Mount Everest, rising 8,848m (29,028ft) above sea level reigns as the highest mountain on Earth. For decades summiting Everest has been considered one of the greatest mountaineering achievements. In the spring of each year, we embrace this intense challenge by taking a group of qualified climbers to Nepal to climb Mt. Everest via the South Col route. The South Col was the first successfully climbed route on Mt. Everest as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay accomplished this feat in 1953. Since then, the South Col has seen over 400 ascents. It is by far, the most successfully climbed route on the mountain.
EVEREST FACTS
Claimed as highest peak: 1808 (Survey of India and British Surveyor’s)
Named: 1865 by Andrew Waugh for Sir George Everest
First detailed map: 1921
First summit: 1953 Hillary & Norgay
First woman climber: 1975, Junko Tabei (Japanese)
First climb w/o supplemental Oxygen: 1978 Reinhold Messner
Highlights of the International Mt Everest Expedition 2019
Why Choose US for your next TRIP???
On Arrival in KTM & Necessary Preparation
On your arrival in KTM, Tribhuvan International Air port, our air port representative will be ready just front of arrival gate showing the board of “ Caravan Outdoors” please try to catch the board man. We will take you to Hotel, short briefing for the next days plan. If this is your first time in Nepal, will organize a city tour next day morning takes 3-4 hours. In the late afternoon we go through your personal climbing equipments in order to make sure that you have every item in order & good condition. The evening will be the time for Dinner, Introduction with your Sherpa staff. 3rd day is for final preparation and pack up.
If you want more days in KTM for preparation then we would like to request you to arrange your arrival in KTM accordingly.
TREKKING APPROCH TO EVEREST BASE CAMP
Our approach to base camp trekking begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla (gate way of Everest region). Once we reach there, it takes us couple of hours to manage the porters and start walking alone with the Milk River (Dudh Koshi) for 2-3 hours from here we begin our trek to Everest base camp and reach to a small village call Phakding (2625m) where you are going to spend your first night in Everest area. Next day trek to Namche (9,000ft), which lies at the base of the Khumbu Himal.. The trek will take approximately 10 days and travels from the Dudh Koshi valley up through the Imja Drangka and finally onto the Khumbu glacier. Along the way we will visit the cities of Namche, Tengpoche, Pheriche and Lobuche, all of which are fascinating and richly cultured villages, which provide spectacular views of the Himalayas. For acclimatization purposes, this trek is longer than usual. This also gives us the chance to explore the many different areas and take the time to visit local monasteries and visit with Nepali Sherpa friends.
Base camp is located at 17,500 feet. This is where climbers begin their true trip up the mountain. This is also where support staff often remains to monitor the expeditions and provide medical assistance when necessary. Many organizations offer hiking trips which just go to base camp as the trip is not technically challenging (though you must be very fit).
From base camp, climbers typically train and acclimate (permitting the body to adjust to the decreased oxygen in the air) by traveling and bringing supplies back and forth through the often-treacherous Khumbu Icefall. This training and recuperation continues throughout the climb, with the final summit push often being the only time to climbers do not go back and forth between camps to train, bring supplies, and recuperate for the next push.
The Icefall is in constant motion. It contains enormous ice seracs, often larger than houses, which dangle precariously over the climbers heads, threatening to fall at any moment without warning, as the climbers cross endless crevasses and listen to continuous ice creaking below. This often acts as a testing ground to judge if less experienced climbers will be capable of continuing. The Icefall is located between 17,500 and 19,500 feet.
IN & AROUND EVEREST BASE CAMP
Having years of experience helped us to establish the finest Base Camp in the mountain. With the highest quality tent structures and imported foods, we strive to insure the time at Base Camp is restful and revitalizing. By providing these accommodations, we make every effort to keep climbers healthy and rested.
CLIMBING ROUTE & HIGH CAMPS
By the time we reach base camp, our climbing leaders and Sherpa will be well on the way to having the lower part of the mountain (the Khumbu Ice Fall) already fixed with ropes and ladders. We will establish four camps on the mountain. The first, at 19,500ft, is situated at the top of the ice fall. This camp functions as an intermediate camp until Camp II (advanced base camp) is established at 21,000ft. Camp II will consist of large tents for cooking and dining and several smaller tents for sleeping. Camp II will be our base during the placements of Camp III and Camp IV (23,500ft and 26,300ft respectively). Camp III, which stands at the head of the cirque on the Lhotse face will consist of three and four man tents. This camp serves as an intermediate camp which climbers will use to reach Camp IV (high camp) on the South Col. Most of our Sherpa are able to carry directly from Camp II to Camp IV, so large amounts of gear are not needed at Camp III to establish Camp IV. Oxygen will be used above Camp III to help aid climbers in reaching high camp before attempting the summit. From Camp IV, we travel along the South East Ridge to the South Summit. From here we traverse for a few hundred meters before reaching the Hillary step and then onto the main summit.
BRIEF INFORMATION OF THE HIGH CAMPS OF Mt. EVEREST
After the Icefall, the climbers arrive at Camp I, which is located at 19,500 feet. Depending on the type of expedition, Camp I will either be stocked by the climbers as they ascend and descend the Icefall, or by Sherpas in advance.
The area between Camp I and Camp II is known as the Western Cwm. As the climbers reach Camp II at 21,000 feet, they may be temporarily out of sight of their support at Base camp. Nonetheless, modern communication devises permit the parties to stay in contact.
As the climbers leave Camp II, they travel towards the Lhotse face (Lhotse is a 27,920 foot mountain bordering Everest). The Lhotse face is a steep, shiny icy wall. Though not technically extremely difficult, one misstep or slip could mean a climber’s life. Indeed, many climbers have lost their lives through such mishaps.
To reach Camp III, climbers must negotiate the Lhotse Face. Climbing a sheer wall of ice demands skill, strength and stamina. It is so steep and treacherous that many Sherpas move directly from Camp II to Camp IV on the South Col, refusing to stay on the Lhotse Face.
As you’re leaving C4…it’s a little bit of a down slope, with the uphill side to the left. There are typically snow on the ledges to walk down on, interspersed with rock, along with some fixed rope. The problem with the rope is that the anchors are bad, and there’s not much holding the rope and a fall could be serious. Fortunately it’s not too steep, but there is a ton of exposure and people are usually tired when walking down from camp. The rock is a little down sloping to the right as well, and with crampons on, it can be bit tricky with any kind of wind. There’s a little short slope on reliable snow which leads to the top of the Geneva Spur, and the wind pressure gradient across the spur can increase there as you’re getting set up for the rappel. Wearing an oxygen mask here can create some footing issues during the rappel, because it’s impossible to see over the mask and down to the feet. For that reason, some people choose to leave Camp 4 without gas, as it’s easier to keep moving down the Spur when it’s important to see all the small rock steps and where the old feet are going. Navigating down through all of the spaghetti of fixed ropes is a bit of a challenge, especially with mush for brains at that point. One lands on some lower ledges which aren’t so steep, where fixed ropes through here are solid. At this point, it’s just a matter of staying upright, and usually, the wind has died significantly after dropping off the Spur. The route turns hard to the left onto the snowfield that leads to the top of the Yellow Bands.
Camp IV, which is at 26,300 on the Lhotse face, is typically the climbers’ first overnight stay in the Death Zone. The Death Zone is above 26,000 feet. Though there is nothing magical about that altitude, it is at this altitude that most human bodies lose all ability to acclimate. Accordingly, the body slowly begins to deteriorate and die – thus, the name “Death Zone.” The longer a climber stays at this altitude, the more likely illness (HACE – high altitude cerebral edema – or HAPE – high altitude pulmonary edema) or death will occur. Most climbers will use oxygen to climb and sleep at this altitude and above. Generally, Sherpas refuse to sleep on the Lhotse face and will travel to either Camp II or Camp IV.
Camp IV is located at 26,300 feet. This is the final major camp for the summit push. It is at this point that the climbers make their final preparations. It is also a haven for worn-out climbers on their exhausting descent from summit attempts (both successful and not). Sherpas or other climbers will often wait here with supplies and hot tea for returning climbers.
From Camp IV, climbers will push through the Balcony, at 27,500 feet, to the Hillary Step at 28,800 feet. The Hillary Step, an over 70 foot rock step, is named after Sir. Edmond Hillary, who in 1953, along with Tenzing Norgay, became the first people to summit Everest. The Hillary Step, which is climbed with fixed ropes, often becomes a bottleneck as only one climber can climb at a time. Though the Hillary Step would not be difficult at sea level for experienced climbers, at Everest’s altitude, it is considered the most technically challenging aspect of the climb.
SUMMIT ATTEMPTS
After Camps III and IV are established and all our supplies are in place, we return to Base Camp for a rest. At Base Camp we will organize our summit teams and prepare ourselves for summit attempts. Once we are ready, we return to Advanced Base. If good weather prevails we move the summit team to Camp III, on day 2/3. Day 3/4 will be summit day for the team. They will start very early that morning and attempt to reach the summit before mid-day. After the summit, they retreat back to the South Col and on to Camp III. Next day the team will back to camp II & base camp.
As always, weather plays a major part in all actual summit attempts. We will try as many summit attempts as safely possible as our goal is to put the maximum number of people on the summit. Guides and Sherpa will accompany all summit attempts and oxygen will be used.
Once the climbers ascend the Hillary Step, they slowly and laboriously proceed to the summit at 29,028 feet. The summit sits at the top of the world. Though not the closest place to the sun due to the earth’s curve, it is the highest peak on earth. Due to the decreased air pressure, the summit contains less than one third the oxygen as at sea level. If dropped off on the summit directly from sea level (impossible in reality), a person would die within minutes. Typically, climbers achieving the great summit will take pictures, gain their composure, briefly enjoy the view, then return to Camp IV as quickly as possible. The risk of staying at the summit and the exhaustion from achieving the summit is too great to permit climbers to fully enjoy the great accomplishment at that moment.
As most readers of this page know, the return trip can be even more dangerous than the climb to the summit.
OUR SUMMIT ATTEMPT STRETEGY BASED ON PAST EXPERIENCES
We start our Expedition journey after landing an air craft at Lukla air port. We do the trekking to Everest base camp slowly & acclimatizing with Himalaya’s weather. It approx takes 7 days to get in Everest base camp one way. Couple of nights rest & acclimatized on the foot of the Mt Everest then after we start our climbing courses all most for 5-6 week. 6-7 week days, depending upon the summit window, summit attempt can be charge. Therefore we will suggest you to take advices & discussion with your personal sherpa + team members of the same team, make the summit plan. In our past experiences, summit window can be open from 18 May to end of May or some time beginning of June as well.
Quick Summary of the itinerary
March 25 to April 2nd: Trekking period to Everest base camp
April 3rd to 25th May: Acclimatize, Climbing activities & summit attempt
May 26th to 29th:: Trek to Lukla
Note: Summit attempt duration can be extended depending on weather forecast
On the summit day plan, Progress and well being are monitored over the radio by our base camp manager/one the guides and relayed up the mountain to the guides, climbers and Sherpa by radio. In this way we have some one with clear head keeping track of everyone and their oxygen usages. This has worked well in the past and we consider that this approach given the best chance for success and to meet out other two objectives of everyone safe and everyone enjoying the experience.
EXPERIENCE & SKILL REQUIRED TO BE A EXPEDITION MEMBER
We are looking for experienced climbers, for whom Everest is the next logical step in their climbing careers. Our team will be in top physical condition and ready to meet the extreme challenges Everest presents. If at all possible, we request that potential Everest climbers participate in one of our other domestic or international climbs. More over the participant must have the knowledge about the previous mountaineering expedition including the mountaineering skill development basic & advance trainings plus well shill to use climbing hard wear gears such as crampons, Jumars, prussiks, abseiling. Moving past knots, anchors etc.
It is important that a team member be able to work well with people and be willing to commit to a group effort which will last for several weeks. You will be exposed to a completely different culture during the expedition. An being the expedition team member, it is your responsibility to treat the people and their environment with respect. This ability is as important as your climbing skills. Our object is successful & safety summit attempt, some time on the tough climbing days, you may think, you have been away from home for an extended period of time is highly important. Be determined to finish what you have begin, trained for and set as a goal. Mountains are beautiful places but not every minutes of every day is sunshine & roses. Therefore while on the climbing the mountains focus on your goal & try to be mentally free. Our Sherpa support look after your requirements & guide you but you need to be honest and realistic with yourself and your team members.
WHY CLIMBING SHERPAS ARE ESSENTIAL IN THE HIMALAYAS
We committed to provide the most famous, experienced & profession high altitude climbing Sherpas. They have reached to the Mt Everest summit couple of times. To make the successful attempt on Mt Everest, there should have a good combination of various factors such as experienced team, strong & committed Sherpas team with nice, experienced cooking crew, very co operative to each other, good quality tents with accessories, quality foods etc therefore we provide you the best services in the industry. If you want to look over the climbing Sherpas previous climbing experiences then Will send you the details then you have the opportunity to choose the best personal Sherpa on your next expedition with us. As far as concern about our experiences to run smooth mountaineering expeditions to the Himalayas, We are success in our all most all the expedition trips. We run the trip especially to the Himalayas of Tibet & Nepal. The reason of our success in the mountaineering expeditions is due to the experienced Sherpa staffs, they are well trained, they knows the climbing routes, they knows how to make the climb safety, they have the knowledge about the rescue operation & technical part of the climbing etc. We provide personalize services during the climbing because our Sherpa ratio is 1:1
EMERGENCY EVACUATION CONTROL SYSTEM
In case of emergency and at anytime during the expedition, company and its staff will use all the available resources to rescue and evacuate injured climbers to the finest doctor place soon as possible. From base camp or from the nearest point Gorekshep, MI 17 or smaller helicopter’s rescue is possible. Above base camp, an emergency situation can only be handled with the resources of the expedition and other expeditions in the area. Any additional cost involved in an emergency will be the responsibility of the climbing member(s) requiring immediate medical attention and/or evacuation. We recommended strong medical insurance policy which must covers the cost for Helicopter evacuation as well.
OXYGEN & SUGGESTED NUMBER OF OXYGEN TUBES
Oxygen & Mask regulator set is heart bit of the successful mountaineering expedition. Normally oxygen can be used above camp III. Yes of course there is several numbers of climbers who made the summit attempts without using the Oxygen’s. But without using the oxygen’s tubes during the climbing of big mountain is more risky. Therefore to meet our goal, we include standard number 5 tubes/bottles of 4 litters POISK oxygen into our package. We use POISK Russian oxygen, the brand is most reliable in the field of Himalayas mountaineering expedition. At the same time, if you are trying Mt Everest climbing for the first then we suggests to secure additional 3 tubes as your reserve emergency backup support, to secure the additional tubes, you must place the order with us in advance. Plus we provide well condition; brand new mask & regulator set (must be return after the expedition). We provide oxygen’s to your climbing Sherpa separately as mentioned in the package services.
COMMUNICATION & RADIO SYSTEM IN THE MOUNTAIN
Every climbing Sherpa, expedition guide & client will have a personal walkie talkie set. Your position will be monitored by the base camp manager (if arranged) or your guide, Sherpa who will be using the 65 watt base station radio units, which can be also communicate between BC & ABC/ Camp II if required. Radios are for your safety & smooth running of the trip.
GENERAL MEDICAL FIRST AID KIT
We can prepare a general medical kit normally focusing to the Nepalese staff, therefore we strongly suggests to our client to have own personal medical kit where you can put as per your medical requirements and strongly recommend to consul with your personal doctor and check your fitness to go for trip.
BASE CAMP SUPPORT TREK
We also offer support trekker trip to the family and friends of our expedition members. This provides a golden opportunity and allows family and friends to participate in a world-class climb. We support complete arrangement from KTM to KTM.
Requires prior experience of high-altitude climbing. The altitude may get over 6500 m and may require great climbing skills, such as; cramponing, ice-axing, harnessing etc.
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport. Star Standard meals at Kathmandu!
Day 1 | Arrival in KTM & transfer to hotel | – |
Day 2 | Half day sightseeing and evening equipment preparation | – |
Day 3 | Kathmandu; final preparation for trek | – |
Day 4 | Fly Lukla, trek to Phakding | – |
Day 5 | Trek to Namche Bazaar | – |
Day 6 | Namche. Rest day/Side trip to Syangbouche/Thame | – |
Day 7 | Trek to Tengbouche | – |
Day 8 | Trek to Dingbouche | – |
Day 9 | Dingbouche. Rest day | – |
Day 10 | Trek to Lobouche | – |
Day 11 | Trek to Gorekshep | – |
Day 12 | Trek Everest Base Camp | – |
Day 13-58 | MT. EVEREST CLIMBING PERIOD | – |
Day 59 | Trek to Pheriche | – |
Day 60 | Trek to Tengbouche | – |
Day 61 | Trek to Monjo | – |
Day 62 | Trek to Lukla | – |
Day 63 | Fly back to Kathmandu | – |
Day 64 | Free day in Kathmandu. | – |
Day 65 | Fly back to home | – |
Great experience!! I did the Island Peak Climb, everything was very well organized and our climbing guide was one of the most experienced! They reply very promptly and give competent answers! ~Olivia Hoffman (Switzerland)
The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Currently, we help raise fund and donate it to help build schools and shelters at the Earthquake stricken regions of Central Nepal province. You can join the cause help donate or volunteer to teach at the primary level schools. Visit Community Center for more information.
Quick Summary of the itinerary March 25 to April 2nd: Trekking period to Everest base camp April 3rd to 25th May: Acclimatize, Climbing activities & summit attempt May 26th to 29th:: Trek to Lukla TREKKING & EXPEDITION ITINERARY Day 01: Arrival in KTM & transfer to hotel Day 02: Half day sightseeing and evening equipment preparation Day 03: Kathmandu; final preparation for trek Day 04: Fly Lukla, trek to Phakding Day 05: Trek to Namche Bazaar Day 06: Namche. Rest day/Side trip to Syangbouche/Thame Day 07: Trek to Tengbouche Day 08: Trek to Dingbouche Day 09: Dingbouche. Rest day Day 10: Trek to Lobouche Day 11: Trek to Gorekshep Day 12: Trek Everest Base Camp Day 13 to 58: MT. EVEREST CLIMBING PERIOD Day 59 Trek to Pheriche Day 60: Trek to Tengbouche Day 61: Trek to Monjo Day 62: Trek to Lukla Day 63: Fly back to Kathmandu Day 64: Free day in Kathmandu. Day 65: Fly back to home
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