We feel stunned with sadness and our hearts are heavy today. We awoke early on “Good Friday” morning in Canada to learn of the most tragic event in the climbing history of Everest. The potential for this catastrophe in the Khumbu Icefall has always existed. For more than 50 years death has been known in the Icefall. But the scale of this is unprecedented. We see the faces of Sherpa friends we have lost and our tears, our thoughts and our prayers are with their families.
We want Berg Adventures clients to know that none of the Sherpas who have worked with them directly on BAI treks and climbs were among the 16 men who were lost in the Icefall today. But every Sherpa is a part of a small, close community. This sad, sad day will tear into every Sherpa family that we know.
The fabric of Sherpa family and cultural life is strong. This is a devastating loss but the wheel of life with suffering, sorrow, joy, beauty, compassion continues. The reverence that we have shared along those beautiful trails beneath Ama Dablam, Nuptse and Chomolungma endures and grows.
Wally, Leila, Sara and Deirdre,
The Berg Adventures Office