JayanthiKuru-Utumpala and Johann Peries’ skills in ice climbing at high altitudes have come to the fore as they successfully tackled the Khumbu Icefall.  The Khumbu Icefall is an extremely dangerous and treacherouspart of the glacier immediately above Everest Base Camp. It requires skills in ice climbing as well as mental and physical toughness to cross. Jayanthi and Johann have put their years of training to the ultimate test and successfully scaled the Khumbu Icefall.

In addition, further training around Everest Base Camp has seen Jayanthi summit Mt Lobuche, whilst Johann has tested his ice climbing skills around the glacier. This has enabled the two teammates to hone their individual skills thereby ultimately improving their teamwork. 

Jayanthi and Johann are currently trekking up to Camp 1, the first of four extremely high altitude camps on Everest, and are once again crossing the Khumbu Icefall. This is part of the rotation acclimatization process. 

Johann Peries said, “It’s exciting that we are going to be starting our first rotation. At the same time I feel a bit anxious and nervous but positive considering our recent training”.  

JayanthiKuru-Utumpala, echoing Johann, said “I’m also very excited but nervous about heading up to Camp 1 and then to Camp 2 over the next few days. I’m hoping that our bodies continue to acclimatize well as we undertake this first rotation. We will face challenges and we will overcome them.”

The Everest Expedition Team wish to thank their sponsors: Summit Sponsor - Fairway Holdings; Airline Partner - Sri Lankan Airlines; Base Camp Sponsors - Seylan Bank, Sri Lanka Mobiltel Telecom, and Janashakthi Insurance; and Gear Sponsors - SEALs, Petzl and Victorinox.