Frequently Asked Questions|Summitclimb

FAQ's

FAQ

General Questions

Over the last 20 years, SummitClimb has worked to build on outstanding staff. Our staff members include some of the world’s finest expedition leaders, porters, cooks, and high altitude Sherpa. Our staff is highly skilled and experienced in expeditions to the highest points on Earth. For more information on the staff for your expedition, please refer to your climb’s webpage.

Can I come early or leave late?

Absolutely! When possible, we encourage members to come early or leave late to acclimate to the time change, experience the local culture, and explore. If you need extra night

How do I register for this trip?

To secure your place on an expedition, new members should complete an application and submit the deposit for their trip. Each expedition’s page provides detailed information on the trip and a link to the application. Of course, we encourage you to call or email with any questions.

How much will my pack weigh?

Pack weight on these expeditions will vary by trip and what you are doing on any given day. On a trek or for climbers’ approach to base camp, members will typically carry just 15lbs (7kg) in their backpacks. When our climbers move to camps higher on the mountain they must carry only their personal gear (snacks, clothing, sleeping bag, etc.).Sherpa will carry group equipment (tents, stoves, ropes, etc.). On these days, members’ packs can weigh 30-40+lbs (13-18+kg). Having modern, lightweight gear and packing only essentials will help keep pack weight to a minimum. For those who would like to carry lighter loads, it is possible to hire a personal Sherpa in advance.

How is drinking water treated?

In nearly every country that we operate water is not safe for foreigners to drink. In most places bottled water is available, but in order to reduce waste and reduce pack weight, we highly recommend that members simply treat tap water. A Steripen is an easy, reliable way to treat water. Water treatment tablets are an inexpensive and simple way to treat water as well.

Is this a guided trip?

This is not a guided trip. All SummitClimb expeditions include an experienced western leader. The leader’s role is to manage logistics, assist in climber training, and manage the expedition’s staff. Our leaders have vast experience in expedition climbing, but we do not guarantee that the leader will attempt to summit with members. Members who would like to have a staff member with them every step of the way during their trip are encouraged to hire one of our personal Sherpa.

If I do not have everything on the gear list, can I rent gear/clothing?

We recommend acquiring as many things as possible on the gear list prior to arriving for your expedition. Having experience with your equipment before the trip is nice. However, many clients need to rent some items, and we are happy to help accommodate. Prior to your expedition, please let us know what you will need so that we can make sure that it is available when you arrive.

How much money should I bring?

It is always better to have a bit too much than not enough. The appropriate amount varies for each expedition. For detailed information, please refer to our www.PreTripNewsletter.com.

What happens if I need to leave the trip early?

Occasionally, a member needs to leave an expedition early due to health or personal reasons. If this is the case, SummitClimb is happy to accommodate. The member is responsible for all costs associated with an early departure. We require evacuation insurance and highly recommend trip cancellation insurance for these situations.

Should I tip the staff?

If you have an excellent experience, tipping in a great way to show your appreciation. The countries that we work in have a culture of tipping, and our staff appreciates gratuities as part of their income. For more information

What is the food like? Can I bring food from home?

The food on our expeditions is excellent. One of the highlights of international travel is experiencing the local cuisine. We provide a great mix of local meals and western classics. Some snacks can be purchased locally, but we recommend members bring some of their favorites from home. For recommendations on how much to bring please refer to your trip’s gear list.

Will there be communication while we are on the trip?

The expedition leader will post daily updates to our webpage via satellite so that friends and loved ones can follow your progress. We encourage members to commit the experience of participating in the expedition and avoid over-using technology. However, we recognize that some people need to be in touch with the outside world. Each expedition has a satellite phone which can be used for a reasonable fee. Most expeditions have access to Wi-Fi along the trek and some have Wi-Fi in base camp.

Will I be sharing a tent or lodging with others?

Lodging in hotels before and after the trip and at tea houses is typically dual occupancy. Private rooms are available for a small fee. For climbs, each member will have their own three person tent at base camp. Above base camp, members will share tents (typically two climbers in a three person tent).

How shall I organize my mountain-climbing-trekking and travel insurances?

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. 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.

Most of our members are now using a company called Global Rescue, https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/summitclimb which offers "rescue-only" as well as 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)

(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 or https://www.dogtag.com/ (outside of the UK)

Base camp and service treks: Tibet ABC trek, K2 Base camp, EBC Nepal, Remote Nepal Service Trek, Deboche project

How difficult is it to complete a trek?

Our treks are something that almost anyone can do. To enjoy our treks, members should be in good shape and able to walk for 5-7 hours a day, taking hourly rest breaks and a longer stop for lunch. Like any other physical activity, the better shape that a person is in the easier it will feel.

What is the difference between a base camp trek and a service trek?

Our base camp treks are beautiful hikes that take members to some of the most picturesque and famous base camps in the world. Service treks often include some or all of the same treks, but with additional time built in for volunteering/service that benefits the local community. Visit our treks/service trek pages for more information on itineraries and to learn how our service treks are helping Nepali people in need.

Trekking Peaks: Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Elbrus, Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche East, and Pastore Peak

What is a trekking peak?

In Nepal, mountains between 5800 and 6476 meters above sea level are considered trekking peaks. The term “trekking peak” refers to the type of permit that is required to climb the mountain, and is not a description of the difficultly of the climb. For example, most of these peaks require crossing glaciers and ascending steep terrain on a fixed rope. While these mountains are considered “easy” by mountaineering standards, it is certainly more challenging than just a “trek.”

How difficult is it to climb a trekking peak?

Trekking peaks are considered “easy” climbs. For many people, it is the first high altitude mountain that they attempt. That is not to say that it is not physically demanding. In big mountain ranges, the high altitude and cold temperatures make even “easy” climbing a challenge. Climbing trekking peaks requires mental and physical stamina, but it is something that most fit hikers/climbers can accomplish.

What is the difference between climbing a trekking peak and doing a trek?

Climbing a trekking peak means attempting to summit the mountain. Trekking to the mountain typically means hiking to base camp, but not doing any “real climbing.” For example, trekking to Island Peak base camp only requires several days of walking on moderate to steep trails. Climbing Island peak involves doing that trek, then travelling over rocks steps and crevasses on a glacier, and then using a rope to climb a wall of snow and ice to the summit.

7000m Peaks: Baruntse, Everest Training, Mustagata, Spantik and AmaDablam(6812m)

How difficult is it to climb a 7000 peak?

7000m peaks and AmaDablam are challenging. Climbers should be in excellent physical shape. These peaks range in technical difficultly from relatively easy snow walks to ascending ropes over vertical ice and rock. Climbers who have experience on expeditions to high elevation and/or rock climbing typically do well on these trips. However, with the training provided during the trip a determined and fit novice can also succeed.

Will I use oxygen?

With a proper acclimatization schedule, most peoples’ bodies can naturally acclimate well enough to climb 7000m peaks and AmaDablam without oxygen. We do not typically offer oxygen on these expeditions, but we can supply oxygen if it is purchased in advance.

Why are these expeditions so long?

Even the most fitpeople on earth will get sick if they climb too high too quickly.
In order to climb at extremely high elevations without suffering from altitude illnesses, it is crucial to follow an intelligent (slow) acclimatization schedule. Accessing these mountains and acclimatizing properly a long process. However, those wishing to shorten a trip by a few days can consider using a helicopter on parts of the approach or descent for many of our climbs.

How are 7000m peaks different than trekking peaks?

Relative to the trekking peaks that SummitClimb offers, 7000m peaks and AmaDablam are significantly more difficult. Our trekking peak expeditions are considered “easy,” whereas climbs in the 7000m range are considered to be” intermediate” Himalayan climbs.

8000m Peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Broad Peak, K2, G1, G2

How difficult is it to climb an 8000m peak?

Climbing to the summit of an 8000 meter peak is extremely challenging. Even “easy” 8000m peaks are a test of physical and mental stamina. For the best chances of success, we recommend a rigorous training program, purchasing personal Sherpa services, and using oxygen.

Will I use oxygen?

Our expeditions to Everest, K2, and Lhotse all include the use of supplemental oxygen. On our other 8000m expeditions, oxygen is optional. For those with in excellent physical shape and who have experience at extremely high altitude, climbing an 8000m peak without supplemental oxygen can the ultimate challenge. For everyone else, we recommend the use of oxygen as is helps climbers feel better, move faster, and stay warmer.

Why are these expeditions so long?

The mountains are located in remote areas that take several days to access. Even when we can access base camps via roads, we still need to ascend slowly to that our bodies and acclimate to the high altitude. The taller the mountain, the longer it takes to acclimatize. Expeditions to the highest points on earth take several weeks to do safely. On many of our expeditions, those who are interested in shorting the length of the trip can consider using a helicopter to shave a few days from the approach or descent from base camp.

How are 8000m peaks different than other climbs?

Expeditions to 8000m peaks typically take longer that other climbs due to the need to acclimate to the extremely high altitude. Most climbers choose to use oxygen on 8000m peaks. There are only 14 mountains taller than 8000m on Earth. Climbing one is a unique experience that is the highlight of many climbers’ careers.