Guides

    Guides

    Part of Alpine Ascents’ success is based on our small and select group of experienced guides. We’re fortunate to have close friends and an expert staff in Nepal. (Note: While guides are subject to change, your guides will be Himalayan veterans. This is what separates this expedition from others, you will have the opportunity to climb with some of the foremost climbers from the United States and Nepal.

    Sherpa Staff

    In addition to our Western guides, the trek will be supported by a team of Sherpa. We have been working with the same team for over 15 years, and our deep-rooted friendship with each member makes for a wonderful exchange of ideas, laughter and assistance. Porters and yaks will move the majority of our gear and personal packs up the mountain (for the Island and Kala Pattar portion), enabling trekkers time to fully appreciate the surrounding environment.

    Guide Staff

    Ben Jones

    Ben Thumb
    Senior Guide: International, Washington, Alaska

    Lakpa Rita Sherpa

    Sherpa
    Senior Guide: International, Washington, Alaska

    Vern Tejas

    Vern Tejas Thumb
    Senior Guide: International, Washington, Alaska

    I’ve got a few small trips on the radar with Alpine Ascents later in 2019, but I think the most concise statement of praise I can offer is that I’m truly excited to see where things go from here as we look forward into 2020 and beyond.

    A similar view on our approach to base camp.
    Touring the Swayambunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, in Kathmandu.
    Looking down into the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath.
    Sadhus or holy men of the Pashupatinath temple.
    A view down the impressive landing strip in Lukla.
    Trekking through villages below the town of Namche.
    Approaching the summit.
    A view into the Khumbu valleyÁs largest village, Namche Bazaar.
    Memorial cairns for Sherpa climbers, who have passed away.
    A group inside the childhood home of Lakpa Rita, in the village of Thame.
    Standing in the courtyard of the 300+ year old Thame Monastery.
    Along the trail one continuously sees these ever-present mani stones or prayer stones.
    The entrance to Tengboche monastery.
    Evening light in Tengboche.
    Young monks during the Mani Rimdu Festival at the Tengboche Monastery.
    A thanka painting of the White Tara on a rock wall along the trail.
    From the top of Kala Pattar a trekker looks out north towards Tibet with Mt. Everest summit ridge off to the right.
    On the way out to Everest base camp with the Khumbu Icefall recognizable in the distance.
    A traditional home with slate roof, along the trekking route.
    Everest base camp during a spring expedition season.
    Views south from the top with Baruntse in the distance on the far left and Ama Dablam on the far right.
    The spectacular summit ridge of Island Peak.
    View from the summit.
    A similar view on our approach to base camp.

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