Mera Peak Cybercast

Namaste!

We lost all connectivity for the last few days, but don’t worry, all is good! We were waiting on a high wind forecast to improve, but after a couple days of continued forecasts for 60mph winds at the summit with no sign of getting any lower within our timeframe, we decided it wasn’t going to allow us to try for the summit. We instead climbed the route up to a high point where we could see views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and more of the Himalaya, and then the whole team helicoptered back to Lukla. While always unfortunate when the weather doesn’t cooperate, its a very real part of climbing in the big mountains. Everyone is still in good spirits and happy that we were able to climb high enough for some amazing views! And we are very excited to be headed back towards a hot shower.

Thank you for following along, here’s some final photos!

Team Dark side of the momo

Today we took a full rest day, so much lounging around and reading, but we did have a mid day yoga session led by one of our members! Too windy up high to move but nice enough around Khare to allow for walking around and enjoying the views. Waiting for weather is a big part of expeditions, and we are getting good practice with that! Good thing there’s pizza and carrot cake to ease the wait. Thanks for following along,

Team Dark side of the momo

The team went for an acclimation hike up towards Mera base camp and got some great views! We are now resting and waiting for high winds to decrease and give us a weather window to try for the summit. Our lodge here at Khare is very nice and a comfortable place to wait for good weather! Everyone is feeling good and in good spirits, excited to go higher once its possible!

Team Dark side of the Momo

Today after breakfast went headed out and started our ascent to our next lodge. We hiked in more snow as we got higher and got more stunning views as well. Stopped for a soup and tea break before the final climb and then arrived in Khare at 16,000ft! A very nice lodge, we had a great lunch and then a relaxing afternoon to enjoy the views, hydrate, and start looking at the days ahead. Everyone did well and is feeling good at this new altitude!

Team Dark side of the momo

Today once the sun reached us we headed out on an acclimation hike up to a stunning glacial lake viewing. The blue water made for great photos and Ngima shared the local legend behind the lake and the village supposedly at the bottom of it. This was also a new personal highest altitude for one of our team members! After lunch we went over mechanical advantage and some ways to build haul systems for crevasse rescue (just as education, not something we expect to need on this climb!). Afternoon teatime and most folks enjoyed reading and relaxing until dinner. We are excited to move higher to our next lodge tomorrow and off to get some rest!

Team Dark side of the Momo