Cybercasts

Lakpa Rita Sherpa also deserves an introduction here as well. He’s one of the most respected Sherpa Sirdars (foreman) in Nepal. He works as a guide as well, and so really has two big jobs on our Himalayan climbs. He has been working for Alpine Ascents for 20+ years and guides around the world. He has 17 summits of Everest, 13 Summits of Cho Oyu, and many other summits and expeditions to many other peaks around the world. He was also the first Nepali, and first Sherpa to complete the Seven Summits in 2009. The list goes on for Lakpa’s accomplishments in the mountains. I always feel lucky to work with Lakpa whether on Rainier, Aconcagua, Everest, or Cho Oyu. He’s the hardest working guide on whatever mountain he is on! He’s also a great father, friend, and genuine person.

For the family members and friends of the climbers following along you should feel like your climbers here are in great hands!

Ben

Fur Kancha, one of our top climbing Sherpa’s below. I missed his picture the other day. Also again, are Kami Rita, and Ang Nuru. They are the best of the best!

Our three climbing Sherpa’s with us on Cho Oyu are incredibly strong, hardworking, gracious people, and our friends. They’ve been working with Alpine Ascents for many years and I’ve personally worked with all three of them multiple times on Everest basecamp treks, Island Peak, Everest, and Cho Oyu. Between the three they have 30+ summits of Everest, multiple summits of Cho Oyu, and many other peaks. This summer Fur Kancha and Kami Rita both summited K2. These are some of the best in the industry, our friends, and grateful they are here climbing with us on Cho Oyu. We wouldn’t be able to do it without them!

Today we are resting after our big day yesterday. Thanks for following!

Ben

Fur Kancha

Kami Rita

Ang Nuru

Hello Everyone,

Today was a mostly snowy day but didn’t stop us from carrying up a load of gear to camp 1. It was a long day, on challenging terrain but it was a successful day. It took us 10 hours round trip to climb up to camp 1 at 21,000ft and back down the rocky, icy moraine back to camp. We are all very tired but glad to be back at ABC. We just finished up a Pizza dinner with brownies for dessert and are heading off to bed. Below is a picture of Camp 1 with our two tents.

Thanks for following along!

Ben

Gopal out did himself again for dinner so I had to post. Pork Sizzlers for dinner with Lemon cake for desert!

Hello Everyone,

After a great Puja ceremony today we had a fantastic lunch prepared by our amazing cook, Gopal. Gopal has worked for Alpine Ascents for at least 20 years and continues to impress us with nutritious food on our Himalayan climbs. Today, he served us sushi rolls for lunch! We can’t wait to see what we’ll have for dinner.

Tomorrow after breakfast we will head up to camp 1 with a load of our gear. We are looking forward to getting on the mountain.

After our Puja today we prepared our harnesses for higher on the mountain and practiced some skills around camp for ascending and descending the fixed lines. We’ve had some nice views of Cho Oyu today. If we get another view I’ll send a picture in a little while.

Thanks for following along,

Ben

Below is Gopal and another great meal.