Madison Mountaineering Summits the 8th Highest Peak in the World

The Madison Mountaineering Manaslu expedition, led by Terray Sylvester, enjoyed 100% success summiting the 'Mountain of Spirit'.

Manaslu / Madison Mountaineering - Terray Sylvester

Madison Mountaineering on Manaslu - 2024 Expedition

The entire Madison Mountaineering Manaslu expedition team has successfully reached the summit. Manaslu is located in the Mansiri Himal range of the Nepalese Himalayas, stands 26,781 ft., and is the 8th highest mountain in the world. Known as the "Mountain of the Spirit", Manaslu is a prominent and revered peak targeted by elite climbers. Manaslu was first summited on May 9, 1956 by Japanese Climbers Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen.

The Madison Mountaineering team, led by Terray Sylvester, followed the northeast ridge route to the summit. The climb begins from the village of Samagaun, where climbers trek to the base camp situated at approximately 15,750 ft. From base camp, climbers navigate a series of higher camps: Camp 1 at approximately 18,700 ft.; Camp 2 at around 21,000 ft.; Camp 3 near 22,300 ft.; and Camp 4 at 24,400 ft. The move to Camp 1 involves a steep, crevasse-laden, glacier climb. Moving from Camp 1 to Camp 2, climbers face extreme avalanche danger while traversing a dangerous section known as the "Japanese Cwm." The route to Camp 3 involves negotiating a series of ice walls. Above Camp 3, the high altitude becomes a significant factor, introducing extreme cold, strong winds, and reduced air. (Manaslu Related Article)

Manaslu Camp 2 / Madison Mountaineering - Terray Sylvester

Report From The Mountain

Madison Mountaineering reported on their website that the team ascended the northeast ridge route which culminates in a peak that towers steeply above its surrounding landscape, and is a dominant feature when viewed from afar. The team enjoyed a beautiful morning on the summit, taking in the views and sharing a special moment together from the top. The team has safely descended all the way down to Camp 2 and will continue their descent down to base camp tomorrow. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this celebratory dispatch from Camp 2:

"100% success on  (8156m/26,759ft)! This morning just before 5 a.m. our entire team touched the top of the eighth highest peak. That includes our three guests, four climbing Sherpas, and myself. We left Camp 4 (7450m/24,445ft) around midnight and were one of the first teams to summit today. That was important because the narrow route to  true summit — a high point on a knife edge ridge — can be crowded. The weather was excellent: we left Camp 4 in light snowfall but emerged from the clouds at about 7,800m. At the top we were treated to clear, starry skies and, importantly, completely still air with zero wind. In the distance to the south we could see lighting flickering in the clouds over the  foothills. At dawn, we could make out the  (8091m/26,545ft) and  (8167m/26,795ft) massifs off to the west. After a short break at Camp 4, we descended to Camp 2 (6400m/21,000ft) in good form. We’re going to enjoy some well-earned rest here tonight, then drop back to base camp (4859m/15,944ft) tomorrow." The Madison Mountaineering Expedition Team:
Chie Takeshita - Japan; Sara Myers - USA; James Morris - USA; Siddhi Tamang - Nepal; Temba Sherpa - Nepal; Ming Dorchi Sherpa - Nepal; Tenzi Sherpa - Nepal; Expedition Leader Terray Sylvester - USA.

Manaslu Camp 3 / Madison Mountaineering - Terray Sylvester

Madison Mountaineering

Madison Mountaineering is an elite mountain guiding company led by Garret Madison. Garrett is among the most accomplished and premiere mountain climbers in the world, having reached the summit of Mt. Everest 14 times. He has also reached the summits of K2, Lhotse, Nuptse, and all of the ‘7 Summits’. In 2014, Garrett led successful ‘guided’ ascents of K2 in 2018 , 2021 and, most recently last spring in 2024.