Everest Spring 2021 has come to a close with a successful expedition in one of the more challenging seasons in the Himalayas. The 2021 season was earmarked by the Covid-19 constraints that presented travel and logistical hurdles like never before, but the group of guest did an amazing job of staying resilient and patient. We would like to thank our team members for that for sure but also for remaining flexible when also presented with a very interesting weather season as well.
Our team on Everest had a pretty typical trek into base camp, although it was quite different in the Khumbu this year with very few people trekking. The Base Camp was also unique in that teams tried their best to remain in a bubble. Limiting interactions with other groups at all times to try and remain as isolated as could be. Like almost every team on the mountain, we had our challenges over time with the virus and when it was all said and done, had one client and 3 staff members who had to go down valley to get isolation or treatment.
The climbing schedule for the rest of the trip went pretty much as per a normal year. We were ready as a team for our target date of May 18, but the weather had other plans. Two back to back cyclones in the area brought about some interesting weather delays. Our group was in position for what we thought would be the next window on the 21st of May, but we decided to pause in camp two to wait for a better outlook.
Strong winds that were atypical for the lower camp movements were a challenge but the team did quite well and made the final movement to camp four on May 22. Though it was a hard weather day to get in position, the winds being the most challenging aspect, the group did their part and hunkered down in the tents all evening. As the time for a normal departure approached, the staff decided to wait and look at a projected very low wind window of time in the day on the 23rd.
With a late departure from high camp at around 4 am. they found strong winds for a while as they climbed toward the Balcony, and then things began to subside and the group enjoyed low wind and lots of sun for somewhat of a “day climb” and saw little traffic on the ascent. In the end we had 8 summits of staff and clients to the top of Everest at around 11:30 am and enjoyed a nice day on the top of the world.
A special thanks to our incredible staff and a very special thanks to our team members for making the season a fun, safe, and successful year.
