Dear Friends and Supporters,
We’ve made incredible strides in our journey through the Himalayas, and I’m excited to share an update on our progress. After leaving Namche Bazar early this morning, our goal was to follow the upper Khumbu trail to Tengboche, situated at 3,870m. The route was moderate, offering breathtaking views of the forested valleys below. The entire team felt energized and ready to take on what lay ahead.
As we arrived in Tengboche, we were greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the mighty Himalayas, with Mount Everest standing tall as the highest peak, flanked by the South Col leading to Lhotse. The day was so clear that we could see Island Peak on the horizon — our first major objective, which we plan to tackle early next week.
The real showstopper, though, was the iconic Ama Dablam — the ‘Mother’s Necklace.’ Its striking southwest ridge and towering summit serve as a powerful reminder of the challenge that awaits us.
Now, as we stand in Dingboche at 4,450m, I’m thrilled to share that today was all about preparation. We spent the day testing our gear and practicing critical mountaineering skills. A rope section was set up just outside Dingboche where we focused on movement across steep terrain, both ascending and descending, while wearing our high-altitude gear. We also ran through realistic scenarios, including how to handle rockfalls, communicate effectively in poor weather, and set up ropes in challenging conditions.
By the end of a rigorous double-session training day, I was impressed with how efficient and cohesive the team has become. Everyone is focused on safety first, and we are continually refining our techniques to ensure we’re ready for the challenges ahead. As I always say, “Patience and precision” are key principles in mountaineering, and I’m seeing those qualities in action every day.
The physical and mental health of the team is strong, which is a vital part of our success at this altitude. The positive dynamic within our small team is really something special, and I couldn’t be more proud of how far we’ve come.
Tomorrow marks the start of phase one of Team Ireland’s quest to be the first Irish team to summit Ama Dablam. We’ll be heading up to Chukkung at 4,750m to continue our acclimatization, before moving to high camp. We aim to summit Island Peak early on Wednesday morning (weather permitting), and then our focus will shift entirely to Ama Dablam.
This expedition holds extra significance for me, as it’s a tribute to the 1991 team’s first attempt, where Mike Murphy reached the summit but, sadly, the rest of the team did not. We’re determined to honor that legacy by completing this challenge together.
The training is now behind us, and it’s time to focus on the climbs ahead. With the team’s spirit and dedication, I have no doubt we’re ready.
Thank you all for your ongoing support — we’ll keep you updated as we continue our journey.
