Everest Spring 2010

Abstract

ITINERARY

EXPEDITION DESCRIPTION

This expedition needs little description, the purpose is simple; to climb the highest mountain on earth.  We will do this from the South side, because the rate of success is higher and the accident rate lower than the other side. The team will meet in Kathmandu and acclimatise on a 6100m peak during the approach. This will reduce the number of journeys through the Khumbu Icefall to a minimum. Before the summit attempt we plan a drop down to Pangboche forR&R and re-Oxidisation. In addition to bottled oxygen, the team members will have 1:1 Sherpa support on summit day.

PRICE

The price  is for a full  expedition service, professionally led, using Sherpas for support for group equipment .

Included in expedition price:
All expedition permits and Liaison Officer costs
All road travel and  transfers included in the itinerary
All meals while in camps
transport of personal kit (up to 40kg each) to base camp and back.
IFMGA leader
Sherpa support
Full Base Camp set up, Mess Tent, kitchen etc.
Group climbing gear, fixed ropes and first aid kit.
Personal base camp tents
Shared High Altitude  tents, stoves, fuel.
High Altitude  food
6 x 4ltr bottles O2 per member

Not included:
International flights to Kathmandu
Medical evacuation insurance
Holiday Insurance
Excess baggage beyond 40kg personal baggage
Nepalese visas
Personal climbing kit and clothing
Hotels in Kathmandu
Lodges and camps during the approach trek
Gratuities for hotel and expedition staff
Mask & Regulatos for hire

INSURANCE

For this trip you must have medical evacuation and trip cancellation insurance. If you purchase them separately we recommend IHI for medical emergencies (http://www.ihi.com/).
We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. Travel insurance should  provide coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, baggage delay,  loss of baggage and travel documents

Visas

Foreign travellers to Nepal need visas which you can obtain on arrival in Nepal. Your passport must have 1 spare page  and you will need a passport photo and the equivalent of 50 USD (approximately).

ESSENTIAL KIT

Kit must be light and functional. Heavy, unsuitable and excess kit will only hinder your ascent of the mountain:

TRAVEL
passport + photocopy + spare passport photographs
credit cards + cash
copy of insurance certificate

BIVOUAC
2 X sleeping bag (good to -20C)
sleeping bag liner
2 x light sleeping mats
mug, bowl, spoon for high camps.
lighter

SUN PROTECTION
sun hat (cricket style is good)
glacier glasses and spare sun glasses
ski goggles
glacier cream and lip salve

CLOTHING
ski hat
balaclava or neck gaiter
weather proof outer-shell jacket
thin gloves
leather palmed ski gloves
warm high altitude mitts
light duvet jacket for base camp
down suit (or separate jacket and down pants)
glacier shirt (light, long sleeve shirt)
pile or fleece jacket x 2
silk weight long sleeve shirt
weather proof outer-shell pants or sallopettes
pile or fleece pants
silk weight pants
thin and thick socks
gaiters
warm plastic boots
trekking boots or sturdy trainers

HARDWARE
2 x head torch  with plenty spare batteries
light water bottle (local plastic  bottle is good)
70l (min) litre rucksack
Alpine ice axe
new or sharpened crampons
harness
2 locking krabs
2 non-locking krabs
1 long sling (120cm)
prussik cord (2 x 6mm dia. 2m long)
8mm dia cord, 4m long
light helmet

FIRST AID
personal medical supplies
blister kit
spare glasses/lenses (for the myopia or hyperopia)

RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL EXTRAS;
ski sticks
camera
chemical hand/foot warmers

EXPEDITION LEADER

The expedition will be led by a professional with previous Everest experience. At this time it is expected this will be Victor Saunders IFMGA (4 x summiteer). Our guiding principle on 8,000m mountains is that the guide or his assistant will be be in visual and/or verbal contact with the client(s) at all times while climbing. This simple system has worked very well for us over several expeditions to the highest and coldest mountains.

FOOD

In base camp we will feast mainly on local food, but bear in mind that our essentail philosphy on mountains is that “Food is fuel”. Please let us know well in advance of any special dietary requirements.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION and VACCINATIONS

It  is imperative that expedition members are fit and strong and in good health.  Please ensure that you have seen your doctor and provide us with a medical certificate that you are fit for the expedition, and that you have the necessary innoculations for the countries you will be travelling through. We must be informed of any medical conditions that may affect you during the course of the expedition. We will treat the information with full confidentiality.

SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS and EXPEDITION FIRST AID

On this expedition we will be carrying a small satellite phone and two way radios. We will also provide a basic expedition first aid kit. You should bring your own personal first aid kit.

PAYMENT, CANCELLATION, REFUND

To register for this expedition  we will need a deposit of USD 5,000  three months before the start of the expedition, (together with a scan of the biodata page of your passport).The balance  is payable a minimum of 2 months before the start of the expedition. Please ensure that you are fully covered for cancellation on your part when you make the payments.