circle for our team and, hopefully, for all of you. Our deepest gratitude goes out to everyone who climbs and treks with CTSS because you help fund TOTS, making this type of support possible. This Khata is yours.

The Himalayan spring climbing season has arrived, and we’re kicking things off with one of our favorite treks–in classic CTSS style. Our first group of Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp trekkers have started their way up the Khumbu Valley after arriving in Kathmandu for a guide briefing, gear checks, and a team dinner at the renowned Le Sherpa restaurant.

This group is led by Everest summiteers Walter Hailes and Pega Sherpa. Once the team touched down in Lukla, they made their way to Phakding for their first day of trekking. Day two took the team to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the world. Check out a few of the photos from the team below, courtesy of Nicole Porto. Stay tuned for more; our second wave of Rugged Luxury trekkers arrive in Kathmandu tomorrow!

Let’s face it: being a woman in the mountains brings unique challenges—and using the bathroom is high on that list. Now, add being tucked into a down suit in the death zone on Everest, and the question becomes, how do you go to the bathroom? More importantly, what features should your down suit have to make this process as smooth as possible?

This style of suit has a zipper that goes from the front to the back of your pants along the middle seam between your legs. You will find a variety of product descriptions and names, like the RAB two-way front zip and the Gnara GoFly zipper, but all are a reference to the placement of the zipper on your down suit. This style allows you to unzip the inseam of your suit and either squat down or use a pee funnel to use the bathroom. 

Meghan swears by the half-moon design, which she retrofitted by sewing a loop handle that runs laterally just above the zipper. Here’s the play-by-play on how this works from Meghan: 

This loop handle lets you keep the extra material, or the flap, out of the way and ensures quick and easy access without removing your harness. Meghan has also been known to clip a carabiner to the loop, which can make it easier to find and hold onto the loop. This method has worked perfectly for Meghan and allowed her to keep things simple when using the bathroom on Everest. 

Practical Tips from Meghan:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Meghan’s guide on Denali emphasized the importance of practice. There, Meghan learned to use her pee funnel and practiced while wearing her gear and gloves and even in front of others. Don’t hesitate to practice at home, wearing all of your gear, of course, so you know exactly what to do when you’re on the mountain. By honing these skills, you will ensure you feel confident and efficient when you need them the most. 

• Build a Schedule: On extended expeditions, your body becomes a machine. Pay attention to your schedule and plan around it. Knowing your routine helps you anticipate when you’ll need to go to the bathroom and what options you might have. 

• Open Communication: Talk to your guides, your team, and even your expedition leaders like Mike Hamill. Don’t be embarrassed, especially as a woman. Open conversations about your needs will ensure that everyone is on the same page. 

• Be Prepared: Don’t forget to carry a WAG bag for areas like the Khumbu Icefall. Knowing the terrain will help you be mindful of where and when you can go to the bathroom. 

• Keep It Lighthearted: On Meghan’s first group pee experience, her team made sure the environment was fun and supportive, making the whole moment a bit more approachable. Everyone looked away, but they knew what was happening, setting a comfortable tone for the rest of the expedition.