Himalayan Ascent kicked off its autumn season a few weeks ago with multiple trips going multiple directions. In the Khumbu, Jangbu and Gaylgen, have recently successfully guided French couple, Marie Helene and Jean-Pierre Rougeron, on Lobuche East. Marie Helene is now on Ama Dablam aiming to summit on Oct 20. Australians Diane Westaway and Marty Beare have also topped out on Lobuche East and are resting up in Ama Dablam base camp. They too now have their sights in our favorite Khumbhu mountain, Ama Dablam.
Young Chirring (our ex Buddhist monk) is presently guiding the strong American duo of Jonathan Arendt and Stephen on Nirekha, after already successfully summitting Island Peak and Lobuche East. Meanwhile, Lakpa is trekking up with Brit Matt Farr and Australian Matt Eaton to Ama Dablam base camp. The trio will begin climbing Ama Dablam in the next few days.
Out in the Annapurna region, we’ve had a few groups pass through the Gandruk/Poon hill circuit to enjoy Gurung/Magar culture and stunning views of the Annapurna range including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchre. Australian Daren Bracewell is about halfway through his trek to Annapurna base camp with our trekking guide Deepak. Further west and into remote Dolpo, Angkaji and Rabin are guiding Sweds, Erick Edstrom and Leif Christer Rehnberg, to climb Putha Hiunchuli (7246m).
After finally arriving in Kathmandu but missing a bag and after missing a flight, the pair were thrilled to actually land in Dolpo without experiencing further delays or loosing bags between Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal! They are currently on day 2 of the trek into Putha Hiunchuli base camp with good weather! Next week Sumit begins leading a group through a full circuit of the Khumbu (Very Best of Everest) including a summit of Lobuche East, Cho La pass, Gokyo lakes and Renjo La pass. You can never have too much fun in the mountains in Nepal!