Hello and greetings from Namche (3440m) in the heart of Nepal. Our Ama Dablam expedition is starting and looking strong!
This year we have 6 climbers from around the world guided by world class mountain guide Lakpa Rita Sherpa and myself (Jonathon Spitzer). Our trip is divided into two different teams currently. Three climbers are with Lakpa Rita as they follow the traditional trek up the Khumbu valley and acclimate on Island Peak. That team is going to make a summit attempt on Island Peak either tomorrow (Oct 21st), then move down valley towards Ama Dablam BaseCamp on Oct 23rd.
Myself along with three climbers have been using hypoxic tents to pre-acclimate at home. Climbers have been spending up to 7-9 weeks in the sleeping tents along with combining workouts with this system to pre-acclimate. Our team recently arrive in Namche via helicopter and will be moving to Ama Dablam BaseCamp on Oct 23rd where all 6 climbers and guides will meet up.
All climbers are doing great and enjoying the wonderful views of the Khumbu. Below are a couple pictures from the start of our trip.
We will be updating cybercast on a regular basis when we have internet access and sat phone coverage.
Thanks for following and will be in touch
Jonathon