Everest Frequently Asked Questions
What is the skill level of this climb?
Climbers should have successfully completed our 6-Day Training course or have equivalent skills and experience.
Prior experience carrying a heavy pack for multiple days serves as excellent preparation for this climb. Good prior climbs for theis expedition are Denali and Cho-Oyu. Climbers must be able to carry an average of 30lbs or more and be physically and mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes.
What is the physical conditioning level needed for this climb?
Climbers must be in excellent physical condition. This is a long expedition requiring patience, stamina, mental fortitude, and strong willpower. Summit day can be 20 hours long.
Any tips on how a climber can maximize their chances of success?
Along with the required climbing skills, review cardio training on the training page of our web site. We strongly recommend following the advice of our guides to acclimatize properly.
Who is the guiding team composed of (How many guides? Climber to guide ratio?)
Your expedition leader will be one of our International Mountain Guides. They will have along as many assistant guides, climbing Sherpa, porters and cooks as necessary to ensure a low climber to guide ratio.
What is the best season to climb / which dates will have the most chance for success?
The best time to climb Everest is in the Spring, March - May.
How many climbers are on this expedition?
Generally, our maximum for this climb is 10 climbers plus guides, and Sherpa.
Will I be sharing a tent or lodging with other climbers?
During the trek we will be lodging in teahouses or tents depending on the village. Climbers will be either sharing a teahouse room (2 per room) or a tent (2 per tent). In BC each climber will have their own tent. Above BC in camps I-IV, climbers will be sharing tents.
How much will my pack weigh?
During the trek team members will only be carrying gear and supplies for the day. At no point do we carry camping gear or equipment for overnight during the trek. Daypacks will weigh no more than 20 lbs. Above BC on the climb we will typically be carrying packs that weight 20 – 30 lbs. At no point will your pack weigh more than 50 lbs.
What gear will I need?
Please review the annotated gear list.
How does your gear rental system work?
Those requesting rental gear must submit an expedition rental form with payment by fax or mail. All rental gear will be mailed to the climber prior to the climb. Climbers are expected to clean all rental gear and return it to us by mail following the expedition.
Any further advice on gear and using your gear list?
While all items are required there may be times when some of the items on the gear list may not be used (such as warm weather or changing conditions). The gear lists are created by the guides to assist in having climbers be prepared to summit in any conditions.
As it is impossible for us to list all brands for certain gear, we do have a current suggested brand list for most items on the gear list. We also list manufacturers which have a strong track record of providing quality gear. Please feel free to call our offices with any gear questions or substitutes. Plastic boots are required for this climb.
How is drinking water treated?
During the trek we will provide unlimited amounts of boiled water at mealtimes. Team members can fill up water bottles at meals. Bottled water can also be purchased in teahouses at additional cost. Water that can be treated is nearly ever present along the trekking route. At BC and on the route water will be boiled. We also provide a good variety of hot drinks throughout the trek to base camp. We prefer that the number of bottles purchased during the expedition be kept to a minimum.
What will the meals on the expedition be like?
Meals in the mountains consist of a diet rich in carbohydrates because our bodies do not process fat and protein efficiently at higher elevations and to compensate the increase in caloric need that high altitude climbing involves. We try to make meals varied and as normal as possible. During the trek we will be served meals in the teahouses but prepared by our own staff. Meals during the trek and climb are made from food both purchased in Nepal and the U.S. Typical meals are rice, pasta or potato dishes along with vegetable and egg dishes. During lunches we will also have a cooked meal. Above BC climbing food mainly consists of dried meals such as pastas or rice. Lunches while climbing will mainly be made up of bars and snacks brought from the U.S.
Can I bring some food from home?
You may bring power bars, Gu, Power Gel, cereal bars or similar high energy foods, powder Gatorade is also recommended to fight dehydration.
All meals will be provided on this expedition.
Are there any innoculation requirements?
No requirements at this time
What is the best air route to my destination?
Most routes from the States to Kathmandu are via Bangkok. Climbers that arrive early or depart late will incur in an additional airport pick up fee.
When should I book my flight? Do I need to use your Travel Agent?
Fares are generally less expensive when booked early. You may use our Travel Agent (Charles Mulvehill 1-800-727-2157) or book flights yourself. Please note that flights booked online are often difficult to change. Please send us a copy of your flight schedule as early as possible as this allows us to book pick ups and hotels.
What time should I arrive and leave and where do I meet the guides?
Those arriving on the scheduled date (or those who have made prior arrangements) are met at the airport by an Alpine Ascents representative (look for the sign) and taken to the Yak and Yeti Hotel. Although it is likely that you will meet your team leader at the airport and other members during the day, we will have a scheduled meeting that day. This meeting will include introductions, final review and an overview of the itinerary and trek.
What if I arrive early or depart late? Can you arrange extra night lodging? Is there a single room option for this expedition?
We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick ups and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contact you with information on single room supplement costs.
Are there any entry or Visa requirements?
The easiest way to obtain a visa is in the Kathmandu airport. Upon arrival in the KTM airport fill out the necessary forms and proceed to the visa line. As visa prices change often we suggest taking a variety of cash denominations, such as (2) $20.00 bills (1) $10.00 bill (1) $5.00 bill. We will obtain a trekking permit for you in KTM.
- Current visa cost is $30.00 and is subject to change
- Please obtain a 60-Day visa
Is there any communication while we are on the mountain?
In Kathmandu telephones and internet access are readily available. Our guides will carry satellite phones in the mountains. The quality of the reception varies from location to location. Our Everest expedition generally has email access as well. A full information packet regarding communications will be sent to you once you join this expedition.
Where can I get more information on history, books, and additional activities in the region?
Check the reading list on the Everest page of the web site.
Can I contact the others on the climb? How about the guide?
You can always call our offices and we will have one of your Everest guides contact you. 30 days prior to departure, we will mail a list of the other team members to you.
How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
Most climbers bring $1,000 - $2,000 US dollars. It is best to change money at the Yak & Yeti hotel or an authorized exchange house in Kathmandu (we will arrange). Changing money at the airport is not recommended. (Credit cards may substitute for some cash). We will organize this with our guide staff
How much should I tip my guide and staff?
Climbers generally tip our Sherpa staff (We usually have about 20+ Sherpa assisting with the expedition) and Western guide staff. We will send some more information about tipping as we get closer to departure.
How do I register for this expedition?
You may call our offices with a credit card or mail/fax an application with a check or credit card number.
What paperwork do I need to send in?
Each climber should submit an application and flight information.
When is the money due for this expedition? What kind of payment do you except?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, personal checks and Alpine Ascents gift certificates. To reserve a space the deposit is $20,000.00 and balances are due 120 days prior to departure. Unpaid balances can result in forfeiture of trip.
What is your cancellation policy? What is your refund policy?
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:
No refunds are provided on the deposit or any payments for the
expedition. The reason for such a strict refund policy is due to the great
expense incurred in such an expedition. All gear and food must be purchased
several months in advance to ensure that it reaches Nepal and base camp before
we arrive. Our refund policy also protects other members who have committed
their time and money to the expedition.
Each $20,000.00 deposit and $45,000 balance is non-refundable.
All balances are due 120 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.
What happens if I need to leave the expedition early?
Communication is sometimes difficult in the mountains. However our guides and local staff will make the necessary efforts to obtain the necessary transportation and reservations to get you home as quickly as possible if for any reason you need to depart early.
