Baruntse Climbing Expedition | SummitClimb

Baruntse Climbing Expedition Programme Description

Please click one of the links below to view that section of our introductory information or just scroll down (photo right by Tunc Findik: Baruntse seen from basecamp at sundown).

• Programme description:
• Introduction
• Leader and staff
• National park
• Trek to basecamp
• Rest days
• Mera Peak
  
• Basecamp
• High camps
• Summit
• Who is this trip for?

Baruntse Programme Description:

• Introduction: At 7129 metres/23,390 feet, Baruntse (sometimes called Barun Tse or Barunche) lies in the heart of the Himalayan Giants of Nepal and has a higher rate of success reaching the summit than comparable peaks of this height. Our expedition offers an opportunity to climb this 'classic' easier 7000 metre/23,000 foot peak, located in a more remote area of the Khumbu region in Nepal in a relatively short amount of time. The summit affords some of the best views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu that can be seen anywhere in the  Himalaya.
• We teach you everything you need to know about climbing during the trip, during our 'warm-up' climb of easy trekking peak 'Mera Peak', 6,500 metre/21,000 foot high peak. Climb two fun mountains for one low price in a short amount of time.
• Baruntse could qualify you for Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Everest Tibet or Everest Nepal.
• Our proposed schedule allows for a careful and safe ascent, as well as multiple full descents to basecamp (photo right by Tunc Findik: Ascending the summit ridge of Baruntse).
• The style of climbing is cautious and well-timed, with excellent leadership, organization, Sherpa climbers, `walkie-talkie` radios, satellite telephones, cooks and waiters, tasty food, the best equipment, a full kitchen in basecamp, two camps on the mountain, 1000s of metres of fixed line, hundreds of rock, ice and snow anchors, top-quality high altitude tents and high altitude stoves, expedition mix gas, and full safety equipment: medical oxygen, gamow bag, and extensive medical kit.
• Our expedition features one of the most beautiful treks in the world included in the cost.
• This expedition maximizes experience gained over countless Himalayan expeditions with a strong record of reaching the top of our world`s highest peaks. In addition to more than 25 Himalayan expeditions we have an intimate knowledge of the Nepalese officials who regulate the permit system, liaison officers, sherpas, cooks, yak drivers, and hoteliers/restaurateurs. back to top

• Leader and staff: In Kathmandu, during the trek, in basecamp and on the climb, our experienced staff is with you all of the way. Our helpful climbing sherpas are some of the best. They are real high-altitude star-performers and very friendly. Our western leader is a highly experienced, friendly, and well-organized professional with multiple ascents of Everest, Cho Oyu and Ama Dablam. Skillful basecamp cooks prepare delicious, fresh, tasty food and hot drinks at least 3 times a day (photo right by Tunk Findik: The famous Dawa Sherpa, who completed a Tibet Everest basecamp to Nepal Everest basecamp climb and traverse in 20 hours in 2006 on the summit of Baruntse).
• On trek: Our western leader, together with friendly and helpful sherpas, cooks and local people leading yak caravans carry all of your personal equipment, group equipment, and set up camp each day, prepare and serve delicious meals, so you can relax and enjoy the trek. You do not need to carry a heavy rucksack during the trek.
• Our comfortable basecamp: Our cooks and waiters will serve you delicious meals in our dining tents.
• On the mountain: Our western leader and group sherpas will fix the route and set up high camps, as well as carry group equipment, such as tents, stoves, etc. If you wish to help out, we welcome you to do so, otherwise just relax and focus on getting well acclimated and achieving your goals. You do not need to carry a heavy rucksack during the climb.
• Sherpas: We have many group sherpas to help the team. For an additional expense, we can also provide personal sherpas and climbing-guides to individual members who wish to have their own private sherpa. We now encourage members who wish to have a lighter rucksack to hire a 1/4 of a sherpa to help with high altitude equipment transport, carrying your extra weight both up and down the mountain. back to top

• Everest National Park: The park covers an area of 1148 square kilometres in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This includes Baruntse, Mt. Everest and several other well known peaks such as Lhotse, Pumori, Island Peak , and Ama Dablam. The surrounding area is a `world biosphere reserve`. Since 1976 the park has served to safeguard unique cultural, physical and scientific values through sound conservation principles. Vegetation in the park varies from oak, pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes to fir, juniper, birch and rhododendron woods at mid-elevations. Scrub and alpine plant communities with bare rock and glacier are found above the tree line. 22 species of rhododendron bloom during the spring (April and May) and much of the flora is colourful throughout the year. Wild animals most likely to be seen in the park are Himalayan tahr, goral, serow, musk deer, and well over 100 different bird species (photo right by http://www.americazoo.com/goto/index/mammals/420.htm: The Himalayan Tahr can grow to a metre high and weigh upwards of 100 kg).

• Trek to basecamp: This is one of the most beautiful treks in the world with ancient snow-free paths winding past green terraced villages, rushing streams crossed on swinging bridges and each night a comfortable `teahouse` or a good tent pitched in a quiet pasture beneath the highest peaks in the world. Throughout the trek we eat delicious meals prepared by our skillful cooks. The trek will be moderately paced, allowing plenty of time for acclimatization, rest and site-seeing. The trek winds through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on earth, where you can relax in exotic, friendly Sherpa villages. Our trusty yaks and porters carry all of your baggage, so you don`t have to carry a heavy rucksack. Our first destination is Mera Peak basecamp, located at 4800 metres/15,700 feet. back to top

• Rest Days: We will be taking a lot of them throughout the expedition. During your rest days we encourage you to concentrate on recovering, eating and drinking, to read, relax, listen to music and stroll around visiting other teams.

• Mera Peak:  At 6476 metres/21,246 feet, trekking Mera Peak provides great acclimatization before going on to Baruntse, as well as the chance to summit two peaks on the same expedition. The route is fairly straight forward from basecamp with only a few sections of fixed rope near the summit. We will take the opportunity to review climbing techniques, glacier travel, rope fixing, ascending, and descending on this relatively 'safe' mountain before the larger climb of Baruntse (photo right by Dan Mazur: Mera Peak, as seen on the approach trek to basecamp). 

From basecamp, we will move up a high snow pass called the Mera La and camp at 5400 metres/17,700 feet. The views here are stunning with a panoramic ring of Himalayan peaks surrounding the camp. From here we will continue up a short steep walk to Mera high camp at 5800 metres/19,000 feet, located near a rocky outcrop.

From the high camp it is possible to ascend to the summit in one day. The steady climb to the north summit (the true summit of Mera Peak) is rewarded with one of the finest viewpoints in Nepal, giving fantastic views of five 8000 metre peaks, Everest and Lhotse to the north, Kanchenjunga and Makalu to the east, and Cho Oyu to the west.

After descending and packing up, we will continue the trek to Baruntse basecamp descending further into the Hunku Khola Valley.

• Basecamp: Features comfortable dining tents with tables and chairs where our cooks and waiters will serve you delicious meals.

• Climbing to the high camps: We fix ropes all the way from basecamp to the summit.
• Basecamp at 5300 metres/17,400 feet: Our comfortable basecamp is established on a broad open valley next to a beautiful lake on the glacial moraine near the base of the mountain. 
• Camp 1 at 6100 metres/20,000 feet: From basecamp, we follow the right bank of the Barun Glacier, approaching the mountain towards the West Col. We first cross a wide, flat moraine and low angled, crevassed glacier to a snow gully leading up to the West Col. It is a 150 metre/500 foot climb up a 50 degree hard ice snow gully up to the West Col on fixed rope. Upon reaching the top there is a wide flat glacier plateau where we establish camp 1 (photo right by Tunc Findik: Camp 1 at 6100 metres/20,000 feet).
• Camp 2 at 6400 metres/21,000 feet: From camp 1 we begin a long glacier ascent. The climbing is low angled and we may use fixed rope to protect against open or hidden crevasses. As the slope steepens, we reach a small col where we establish camp 2. back to top

• Summit day: From camp 2, there is a short steep 75 degree ice wall we ascend to reach a small col at 6500 metres/21,300 feet. Next is a wide 45 degree snow shoulder up to 6700 metres/22,000 feet, where we reach the sharp summit ridge of Baruntse. We follow this up to a wide summit cone and finally to the true summit itself (7129 metres/23,390 feet).

From the summit you will be treated to incredibly stunning views of Lhotse, Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Kangchenjunga, Makalu, and the Khumbu Himal. You may be surprised to see what a bit more altitude does to the great views you just had on Mera Peak as you experience one of the best panoramic mountain scenes in the world. back to top

• Who is this trip for?

• We encourage men and women from around the world, of all ages to join us as an individual team member or with your own group, whether that is your spouse, partner, friends, sibling, clients, colleagues, etc. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups that enjoy trekking, climbing, and traveling together.
• We teach you everything you need to know about climbing during the trip.
• To participate in this expedition you must be a very fit and active winter-walker-climber in good health. Prior to joining, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice.

Please "click" one of the links on the column on the upper right of the screen under Baruntse to learn more about our expedition. back to top

Baruntse Climbing Expedition Cost | SummitClimb

* Our “full-service" expedition includes:

• Leader: Cost includes a very experienced and qualified British, European, or American leader;
• Climbing Sherpas for the group;
• A free 'warm-up' climb of easy trekking peak 'Mera Peak', 6500 metre/21,300 foot high peak.
• Transport to basecamp to/from Kathmandu, for you and equipment, including all internal / domestic flights Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu;
• Yak transport of all equipment from Lukla to and from basecamp;
• Three hot meals per day on trek, in basecamp on Mera Peak and Baruntse. Comfortable tables and chairs and dining tent in basecamp;
• Skillful basecamp cooks;
• All mountain and basecamp food;
• All permit fees and liaison officers;
• Use of group gear and supplies: rope, ice, rock, and snow anchor protection; basecamp and altitude tents; cookers, fuel, high-altitude food, walkie-talkie radios, satellite telephone, etcetera;
• Emergency equipment and supplies: medical oxygen, gamow bag, basecamp medical kit, high-altitude medical kits, etcetera;
• Top-quality high-altitude tents.
• Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you want your own single room, the cost is an aditional $32 per night (during the included four free hotel nights) and for extra nights $65 per person for single occupancy. Please bring extra cash to pay for your extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, massage, swimming, beauty salon, motorbiking, yoga retreats, river rafting, painting classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, bungie jumping, religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shop, discotheques, airport transfers, Scenic flights around Mount Everest and much much more. Meals in Kathmandu are at your expense. back to top

Trekking: For our full-service members, the cost of this expedition includes one of the most beautiful treks in the world. 

Sherpas and Equipment Transport: Our expedition includes transport of all of your equipment from Kathmandu to basecamp, and returned to Kathmandu. While climbing on the mountain, we DO NOT ask our full-service members to carry heavy group equipment (although it is an option if you really want to), such as tents, rope, fuel, food, etcetera. We employ climbing sherpas, and high-altitude porters, to carry group equipment and supplies. For a minimal expense, we can also provide personal sherpas , and climbing-guides, to individual members who wish to have their own private sherpa or personal climbing-guide. We now encourage members who need a little extra help with the weight to hire a "quarter of a sherpa".

Cooks and Food: On trek, our top notch cooks provide three very tasty meals each day. In base camp on Mera Peak and Baruntse our skillful and hard working cooks prepare three hot meals each day with a very healthy diet of fresh vegetables, cheeses, eggs, and fresh as well as tinned fruits, meats and fish (all meats and fish are prepared separately out of respect for the vegetarians in our midst). They supply you with unlimited hot-drinks, the key to successful acclimatization. We have large weather-proof kitchens and dining tents, with comfortable chairs and tables. On the mountain, we provide you with abundant and nutritious locally available quick-cooking food, so that you may prepare at least three meals and lots of hot drinks each day, in our specially designed high-altitude stoves using our butane-propane expedition mix fuel.

Group Equipment: We provide a plethora of top-quality, and time-tested equipment, group gear, and supplies, including: rope, ice, rock, and snow anchor protection; basecamp, and high altitude tents; cookers, fuel, high-altitude food, walkie-talkie radios, bamboo marker wands, etcetera. We now provide an individual tent for each member in basecamp, so you do not have to share. We also have shower and toilet tent for base camp. Please see the above EQUIPMENT link, to study what we bring for your use and safety.

Staff: Our staff, working together as "Everest Parivar Expeditions, Pvt. Ltd." led by the experienced and influential Mr. Murari Sharma, are hospitality experts and have, for the last 21 years, been arranging overland tours, safaris, raft trips, treks, mountain climbs, trek support staff, cooks, peak climbing permits, satellite phone permits, video and film-making permits, translators, liaison officers, climbing Sherpas, oxygen, helicopter flights, air tickets, equipment purchase/hire, storage, import/export, shipping, customs clearance, transport bookings, advance hotel bookings, visas, repatriations, and permits.

Safety: BOTH full-service and basic expeditions are allowed access to our extensive medical supplies, first-aid kits, medical oxygen, and a gamow bag in case of emergency. Thank you for being a well-prepared and safe team member! back to top

Jay Reilly, our leader, demonstrating the use of the Gamow Bag during a medical training session in basecamp. He is showing us how you can put an altimetre watch into the window of the bag, so that you can witness how the altitude drops inside the bag as you pump it up (Wu Guan Jang).

Visa and Passport: Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. In 2013, the cost of a 90 day visa was $100 USD. 30 days visa cost $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport). Thank you. Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.

*What is not included?

• International flights to Kathmandu and back to your home country.
• Mountain climbing rescue and travel insurance .
• Personal climbing and trekking equipment and clothing .
• Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. In 2013, the cost of a 90 day visa was $100 USD & 30 days visa cost $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport).Thank you. Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.
• Additional expenses like bottled or canned drinks on the trek, tips and gratuities, expenses of a personal nature (ie: laundry or gift shopping) are not included, snack-energy food, changes to the pre-planned itinerary (such as early departure), and expenses while traveling away from the group or leader. Not included are unexpected expenses, such as expenses due to emergencies, rescues, weather, political situations, transport delays, etc.
• We recommend the following tip for our group staff: Baruntse Group Tip: $200  Expect to pay the above tip no matter what.
• Tipping Climbing Sherpas on our peak climbs: for a group Sherpa (Tibetan or Nepalese), who helps you to climb above the high camp or up to the summit and back down, expect to pay a summit-attempt bonus as follows: Baruntse Summit Attempt Bonus: $$50, Summit Success: $$100. back to top

Please ask any questions regarding cost at info@summitclimb.com.

Baruntse Climbing Expedition Detailed Itinerary and Schedule | SummitClimb

Please click one of the links below to view that section of Baruntse's itinerary or scroll down.

Arriving in Kathmandu:

1) Arrive Kathmandu (1,300 meters/4,250 feet). Hotel;

2) Orientation day in Kathmandu. Hotel;

Trekking to Mera Peak:

3) Fly to Lukla (2860 metres/9,400 feet);

4) Trek from Lukla to Chutanga (3474 metres/11,400 feet);

5) Trek across the Zetra La pass (4600 metres/15,100 feet), to the village of Chatra La (4200 metres/13,800 feet);

6) Walk to Kothey (Tashi Ongma) at 3500 metres/11,500 feet;

7) Continue to Tagnag at 4300 metres/14,100 feet;

8) Rest day, acclimatization, explore the surrounding area;

9) Walk to Khare at 5000 metres/16,400 feet, organize equipment;

10) Trek across the Mera La, which is at about 5300 metres/17,400 feet to Mera Peak basecamp at 5100 metres/16,700 feet; 

11) Rest day, acclimatization, explore the surrounding area; back to top

Climbing Mera Peak: 

12) Climb to High Camp, (5768 metres/18,978 feet);

13) Summit Mera Peak (6476 metres/21,246 feet), descend back to Khare;

14) Extra day for summit attempt and packing up, resting; back to top

Trekking to and Climbing Baruntse:

15) Trek to Rato Oral (4683 metres/15,360 feet) on the Hongku Khola, which is the main river that flows from Baruntse;

16) Trek to Pokhari (5003 metres/16,409 feet); 

17) Walk to Baruntse basecamp (5300 metres/17,400 feet);

18) Rest & Acclimatization, training, and organization at basecamp;

19) Rest in basecamp;

20) Climb to camp 1 (6120 metres/20,100 feet);

21) Rest day in camp 1;

22) Climb to camp 2 at 6400 metres/21,000 feet; back to top

Summit Day:

23) Summit attempt (7129 metres/23,390 feet);

24) Extra day for summit attempt, return to basecamp, resting;

25) Extra day for summit attempt, return to basecamp, resting;

26) Extra day for summit attempt, return to basecamp, resting;  back to top

Going Home:

27) Pack and prepare to depart basecamp;

28) Hike to base of Amphu Labtsa pass;

29) Cross Amphu Labtsa pass to to Chukkung;

30) Walk to Namche Bazaar (3450 metres/11,300 feet). Teahouse or camping;

31) Trek to Lukla. Teahouse or camping;

32) Flight to Kathmandu. Hotel;

33) Extra day in Kathmandu, in case of delay, and for sightseeing, gift shopping, celebration, saying goodbye to new friends. Hotel;

34) Fly home. Thank you for joining our Baruntse expedition!  back to top

Baruntse Only

Arriving in Kathmandu:

    1) Arrive Kathmandu (1,300 meters/4,250 feet). Hotel;

    2) Orientation day in Kathmandu. Hotel; back to top

Trekking to Baruntse:

    3) Fly to Lukla (2860 metres/9,400 feet); Trek to Phakding, where we camp in a teahouse at 2650 metres/8,700 feet.

    4) Walk to Namche Bazaar (3,440 metre/11,300 feet).

    5) Rest, acclimate, and relax in Namche Bazaar.

    6) Trek to Pangboche (3,985 metres/13,050 feet).

    7) Walk along to the village of Dingboche (4,410 metres/14,450 feet).

    8) Rest and acclimatization in Dingboche.

    9) Trek to the village of Chukhung (4,730 metres/15,518 feet).

    10) Walk to Amphu Labtsa High Camp (5,213 metres/17,100 feet).

    11) Rest and acclimatization in Amphu Labtsa High Camp.

    12) Cross the Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,779 metres/18,958 feet), descend to Panch Pokhari and camp (5,274                       metres/17,300 feet).

    13) Walk to Baruntse basecamp (5,300 metres/17,400 feet). back to top

Climbing Baruntse:

    14) Walk to Baruntse Advanced Basecamp at 5,800 metres/19,000 feet, return to Baruntse basecamp.

    15) Climb to camp 1 (6120 metres/20,100 feet).

    16) Short climb to camp 2 at 6400 metres/21,000 feet, return to Baruntse basecamp.

    17) Rest in Baruntse Basecamp.

    18) Climb to camp 1 (6120 metres/20,100 feet).

    19) Climb to camp 2 at 6400 metres/21,000 feet back to top

Summit Day:

    20) Summit attempt (7129 metres/23,390 feet);

    21) Extra day for summit attempt, return to basecamp, resting;

    22) Extra day for summit attempt, return to basecamp, pack and prepare to depart basecamp. back to top

Going Home:

    23) Pack and depart basecamp; walk down the Hongu Valley to Kongma Dingma at 4540 metres/14,850 feet

    24) Cross Mera La Pass at 5,300 metres/17,400 feet, descend to Tagnag at 4,300 metres/14,100 feet.

    25) Walk to Chetra Village at 4,200 metres/13,800 feet.

    26) Walk to Lukla at 2,800 metres/9,600 feet.

    27) Flight to Kathmandu. Hotel;

    28) Extra day in Kathmandu, in case of delay, and for sightseeing, gift shopping, celebration, saying goodbye to new friends. Hotel;

    29) Fly home. Thank you for joining our Baruntse expedition! back to top

Baruntse Climbing Expedition Route Description | SummitClimb

Please click one of the links below to view that section of Baruntse's route or scroll down.

• Introduction
• Itinerary
• Weather
  
• Arriving in Kathmandu
• Trekking to Mera Peak
• Climbing Mera Peak
• Climbing Baruntse
  
• Summit Day
• Going Home

At 7129 metres/23,390 feet, Barun Tse lies in the heart of the Himalayan Giants of Nepal and has a higher rate of success reaching the summit than comparable peaks of this height. Our expedition offers an opportunity to climb this 'classic' easier 7000 metre/23,000 foot peak, located in a more remote area of the Khumbu region in Nepal in a relatively short amount of time. The summit affords some of the best views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu that can be seen anywhere in the  Himalaya.

This expedition maximizes experience gained over countless Himalayan expeditions with a strong record of reaching the top of our world`s highest peaks. In addition to more than 25 Himalayan expeditions we have an intimate knowledge of the Nepalese officials who regulate the permit system, liaison officers, sherpas, cooks, yak drivers, and hoteliers/restaurateurs.

We teach you everything you need to know about climbing during the trip, during our 'warm-up' climb of easy trekking peak 'Mera Peak', 6,500 metre/21,000 foot high peak. Climb two fun mountains for one low price in a short amount of time.

Itinerary-

The proposed itinerary allows enough time for proper acclimatization, rest days, and several returns to base camp, where the kitchen and base camp staff can look after all of your needs, and quell your appetite. The weather at this time of year is normally quite good and stable. However, we all know the global weather is changing, and in case of storms, you will note the proposed itinerary includes extra days as well. In previous expeditions, half of those who reached the summit needed every single "extra" day. back to top

Weather-

At low elevation, the temperatures can vary from 27°c to -7°c ( 80°f to 20°f). At higher elevations, the temperature can vary from 16°c to -23°c (60°f to -10°f). The wind is the most chilling factor, and can be quite variable, with everything from a flat calm, to hurricane force on the summit. There may be deep snow, heavy rains, mosquitoes in wet areas, blowing dust, burning heat, bright sunshine. back to top

Arriving in Kathmandu-

The trip begins in the ancient and colorful city of Kathmandu. You stay in a comfortable, simple, clean hotel, and sample some of the tasty Nepalese, Tibetan and Western-Style cuisine. During your free days in Kathmandu, you shall finalize arrangements, including your group visa, and take some time out for trinket hunting, with potential visits to explore the 17^th century splendors of the Monkey Temple, the Durbar Square and old Kings Palace, as well as the ancient city of Patan.

Touring the exotic temples of Bakhtapur, in the Kathmandu Valley (Felix Berg). A holy man praying near the Baghmati River in Kathmandu (Chris Kinny).

We will take this day to finalize arrangements (such as issuing your trekking permit, etc), in between enjoying food and drink at some of the many westernized restaurants in the Thamel neighborhood. Today is an ideal day to pick up extra bits of trekking kit from the plethora of mountain shops selling a surprising variety of good quality new and used mountain clothing, shoes, and nearly everything you might find in a trekking shop in your home country. The local "supermarkets" are great places to stock up on imported chocolates, sweets, and some surprisingly tasty local trekking foods like energy bars, nuts, granola bars, etcetera. back to top

Trekking to Mera Peak-

For our full-service members, the cost of this expedition includes one of the most beautiful treks in the world with ancient snow-free paths winding past green terraced villages, rushing streams crossed on swinging bridges and each night a comfortable `teahouse` or a good tent pitched in a quiet pasture beneath the highest peaks in the world. Throughout the trek we eat delicious meals prepared by our skillful cooks. The trek will be moderately paced, allowing plenty of time for acclimatization, rest and site-seeing. The trek winds through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on earth, where you can relax in exotic, friendly Sherpa villages.

On leaving Kathmandu, we fly to Lukla at 2860 metres/9400 feet, where we meet our yak drivers, and porters. Throughout the entire trek, every day, our bags will be carried by porters and yaks. Interacting with the people transporting our equipment, as well as their livestock, will be an interesting part of our trip, and allow us to set foot into the local culture. back to top

Climbing Mera Peak-

Climbing to the high camps: We fix ropes all the way from basecamp to the summit.

Basecamp at 5300 metres/17,400 feet: Our comfortable basecamp is established on a broad open valley next to a beautiful lake on the glacial moraine near the base of the mountain. 

Baruntse Climbing Expedition Leadership, Sherpas and Staff | SummitClimb

Leadership: During this full-service expedition, you will benefit from the leadership provided by Dan Mazur.

It is Dan's fifth Everest expedition. He is a relaxed, friendly and well organized person, and a highly-skilled professional with 20 years of experience in getting people to the summit and back down with the highest attention to safety. For more about Dan, please "click" on the Leadership link above.

A meeting on the roof of our hotel, where we describe the plan of our expedition. The audience, our trekkers and climbers. Felix demonstrating the members high mountain equipment before a shopping trip to one of Kathmandu's 50 mountain shops to purchase any needed essentials for the members (Franck Pitula).

Note: Our leaders are not guides. They are there to coordinate the expedition and may or may not climb with you personally on the mountain. Our leaders will try to do everything they can to help you, but it is your responsibility to have the skills, strength, equipment, etcetera to do this climb. If you are unsure, you may wish to hire a personal sherpa.

Sherpas: We hire Sherpas and high altitude porters in a support capacity, and now have 23 of these very experienced, friendly, strong, helpful, and loyal people on our staff, including some of Nepal and Tibet's best climbers and some of Nepal's only women Sherpas. Some of our Sherpas have been to the summit of Everest more than 7 times and countless times to Mera Peak and Baruntse. One of our lady sherpas just became the first Nepalese woman to reach the summit of Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Cho Oyu. Many of our sherpas have personally assisted foreign climbers to the summits of more than ten of the highest peaks in the Himalaya.

Note: We strive to provide one group sherpa for each 3-4 members. The group sherpa's duty is to carry group equipment such as tents, rope, food, and gas up and down the mountain. Group sherpas help to setup and take down camps. They are also there to try to assist in any rescues, so the other members may not have to give up their summit attempt to rescue a sick member. They may not be available to climb with members and in some instances, you may be called upon to help carry group equipment and help with group work. If you need more sherpa assistance, we encourage you to hire a personal sherpa.

For a minimal expense, we can also provide personal sherpas and climbing-guides to individual members who wish to have their own private sherpa or personal climbing-guide. 

Our awesome high altitude sherpas and climbing staff with members they have climbed and trekked with:

Staff: Our staff, working together as "Everest Parivar Expeditions, Pvt. Ltd." in our busy agency office in Kathmandu is led by the experienced and influential Mr. Murari Sharma. They are hospitality experts and have, for the last 21 years, been arranging overland tours, safaris, raft trips, treks, mountain climbs, trek support staff, cooks, peak climbing permits, satellite phone permits, video and film-making permits, translators, liaison officers, climbing Sherpas, oxygen, helicopter flights, air tickets, equipment purchase/hire, storage, import/export, shipping, customs clearance, transport bookings, advance hotel bookings, visas, repatriations, rescues, and permits.

Our staff in Kathmandu are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It does not matter which day nor at what time you arrive or depart Kathmandu, they will meet your flight, take you to the hotel, help you find essential things like money changing, shopping, arrange tours of the city, etcetera. 

Top row from Left: Murari K. Sharma - Everest Parivar Exp. Pvt. Ltd(MD), Jangbu Sherpa - Climbing Sherpa, Pemba Sherpa - High Altitude Kitchen Boy, Dorjee Lama - High Altitude Kitchen Boy, Tempa Sherpa - Basecamp Kitchen Boy, Krishna Rana Marag - Trekking Guide, Deha K Shrestha - Manager. Bottom row from left; Jens Vogel, Kandu Sherpa - Lady Trekking Guide, Cho-Wang Sherpa - Friend, Maya Sherpa - Lady Climbing Sherpa.

Our leaders, staff, and sherpas look forward to serving you on our expeditions to form a successful team and create a rewarding experience.

Baruntse Climbing Expedition Training and Mountain Experience | SummitClimb

Please "click" one of the links below to go directly to that information or scroll down.

• Team member Experience
• Fitness and Health
• Training Prior to the Expedition
• Training During the Expedition

Team Member Experience:

 Extensive experience is not required for climbing Baruntse. The most important thing is for members to be in adequate walking fitness. You may attempt this climb as a novice and we will teach you what you need to know. No further experience is required.

Our leaders and our team-climbing-sherpas are there to ensure you make it up to the summit and back down safely.

We welcome you to join our expedition as an individual and most of our members do. We plan to assemble our team members into groups so you should not have to climb alone, although occasionally it may happen. By the way, we are unable to accommodate 'soloists' who are not willing to climb together with other team members or sherpas from our team. The main expectation is that members will be prepared to climb with a team member or sherpa above basecamp if possible. This practice ensures that the entire team has a fun, successful, and safe time on the mountain. back to top

Fitness and Health:

To participate in this expedition you must be a very fit and active winter-walker-climber in good health. Prior to joining our group, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for travel in extremes of altitude, and also for exotic locales.

Note: You can purchase all necessary medicines inexpensively with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu. Please make sure you have physically trained yourself very thoroughly before joining this climb. For a list of the medications we recommend you purchase, please click here. We look forward to climbing together with you! back to top

Training Prior to the Expedition:

• Firstly, you should always consult your doctor before starting a rigorous exercise plan.
• In the beginning, to see how you handle the training, and to avoid muscle strains that could slow your training down, you may wish to use shorter more frequent but less taxing workouts, and take more rest. After you get "up to speed" as it were, you could increase the rigour. Older climbers and walkers please take note of the latter. Also remember that swimming is an excellent form of training because it does not put stress upon your joints. Thank you.
• In order to train well for your trip you should work toward excercising 3 to 4 times a week for between 40 minutes and an hour and a half each time. You should expect to work hard, and try to keep your heartrate quite high and your breathing quite heavy.
• Adequate rest and a well balanced diet are also essential to avoid injury and illness before the expedition. You should sleep at least 8 hours per night, and eat 3 nutritious meals a day. Don't forget that you will perspire when you train, so try to drink at least 4 litres/quarts of water a day.
• You may wish to engage the services of a personal trainer, who could help you to fine tune your fitness to a higher level while minimizing strain and maximising your potential in ways you might not have imagined. Personal trainers can also be a great motivator, as you and the trainer have your weekly session, thus you will feel an incentive to complete your planned fitness programme for that week.
• Utilising both gym equipment and the great outdoors will provide a more balanced exercise programme. You should try to accomplish at least half of your workouts outside. This could include walking and running (On stairs and hills too) and cycling, but above all should be fun! Hillwalking and climbing with a pack weighing 5-10 Kilos/10-20 pounds is essential. If you don't have hills, why not go for stairs, bleachers, viewing stands, stadiums, even the stairways in tall buildings? Don't forget to spend time directly working the muscles of the legs, back and shoulders, and remember that your own body weight can be just as effective as weights, or machines.
• About 6 weeks before the expedition departure date, you may wish to do 1 full day each week of hill walking, climbing or an equivalent, with a light rucksack. On that day, you would want to eventually work toward six-eight hours of continuous walking or climbing up and down hill, with 4 to 6 separate ten minute breaks and a 1/2 to 1 hour lunch break midway through.
• To minimize the chance of injuring yourself, consider starting with a half day and then if you do well, increase to 2/3, then eventually to a full day, once a week.
• We want you to arrive for your expedition in top shape, so please take plenty of rest and do not over-do it.
• Hint: when carrying a rucksack while descending, walking, or climbing down-hill, try carrying a bit less in your rucksack in order to save your knees. Many trainers advise carrying water bottles up the hill then emptying them at the top so your rucksack is lightened for the trip down. back to top

Training During the Expedition:

We hope that you will arrive for your Baruntse Expedition in good health, both mentally and physically prepared, so we can work together as a team and have a successful expedition.

Baruntse Climbing Expedition Personal & Team Mountain Equipment | SummitClimb

Baruntse Climbing Expedition Question & Answer section | SummitClimb

• A) How do I join and prepare for this trip?
  • How shall I join the team? Request information and application materials.Open in a new window
    Please fill out our online request information form . Please be sure and tell us which expeditions you are interested in and mention your experience, qualifications, etcetera . Please send us your email, postal address, and telephone number (which will remain absolutely confidential, we never share your addresses, phone numbers, or any personal details).
     
    Complete the international or US application form.
     
    Firstly, carefully read all of the associated information here on the website, ask questions and discuss it with us, print out your application from this website, then complete, sign, and post the application forms, and additional required documents immediately. Include your 10 percent refundable deposit, passport photocopy, 2 passport size photos (name printed on reverse), proof of insurance, and other required documents such as flight itinerary (may be sent now or follow later).
     
    Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:
     
    [ ] Completed Payment. Please restate payments you made and what those payments were for, ie full vs basic, sherpas, etc.
    [ ] Make your Sherpa order (if any) crystal clear at this time, personal sherpa, quarter sherpa, payment, etc.
    [ ] Trip Registration Form (part of 4 page form),
    [ ] Signed Participant Release and Acknowledgement of Risk (part of 4 page form),
    [ ] Signed Terms and Conditions of Booking (part of 4 page form),
    [ ] Signed Medical Form (part of 4 page form),
    [ ] 1 Passport sized photo, which is a simple, very clear picture of your face, sent as an email scan. (We simply require a picture of your face against a white background. You can take it yourself for free with your own digital camera or smart phone),
    [ ] Exact photocopy of passport identification pages,
    [ ] Exact photocopy of complete flight itinerary,
    [ ] Proof of mountain rescue and repatriation insurance,
    [ ] Proof of travel, accident, and repatriation insurance (cancellation insurance is advised).
    
    Please do let us know what further questions you may have about the registration process, or anything else for that matter. Thank you.
  • Is this a guided trip?Open in a new window
    We are friendly and highly experienced expedition leaders, climbers, trekkers and organizers, with a 17+ year track record of building high-quality, safe, friendly and fun climbing & trekking teams and succesfully placing our team members on the summit, helping them achieve their goals, and getting home safely. Our leaders and our top team of sherpas are not licensed guides, but some of the most qualified Himalayan mountain specialists available. We are there to assist the entire group. This is a team effort. Our leaders and sherpas are there to help all members safely and successfully climb within their abilities; including an equal chance at the summit for everyone in the team. They will try to do everything they can to help you, but it is your responsibility to have the skills, strength, equipment, etcetera to do this climb. If you are unsure, you may wish to hire a personal sherpa.
     
    All of our expeditions include sherpas for the group. If you need more personal attention, we suggest you hire one of our excellent personal sherpas.
  • What sort of experience should I have?Open in a new window

    Extensive experience is not required for climbing Baruntse. The most important thing is for members to be in adequate walking fitness. You may attempt this climb as a novice and we will teach you what you need to know. No further experience is required.

     

    We welcome you to join our expedition as an individual and most of our members do. We plan to assemble our team members into groups so you should not have to climb alone, although occasionally it may happen. By the way, we are unable to accommodate 'soloists' who are not willing to climb together with other team members or sherpas from our team. The main expectation is that members will be prepared to climb with a team member or sherpa above basecamp if possible. This practice ensures that the entire team has a fun, successful, and safe time on the mountain.
    
  • What sort of training should I pursue if I join the expedition?Open in a new window
    Firstly, you should always consult your doctor before starting a rigorous exercise plan.
    • In the beginning, to see how you handle the training, and to avoid muscle strains that could slow your training down, you may wish to use shorter more frequent but less taxing workouts, and take more rest. After you get "up to speed" as it were, you could increase the rigour. Older climbers and walkers please take note of the latter. Also remember that swimming is an excellent form of training because it does not put stress upon your joints. Thank you.
    • In order to train well for your trip you should work toward excercising 3 to 4 times a week for between 40 minutes and an hour and a half each time. You should expect to work hard, and try to keep your heartrate quite high and your breathing quite heavy.
    • Adequate rest and a well balanced diet are also essential to avoid injury and illness before the expedition. You should sleep at least 8 hours per night, and eat 3 nutritious meals a day. Don't forget that you will perspire when you train, so try to drink at least 4 litres/quarts of water a day.
    • You may wish to engage the services of a personal trainer, who could help you to fine tune your fitness to a higher level while minimizing strain and maximising your potential in ways you might not have imagined. Personal trainers can also be a great motivator, as you and the trainer have your weekly session, thus you will feel an incentive to complete your planned fitness programme for that week.
    • Please allow us to introduce you to our friend Ben Palmer. Ben is nice person and an avid climber, on rock, ice, in Scotland, the Alps and the Himalaya. Ben is uniquely qualified as a personal trainer, with four years experience as a Premier Global Level III Personal Trainer (The highest qualification available).
    • For more information on how to train for the expedition or for a detailed exercise regime please email Ben: ben@benpalmerfitness.co.uk . Thank you very much.
    • Utilising both gym equipment and the great outdoors will provide a more balanced exercise programme. You should try to accomplish at least half of your workouts outside. This could include walking and running (On stairs and hills too) and cycling, but above all should be fun! Hillwalking and climbing with a pack weighing 5-10 Kilos/10-20 pounds is essential. If you don't have hills, why not go for stairs, bleachers, viewing stands, stadiums, even the stairways in tall buildings? Don't forget to spend time directly working the muscles of the legs, back and shoulders, and remember that your own body weight can be just as effective as weights, or machines.
    • About 6 weeks before the expedition departure date, you may wish to do 1 full day each week of hill walking, climbing or an equivalent, with a light rucksack. On that day, you would want to eventually work toward six-eight hours of continuous walking or climbing up and down hill, with 4 to 6 separate ten minute breaks and a 1/2 to 1 hour lunch break midway through.
    • To minimize the chance of injuring yourself, consider starting with a half day and then if you do well, increase to 2/3, then eventually to a full day, once a week.
    • We want you to arrive for your expedition in top shape, so please take plenty of rest and do not over-do it.
    • Hint: when carrying a rucksack while descending, walking, or climbing down-hill, try carrying a bit less in your rucksack in order to save your knees. Many trainers advise carrying water bottles up the hill then emptying them at the top so your rucksack is lightened for the trip down.
  • Where should I purchase my equipment?Open in a new window
    We help you buy and rent inexpensive mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and walking gear, equipment, clothing, boots, shoes for sale, purchase and hire at affordable, cheap, low prices. 
    • We recommend that you shop carefully and frugally for your clothing and climbing equipment. Below we have listed some of the least expensive shops we know about in Kathmandu, UK, Seattle, Canada, Chamonix, and Hong Kong. If you hear of any others, we would like to know about them, as we wish to tell our members where they can purchase equipment affordably.
      
    • Kathmandu has a wide variety of inexpensive used and competitively priced equipment, boots, shoes, and clothing; In over 50 well-stocked mountaineering and trekking shops. We recommend you purchase your Millet Everest One-sport boots and crampons in Kathmandu, where a very wide selection is available for reasonable prices. We also recommend you purchase your down/duvet jacket, trousers and suit there as well, again for some of the best selection and prices to be found anywhere. Also, be sure to purchase your closed cell kari-mat foam mattresses in Kathmandu. Why bring duffle bags of foam mats on your international flight? Please send us an email to request a Kathmandu price list. If you need a pair of high altitude mitts, we don't recommend Kathmandu, but rather suggest you check out mittens by Wild Country or Outdoor Research (the OR Alti has been popular with our Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse summitters).
    • For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here". For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here". For more information about how much cash to bring for a Baruntse expedition, please "click here".
    • Below we have listed several inexpensive shops around the world. It may be best to telephone them directly with your questions, as they are very busy and do not always answer email enquiries in a timely manner. When you do contact them, always be sure to mention your name and the name of our company and expedition leaders to them, as we send them many customers and they often give our members substantial discounts. You may or may not choose to purchase the product from them, but it should give you a good idea of what the fair price for the equipment should be. We especially recommend Second Ascent in Seattle, as it has a very large selection of second hand, discontinued, and rental mountain climbing equipment and clothing.
    • One strategy our members often pursue is to visit Seattle for one of our Glacier Schools, and then during time set aside during the course, work together with our leaders to try-on, compare, and purchase and hire the equipment they need at one of the least expensive mountaineering shops in Seattle. It is rare to find such a good selection of equipment and clothing in one shop, but Seattle is known for its large glaciated peaks, and large community of mountaineers.

    Mount Everest Summiter's Shop - Kathmandu - (For hardwear like Millet Everest Onesport boots, plastic boots, trekking boots, ice axes, crampons, ascenders, helmets, and harnesses) E-mail: evecom@mos.com.np, Tel: (9771) 4468775 (Res), (9771) 4219404 (Shop), (977) 9841237504 (Mob)

    Shona's Shop - Kathmandu - (Manufactures down duvet clothing. Hundreds of their jackets, trousers, and suits have reached the summit of Everest) e-mail: shonasrentals@hotmail.com , phone: (9771) 4265120

    Everest Hardwear - Kathmandu - (Manufactures down duvet clothing. Hundreds of their jackets, trousers, and suits have reached the summit of Everest. A bit better quality than Shona's.) e-mail angsonam25@yahoo.com , tel (9771) 4230399, mobile (977) 98510 45706

    Peglers - UK

    www.peglers.co.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 1903 883375
    Pegler's have the largest selection of inexpensive clothing and equipment in the UK.

    Second Ascent - Seattle

    www.secondascent.com, Tel: +1 206 545 8810
    

    Check out their new online shopping store for used and discontinued equipment, clothing, and boots.

    
    

    Mountain Equipment Co-op - Canada
    http://www.mec.ca/, Tel: +1 888 847 0770
    

    MEC have the largest selection of inexpensive clothing and equipment in the Canada.

    Snell Sports - Chamonix
    
    Tel. : + 33 4 50 53 02 17, email: snell@cham3s.com

    Decathlon - France

    

    http://www.decathlon.fr/FR/index.html

     

     

    Au Vieux Campeur - France

    

     

    www.au-vieux-campeur.fr

     

     

    Chamonix Alpine Equipment - Hong Kong

    
    www.hongkongclimbing.com/chamonix/chamonix.htm
    Tel: +852 2388 3626, +852 2374 0924

     

    Everestgear.com - Online

    

      www.everestgear.com 

     

  • When must I decide?Open in a new window
    Please post your 10% refundable deposit now, to reserve your membership in our team. If you decide not to go, we send your money back, subject to our refund policy. Complete your payment two months prior to departure, unless you make special arrangements with us.
  • May I join this expedition as an individual?Open in a new window
    We encourage you to join us as an individual team member. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups of people that enjoy climbing together.
  • May I bring my friends, family, colleagues, and clients with me on this trip?Open in a new window

    Because there are a group of you, you can benefit from our group discounts:

    2-3 persons receive a five percent discount. 4-5 persons receive a ten percent discount, and 6-8 members receive a 15 percent discount (we also provide discounts for doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners, returning members and combining trips). If you would be so kind as to send the email and postal addresses of the other person(s) in the group, we would be glad to send them the information and a colour card as well. Thanks.

  • May I bring a trekker(s) with me on the climb?Open in a new window
    It is a good idea to bring friends, family, colleagues, and clients along as trekkers. It is easy for us to arrange. 
  • What sort of contact will I have with the team before the trip?Open in a new window
    We send out a newsletter with all of the logistics for your arrival in Nepal approximately one month prior to the expedition. At this point, we usually share your email address with the other team members, so you may meet one another.
  • What will the weather and temperature be like?Open in a new window
    At low elevation, the temperatures can vary from 27°c to -7°c ( 80°f to 20°f). At higher elevations, the temperature can vary from 16°c to -23°c (60°f to -10°f). The wind is the most chilling factor, and can be quite variable, with everything from a flat calm, to hurricane force on the summit. There may be deep snow, heavy rains, mosquitoes in wet areas, blowing dust, burning heat, bright sunshine.
  • How shall I organize my visa?Open in a new window
    Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa is approximately $100 USD & a 30 day visa costs approximately $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport). Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.”
    
    
  • Which vaccinations and immunizations will I need?Open in a new window

    Many medical precautions are advised, including vaccinations. Please see your local tropical/travel medicine clinic, physician, or general practitioner. There are also numerous immunization resources on the internet, and one of the best is from Kathmandu's famous CIWEC Clinic:

    http://ciwec-clinic.com/health-information/immunizations-recommended-for-travel-in-nepal/

    Note: You can purchase all necessary medicines inexpensively with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu, but we recommend you obtain the vaccinations in your home country.

  • How shall I pay?Open in a new window

    We accept credit card, cheque, electronic bank transfer, cash, traveler's cheque, etcetera. You may post us cheques, pay in cash on arrival (initial payment required), send a bank wire, etcetera.

    If you wish to make a bank to bank transfer, please request our bank details via email.

    If you wish, we are able to take your credit card details and charge your card.

    In that case, please send:

    Type of card: Visa, Amex, Mastercard, Discover;
    • Card number;
    • Expiration date;
    • Card security code: 3 digits on back of Visa, 4 on front of Amex;
    • Name as it appears on the card;
    • Billing address for the card;
    • Email address;
    • Telephone number.
      

    Please send these details to us via email to info@SummitClimb.com (perhaps safer to divide this information into two emails) or via phone or post when you are ready to pay.

    When sending your details, would you please include the name of  the trip, month and year of the trip, and amount you wish to pay, ie: "refundable deposit" or "full-payment", etcetera. Thank you.

    Here are our phone details:

    • UK phone: +44 (0) 7810375400 (evenings are best)
    • USA phone: +1 360.570.0715
    • Skype: SummitClimb

    In case you wish to use paypal, our paypal address is info@SummitClimb.com .
    

    Our postal addresses are:

    30 Downfield Lodge, Downfield Road, Clifton Bristol BS8 2TQ, ENGLAND
    
    OR:
    • POB 123
    • Lakebay, WA
    • 98351 USA
    Please send us any questions and comments you may have about the payment process or anything else. Thank you very much and welcome to our team.
  • What if I decide to cancel my membership?Open in a new window
    If you decide to cancel your membership, your payment will be refunded according to the refund policy contained in the registration forms. We urge you to purchase cancellation insurance whenever possible. We are able to hold your payment with no penalty, if you decide to go on another trip at a later date.
  • Is there a chance this trip will be cancelled?Open in a new window
    Only in the rarest of circumstances has a trip ever been cancelled. If we decide to cancel the trip, 100 percent of your payment shall be returned.
  • What is your refund policy?Open in a new window

    Only rarely have we ever canceled a trip. If we decide to cancel the trip, 100 percent of your payment shall be returned.
    

    Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, and the harsh "no-refund" policies of third-world tour operators and government mountaineering offices, We must adhere to a stringent refund policy. PARTICIPANTS ARE ADVISED TO PURCHASE TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE. Specific cancellation and refund policies may supersede those enumerated below. If you cancel your trip membership 60 or more days before scheduled departure, this will result in an 75% refund. 59-30 days before scheduled departure will result in a 50% refund. 29-14 days before scheduled departure will result in a 25% refund, 13 or less days before scheduled departure results in zero refund.

• B) Who are the leaders, sherpas, and staff?
  • Who will be leading the expedition?Open in a new window

    The leader of your expedition is a very experienced and qualified British, European, or American leader.

    Note: Our leaders are not guides. They are there to coordinate the expedition and may or may not climb with you personally on the mountain. Our leaders will try to do everything they can to help you, but it is your responsibility to have the skills, strength, equipment, etcetera to do this climb. If you are unsure, you may wish to hire a personal sherpa.

    Please click here to view our Baruntse leadership page for more about our leader, organizer, sherpas, and staff.

  • How can I meet the leader(s) of the expedition?Open in a new window
    We encourage you to meet with the expedition leader(s) during our Lecture Tour . Each year our leaders tour the world and present slide and video lectures detailing their recent climbs in order to raise money for charities/non-profits, such as the MountEverestFoundation.org . Please enquire as to the possibility of hosting or attending such a presentation in your locale.

    In addition, we urge you to participate in our GLACIER SCHOOL held each spring and autumn, where you can meet and climb together with the leader(s).

  • Will there be Sherpas?Open in a new window

    All of our full-service expeditions include sherpas for the group. We hire Sherpas and high altitude porters in a support capacity, and now have 23 of these very experienced, friendly, strong, helpful, and loyal people on our staff, including some of Nepal's best climbers and some of Nepal's only women Sherpas. Some of our Sherpas have been to the summit of Everest more than 7 times. One of our lady sherpas just became the first Nepalese woman to reach the summit of Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Cho Oyu. Many of our sherpas have personally assisted foreign climbers to the summits of more than ten of the highest peaks in the Himalaya. 

    Note: We strive to provide one group sherpa for each 3-4 members. The group sherpa's duty is to help the members and to carry group equipment such as tents, rope, food, and gas up and down the mountain. Group sherpas help to setup and take down camps. They are also there to try to assist in any rescues, so the other members do not have to give up their summit attempt to rescue a sick member. Our group Sherpas will help you throughout the climb and they will also help you during the ascent up to the summit and back down. If you need more sherpa assistance, we encourage you to hire a personal sherpa.

    Is it possible to hire a sherpa to provide me a bit of extra help?

     

    We are offering two different sherpa services to provide a bit of extra help and greatly increase chances for a successful summit to our members.
    

    Full personal-private sherpas-

    For those who do not wish to carry their own rucksack, or prepare their own meals and drinks above basecamp, we offer full personal-private sherpas (or, you may wish to share one with another member). A personal sherpa climbs and camps with you at all times and carries approximately ten kilos/22 pounds of your personal belongings. He also helps with boiling water and making your meals on the mountain. The cost of hiring a personal-private sherpa is as follows.
    • A personal sherpa is available for: $3450.

    High altitude "personal-equipment-carriage-service"-

    • Divide the above prices by four if you would like to have approximately 10 kilos of your personal equipment carried up and down the mountain, between camps. You must provide a 48 hour notice while on the mountain. Although the price is less than the full personal-private sherpa, the "personal-equipment-carriage-service" does not involve the additional services provided by the full personal-private sherpa. This service is mainly to help get equipment up and down between camps. If you need more help than this, please consider hiring a full personal-private sherpa.

    If you are thinking about either option, please let us know so we can find a sherpa most suitable to your needs. We must know two months before the climb. Please feel free to ask us any questions about sherpas and about which of our two options may be most suited to your needs. Thank you.

    Please click here to view our Baruntse leadership page for more about our leader, organizer, sherpas, and staff. 
    

    The above costs of hiring your own personal-private Sherpa include their equipment, food, accommodation, clothing, permits, visas, transport, and insurance. The above prices do not include gratuities, summit bonus, and tips. Please see our other questions about tipping and bringing gifts for sherpas.

  • Who will be organizing the expedition?Open in a new window

    During this full-service expedition, you will benefit from the organization provided by Dan Mazur. He is a relaxed, friendly and well organized person, and a highly-skilled professional with years of experience in getting people to the summit and back down with the highest attention to safety. He has been leading and organizing successful and safe overland, trekking, and mountaineering expeditions for 18 years, to Tibet, Nepal, Tadjikistan, Pakistan, India, China, Africa, and North America. For more about Dan, please "click" on the Leadership link above.

  • Who are the staff of the expedition?Open in a new window

    Our very loyal and hard-working staff are made up of porters, yak-drivers, guides, basecamp managers, wait staff, kitchen assistants, cooks, high-altitude porters, high-altitude climbing-sherpas, bus, truck, and jeep drivers, local agents, tour-operators, and government liaison officers and ministry officials.

    Please click here to view our Baruntse leadership page for more about our leader, organizer, sherpas, and staff.  
    

  • Welcome mountain guides.Open in a new window
    If you are already a professional mountain guide, we are glad to offer you a 10% discount. We provide this on all trips to UIAGM, MLTB, AMGA, BMG, and all other certified climbing guides from every nation. Thank you for joining our team.
  • Employment, internships, and "Leader-In-Training" programme.Open in a new window

    Yes, we do offer discounts for "leaders-in-training". For those members who are aspiring leaders and/or mountain guides, and want to learn about what is involved in being an expedition leader, and are willing to arrive a few days before the expedition and stay a few days after the expedition, and help with logisitics and leadership before, during, and after the expedition, the "leader-in-training" position may be a desirable one. Many of our expedition leaders started in such a role, and progressed on to become full time leaders. Please view our new Leaders-In-Training Website.

  • Do I need to tip our staff and sherpas?Open in a new window

    It is customary that each expedition member will make a contribution toward staff gratuities. Our staff are extremely proud of their efforts, and receiving a gratuity is a matter of the utmost honour, a mark of recognition of a job well done. We will "pool" these tips together and then, as a group, we will vote on the distribution of the tips to the individual staff. This method has seemed to be the fairest and has worked very well in the past. Our staff of more than 23 Sherpas is an extremely loyal and hard working group. You will be duly impressed by their level of effort and reliability. The main reason our staff are consistently some of the hardest working people in town, on trek, and on the mountain, is that they know they can rely on the generosity of our members to consistently provide a good tip. Please be sure to keep up the tradition, for future team members, as you have benefited from the reliable generosity of team members who came before you. Thank you very much.

    There are two types of tips, the staff tip, and the summit-attempt bonus.

    The "staff tip" will be $150 USD per foreign climber. Expect to pay this tip no matter what.

    For the "summit-attempt bonus" a group Sherpa who helps you to climb above the high camp or up to the summit and back down, expect to pay $200 USD per sherpa. That amount of money may be split between the climbers in the summit party.

    If you have a personal Sherpa, your total tip will be more, to include both the "staff tip" of $150 USD plus a separate tip for your personal sherpa of approximately $150 USD if you DO NOT climb above the high camp or approximately $200+ USD if you DO climb above the high camp or up to the summit.

  • May I bring clothing and equipment to give to the Sherpas as gifts?Open in a new window

    Please do. Clothing and equipment gifts are highly appreciated. Also, Sherpa children and wives and sisters and mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers need clothing and shoes too. Please remember that sherpas come in all shapes and sizes, from children to adults. Items that are very small or very large can be traded for items that fit. There are men and women Sherpas, and they may be tall, short, extra-large, large, medium or small. The clothing and equipment you bring will be collected from you at the end of each expedition, then stock-piled by the lead staff and handed out to the Sherpas at the beginning of each expedition. In this way, we can ensure that they will actually use it during the expedition and not sell it immediately.

    Here is a list of items that are needed broken into sections. Please click a link below to go directly to that list or scroll down.

    Clothing and shoes for the village and in town (men, women, and/or children)
    • Clothing and shoes for the mountain (men and women)
    • Climbing equipment (men and women)
    • Communications and electronics
    • Medical and educational
      

    Clothing and shoes for the village and in town (men, women, and/or children):

    • t-shirts;
    • cotton or wool or synthetic shirts and trousers;
      
    • fleece/pile/polar shirts and trousers;
    • thermal trousers or shirts;
      
    • waterproof clothing;
      
    • warm hats;
    • caps;
    • gloves;
      
    • under garments;
    • socks;
      
    • scarves;
    • bandanas;
    • boots;
      
    • shoes;
    • sandals;
      
    • dress-up clothes and shoes;
    • suits. back to top

    Clothing and shoes for the mountain (men and women):

    • thermal trousers or shirts;
    • cotton or wool or synthetic shirts and trousers;
    • gore-tex jackets and trousers and suits;
    • fleece/pile/polar shirts and trousers;
    • duvet/down jackets;
    • warm hats;
    • scarves;
    • bandanas;
    • socks;
    • mittens;
    • gloves;
    • duvet/down booties;
    • boots;
    • plastic or one-sport climbing boots;
    • rock shoes. back to top

    Climbing equipment (men and women):

    • harnesses;
    • slings;
    • webbing;
    • ascenders;
    • belay/abseil devices;
    • descenders;
    • carabiners;
    • ropes;
    • ice-axes and ice-tools;
    • pitons;
    • ice-screws;
    • rock protection;
    • cams;
    • helmets;
    • sunglasses;
    • goggles;
    • face masks/balaclavas;
    • day packs/sacks;
    • full-size rucksacks/backpacks;
    • kit/duffle/travel bags;
    • tents. back to top

    Communications and electronics:
    

    • GPS devices;
      
    • computers/laptops (at least a pentium 2 or newer is preferred);
      
    • old mobile phones (must use sim card);
    • old satellite phones;
      
    • walkie-talkies;
    • music playing devices;
      
    • watches. back to top

    Medical and educational:

    • cosmetics;
    • medical supplies;
    • medecines;
      
    • hygiene items;
    • books;
    • kids toys of educational value (reading, writing, mathematics, science, etcetera).
    Please submit any other ideas for gifts we may have overlooked to, info@summitclimb.com . back to top
• C) Who are the members?
  • What type of team members will be on the expedition?Open in a new window

    Members are men and women from around the world who enjoy touring, walking, climbing, camping, and being in the mountains with friends. Our youngest member was age 20, and our oldest 66 years of age. The average age is 36, with many members in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. We have neither a lower nor an upper limit on group size.

    PLEASE NOTE: We seek out members who can bring to this expedition a friendly spirit of team-work, as high altitude climbing and trekking are all about cooperation and working together and getting on with your team-mates.

  • How can I meet the other members of the expedition?Open in a new window
    Quite often, during our lecture tours, we organize meets of our team-members. Please enquire as to the possibility of this in your area. Also, in our GLACIER SCHOOLS past, present, future, and prospective members are able to meet and climb together. Approximately one month prior to the expedition we send out a newsletter with all of the logistics for your arrival in Nepal. At this point, we usually share your email address with the other team members, so you may meet one another.
  • Who will I be climbing and camping with during the expedition?Open in a new window

    We have been told that our members and groups get along extremely well, and members are pleased to learn how enjoyable our expeditions are, and often say how pleasantly surprised they are by how well our team members and staff and leaders function together.

    In basecamp, WE PROVIDE YOUR OWN PERSONAL TENT, WHICH DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SHARED. Most members prefer a single room while in Kathmandu. Our trek-tents and high-altitude tents are based on sharing.

    On Baruntse and Mera Peak, it is common to use fixed lines, where groups of as many as 5 people ascend and descend together. However, team members are individually clipped to the fixed line. Each night, the groups will camp in an established campsite where there are multiple expedition tents. Throughout the climbing days and camping nights, our leaders and sherpas will be climbing and camping together with you to help set up tents and make sure you are staying healthy and safe and that things are going well.

    If you did not join together with your climbing partner (many members join as individuals), you will have ample opportunity, during the training, approach/trekking, and first expedition days to determine who you would prefer to climb with. Depending upon the variable speed with which everyone is acclimatizing, these groups and partnerships can form and recombine several times throughout our expedition, where the pace is slow and careful, and there is enough time for multiple summit attempts.

  • Will I be sharing a room or tent with anyone?Open in a new window
    Most members prefer a single room while in Kathmandu. Our trek-tents and high-altitude tents are based on sharing.
  • How large will the group be?Open in a new window
    The average group has probably been 10 people, with half of all expeditions having less, and half having more members. As we add members to our team, we hire more Sherpas to assist the group as a whole, bring additional supplies and equipment, and add additional leaders, assistant-leaders, and leaders-in-training.
  • What is the minimum number of members needed to run the expedition?Open in a new window
    The minimum number of members needed is 3, although sometimes we will still run an expedition with less than 3 people.
  • May I join this expedition as an individual?Open in a new window
    We encourage you to join us as an individual team member. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups of people that enjoy climbing together.
  • May I bring my friends, family, colleagues, and clients with me on this trip?Open in a new window
    We offer a 5% discount for groups of 2 to 3, 10% for 4 to 8, 15% for 9 to 15, and 20% for 16 or more.
  • May I bring a trekker(s) with me on the climb?Open in a new window
    It is a good idea to bring friends, family, colleagues, and clients along as trekkers. It is very easy for us to arrange.
  • Welcome mountain guides.Open in a new window
    If you are already a professional mountain guide, we are glad to offer you a 10% discount. We provide this on all trips to UIAGM, MLTB, AMGA, BMG, and all other certified climbing guides from every nation. Thank you for joining our team.
  • Employment, internships, and "Leader-In-Training" programme.Open in a new window

    Yes, we do offer discounts for "leaders-in-training". For those members who are aspiring leaders and/or mountain guides, and want to learn about what is involved in being an expedition leader, and are willing to arrive a few days before the expedition and stay a few days after the expedition, and help with logisitics and leadership before, during, and after the expedition, the "leader-in-training" position may be a desirable one. Many of our expedition leaders started in such a role, and progressed on to become full time leaders. Please view our new Leaders-In-Training Website.

  • Can I earn a commission for referring my friends, colleagues, clients, or a group?Open in a new window

    We offer a 5% cash "finders-fee", paid to you for each of your friends and colleagues who become a member of our team.

    Often, someone is well-placed as a guide, lecturer, eminent community figure, travel agent or tour operator, etcetera. We are glad to offer increasing commissions based on multiple referrals to any of our various trips and classes in any calendar year:

    5% commission for the first 1,2, and 3 people who you refer;

    10% commission for the next 4-8 people you refer;

    15% for the next 9-15 people;

    20% for 16 or more.

• D) What the cost includes.
  • Why are the prices of these trips low?Open in a new window

    Our prices reflect our honesty, integrity, efficiency, and emphasis on providing a safe, high quality expedition for a fair price, as our company was founded 17 years ago by climbers for climbers, and we still have some of the original founders with us and strive to maintain these priorities. In addition, we have very long experience and deep connections with the mountaineering authorities in Nepal and Tibet, and we are fortunate to receive favourable prices and better treatment. Even though our prices are less, our approach reflects the best possible value for money and emphasizes effective team building within our own expedition, as well as good relations with everyone on the mountain.

    This is neither a luxury nor a 5-star expedition.  
    
    • We are dedicated to a philosophy of encouraging mountaineering by keeping costs to a minimum and welcome team members who are willing to share in achieving our objectives. All of our European, British, or US staff and leaders began their Himalayan climbing careers as paying team members. Thus, we never charge more for a trip than we would be willing to pay ourselves. We have excellent relations with the government authorities who regulate the world of mountain climbing permits, liaison officers, yak drivers, etcetera.
    • Additionally, our staff of more than 23 Sherpas are very long term, loyal, hard-working, and honest employees. We take good care of our staff and their families, and they work for a fair wage in return for steady employment. We help our Sherpa's families in many ways, and have been building schools and hospitals in their villages, and helping to protect their local environments for several years.
    • We have 1 hard-working group sherpa per each 3-4 members (if you would like more sherpas, please hire one of our excellent 'personal sherpas'.
    • Our leaders are hard working and friendly British, American, European, or Australian expedition-leaders. They are not licensed 'mountain-guides' who have taken an expensive six year course and exams.
    • Our methods are basic, simple, and proven over more than 50 Himalayan expeditions.
    • Our equipment is good, simple, sturdy, time-tested and has been used before. We re-use our equipment and re-hire our staff over many expeditions.
    • Our agents and local on-the-ground operators are long term employees and they provide services at a competitive cost, in return for fair compensation and our return business, year-after-year. 
    • Our food is well prepared, abundant, and nutritious, but we do not use expensive imported foods.
    • We neither print nor post expensive brochures.
  • What does the "Full-Service" price include?Open in a new window
    Leader: Cost includes a very experienced and qualified British, European, or American leader;
    
    • Organization: During this full-service expedition, you will benefit from the organization provided by Dan Mazur. He is a relaxed, friendly and well organized person, and a highly-skilled professional with years of experience in getting people to the summit and back down with the highest attention to safety. He has been leading and organizing successful and safe overland, trekking, and mountaineering expeditions for over 20 years, to Tibet, Nepal, Tadjikistan, Pakistan, India, China, Africa, and North America.
    • Climbing Sherpas for the group;
    • Transport to basecamp to/from Kathmandu, for you and equipment, including all internal / domestic flights Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu;
    • Yak transport of all equipment from Lukla to and from basecamp;
    • Three hot meals per day on trek, in basecamp and advanced basecamp. Comfortable tables and chairs and dining tent in basecamp;
    • Skillful basecamp and advanced basecamp cooks;
    • All mountain, basecamp and advanced basecamp food;
    • All permit fees and liaison officers;
    • Use of group gear and supplies: rope, ice, rock, and snow anchor protection; basecamp and altitude tents; cookers, fuel, high-altitude food, walkie-talkie radios, satellite telephone, etcetera;
    • Emergency equipment and supplies: medical oxygen, gamow bag, basecamp medical kit, high-altitude medical kits, etcetera;
    • Top-quality high-altitude tents.
  • What is not included in the "Full Service" price?Open in a new window

    Hotels and meals are not included in Kathmandu. These are a relatively minimal expense. For more information, please click here.

    Also not included are: International flights, personal clothing and equipment (sleeping bag, boots, ice axe, etc.), personal sherpas, visas, vaccinations, health, travel and rescue insurance, snack-energy food, gratuities, drinks on the road or in town, expenses of a personal nature, changes to the pre-planned itinerary (such as early departure), and expenses while traveling away from the group or leader. Not included are unexpected expenses, such as expenses due to emergencies, rescues, weather, political situations, transport delays, etc.

• E) Details of the itinerary, route, and weather.
  • What are the details for the itinerary?Open in a new window
    For a detailed itinerary of the expedition, please "click here".
  • What are the details of the route?Open in a new window
    For a detailed description of the expedition route, please "click here" .
  • What will the weather and temperature be like?Open in a new window
    At low elevation, the temperatures can vary from 27°c to -7°c ( 80°f to 20°f). At higher elevations, the temperature can vary from 16°c to -23°c (60°f to -10°f). The wind is the most chilling factor, and can be quite variable, with everything from a flat calm, to hurricane force on the summit. There may be deep snow, heavy rains, mosquitoes in wet areas, blowing dust, burning heat, bright sunshine.
• F) What qualifications, experience, fitness, & training do I need?
  • What sort of experience should I have?Open in a new window

    Extensive experience is not required for climbing Baruntse. The most important thing is for members to be in adequate walking fitness. You may attempt this climb as a novice and we will teach you what you need to know. No further experience is required.

    We welcome you to join our expedition as an individual and most of our members do. We plan to assemble our team members into groups so you should not have to climb alone, although occasionally it may happen. By the way, we are unable to accommodate 'soloists' who are not willing to climb together with other team members or sherpas from our team. The main expectation is that members will be prepared to climb with a team member or sherpa above basecamp if possible. This practice ensures that the entire team has a fun, successful, and safe time on the mountain.

     

  • Where can I obtain the experience I need to qualify?Open in a new window
    You may attempt this climb as a novice and we will teach you what you need to know. No further experience is required. For further ideas in preparing for a Himalayan expedition: We recommend that you begin with a look at our websites and literature, and read a book about mountain climbing, to familiarize yourself with the basics of ropes, anchors, clothing, etcetera ("Freedom of the Hills" is one such title).
    • You should attend a "climbing-class" at an "adventure-centre" or a "rock-gym" in your home town, where you can learn the basics of "how-to-tie-in", handle the rope and harness and carabiner and descender/abseil-rappel device, and see if you enjoy the thrill of safe climbing and cautious descending on a rope. Or, perhaps you can have a climbing-friend show you the basics.
    • We suggest you attend one of our leader's LECTURES to view videos and slides and listen to and discuss our previous expeditions, and learn about our teams, staff, see the equipment in action, study the routes, etcetera. Please visit our LECTURE site to view our upcoming lecture schedule.
    • Next, you may wish to join one of our Glacier-Schools, where you will be able to hire and purchase the necessary equipment inexpensively, if you do not have it already. You will have an opportunity to experience for yourself: snow-camping, ice-climbing, glacier-travel, crevasse-rescue, placing and retrieving anchors, rope-ascending, rope-descending, and summiting peaks of moderate altitude (4000 metres, 13,000 feet) in glacial conditions.
    • Now, if you are fit and healthy, you could be ready for a climb of a mid-size Himalayan peak such as Baruntse, Island Peak , Lakpa-Ri /North Col, or Mustagata , where you can test your ability to handle altitude climbing, on an extended Himalayan expedition.
    • If you feel ready, you might want to try one of the world's fourteen highest "8000 metre peaks", such as Cho-Oyu .
    • If you enjoy Cho Oyu , then you can go on to climb Lhotse, Everest from Tibet or Everest from Nepal .
  • How healthy and fit do I need to be?Open in a new window

    To participate in this expedition you must be a very fit and active winter-walker and climber in good health. Make sure you have physically trained yourself very thoroughly before joining this climb.

    Prior to joining our group, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for travel in extremes of altitude, and also for exotic locales.
    

    Note: You can purchase all necessary medicines inexpensively with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu. On our application form we ask you to inform of us your condition, previous illnesses, health and medical situations we should know about, what medications you are taking, etcetera. Please help us to be informed by being honest and fully truthful when you complete it. Thank you.

  • What sort of training will I need to pursue?Open in a new window
    Firstly, you should always consult your doctor before starting a rigorous exercise plan.
    • In the beginning, to see how you handle the training, and to avoid muscle strains that could slow your training down, you may wish to use shorter more frequent but less taxing workouts, and take more rest. After you get "up to speed" as it were, you could increase the rigour. Older climbers and walkers please take note of the latter. Also remember that swimming is an excellent form of training because it does not put stress upon your joints. Thank you.
    • In order to train well for your trip you should work toward excercising 3 to 4 times a week for between 40 minutes and an hour and a half each time. You should expect to work hard, and try to keep your heartrate quite high and your breathing quite heavy.
    • Adequate rest and a well balanced diet are also essential to avoid injury and illness before the expedition. You should sleep at least 8 hours per night, and eat 3 nutritious meals a day. Don't forget that you will perspire when you train, so try to drink at least 4 litres/quarts of water a day.
    • You may wish to engage the services of a personal trainer, who could help you to fine tune your fitness to a higher level while minimizing strain and maximising your potential in ways you might not have imagined. Personal trainers can also be a great motivator, as you and the trainer have your weekly session, thus you will feel an incentive to complete your planned fitness programme for that week.
    • Utilising both gym equipment and the great outdoors will provide a more balanced exercise programme. You should try to accomplish at least half of your workouts outside. This could include walking and running (On stairs and hills too) and cycling, but above all should be fun! Hillwalking and climbing with a pack weighing 5-10 Kilos/10-20 pounds is essential. If you don't have hills, why not go for stairs, bleachers, viewing stands, stadiums, even the stairways in tall buildings? Don't forget to spend time directly working the muscles of the legs, back and shoulders, and remember that your own body weight can be just as effective as weights, or machines.
    • About 6 weeks before the expedition departure date, you may wish to do 1 full day each week of hill walking, climbing or an equivalent, with a light rucksack. On that day, you would want to eventually work toward six-eight hours of continuous walking or climbing up and down hill, with 4 to 6 separate ten minute breaks and a 1/2 to 1 hour lunch break midway through.
    • To minimize the chance of injuring yourself, consider starting with a half day and then if you do well, increase to 2/3, then eventually to a full day, once a week.
    • We want you to arrive for your expedition in top shape, so please take plenty of rest and do not over-do it.
    • Hint: when carrying a rucksack while descending, walking, or climbing down-hill, try carrying a bit less in your rucksack in order to save your knees. Many trainers advise carrying water bottles up the hill then emptying them at the top so your rucksack is lightened for the trip down.
  • Do you recommend a personal trainer?Open in a new window

    You may wish to engage the services of a personal trainer, who could help you to fine tune your fitness to a higher level while minimizing strain and maximising your potential in ways you might not have imagined. Personal trainers can also be a great motivator, as you and the trainer have your weekly session, thus you will feel an incentive to complete your planned fitness programme for that week.

  • Will I participate in training during the expedition?Open in a new window
    Yes, upon arrival in Kathmandu, all members are required to participate in a day of training and orientation (unless you have made special arrangements). Upon reaching basecamp, ALL full-service and basic-climb members are again required to participate in one to two days of training (unless you have made special arrangements) in the areas of climbing techniques, glacier travel, rope fixing, ascending, descending, safety techniques, rappels (abseils), belaying, medical equipment and procedures, communications equipment, camping techniques and high-altitude cooking. For the expert and beginner alike, it is important to review these techniques in order to enhance skills, ensure safety-awareness, and learn to work together as a team. Please make sure you have studied the standard books, such as "Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills", and are comfortable and familiar with the necessary climbing techniques, before joining our team. Thank you for being a well-prepared and safe team member!
  • Is there an age limit?Open in a new window

    We encourage climbers of all ages to consider joining our team.

    The youngest summiter we have had on was 20.

    The oldest summiter we have had was 66 years old. We notice that people who are older may need more rest, acclimatization, and a careful attention to nutrition and hydration, and they can certainly benefit from a personal sherpa if not at least a "quarter-share" sherpa . Any one of any age should gain from being helped by these hard-working stalwarts, and the older you are the more likely the benefit.

    We don’t want to sound pessimistic, rather we strive for realism, but there may be a certain debacle in encouraging climbers who are older. All of us, no matter what age, race, or gendre, can push ourselves beyond our limits and "hit the wall", become exhausted, etcetera. Let's face up to it, the "wall" might come up a bit more rapidly for those of us who are a bit older, than for the youngsters in our midst. Its important to be well trained physically and mentally, and know how to maintain one's health and stamina throughout the climb, whether its climbing up, preparing meals and drinks and filling water bottles in the camps, taking good care of oneself on summit day, or climbing safely back down the mountain. Sometimes its good to have an extra hand round, like a personal sherpa, who will carry the load and remain focused on you and your health, nutrition and hydration.

  • Must I carry a heavy rucksack?Open in a new window
    Our expedition includes transport of all of your equipment from Kathmandu to basecamp or advanced basecamp, and returned to Kathmandu. While climbing on the mountain, we try not to ask our full-service members to carry heavy group equipment (although it is an option if you really want to), such as tents, rope, fuel, food, etcetera. We employ climbing sherpas, and high-altitude porters, to carry group equipment and supplies. For a minimal expense, we can also provide personal sherpas , and climbing-guides, to individual members who wish to have their own private sherpa or personal climbing-guide.
• G) Personal & team equipment and what I need to bring.
  • What personal equipment should I bring?Open in a new window

    We help you buy and rent inexpensive mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and walking gear, equipment, clothing, boots, shoes for sale, purchase and hire at affordable, cheap, low prices.  
    

    Please see the Equipment link, to study what is needed. If you are not familiar with the necessary equipment, we suggest you attend one of our Glacier Schools , to learn about it and buy it affordably.

  • Where should I purchase my equipment?Open in a new window
    We help you buy and rent inexpensive mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and walking gear, equipment, clothing, boots, shoes for sale, purchase and hire at affordable, cheap, low prices.
    
    • We recommend that you shop carefully and frugally for your clothing and climbing equipment. Below we have listed some of the least expensive shops we know about in Kathmandu, UK, Seattle, Canada, Chamonix, and Hong Kong. If you hear of any others, we would like to know about them, as we wish to tell our members where they can purchase equipment affordably.
      
    • Kathmandu has a wide variety of inexpensive used and competitively priced equipment, boots, shoes, and clothing; In over 50 well-stocked mountaineering and trekking shops. We recommend you purchase your Millet Everest One-sport boots and crampons in Kathmandu, where a very wide selection is available for reasonable prices. We also recommend you purchase your down/duvet jacket, trousers and suit there as well, again for some of the best selection and prices to be found anywhere. Also, be sure to purchase your closed cell kari-mat foam mattresses in Kathmandu. Why bring duffle bags of foam mats on your international flight? Please send us an email to request a Kathmandu price list. If you need a pair of high altitude mitts, we don't recommend Kathmandu, but rather suggest you check out mittens by Wild Country or Outdoor Research (the OR Alti has been popular with our Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse summitters).
    • For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here" . For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring for an Lhotse expedition, please "click here" .
    • Below we have listed several inexpensive shops around the world. It may be best to telephone them directly with your questions, as they are very busy and do not always answer email enquiries in a timely manner. When you do contact them, always be sure to mention your name and the name of our company and expedition leaders to them, as we send them many customers and they often give our members substantial discounts. You may or may not choose to purchase the product from them, but it should give you a good idea of what the fair price for the equipment should be. We especially recommend Second Ascent in Seattle, as it has a very large selection of second hand, discontinued, and rental mountain climbing equipment and clothing.
    • One strategy our members often pursue is to visit Seattle for one of our Glacier Schools, and then during time set aside during the course, work together with our leaders to try-on, compare, and purchase and hire the equipment they need at one of the least expensive mountaineering shops in Seattle. It is rare to find such a good selection of equipment and clothing in one shop, but Seattle is known for its large glaciated peaks, and large community of mountaineers.

    Gauri Shankar Shop - Kathmandu - (For hardwear like Millet Everest Onesport boots, plastic boots, trekking boots, ice axes, crampons, ascenders, helmets, and harnesses and hiring ) - contact SummitClimb's Kathmandu offfice to check availability: info@summitclimb.com . Thank you very much

    Shona's Shop - Kathmandu - (Manufactures down duvet clothing. Hundreds of their jackets, trousers, and suits have reached the summit of Everest) e-mail: shonasrentals@hotmail.com , phone: (9771) 4265120

    Everest Hardwear - Kathmandu - (Manufactures down duvet clothing. Hundreds of their jackets, trousers, and suits have reached the summit of Everest. A bit better quality than Shona's.) e-mail angsonam25@yahoo.com , tel (9771) 4230399, mobile (977) 98510 45706

    Peglers - UK

    www.peglers.co.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 1903 883375
    Pegler's have the largest selection of inexpensive clothing and equipment in the UK.

    Second Ascent - Seattle

    www.secondascent.com, Tel: +1 206 545 8810
    

    Check out their new online shopping store for used and discontinued equipment, clothing, and boots.
    

    Mountain Equipment Co-op - Canada
    http://www.mec.ca/, Tel: +1 888 847 0770
    

    MEC have the largest selection of inexpensive clothing and equipment in the Canada.

    Snell Sports - Chamonix
    
    Tel. : + 33 4 50 53 02 17, email: snell@cham3s.com

    Decathlon - France

    

    http://www.decathlon.fr/FR/index.html

     

     

    Au Vieux Campeur - France

    

     

    www.au-vieux-campeur.fr

     

     

    Chamonix Alpine Equipment - Hong Kong

    
    www.hongkongclimbing.com/chamonix/chamonix.htm
    Tel: +852 2388 3626, +852 2374 0924

    Everestgear.com - Online

    

      www.everestgear.com

     

  • Will there be time to hire-rent-purchase my equipment, boots, and clothing in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

    We help you buy and rent inexpensive mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and walking gear, equipment, clothing, boots, shoes for sale, purchase and hire at affordable, cheap, low prices.  
    

    Our planned schedule allows plenty of time for equipment shopping in Kathmandu, where there are so many shops that you will find almost everything you need.

    For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here". For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here". For more information about how much cash to bring for a Baruntse expedition, please "click here".

    Gauri Shankar Shop - Kathmandu - (For hardwear like Millet Everest Onesport boots, plastic boots, trekking boots, ice axes, crampons, ascenders, helmets, and harnesses and hiring ) - contact SummitClimb's Kathmandu offfice to check availability: info@summitclimb.com . Thank you very much
    
    For soft goods like down jackets trousers and suits, we have used two shops:
    
    A. Everest Hardwear shop in Thamel. e-mail angsonam25@yahoo.com , tel 4230399, mobile (977)98510 45706
    
    B. Shona's Shop in Thamel: e-mail: shonasrentals@hotmail.com , phone: 4265120

    Warm mittens are necessary for Lhotse. Please don't frostbite your hands. We prefer mittens to gloves, as mittens are so much warmer. We are not sure who makes the best gloves. Here is a link to one of the better mittens we have seen so far:

     

    Warm mittens are necessary for Barunste. Please don't frostbite your hands. We prefer mittens to gloves, as mittens are so much warmer. We are not sure who makes the best gloves. Here is a link to one of the better mittens we have seen so far:

    http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/or-gear/gloves/mens-alti-mitts.html

    You won't need to wear any liner gloves inside these mitts (they already have their own integral liner) so fit is very important. This company ships around the world. Be sure to discuss the size of your hand and what size mitt you might need with the person at the shop. Sometimes our members from other countries have them sent to our US office address and US team members bring them over to the mountain directly for the person.

  • How much are the prices for boots, clothing, shoes, mattresses, and climbing equipment in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

    We help you buy and rent inexpensive mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and walking gear, equipment, clothing, boots, shoes for sale, purchase and hire at affordable, cheap, low prices.  
    

    Most equipment, boots, clothing, shoes, mattresses are available for purchase and hire in Kathmandu. We allow extra time for our leaders to check your equipment in Kathmandu. If you need additional items, we allow time for shopping and have staff and members to show you where the shops are.

    For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here". For more information about how much cash to bring for an Ama Dablam expedition, please "click here".

    Here is some information on Kathmandu equipment prices:
    
    Prices for hiring are the same as purchasing used equipment, seen below in Nepalese Rupees (Rs), at the lowest range of the used prices. $1 USD = 93 to 95 rupees (as of 2 april 2014)

    Down Suit various sizes:
    
    • New Shonas: Rs. 31,000
    • New Everest Hardware: Rs. 32,500 to 35,000
    • Imported New: Rs. 75,000 to 100,000 (North Face and Mountain Hardwear)
    • Used: 15,000 to 45,000
    • Renting: 200 to 500 per day (Note: limited sizes available)
      
    • Down Jacket, size extra-large:
      
    • New Shonas: Rs. 5500 to 11500
    • New Everest Hardware: Rs. 5500 to 12500
    • Used Imported: Rs. 10000 to 30,000
      
    • New Imported: Rs. 20,000 to 45,000
    • Renting: 100 to 500 per day . (Note: limited sizes available)
    • Down Trousers size extra-large:
      
    • New Shonas: Rs. 6500 to 10500
    • New Everest Hardware: 10,000 to 15,000
    • Used Imported: Rs. 10,000 to 35,000
      
    • New Imported: Rs. 30,000 to 45,500
    • Renting: 100 to 500 per day (Note: limited sizes available)
    • Camping mattress:
      
    • Rs. 350 - 2200
    • Down Sleeping bag, extra-long size for tall person:
    • New Shonas: Rs. 10,000 to 21,500
    • New Everest Hardware: 14,000 to 25,000
    • Used Imported: 7000 to 40,000
      
    • New Imported: 51,000 to 75,500
    • Renting: 100 to 500 per day (Note: limited sizes available)
    • Crampon (Grivel G-12 or Camp Aluminium LC 480, or similar):
    • Used Price (medium quality): Rs. 5000 to 8000 
    • New Price:13,000 to 16,000
    • Renting: 50 to 120 per day
    • Helmet
    • Used Price (medium quality): 1500 to 3500
    • New Price: 4500 to 6500
    • Renting: 45 to 150 per day
    • Ice Axe
    • Used Price (medium quality): 1500 to 5000
    • New Price: 10,000
    • Renting: 60 to 150 per day
    • Harness
    • Used Price (medium quality): 2000 to 5000
    • New Price: 4500 to 6500 (Black Diamond, Petzl)
    • Renting: 100 to 130 per day
    • Millet One-Sport Everest Boots
    • Used Price: 15,000 to 60,000
    • New Price:  85,000
    • Renting: 150 to 500 per day
    • Plastic Double Climbing boots:
    • Used Price: 8000 to 11,000
    • New Price: 20,000 - 35,000
    • Renting: 100 to 380 per day
    • Lightweight leather trekking boot:
    • Used Price: 3000 to 10,000
    • New Price: 5500 to 28,000 (Coleman, Millet, Crispi)
    • Goretex jacket:
    • Used Price: 2000 to 10,000
    • New price: 3500 to 27,000
    • Medium-large rucksack:
    • Used Price: 1500 to 6000
    • New Price: Rs. 6500 to 20,000
    • Renting: 45 to 100 per day
    • Glacier sunglasses:
    • Used Price: 1500 to 3000
    • New Price: Rs. 4500 to 20000
    • Ski goggles:
    • Used Price: 1500 to 4000
    • New Price: Rs. 6000 to 20,000
    • Gloves and Mittens:
    • Used Price: 5000 to 7,000
    • New Price: 10,000 to 15,500
    • Mountain Hardware mittens : Rs 11,999 to 16,000
      
    • Black Diamond mittens : Rs 9,760 to 14,000
    • Shona mittens (locally manufactured down) : Rs. 4,900
    • Head Lamps:
    • Used Price: 600 to 2000
    • New Price: 3500

    Here is a partial list for those desiring to contact Nepalese manufacturers:
    

    Gauri Shankar Shop - Kathmandu - (For hardwear like Millet Everest Onesport boots, plastic boots, trekking boots, ice axes, crampons, ascenders, helmets, and harnesses and hiring ) - contact SummitClimb's Kathmandu offfice to check availability: info@summitclimb.com . Thank you very much
    
    For soft goods like down jackets trousers and suits, we have used two shops:
    
    A. Everest Hardwear shop in Thamel. e-mail angsonam25@yahoo.com , tel 4230399, mobile (977)98510 45706
    
    B. Shona's Shop in Thamel: e-mail: shonasrentals@hotmail.com , phone: 4265120
    
    There are so many shops in Kathmandu, you will find almost everything you need.

  • What sort of equipment will the organizers bring?Open in a new window
    Please see the climbing and mountaineering group EQUIPMENT link , to study what we bring for your use and safety.
  • Do you use fixed rope for this expedition?Open in a new window
    We fix top quality rope all the way to the summit of Baruntse and Mera Peak. For more information regarding the route, please "click here".
  • Can I use my credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal?Open in a new window
    In Nepal, using your bank, cash or atm card (as long as it's a Cirrus, Plus, or Visa), you can usually obtain rupees at a bank machine in Kathmandu. The machine will not give you dollars, or any other foreign currency. Sometimes, foreign cards dont work in Nepal. The most international bank is Standard and Chartered, and if you plan on using a credit card, you might ask your company to check if your card will work at S&C.
  • How much cash should I bring?Open in a new window

    Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa is approximately $100 USD & a 30 day visa costs approximately $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport). Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages. Please also bring plenty of cash for tips + gratuities, for shopping, drinks, etcetera. You will be paying for your own hotel and meals in Kathmandu. There are good cash/atm machines and traveler's cheques will work, especially in Kathmandu. Members who don't bring enough cash are often found sitting on their hands in a dark and cold hotel room or tent while the rest of the team are out having fun enjoying the night life that is surprisingly exciting and even funny, the sometimes fun pubs and shopping.

    On Baruntse there are two types of tips, the staff tip, and the summit-attempt bonus.

    The "staff tip" will be $150 USD per foreign climber. Expect to pay this tip no matter what.

    For the "summit-attempt bonus" a group Sherpa who helps you to climb above the high camp or up to the summit and back down, expect to pay $200 USD per sherpa. That amount of money may be split between the climbers in the summit party.

    If you have a personal Sherpa, your total tip will be more, to include both the "staff tip" of $150 USD plus a separate tip for your personal sherpa of approximately $150 USD if you DO NOT climb above the high camp or approximately $200+ USD if you DO climb above the high camp or up to the summit.

  • Bringing equipment and supplies as checked luggage on my international flight.Open in a new window

    Most of our members carry their personal equipment and snack foods in their checked and carry-on luggage on their international flight.

    In Britain, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, your baggage allowance may be as low as: 23 kilos/50 pounds of checked baggage, plus a small carry-on bag of 15 kilos/33 pounds (don't show the counter staff this much carry-on luggage upon check-in), for a total of 40 kilos/88 pounds. First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

    If you are unable to attain a sport baggage allowance, obviously, those members coming from these countries will either be faced with wearing their climbing boots, helmet, duvet-clothing, etcetera onto the plane (this is normal procedure for many Australian, British, and European team-members), or paying excess baggage charges, or purchasing/hiring a portion of their equipment or daily snacks in Kathmandu, which is now becoming more and more of a viable option. If you chose to pay the airline's excess baggage charges, you might be faced with $20 per kilogram/2.2 pounds, of excess. Be sure to make full telephone and email inquiries before checking your bags at the airport.

    You may wish to investigate cargo shipping from your home country to Kathmandu.
    

    Those members flying from North America are currently allowed 2 checked bags weighing 50 pounds/23 kilos each, plus one small carry-on weighing 30 pounds/13 kilos, for a total allowance of 130 pounds, or 60 kilograms. Baggage allowances change frequently. Before departure, you must ring your airline to verify the exact amount.

    In North America it may be possible to pay an additional $120 per extra 70 pound/32 kilo bag, up to a total of ten or so extra bags, on flights bound for Nepal or China, but not for flights returning from there. However, be sure to ask about such "extra-bags" policies carefully before booking, and be sure to check with ALL of the airlines on your itinerary, as some of these airlines may try to "double-charge" you.

  • How do I ship extra cargo from my home country?Open in a new window
    First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).
    
    If you do arrange cargo shipping, its not difficult but takes a little more time. Always put your name and expedition name on the first two lines, as this will clarify that you are personally using these items for climbing and they are not the property of our local agent, nor are they for resale in Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will go to the Customs Hall (near the airport) in the morning and go through a one day process required to clear your cargo through Nepal Customs. So, if you are planning to ship cargo, be sure to arrive in Kathmandu on a weekday (M-F) before the scheduled beginning of our expedition, so you don't miss any critical team orientation meetings, etcetera. You may need to pay some fees to the Nepal Government at the time of pickup. Always be sure to speak to the government officer in-charge there, not a middleman from a freight forwarding company, as they will add on a lot of needless charges. If you have filled out the packing list with amounts stated minimally at point of origin, its mostly used equipment and personal food, and everything is for your personal use during the expedition only, and you say you will take all of it back to your country, your fees payed to the Nepal Government will be very small indeed.
    
    So:
    
    Your First and Last Name: ie: "John Doe"
    Baruntse International Expedition 2009
    Care of: Everest Parivar Expedition
    Murari Sharma
    Shoyambhu, Halchok
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    
    tel: 4283328
    Mobile: 985102 3985
    
    You will have to request shipping times and charges from your local agent as we don't know the details from your country.
  • Do you provide secure facilities to store my excess baggage & valuables in Kathmandu?Open in a new window
    We provide secure facilities in Kathmandu in which to store your extra personal items such as luggage, extra money, credit cards, passports , jewelry, expensive watches, etcetera. These facilities are kept locked, watched, and nothing has ever been lost.
  • Do I need to bring my own snack energy and dehydrated food?Open in a new window
    Our skillful cooks prepare 3 delicious hot meals and plenty of drinks each day in basecamp and ABC.
    On the mountain we supply plenty of food for you to cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas will be carrying this food to the higher camps.
     
    We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods.
     
    We also ask members to bring 3 dehydrated meals (freeze-dried dinners) for their summit attempt.
     
    We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-5 kilos/4-10 pounds, is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country. Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.
  • Should I plan to take Diamox, Acetylzolamide for this expedition?Open in a new window

    There is a difference of opinion. However, if you have not been to high altitude often, we suggest you consider trying Diamox. You may wish to start with one half of a tablet in Kathmandu to see how you react to the medication and if you have any side effects. During the approach to basecamp, as well as once we are on the mountain, we suggest you consider taking one to two tablets per day, depending upon your body weight, rate of ascent, and your reaction to the medication.

    We encourage members who are going to high-altitude for their first time to try Diamox. During our expedition, we can often tell which team members are using Diamox and which are not according to their level of activity vs. lethargy. Those trying Diamox are often seen laughing, playing cards, and throwing frisbees in basecamp, while those who are not are often seen hunched over their tea in the dining tent, holding their heads and grumbling about a headache. The non-users may also not be seen at all, as they are in their tent lying in their sleeping bag suffering a migraine-like headache.

    Whatever your opinion is, Diamox is a very vital part of any high altitude climbers medical kit, used in the prevention of mountain sickness, also known as high altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS). It's a very old drug, originally developed for cardiac patients in the 1930s. It is the most well known and tested of all of the high altitude drugs. It works well as a preventative medication, taken in advance of symptoms, proactively. It also works acutely in first-aid situations to reduce the severity of symptoms once high-altitude sickness ensues. Common dosage is a half tablet (tablets are 250mg) before AMS occurs, to see if any severe side effects occur. Common side effects include tingling, 'pins and needles' and excessive urination. If no severe side effects occur, it's common to take one 250 mg tablet per day. Up to 2 or even three tablets may be taken per day, depending upon body weight (smaller people need to take less, and larger people more). Be sure to drink enough water, as Diamox is a diuretic (increases urination and thus dehydration).

    Diamox increases your body's uptake of carbon dioxide through a ph change in the blood, so as an indirect reaction of your body, it causes you to breath (exhale) more to get rid of the extra CO2. The other mechanism your body uses to get rid of extra CO2 is to urinate more. Breathing more causes you not only to exhale more CO2, but also to take in more oxygen. Your body responds to all of this fresh new oxygen by making your red blood cell count increase. This is what you need to become acclimatized to the higher altitude, more red blood cells to carry more oxygen. Whether you take Diamox or not, this red blood cell increase happens naturally as you slowly ascend to higher altitudes. Diamox just causes the red blood cells to multiply a little faster because you are breathing a bit more. Some people say you can do this yourself without taking Diamox, just hyperventilate all of the time!

  • What medicines do I need to bring?Open in a new window
    Please visit the medical section of the Baruntse Personal & Team Equipment link to view a full list of the medicines we recommend you purchase inexpensively in Kathmandu, without a doctor's prescription, before departing for the mountain.
  • What about mittens?Open in a new window
    Warm mittens are necessary for Baruntse. Please don't frostbite your hands. We prefer mittens to gloves, as mittens are so much warmer. We are not sure who makes the best gloves. The warmest mittens come with a sturdy Goretex outer shell and a very warm polar fleece removable mitten liner.
    
    You won't need to wear any liner gloves inside these mitts (they already have their own integral liner) so fit is very important. In Kathmandu you can find good quality Black Diamond and Mountain Hardwear mittens.
    
    
  • Packing my bags in Kathmandu which I will take with me to basecamp.Open in a new window
    When you pack your bags in Kathmandu, please organize your materials into two locking duffle kit bags weighing no more than 20 kilos/44 pounds each. These are the bags that will be put on the flight and tied on the yaks, so please make sure they are strong and secure. You will be able to store your excess baggage in Kathmandu.
  • What is the best photo or video camera to use?Open in a new window
    Any small and light camera will be fine. Many people use digital cameras now, and download their photos on our laptop in basecamp (our laptop works at high altitude, while yours might not, so check carefully before bringing your own laptop).
    • There are new digital video cameras that are small and light and work well. Many peoples bring them and there has been some very good quality movies made by our members. Some members have even edited their own feature length films from video they took with one of these good-quality small 'handi-cams'.
    • Our members take great photos and we might ask your permission to use them in news stories on our news website. Of course you will be credited as the photographer.
      
    • If you are planning to download your photos, then you have to bring your own lead/cable and your own software, if available. Digital cameras also have the advantage of being able to take small video clips. We love seeing your video clips on our site and they really add to the excitement of telling the story of your climb. There are some good digital cameras that will work well in the $200, £100, or €135 range.
    • Be sure you always keep your camera in a plastic bag in the inside pocket of your jacket and you will have to sleep with it at night. You never want it to become cold or be exposed to wind, snow, dust, moisture or rain.
    • With any camera, make sure you have your battery/charging system well-thought-out before you leave home, as options to figure this out in the mountains will be limited.
  • Can I have prescription spectacles or glacier glasses made inexpensively in Kathmandu?Open in a new window
    Yes you can, and prescription glacier specs with leather side shields cost $28, £15, or €18. However, you will have to examine the possibility and assess the choice of frames and quality of workmanship personally when you arrive in Nepal. If you decide to go ahead, it can sometimes take up to a few weeks for your order to be ready. It's important that you will have your own correct prescription glasses before leaving home for the expedition, as your purchase will most likely not be ready for you until your return to Kathmandu after the trip is over.
  • What paperwork and information do I need to provide before arrival?Open in a new window
    Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:
    
    [ ] Completed Payment. Please restate payments you made and what those payments were for, ie full vs basic, sherpas, oxygen, etc.
    [ ] Make your Oxygen order (if any) crystal clear at this time, number of bottles, masks, payment, etc.
    [ ] Make your Sherpa order (if any) crystal clear at this time, personal sherpa, quarter sherpa, payment, etc.
    [ ] Trip Registration Form (part of 4 page form),
    [ ] Signed Participant Release and Acknowledgement of Risk (part of 4 page form),
    [ ] Signed Terms and Conditions of Booking (part of 4 page form),
    [ ] Signed Medical Form (part of 4 page form),
    [ ] 1 Passport sized photo, which is a simple, very clear picture of your face, sent as an email scan. (We simply require a picture of your face against a white background. You can take it yourself for free with your own digital camera or smart phone),
    [ ] Exact photocopy of passport identification pages,
    [ ] Exact photocopy of complete flight itinerary,
    [ ] Proof of mountain rescue and repatriation insurance,
    [ ] Proof of travel, accident, and repatriation insurance (cancellation insurance is advised).
    
    Please do let us know what further questions you may have about the registration process, or anything else for that matter. Thank you.
• H) Flying from home country, welcome to Kathmandu.
  • What is the best way to purchase my international air ticket?Open in a new window

    It's best to purchase your international air ticket several months before trip departure. Although, surprisingly inexpensive air tickets may be available on short notice only a few weeks before the trip begins. However, for some busier times of year known as "high season", it might be best to purchase your air tickets 4-5 months before flying, or, if you are trying to use frequent flyer or air miles, 6-12 months prior to the beginning of the trip.

    We can recommend agencies and airlines that offer the lowest prices and best service.
    
    Flights from UK or Europe to Kathmandu currently cost £450-£700 (GBP), or €665-€1000 (EURO).
    
    For Kathmandu, the most normally used airlines are Gulf Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Ethitad Airways or occasionally Jet Airlines. It takes 1 or two days to fly there, and one or two days to fly back. Many Europeans prefer to fly to London first, to take advantage of the inexpensive flights. Flying from London, to begin, may we recommend you contact anyone at Trailfinders on 0207 9383939. Also, please ring the Flight Centre in London on: 08705 666627, or 0207 9356669.

    First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera.

    WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

    Be sure to mention that you are one of our members when you ring your travel agent, as the above companies arrange quite a few of our flights and they may give a discount or provide extra baggage allowance.
    
    Flights from North America to Kathmandu currently cost $1200-$1700.
    
    When flying from North America to Kathmandu it takes three days on the way there (because you are crossing the date line), and two on the way back.

    For starters, we recommend you check the internet. Internet flight shopping is easy: www.Expedia.com often has inexpensive flights. Also try other websites such as www.Orbitz.com , www.Kayak.com , etc.  If you would like to work with a travel agent,  please contact Sue at Unique Travel: 503-221-1719. Another travel agency you may wish to check prices with is: Himalayan Treasures and Travels 800-223-1813, or Bootsnall.com 503-528-1005. Be sure to mention that you are one of our members when you ring your travel agent, as the above companies arrange quite a few of our flights and they may give a discount or provide extra baggage allowance. By the way, before booking your ticket, please check the itinerary carefully and check how much baggage they will allow. In case you have excess baggage, you may wish to ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera. BAGGAGE WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).
  • What day do I need to arrive and what day may I leave the expedition?Open in a new window

    All members must be present on the first day of our scheduled itinerary in Kathmandu unless you have made special arrangements. We need your passports on that day so that we can obtain the permit for you to go to the mountains, and do quite a bit of intensive orientation and training before setting off for the mountains, in the next day or two. Of course it is fine if you wish to arrive earlier than the first day of our scheduled itinerary.

    In addition, we need you to stay until the last day of the expedition unless you have made special arrangements. Its OK if you want to leave a bit earlier, but schedule your flight for the final day in any case. You never know when bad weather or route conditions can slow you down and cause you to need each and every day. Of course its fine if you want to stay on after the expedition ends.
  • Will someone be there to meet me at the airport?Open in a new window
    Yes and the cost is included in your registration fee. In fact, during our expeditions last year we were able to meet 100 percent of our member's scheduled flights, and bring the team to our hotel. Please make sure we have your complete flight itinerary. Upon picking up your bags and exiting the customs area and walking out into the arrivals hall, be sure to move slowly and look for the person carrying a sign with your name written upon it. Normally, this sign will bear your surname (last or family name), but occasionally they might have written your first or given name on the sign. The sign may also simply say, "SummitClimb".
    
    Our staff in Kathmandu are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It does not matter which day nor at what time you arrive or depart Kathmandu, they will meet your flight, take you to the hotel, help you find essential things like money changing, shopping, arrange tours of the city, etcetera.
  • Will my hotel be booked in advance & will someone take me to my hotel?Open in a new window
    Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you want your own single room, the cost is an aditional $32 per night (during the included four free hotel nights) and for extra nights $65 per person for single occupancy. Please bring extra cash to pay for your extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, massage, swimming, beauty salon, motorbiking, yoga retreats, river rafting, painting classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, bungie jumping, religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shop, discotheques, airport transfers, Scenic flights around Mount Everest and much much more.
    
    Our staff in Kathmandu are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It does not matter which day nor at what time you arrive or depart Kathmandu, they will meet your flight, take you to the hotel, help you find essential things like money changing, shopping, arrange tours of the city, etcetera.
    
  • Must I pay for my hotels & meals in Kathmandu?Open in a new window
    Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you want your own single room, the cost is an aditional $32 per night (during the included four free hotel nights) and for extra nights $65 per person for single occupancy. Please bring extra cash to pay for your extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, massage, swimming, beauty salon, motorbiking, yoga retreats, river rafting, painting classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, bungie jumping, religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shop, discotheques, airport transfers, Scenic flights around Mount Everest and much much more. Meals in Kathmandu are at your expense.
  • Will there be a day of orientation in Kathmandu, to meet the members, leaders, & check my equipment?Open in a new window

    All members must be present on the first day of our scheduled itinerary in Kathmandu unless you have made special arrangements. We need your passports on that day so that we can obtain the permit for you to go to the mountains, and do quite a bit of intensive orientation and training before setting off for the mountains, in the next day or two.

    After completing our orientation session and receiving our permits, we plan to depart Kathmandu the morning after the orientation, although the schedule may differ by one day.
  • Bringing equipment and supplies as checked luggage on my international flight.Open in a new window

    Most of our members carry their personal equipment and snack foods in their checked and carry-on luggage on their international flight.

    In Britain, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, your baggage allowance may be as low as: 23 kilos/50 pounds of checked baggage, plus a small carry-on bag of 15 kilos/33 pounds (don't show the counter staff this much carry-on luggage upon check-in), for a total of 40 kilos/88 pounds. First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

    If you are unable to attain a sport baggage allowance, obviously, those members coming from these countries will either be faced with wearing their climbing boots, helmet, duvet-clothing, etcetera onto the plane (this is normal procedure for many Australian, British, and European team-members), or paying excess baggage charges, or purchasing/hiring a portion of their equipment or daily snacks in Kathmandu, which is now becoming more and more of a viable option. If you chose to pay the airline's excess baggage charges, you might be faced with $20 per kilogram/2.2 pounds, of excess. Be sure to make full telephone and email inquiries before checking your bags at the airport.

    You may wish to investigate cargo shipping from your home country to Kathmandu.
    

    Those members flying from North America are currently allowed 2 checked bags weighing 50 pounds/23 kilos each, plus one small carry-on weighing 30 pounds/13 kilos, for a total allowance of 130 pounds, or 60 kilograms. Baggage allowances change frequently. Before departure, you must ring your airline to verify the exact amount.

    In North America it may be possible to pay an additional $120 per extra 70 pound/32 kilo bag, up to a total of ten or so extra bags, on flights bound for Nepal or China, but not for flights returning from there. However, be sure to ask about such "extra-bags" policies carefully before booking, and be sure to check with ALL of the airlines on your itinerary, as some of these airlines may try to "double-charge" you.

  • How do I ship extra cargo from my home country?Open in a new window
    First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).
    
    If you do arrange cargo shipping, its not difficult but takes a little more time. Always put your name and expedition name on the first two lines, as this will clarify that you are personally using these items for climbing and they are not the property of our local agent, nor are they for resale in Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will go to the Customs Hall (near the airport) in the morning and go through a one day process required to clear your cargo through Nepal Customs. So, if you are planning to ship cargo, be sure to arrive in Kathmandu on a weekday (M-F) before the scheduled beginning of our expedition, so you don't miss any critical team orientation meetings, etcetera. You may need to pay some fees to the Nepal Government at the time of pickup. Always be sure to speak to the government officer in-charge there, not a middleman from a freight forwarding company, as they will add on a lot of needless charges. If you have filled out the packing list with amounts stated minimally at point of origin, its mostly used equipment and personal food, and everything is for your personal use during the expedition only, and you say you will take the rest back to your country, your fees payed to the Nepal Government will be very small indeed.
    
    So:
    
    Your First and Last Name: ie: "John Doe"
    Baruntse International Expedition 2009
    Care of: Everest Parivar Expedition
    Murari Sharma
    Shoyambhu HalChok,
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    
    tel: 4283382
    Mobile: 985102 3985
    
    You will have to request shipping times and charges from your local agent as we don't know the details from your country.
  • Will there be time to hire-rent-purchase my equipment, boots, and clothing in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

    Our planned schedule allows plenty of time for equipment shopping in Kathmandu, where there are so many shops that you will find almost everything you need, except good high-altitude mittens and gloves.

    For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here". For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here". For more information about how much cash to bring for a Baruntse expedition, please "click here".

    For hardwear like boots, crampons, ice-axes and harnesses, go to the Everest Summitters shop in Thamel. Email: evecom@mos.com.np , phone: (9771) 4219404, 4468775.
    
    For soft goods like downjackets trousers and suits, we have used two shops:
    
    A. Shona's Shop in Thamel: e-mail: shonasrentals@hotmail.com , phone: 4265120
    
    B. Everest Hardwear shop in Thamel. e-mail angsonam25@yahoo.com , tel 4230399, mobile (977)98510 45706
    
    Warm mittens are necessary for Ama Dablam. Please don't frostbite your hands. As of this writing, Kathmandu does not have very good mitts and gloves, but that is certain to change. We prefer mittens to gloves, as mittens are so much warmer. We are not sure who makes the best gloves. If you are in London, try visiting a snow and rock shop and trying some on. Here is a link to one of the better mittens we have seen so far:

    http://outdoorresearch.com/home/style/home/handtools/gloves/ascent/71870 .
    

    You won't need to wear any liner gloves inside these mitts (they already have their own integral liner) so fit is very important. This company ships around the world. Be sure to discuss the size of your hand and what size mitt you might need with the person at the shop. Sometimes our members from other countries have them sent to our US office address and US team members bring them over to the mountain directly for the person.
  • How much are the prices for boots, clothing, shoes, mattresses, and climbing equipment in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

    Most equipment, boots, clothing, shoes, mattresses are available for purchase and hire in Kathmandu, with the exception of good high altitude handwear. We allow extra time for our leaders to check your equipment in Kathmandu. If you need additional items, we allow time for shopping and have staff and members to show you where the shops are.

    For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here". For more information about how much cash to bring for a Baruntse expedition, please "click here".

    Here is some information on Kathmandu equipment prices:

    Prices for hiring are the same as purchasing used equipment, seen below in Nepalese Rupees (Rs), at the lowest range of the used prices. $1 USD = 75 rupees (as of 2011)
    

    Down Suit various sizes:
    
    • New Shonas: Rs. 27,000
    • New Everest Hardware: Rs. 28,500 to 30,000
    • Imported New: Rs. 68,000 to 85,000 (North Face and Mountain Hardwear)
    • Used: 12,000 to 20,000
    • Renting: 200 to 300 per day
      
    • Down Jacket, size extra-large:
      
    • New Shonas: Rs. 4500 to 9500
    • New Everest Hardware: Rs. 5500 to 9000
    • Used Imported: Rs. 8000 to 15,000
      
    • New Imported: Rs. 15,000 to 25,000
    • Renting: 100 to 150 per day
    • Down Trousers size extra-large:
      
    • New Shonas: Rs. 4500 to 6500
    • New Everest Hardware: 9500 to 10,000
    • Used Imported: Rs. 10,000 to 22,000
      
    • New Imported: Rs. 25,000 to 30,500
    • Renting: 100 to 150 per day
    • Camping mattress:
      
    • Rs. 350 - 2200
    • Down Sleeping bag, extra-long size for tall person:
    • New Shonas: Rs. 9000 to 9500
    • New Everest Hardware: 14,000 to 25,000
    • Used Imported: 7000 to 20,000
      
    • New Imported: 51,000 to 55,500
    • Renting: 100 to 300 per day
    • Crampon (Grivel G-12 or Camp Aluminium LC 480, or similar):
    • Used Price (medium quality): Rs. 5000 to 8000 
    • New Price:13,000 to 16,000
    • Renting: 50 to 120 per day
    • Helmet
    • Used Price (medium quality): 1500 to 3500
    • New Price: 4500 to 5500
    • Renting: 45 to 150 per day
    • Ice Axe
    • Used Price (medium quality): 1500 to 5000
    • New Price: 9000
    • Renting: 60 to 150 per day
    • Harness
    • Used Price (medium quality): 2000 to 5000
    • New Price: 4500 to 6500 (Black Diamond, Petzl)
    • Renting: 100 to 130 per day
    • Millet One-Sport Everest Boots
    • Used Price: 15,000 to 45,000
    • New Price:  55,000
    • Renting: 150 to 200 per day
    • Plastic Double Climbing boots:
    • Used Price: 8000 to 11,000
    • New Price: 20,000 - 35,000
    • Renting: 100 to 180 per day
    • Lightweight leather trekking boot:
    • Used Price: 3000 to 10,000
    • New Price: 5500 to 28,000 (Coleman, Millet, Crispi)
    • Goretex jacket:
    • Used Price: 2000 to 10,000
    • New price: 3500 to 27,000
    • Medium-large rucksack:
    • Used Price: 1500 to 5000
    • New Price: Rs. 6500 to 20,00
    • Renting: 45 to 100 per day
    • Glacier sunglasses:
    • Used Price: 1500 to 3000
    • New Price: Rs. 4500 to 8000
    • Ski goggles:
    • Used Price: 1500 to 4000
    • New Price: Rs. 6000 to 8500
    • Gloves and Mittens:
    • Used Price: 3000 to 5000 (hard to find)
    • New Price: 9000 to 9500
    • Head Lamps:
    • Used Price: 600 to 2000
    • New Price: 3500

    Here is a partial list for those desiring to contact Nepalese manufacturers:
    
    For hardwear like boots and crampons, go to the Everest Summitters shop in
    Thamel. Email: evecom@mos.com.np , phone: 9771 4219404, 9771 4468775.
    
    For soft goods like down jackets trousers and suits, we have used two shops:
    
    1. Shona's Shop in Thamel: e-mail: shonasrentals@hotmail.com , phone:
    9771-4265120
    
    2. Everest Hardwear shop in Thamel.
    e-mail angsonam25@yahoo.com
    tel 4230399
    mobile 98510 45706
    
    There are so many shops in Kathmandu, you will find almost everything you need, except good mittens and gloves.

  • Do you provide secure facilities to store my excess baggage & valuables in Kathmandu?Open in a new window
    We provide secure facilities in Kathmandu in which to store your extra personal items such as luggage, extra money, credit cards, passports, jewelry, expensive watches, etcetera. These facilities are kept locked, watched, and nothing has ever been lost.
  • Packing my bags in Kathmandu which I will take with me to basecamp.Open in a new window
    When you pack your bags in Kathmandu, please organize your materials into two locking duffle kit bags weighing no more than 20 kilos/44 pounds each. These are the bags that will be put on the flight and tied on the yaks, so please make sure they are strong and secure. You will be able to store your excess baggage in Kathmandu.
  • Can I use my credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal?Open in a new window
    In Nepal, using your bank, cash or atm card (as long as it's a Cirrus, Plus, or Visa), you can usually obtain rupees at a bank machine in Kathmandu. The machine will not give you dollars, or any other foreign currency. Sometimes, foreign cards dont work in Nepal. The most international bank is Standard and Chartered, and if you plan on using a credit card, you might ask your company to check if your card will work at S&C.
  • How shall I organize my visa?Open in a new window
    Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa is approximately $100 USD & a 30 day visa costs approximately $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport). Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.
• I) Insurance and safety.
  • How shall I organize my mountain-climbing-trekking and travel insurances?Open in a new window

    Nearly all developed countries have agents who offer travel and mountain climbing insurance at a reasonable price. Full-coverage insurance is essential, because it not only covers mountain climbing, but also travel to and from the mountain. This could cover you for lost bags, a car accident on the way to the airport, etcetera. When you see what high-quality insurance covers, you will realize that it is a very good value. BEFORE PURCHASING, BE SURE TO REQUEST A COPY OF THE POLICY AND BE SURE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND IT. Please enclose proof of insurance with your final team-membership payment. If you are one of the unfortunates who come from a country where such insurance is not available, we will accept an authorization letter and your credit card. You must be covered for travel, full domestic rescue, helicopter (where available) and international rescue and repatriation expenses. NO CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION = NO EXPEDITION MEMBERSHIP.
    
    In UK, Europe, South America, Asia, the Antipodes, etcetera, many of our members are now using a company called Global Rescue, http://www.globalrescue.com   , which can be combined with a standard travel policy, such as InsureMyTrip.com , CSAtravelprotection.com , or TravelInsuranceDirect.com.au .
    
    Here are some other options our members have used successfully:
    
    https://www.ingleinternational.com/   (with "sports rider" coverage)
    
    http://www.travelexinsurance.com/  (Get the "Adventurer Plus Pak". This Pak is required to receive medical and evacuation coverage for mountaineering and a rental allowance in the event your gear is lost. To receive this benefit, your policy and Pak must be purchased within 21 days of initial trip deposit.
    
    http://www.snowcard.co.uk/ Mountaineering up to 5000m covered on Extreme Adventure package and up to 7000m guided only on Pro adventure Package. Insurance policies available from this website can only be used by uk & channel islands residents
    
    http://www.hccmis.com/  (with sports rider added on)
    
    http://www.dogtag.co.uk
    
    In the US and Canada, your total full-coverage insurance package may vary, depending on trip duration and amount of coverage. We have seen several companies that offer comprehensive plans for travel and mountain rescue. A company called Global rescue is worth checking out; http://www.globalrescue.com   , which can be combined with a standard travel policy.
    
    Those who wish to shop further, or have higher incomes and/or assets to protect may also be interested in: Access America, Travelex, Travel Guard, etc. Be sure to check what the policy covers before you buy.
    
    Also it's worth checking out http://www.dogtag-usa.com/ 
    

  • What sort of safety precautions are to be taken?Open in a new window
    The most important precaution while climbing peaks of this altitude is to be aware of proper acclimatization and to be sure that you are well adapted to the altitude before moving up the mountain. If you have never been to such a high altitude before, we encourage you to try Diamox.
     
    BOTH full-service and basic expeditions are allowed access to our extensive medical supplies, first-aid kits, medical oxygen, a gamow bag, climbing ropes and anchors. Our methods and equipment used in expedition climbing and trekking are time-tested over more than 20 years. We do not spare expense and have a complete range of equipment and very in-depth knowledge and experience in the use of lead and fixing ropes, rock-ice-snow anchors, rescue equipment, communications equipment, full-climbing equipment for safe ascent and descent, cookers, fuels, cooking equipment, proper and nutritious foods, hydration supplies and techniques, a vast array of tents (both used and used), high-altitude camping equipment, and the best oxygen equipment available. Our philosophy is one of "It is better too bring too much than not enough". We believe that our philosophy of being extra prepared is one of the key factors in our long tradition of successful ascents.
  • Will there be a doctor present?Open in a new window
    Our leaders are highly trained and extremely experienced in diagnosing and treating illness and injury in the Himalaya, and are well equipped with extensive medical kits. Hopefully, a doctor or medical professional will be present. We encourage doctors and medical professionals who climb and trek to join our teams, in return for a 10 % discount. Out of our last nine expeditions, six had a doctor, and two had more than one doctor. However, please remember that these people are here to get away from their normal hospital routine, and have come to climb and trek, and they are not here to operate an "expedition health clinic". Thank you.
  • What if I need a rescue?Open in a new window
    In case of emergency, God forbid, our leader and Sherpas would help apply first aid, provide medicines and assistance with our medical oxygen, and "Gamow-Bag", then we would arrange for an evacuation to take place. In Nepal, this evacuation would be via helicopter, at your expense. In Nepal, helicopter rescues are possible as high as 7800 metres / 25,584 feet. so the helicopter can go up to camp 3 and above.
    
    BE SURE TO PURCHASE GOOD QUALITY RESCUE, TRIP INTERRUPTION AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
    
    
  • What are the risks of sustaining an injury or dieing during the climb?Open in a new window
    Only in extremely rare cases do such things happen, but, lets be honest, risks are present when climbing the higher mountains in the world. However, optimists will tell you that your chances of being involved in an auto-accident on the way to or from the airport might be greater than during the actual climb itself. BE SURE TO PURCHASE GOOD QUALITY CLIMBING, TRIP INTERRUPTION AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.
  • We request you to leave your credit card in Kathmandu as a rescue bond.Open in a new window
    WE NOW REQUIRE A SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION LETTER TO BE ON FILE WITH OUR KATHMANDU OFFICE IN CASE OF A HELICOPTER OR OTHER RESCUE (where applicable).
    
    In the very rare case of an emergency, this letter authorizes our agent and rescue companies to organise a rescue on your behalf. The letter is part of the forms you must sign, in order to register for the trip. The letter will be kept locked in our safe and we have never had a problem with this in the past. Some insurance companies respond to a rescue request on a 24 hour basis. Other insurance companies do not, and you file your claim after returning to your home country, so we need the rescue letter on hand, with payment instructions. Obviously, we need to be able to send a helicopter and/or special rescue jeep and rescue team immediately, in case of the unlikely event you are injured and unable to walk, or perhaps unconscious. Please Click here for Helicopter or other Rescue form . Or Please Click here for Download the form . Thank you very much. 
• J) Where do we stay and what shall we eat?
  • Where do we stay in Kathmandu?Open in a new window
    Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you want your own single room, the cost is an aditional $32 per night (during the included four free hotel nights) and for extra nights $65 per person for single occupancy. Please bring extra cash to pay for your extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, massage, swimming, beauty salon, motorbiking, yoga retreats, river rafting, painting classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, bungie jumping, religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shop, discotheques, airport transfers, Scenic flights around Mount Everest and much much more.
  • What do we eat in Kathmandu?Open in a new window
    In Kathmandu, for a few days only, at the beginning and the end of the trip, you pay for your own meals. There are a wide variety of tasty restaurants in Kathmandu serving continental and Asian food. Prices are reasonable compared to what you would pay at home, depending on how much alcohol you wish to drink with each meal. We do not encourage our members to drink too much. For example 10 - 30 US dollars, 5 - 15 pounds, 7 - 22 euros, a day should be enough for all of your meals. Please review how much cash to bring for the expedition. Thank you.
  • Where do we stay on the trek to basecamp?Open in a new window

    On the trek to basecamp we stay in rustic teahouses or camp, at the organizers expense, so you do not have to pay. Here is some text from the Baruntse itinerary page:

    Trek to Basecamp:

    3) Fly to Lukla (2860 metres/9,400 feet);

    4) Trek to Chutanga (3100 metres/10,400 feet);

    5) Trek to the base of the Zatra La pass (4000 metres/13,000 feet), camp;

    6) Walk over the Zatra La to Tuli Kharka (4400 metres/14,400 feet);

    7) Continue to Tashing Ongma (3500 metres/11,500 feet);

  • What do we eat on the trek to basecamp?Open in a new window
    On the trek our skilled trekking cooks provide delicious meals. Our cooks prepare 3 hot meals a day for us using many fresh ingredients, including fresh vegetables and meats, and fresh bread and boiled eggs for breakfast. If you are a vegetarian, be sure and tell us, so we can instruct the cooks to prepare vegetarian dishes, no problem.
  • Where do we stay on the mountain?Open in a new window
    We stay in basecamp for much of the expedition. Then we climb the mountain using camps 1 and 2. Camp 2 is our high camp. Tents in basecamp and camps 1 and 2 will be shared. Go to our Group Equipment section to learn more about what we bring for you, including sleeping, kitchen, dining, toilet, and shower tents.
  • What do we eat in basecamp & ABC?Open in a new window
    Our skillful and hard working cooks prepare three delicious hot meals each day with a very healthy diet of fresh vegetables, cheeses, eggs, and fresh as well as tinned fruits, meats and fish (all meats and fish are prepared separately out of respect for the vegetarians in our midst). They supply you with unlimited hot-drinks, the key to successful acclimatization. We have large weather-proof kitchens and dining tents, with comfortable chairs and tables. These meals are included at the organizers expense on the mountain. Please be sure to tell our leaders and cooks if you have special dietary needs, such as, vegetarian, food allergies, etcetera.
     
    We do not carry imported specialties such as dehydrated meals, “freeze-dried-food”, imported tinned meats and fish, nor imported sausages and cheeses. If you wish to eat these items, please bring them from your home.
  • What do we eat on the mountain?Open in a new window
    On the mountain, above advanced basecamp, we provide you with abundant and nutritious locally available quick-cooking food, so that you may prepare at least three meals and lots of hot drinks each day, in our specially designed high-altitude stoves using our butane-propane expedition mix fuel. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas will be carrying this food to the higher camps.
     
    We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We also ask members to bring 3 freeze-dried meals for their summit attempt.
     
    We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-5 kilos/4-10 pounds, is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, freeze-dried food, imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country. Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.
  • How do we cook our food on the mountain?Open in a new window

    All of our team members cook their own food unless they have a personal sherpa to cook for them. For more about personal sherpas, please click here.

    We provide you with a special high altitude stove and fuel canisters. Our stoves are of the "hanging" type, designed to be used inside the tent (well ventilated of course). We have found these to be the best possible stoves for high altitude use, as it is essential to cook inside the tent during stormy weather. Our stoves are suspended above the floor so you have room to sit comfortably and warmly in your sleeping bag while cooking.

    Our high altitude fuel is of two types. Above 7000 metres/23,000 feet we use imported propane/butane 250 gramme canisters. Below 7000 metres/23,000 feet we refill the canisters with propane gas. Liquid fuel does not work above 6000 metres/19,700 feet so we don't use liquid fuel above basecamp or advanced basecamp.

  • Do I need to bring my own snack energy and dehydrated food?Open in a new window
    Our skillful cooks prepare 3 delicious hot meals and plenty of drinks each day in basecamp and ABC.
     
    On the mountain we supply plenty of food for you to cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas will be carrying this food to the higher camps.
     
    We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We also ask members to bring 3 dehydrated meals (freeze-dried dinners) for their summit attempt.
     
    We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-5 kilos/4-10 pounds, is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country. Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.
• K) Communications and electronics for Baruntse.
  • Will there be a website dedicated to this expedition?Open in a new window
    Yes. Your friends, family, and colleagues can view the updated dispatches in our recent news section of SummitClimb.com.
  • Will people be able to contact me while I am on the expedition?Open in a new window

    We have a satellite telephone members can use for incoming and outgoing calls for $4 a minute. In addition, members can receive short text messages/SMS for $4 a message from their friends and family.

    SummitClimb has a local agent in Nepal available from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Nepal time. Family and friends can contact our agent and have their emergency messages relayed to members on the mountain during the expedition.

  • How much will it cost to use the satellite telephone?Open in a new window
    Members wishing to use the telephone will contribute $4 per minute of use, whether the call is incoming or outgoing.
  • What sort of 2-way-radios and satellite telephones will the organizers bring?Open in a new window
    We bring one 2-way-radio for each camp, and a satellite telephone for international voice telephone calls. We use simple 'walkie-talkie' radios which are effective, but have a shorter range. We do not use 'vhf' or 'uhf' radios. We strive to have one radio per camp, however, not per person on the mountain.
  • May I bring a laptop, ipod, mp3 player, and/or digital camera?Open in a new window

    Laptops work well up to about 4000 metres/13,000 feet. Altitude can destroy or wipe hard drives bigger than 7 - 10 GB above this altitude, or hard drives that have a moving disk. There are several options out on the market for non moving hard drives that work well in altitude. Panasonic make a special laptop called a "Toughbook"; it is expensive, but I once chipped one out of the ice in a tent at 7500 metres and it still worked.
    

    Note: Some early ipod and mp3 players have this problem as well. Check to make sure your ipod does not have a moving drive, especially before you turn it on above 4000 metres. We have had several instances where these were wiped or crashed.

    Digital cameras work well. We recommend that you keep them in your jacket during the day and in your sleeping bag at night.
  • Will I be able to charge my laptop, ipod, mp3 player, and/or digital camera?Open in a new window

    Many members do bring their laptop, ipod, mp3 player, and/or digital camera.
    

    We bring a solar charging system on the expedition that members have access to. As long as there is sun, we are able to charge batteries easily on the mountain.

    Bring the "wall charger" for your appliance and if possible, please bring an automotive 12 volt charger for your laptop, digital cameras, ipod, and mp3 players, as you can plug it straight into our solar system.

  • Will my wall charger work in Nepal?Open in a new window
    In Nepal, electricity comes from the mains in your hotel at 220 volts with a European style two-round-pin plug. There is an automatic converter in most North American appliances which will allow you to plug 110 volt items into the 220 volt electricity in Nepal. Please be sure to read the back of your appliance or charger to make sure it does this conversion automatically.
  • What is the best photo or video camera to use?Open in a new window
    Any small and light camera will be fine. Many people use digital cameras now, and download their photos on our laptop in basecamp (our laptop works at high altitude, while yours might not, so check carefully before bringing your own laptop).
    • There are new digital video cameras that are small and light and work well. Many peoples bring them and there has been some very good quality movies made by our members. Some members have even edited their own feature length films from video they took with one of these good-quality small 'handi-cams'.
    • Our members take great photos and we might ask your permission to use them in news stories on our news website. Of course you will be credited as the photographer.
      
    • If you are planning to download your photos, then you have to bring your own lead/cable and your own software, if available. Digital cameras also have the advantage of being able to take small video clips. We love seeing your video clips on our site and they really add to the excitement of telling the story of your climb. There are some good digital cameras that will work well in the $200, £100, or €135 range.
    • Be sure you always keep your camera in a plastic bag in the inside pocket of your jacket and you will have to sleep with it at night. You never want it to become cold or be exposed to wind, snow, dust, moisture or rain.
    • With any camera, make sure you have your battery/charging system well-thought-out before you leave home, as options to figure this out in the mountains will be limited.
• L) Notes for basic members.
  • What is the difference between "Full-Service" and "Basic-Climb?Open in a new window

    "Full Service" expeditions feature almost every imaginable service. "Basic-Climbs" feature the lowest possible prices. Please read down through the questions to learn more.

    NOTE: Our Basic climb is open to groups of two or more. We welcome you to join the basic-climb as an individual and hire a climbing sherpa or join our full-service programme. Our full service climbs are open to members joining as individuals and groups of two or more. If you wish to save money, we encourage you to pick and choose the services you want and need from a "menu" you can see listed under "what the basic-climb includes" on the "cost" page. Once you are inside the Baruntse "cost" page, scroll down to see the three available options, "trekking to/from basecamp", "basecamp" and "high altitude".

  • What does the "Basic-Climb" price include?Open in a new window

    NOTE: Our Basic climb is open to groups of two or more. We welcome you to join the basic-climb as an individual and hire a climbing sherpa or join our full-service programme. Our full service climbs are open to members joining as individuals and groups of two or more. If you wish to save money, we encourage you to pick and choose the services you want and need from a "menu" you can see listed under "what the basic-climb includes" on the "cost" page. Once you are inside the Baruntse "cost" page, scroll down to see the three available options, "trekking to/from basecamp", "basecamp" and "high altitude".
    
    

    Coordinator: Dan Mazur, over 25 Himalayan expeditions;
    • All permit fees and liaison officer;
    • Emergency equipment and supplies: medical oxygen, gamow bag, basecamp medical kit, high-altitude medical kits, etcetera;
    • Access to team fixed ropes and camps (sites, not tents), coordinated with our own "full-service" climbing team.
    • A walkie-talkie radio is provided to stay linked-in with the leader of the full service expedition while on the mountain;
    • Other necessary services and supplies (i.e.: transport costs, extra yaks, trek services, basecamp meals, high altitude services and equipment), may be purchased and hired at additional expense.
  • Will I participate in orientation and training during the expedition?Open in a new window
    Yes, upon arrival in Kathmandu, all members are required to participate in a day of training and orientation (unless you have made special arrangements). Upon reaching basecamp, ALL full-service and basic-climb members are again required to participate in one to two days of training (unless you have made special arrangements) in the areas of climbing techniques, glacier travel, rope fixing, ascending, descending, safety techniques, rappels (abseils), belaying, medical equipment and procedures, communications equipment, camping techniques and high-altitude cooking. For the expert and beginner alike, it is important to review these techniques in order to enhance skills, ensure safety-awareness, and learn to work together as a team. Please make sure you have studied the standard books, such as "Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills", and are comfortable and familiar with the necessary climbing techniques, before joining our team. Thank you for being a well-prepared and safe team member!
  • Packing my bags in Kathmandu which I will take with me to basecamp.Open in a new window
    When you pack your bags in Kathmandu, please organize your materials into two locking duffle kit bags weighing no more than 20 kilos/44 pounds each. These are the bags that will be put on the flight and tied on the yaks, so please make sure they are strong and secure. You will be able to store your excess baggage in Kathmandu.
  • How do basic climbing members organize transport of their equipment to basecamp?Open in a new window

    If you want us to arrange your baggage, then the cost is as follows (must be payed in advance):

    1. Baggage UP from Kathmandu to Lukla $3/kilo above 15 kilos. (only 3 kilo is allowed as hand carry (MORE THAN 3 KILO WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AS HAND CARRY).

    2. Baggage UP from Lukla to both Basecamps: $8/kilo for everything you will not carry on your back (PLEASE DO NOT CARRY A HEAVY BACK PACK DURING THE TREK, OR YOU WILL BECOME TIRED AND NOT ACCLIMATIZE PROPERLY).

    3. Baggage DOWN from Baruntse Basecamp to Lukla: $5/kilo for everything you will not carry on your back.

    4. Baggage DOWN from Lukla to Kathmandu: $3/kilo above 15 kilos. (only 3 kilo is allowed as hand carry (MORE THAN 3 KILO WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AS HAND CARRY).

    ABOVE COSTS MUST BE PAYED IN ADVANCE NOW WITH YOUR BOOKING.

  • Are basic members able to purchase fuel for their stoves?Open in a new window
    For altitudes below 7000 metres, we are glad to provide any epi gas you might need at a cost of $4 per cylinder. You may be able to find it cheaper in Kathmandu.
    • For high altitude above 7000 metres, we are glad to provide epi gas at a cost of $8 per cylinder. Beware of refilled cylinders. It's the special certified high altitude gas with the contents guaranteed to contain the special high altitude 8000 metre mix.
    • When calculating your gas please estimate approximaltely 1 250 gm cylinder per-day per-person. We would need to receive these funds in advance so that we can pre-order the gas. Thank you.
    • We will buy-back any gas you don't use for 50% of what you payed.
  • Will our basic team be able to stay in contact with the leader of the full service expedition while on the mountain?Open in a new window
    A walkie-talkie radio is provided for every basic team to stay linked-in with the leader and full service expedition while on the mountain.