As the Himalayan season winds down, we’re revisiting a different type of foreign mission we sponsored this past fall where an elite rafting crew from Idaho completed a descent of the Dudi Kosi, the silty river that drains Everest. This is their story.

First Ascent guide Melissa Arnot returned to the Himalayan Mountains in October after her successful summit of Mount Everest last May. During the trip Melissa, along with photographer Cory Richards and friend Chhewang Nima, successfully summited Ama Dablam

Around 9 a.m., in the wind and freezing cold, Cory, Chhewang and I stood on top of Ama Dablam at 22,348 feet. The sun was just cresting the summit and the wind made it feel frigid and inhospitable. Around us, we could see amazing views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and many other beautiful Himalayan peaks

As we set up our base camp, I am filled with the excitement of what lies ahead. I know it will be hard. I have seen two teams leave from Ama Dablam, unable to summit because of adverse snow conditions and weather. Somehow, that excites me more. Cory and I ration out

October 26, 2009 As we travel through the Khumbu Valley and over our first two mountain passes, each at 17,200 feet, the landscape gets more arid, and we see fewer and fewer people. I enjoy this part of climbing trips, where you leave the common path and start to explore new territory.

October 21, 2009 Cory and I were awakened this morning by the sound of a familiar and friendly voice, my friend Chhewang Nima. He walked from his village, about an hour away from the place we were staying, to tell us that he would be able to join us on our trip.

First Ascent guide Melissa Arnot returns to the Himalayan Mountains after her successful summit of Mount Everest last May. During the next 21 days, Melissa and photographer Cory Richards will attempt to summit three mountains in the Khumbu region of Nepal, each rising above 20,000 feet.