Here’s the latest from our teams in the Himalayas:

Our climbers at Everest Base Camp have been busy. Many took a short trek to Pumori High Camp to support their acclimatization, and they were rewarded with stunning views of Everest and Lhotse. Emma Schwerin, one of our private climbers, shared a few photos below:

In addition, today, all of our climbers, guides, and Sherpas took part in a traditional Puja ceremony. We were joined by several high lamas who traveled from far and wide to bless our expedition teams before they make their way to the upper mountain. This ceremony is a Tibetan Buddhist ritual that is part of Sherpa life. The purpose is to ask the mountain deity for safe passage and, of course, to celebrate.

Here are a few photos from the CTSS archives of past Puja ceremonies at Everest Base Camp:

Our 3 Peaks team checked in from Island Peak after making the call to turn around at the headwall, which is one of the many technical sections during this climb. The conditions were outside of the safety margin to continue forward, and our teams ultimately made the right decision. All climbers are back in Chukkung and happily resting.

At CTSS, our priorities are (and will always be) safety and success–in that order. You can trust us to deploy the best, most experienced, and respected mountain leaders in the world, use top-of-the-line equipment, not skimp on costs, make wise decisions in your best interest, and go above and beyond to stack the odds in your favor.

On the trail below Everest Base Camp, our 40-day Speed Ascent team is hanging tight at Lobuche Base Camp. They took a quick jaunt to Lobuche High Camp and will continue to assess the conditions. Our second team of Everest Base Camp trekkers took a rest and acclimatization day in Tengboche. CTSS Guide Josh McDowell shared a few photos of the glorious morning they woke up to and their visit to the Tengboche Monastery. Tomorrow, they will move to Pheriche.

The Bouka family successfully landed in Pheriche today and are ready to continue their acclimatization as they make their way to Everest Base Camp.

Farthest down the Khumbu Valley, our first team of Everest Base Camp trekkers are in Namche, and tomorrow, they will catch their flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.