The CTSS season is in full swing across multiple teams in the Khumbu.

Our first climbers of the season are officially en route to Everest Base Camp. We have our Everest Western Guided and 3 Peaks teams leading the charge up the valley. On Monday, they had a team dinner in Kathmandu before helicoptering to Lukla yesterday and beginning their trek to Phakding. Our 3 Peaks program takes climbers to Lobuche East (20,075 ft / 6,119 m), Pokalde (19,049 ft / 5,806 m), Island Peak (20,210 ft / 6,160 m), and, of course, our luxury Everest Base Camp. 

Photos courtesy of Mike Bennett

On the trekking side, two Rugged Luxury EBC teams are making steady progress through the Khumbu. Team 1 reached Pheriche (14,340 ft / 4,371 m) yesterday, climbing above the vegetation line with snow falling in the evening. Today, they are on an acclimatization day, hiking to the ridgeline for views of Ama Dablam before visiting the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in the afternoon.

Team 2 trekked from Phakding (8,563 ft / 2,610 m) to Namche Bazaar (11,286 ft / 3,440 m) yesterday, crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge and ascending Namche Hill into the Sherpa capital of the world. Today they rest and acclimatize with a hike to Thamo Monastery.

A third wave of Rugged Luxury EBC trekkers begins arriving in Kathmandu tomorrow.

Photos courtesy of Big Tendi Sherpa and Tomi Ceppi