Nearly a month on from his departure, we’re pleased to reveal that our managing director, Liam Hanlon, and the Tri-4-Life team, are progressing well as they attempt to summit Mount Everest.
31 March – 1 April
The first days of the venture saw the Everest Summit Team completing the permit process into Kathmandu. They then flew to Lukla, and completed the first day of trekking to Phakding, before arriving in Namche.
2 April
The team first went up to the Tenzing Norgay statue by the Everest visitors centre, then headed to the old air strip. The team then traversed to Khumjung to visit the soon-to-open Sherpa museum, which is being funded by Community Action Nepal, , which the Tri-4-Life team is supporting through the climb.
3 April
The team moved on up to Pangboche, at just over 3,800m. Some of the team managed to catch the odd glimpse of Everest.
4 April
The team went up to the Pangboche monastery in morning and received a blessing. They had great views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse, even Pumori’s summit peeked into view through the clouds.
5 April
The team walked up the ridge behind Dingboche at 5,075m. They also got a great view of their next objective, Lobuche East. All of the team were very happy with how they performed, and the vistas were truly breath taking.
6 April
The team arrived at Lobuche, before making their way to the memorials. It was a very emotional time spent visiting the chortens and reading the plaques of the many climbers who had lost their lives on Everest. This was a time for reflection on the challenges ahead.
From the memorials they made their way along easier terrain, past Lobuche base camp to Lobuche village. The team managed to get views up to high camp, before the cloud closed in on Lobuche east peak.
That evening the team organised their kit needed for Lobuche, and what could also go to Everest base camp.
8 April
The team left Lobuche village for high camp at 6,119m, which took around 5 hours to reach.
The team were rewarded with some of the best views the Khumbu has to offer.
They then made it back down arrived in Lobuche village at 3pm.
This was part of an important acclimatisation phase, where the team have been gradually building up their strength, meaning they will arrive at base camp fully acclimatised and stronger and quicker for the move through the Khumbu icefall.
Tomorrow we are looking forward to the very short 3 hour walk to Gorak Shep and then the luxuries of base camp on the 10th April.
9 April
The team arrived at Gorak Shep, arriving in just under 2 hours and everyone wass feeling good from the acclimatisation.
11 April
The Everest Team safely arrived at Base Camp in the morning morning. Despite the cloud they were warmly welcomed by the base camp staff and climbing Sherpa, who had been working hard since the 25 March to get things ready for the team’s arrival.
All the team were really happy to be there and were very impressed with what will be their home for the next few weeks, with sleeping tents and a communal mess tent.
The team also said a fond farewell to their porters who worked tirelessly to move their equipment to Lobuche high camp, and finally to Everest Base Camp.
The team then enjoyed some well-earned rest, learning some new skills and preparing for the next challenge of tackling the mighty Khumbu ice fall, which is only about a half hour walk from camp
13 April
The team made its first journey into the famous Khumbu icefall, up to 5,500m. No ladders were needed on this outing, and the team were able to get plenty of practice moving on fixed lines.
The team was making excellent progress and running ahead of schedule.
The camps they will eventually climb through are:
Camp 1 – Top of the Khumbu Icefall (6,000m/19,685ft)
Camp 2 – Advanced Base Camp (6,400m /21,000ft)
Camp 3 – Halfway up Lhotse Face (7,500m/24,500ft)
Camp 4 – South Col (7,900m/26,000ft)
14 April
The team were honoured to have the Puja Ceremony at base camp to bless the expedition, an essential part of any Everest expedition.
17 April
On Easter Sunday, the team were happy to open their Cadbury creme eggs and indulge in a bit of chocolate whilst enjoying the breath-taking views.
19 April
After a long day, the team successfully made it to Camp 1 (6,000m), at the top of the Khumbu Icefall, one of the first to reach Camp 1.
It is this point that most people recognise from pictures of Everest; climbers teetering their way across crevasses on ladders and up steep imposing blocks of ice (seracs). Being acclimatised and able to move quickly and smoothly across this terrain was vital, so their strategy of pre-acclimatisation on Lobuche worked well.
In the meantime, the Sherpa team had been working ahead of the group to establish Camp 2 (6,400m) in readiness for the team’s arrival from today, 20 April. Camp 2 will become the main base to attempt the Lhotse face and then the summit.
We wish Liam and the team lots of luck in the next steps of their adventure!
To keep further up to date with their progress, visit their dedicated website here.
If you wish to donate to the effort’s chosen charities, which include Community Action Nepal, the local Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS (WUTH) and its Tiny Stars Appeal, and the Countess of Chester Hospital charities, please visit the JustGiving page here.
