The challenging South West Ridge of Cholatse is a hidden gem of the Himalaya and a solid mountaineering objective for experienced climbers.
Nestled between the Khumbu and Gokyo Valleys in Nepal's Everest region, Cholatse is a spectacular peak with steep soaring lines on every aspect. Our expedition acclimatises first on Lobuche East, before moving to the challenging alpine style climb of Cholatse.
Our line up the South West Ridge involves climbing steep snow and ice pitches linking two camps that we place alpine style on our way to the summit. We acclimatise on Lobuche East before crossing the Cho La to our Base Camp beneath the mountain.
The route ascends through snow slopes leading to a crux section on rock. Once past the difficulties, the climbing culminates in a steep and superb ridgeline that plateaus onto the summit dome.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition Leaders and Sherpa staff who are recognised as some of the most pre-eminent mountaineers in the industry.
Many operators make statements about their services that are intentionally designed to mislead or avoid addressing important issues. The reality on the mountain is that unless you have a strong and experienced leader with sufficient Sherpa staff in support, the chances of summiting are dramatically reduced. Expeditions that are operated by local staff, with no qualified and experienced western guides, are generally not able to offer you a legitimate level of safety or success. These expeditions have the highest ratio of accident and frostbite injury on trips which may seem cheap at the time when booking but the long term effects make the price difference irrelevant.
The AC approach to making expeditions work for you is reflected in the quality and safety of the expeditions we run along with our consistently high success rate.
Dates 2023
September 27 to October 28, 2023
Dates 2024
September 26 to October 27, 2024
Pricing Schedule 2023/2024
The cost of the expedition ex Kathmandu, Nepal is US$17,000 per person.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.
Deposit
A deposit of US$2,000 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance is payable 90 days prior to trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Cholatse Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
For the Cholatse Expedition we will take a minimum size of 4 people, and a maximum of 8 people hence spaces are limited. With 8 people there will be two Adventure Consultants guides and 3 or 4 Climbing Sherpas.
Our Guides
The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our trip leaders have extensive experience at high altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility. The number of guides is determined by the team size but the normal ratio of guides to members is 1:4. You will find our Guides companionable and strong expedition members with considerable power and willingness to see you achieve your goals.
Rob Smith
Expedition Leader
Rob started climbing in 1989 and has been guiding since 2000. He divides his time between guiding during the summer Antarctic seasons and the greater ranges of the Himalaya. Originally from Omagh, Northern Ireland Rob is now based in Fort William, Scotland. He has guided for Adventure Consultants for a number of years and his notable guided ascents include Everest, Vinson Massif, Cho Oyu and Elbrus amongst many others.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Kelly McLaren, Expedition Liaison
Having worked for Adventure Consultants since 2004, Kelly has gained a vast knowledge of AC expeditions and treks. In her role as Expedition Liaison, Kelly will assist with the planning and logistics for your trip, providing useful information, reminders and answering any questions to ensure you arrive well prepared.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
What You Carry
We have the luxury of a strong Sherpa team that will carry the team equipment, food and ropes on the mountain. There may be times where you contribute to the task of pushing the route forward and this may involve step plugging, rope carrying and assisting with some of the loads where necessary. However, we’ve ensured we have a strong team to fix the route and establish camps so you do not get overly tired from the route preparation and get a good chance to reach the summit. It will really help to ensure you are not overloaded and think hard about what is necessary to include in your personal kit as you are expected to carry your own gear.
When you put all your gear into a pack it still amounts to between 18-25kg so the load is not insignificant and you must come prepared for the high level of physical output. This reinforces the need to take just the right amount of equipment with you on the mountain and to ensure you are ‘pack fit’ before you arrive on the expedition. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
Food
Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements. In the Khumbu Valley we will be dining in Lodges and at Base Camps we will be eating in the dining tent and cooked for by our expedition cook and support crew. Our camp equipment and ample, nutritious meals are always the envy of other groups along the way! We do recommend that you bring some of your favourite snacks like muesli bars, chocolate and/or candy as well as energy gels and electrolyte drinks that you are used to using.
Clothing & Equipment
Expedition team members will be sent a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive Kathmandu |
| 2 | Gear checks |
| 3 | Fly to Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft), trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft) |
| 4 | Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) |
| 5 | Acclimatise and sightseeing Namche Bazaar |
| 6 | Namche Bazaar to Phortse (3,950m/12,959ft) via the Mong La Pass (3,970m/13,025ft) |
| 7 | Phortse to Pheriche (4,270m/14,009ft) |
| 8 | Rest/acclimatisation day |
| 9 | Pheriche to Lobuche Base Camp (4,800m/15,750ft) |
| 10 | Acclimatisation hike to Lobuche High Camp (5,400m/17,700ft) |
| 11 | Rest and preparation day |
| 12 | Move to High Camp (5,400m/17,720ft) |
| 13 | Summit bid on Lobuche East (6,119m/20,075ft), return to Base Camp |
| 14 | Contingency summit day |
| 15 | Trek to Dzongla (4,830m/15,846ft) |
| 16 | Cross Cho La (5,420m/17,780ft) to Cholatse Base Camp (5,000m/16,400ft) |
| 17 | Rest and preparation day |
| 18 | Carry to start of route, fix lines |
| 19 | Climb to Camp 1 (5,700m/18,700ft) |
| 20 | Rest day |
| 21 | Carry to Camp 2 (6,000m/19,700ft) |
| 22 | Move to Camp 2 |
| 23 | Summit day (6,440m/21,128ft) |
| 24-25 | Contingency summit days |
| 26 | Descend to Base Camp |
| 27 | Contingency day |
| 28 | Trek to Namche Bazaar |
| 29 | Trek to Lukla |
| 30 | Lukla to Kathmandu 1st possible flight day |
| 31 | Lukla to Kathmandu 2nd possible flight day |
| 32 | Depart home |
Our 32-day Cholatse expedition commences in Kathmandu and on Day 3 we fly to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu valley. The expedition team will stay at Sherpa lodges whilst we are trekking in the valleys on the way to each of the climbing objectives. On each of the mountains we will establish a Base Camp where our kitchen crew will cater for us. In our mountain camps members will cook their own food, which we will import from New Zealand to ensure the usual high standard of fare to which you will be accustomed on our expeditions.
After arriving at Lobuche Base Camp we will rest and prepare loads and meals for the mountain, plus revise some rope fixing and fixed rope safety. We will then move up to a high camp on Lobuche East on a small expanse of grass and rock above a deep blue lake. Then it’s early to bed for an alpine start the following morning.
Our early start (around 2.30am) sees us climbing the South East Ridge which is a mixture of snow and ice. Where necessary, we fix ropes along the route. Steady climbing will bring us to the far eastern summit.
From the top we are well rewarded with superb views across to Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Changtse (in Tibet) Pumori, Gyachung Kang, Cho Oyu and of course Cholatse. Then it’s time for our descent, all the way back to our Base Camp.
After the ascent of Lobuche East we enjoy a short trek to Dzongla, then climb up and over the Cho La Pass and descend to Cholatse Base Camp. One of the guides and two Sherpas will have come directly here and set things up for your arrival. They will have also climbed to Camp 1 to get established on the route.
After a rest day (if needed), members will carry loads up to Camp 1 and assist with establishing Camp 2. The climbing will be steep mixed climbing. Once Camp 2 is established we'll have a rest day at either Camp 1 or Camp 2. We will work as a team (members, guides and Sherpas) to establish fixed ropes above Camp 2 to the start of the summit ridge.
Summit day will start very early, arriving at the top of the fixed ropes at dawn. We will then pitch and fix the low angled, but exposed summit ridge. This will be difficult terrain that is known to have sometimes variable conditions. The summit day will require maximum fortitude and the entire team will be contributing to the outcome with commensurate rewards! We will retrieve our ropes on the descent, arriving back at Camp 2 late in the evening. The next day we’ll return to Base Camp, removing all our equipment from the mountain.
After Cholatse the expedition returns down-valley to Namche Bazaar, where we languish in the comfort of the lodges and the next day it’s onwards to Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu.
City Tour
Experience the sights of Kathmandu with a qualified English speaking guide. See some ancient temples nestled within the city, places that have remained the same for centuries. But don't just see them; get a valuable insight from a knowledgeable local guide. You will be amazed. Kathmandu has more surprises than you can imagine.
Luxury Hotel Upgrades
Kathmandu has a wealth of accommodation options. On our standard expedition departure we stay at a good, western standard, mid-range hotel but if you feel you would like to upgrade to luxury style, we can assist with booking alternative hotels.
Just a few hours drive from Kathmandu is the beautiful Himalayan region of Langtang National Park. We offer two pre-acclimatisation trips to either the Langtang or Gosain Kunda lakes area. An ideal opportunity to pre-acclimatise prior to your Himalayan expedition. Click on the image below for trek trip notes or contact our office for more information.
Langtang Villages – 9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2 – Gear checks, trek briefing and Kathmandu city tour
Day 3 – Drive to Shyabrubesi (1,550m/5,085ft)
Day 4 – Trek to Lama Hotel (2,380m/7,810ft)
Day 5 – Trek to Langtang Villages (3,430m/11,250ft)
Day 6 – Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m/12,700ft)
Day 7 – Trek to Kyanjin Ri (4,770m/15,650ft), return to Lama Hotel
Day 8 – Trek back to Shyabrubesi
Day 9 – Return to Kathmandu
Gosain Kunda Lakes – 9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2 – Gear checks, trek briefing and Kathmandu city tour
Day 3 – Drive to Dhunche (1,950m/6,400ft)
Day 4 – Trek to Thulo Shyabru (2,200m/7,220ft)
Day 5 – Trek to Shing Gompa (3,584m/11,759ft)
Day 6 – Trek to Gosain Kunda (4,381m/14,373ft)
Day 7 – Trek back to Shing Gompa
Day 8 – Trek back to Dhunche
Day 9 – Return to Kathmandu
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is one of the major draw cards in Nepal outside of the Himalayas. This World Heritage listed wildlife reserve protects over 932km² of wilderness and is home to a raft of different wildlife. While there you will have the opportunity to see one-horned rhinoceroses, monkeys and deer. If you are really lucky you might even see a Royal Bengal Tiger. Since you are in Nepal, why not stay a little longer and experience this gem. For more information check out our Chitwan page.
Pokhara and Tiger Mountain Lodge
Perched 1,000 feet above the Pokhara Valley with a spectacular Himalayan backdrop, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge provides a perfect haven, the essence of tranquillity. This side trip is ideal for guests pre- and post-expedition, or for those wishing to take day walks exploring local communities, bird-watching, gentle exercise, or just to relax in a typical Nepalese rural setting. For more information check out our Pokhara page.
We are also able to offer Privately Guided Expeditions where you have the services of a top AC western guide as well as your own Sherpa support team to work exclusively with you on the expedition to ensure your needs are best met. AC have been fortunate to work with many privately guided groups over the years with exceptional results.
Trekking Option for Non-climbing Family and Friends
Your family or friends may wish to join you on your Expedition but may not like the idea of actually climbing a mountain. We can arrange for them to accompany you on the trek, either for the full duration of the expedition, or for the Mustang Trek component, which makes for an achievable 3-week trip away from home. Please contact us for more information.
Additional Sherpa Support
We offer a service giving members the option to have their gear carried on ‘camp moving’ days, so all you have to carry is your jacket and water bottle and items required for the day. This option is popular with those who have difficulty recovering after a carrying a heavy load at altitude.
Personal Sherpa
This option provides you with the assistance of a very experienced and dedicated Sherpa who will support you for the duration of the expedition above Base Camp. Your Personal Sherpa will climb with you each day while you are climbing on the mountain as your climbing partner and generally assist you throughout the expedition all the way to the summit. When on the mountain, you would share a tent with your Personal Sherpa and he would supervise cooking duties. Our Sherpa guides are very experienced with multiple Himalayan ascents under their belts, and are friendly and supportive companions along the way!
Personal Communications & Personal Tent on the Mountain
You may also like to talk to us about other options such as personal communication systems (own satellite phone and internet connection at Base Camp), or the provision of a personal tent on the mountain.
Film Your Expedition
Have a cameraman join your expedition and document the entire thing! Choose from a variety of options for different budgets. You could have a full colour book and short film, or a full documentary for television. Your trip is the trip of a lifetime; why not keep it to show your friends and family. Contact us or see our specialty Film and Photo Services page for more information.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our Himalayan ascents. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Please note you will be emailed a set of Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips.
How long have Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on the history of Adventure Consultants here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
We are renowned for the quality of service and strategy applied to our treks. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Once on the ground in Nepal, you can expect to be well looked after by our guides so that you can relax and enjoy climbing in this amazing country.
What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city?
We stay at the Hotel Radisson in Kathmandu. Only 15 minutes walk from the tourist centre of Thamel, the Radisson is situated in a quiet location and boasts a fitness centre, sauna and steam room, three restaurants, a bar, café and a rooftop swimming pool! A perfect place to begin and end your trip.
What showers and laundry will be available on the expedition?
For lodge-based treks, many teahouses offer hot showers for a fee and at Base Camp we will often set up a dedicated shower tent. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for impromptu washes in between available showers. Most days in Base Camp also start with a 'hot towel' delivered to your tent or dining table.
Hot water is sometimes available to wash clothes on rest days and some of the lodges provide a laundry service for a small fee.
What food will be available?
You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as ample hot and cold drinks. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip. All of our expeditions provide excellent local and Western food. If you have any special treats that you like, we encourage you to bring some along.
What is the food like?
When staying in lodges, expect local food such as dal bhat as well as Western-style dishes such as pizza or yak steak. At Base Camp, our well-trained cooks prepare high quality ‘Western’ food as well as popular local dishes - don't be surprised to see sushi, nachos and pad thai on the menu as well as Kiwi bacon, cheese and salami, fresh coffee and yoghurt. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form as we are happy to accommodate those with specific diets.
What are the lodges like? Can I have my own room or tent?
The lodges that we book are tidy, clean and modern - the best that are available in each village. They are well-known locations to us and we have a good relationship with the lodge owners. We can book private rooms for you if that is a preference at an added cost. Our standard lodge-based trips are based on shared rooms, usually twin-share and sometimes triple-share. On camping-based expeditions and on the mountain you will share a tent with one, or sometimes two other climbers.
What is the best way to get to Nepal?
Regular flights operate into Kathmandu via Bangkok, Doha, Hong Kong, Singapore and Delhi.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore Kathmandu if you have the time. Before your expedition you will receive a “final details” letter. This will let you know the time and place to meet your guide(s). An AC representative will meet you at the airport and the first of many team briefings will take place on the evening of Day One. Please do not book to depart before the scheduled final trip itinerary day.
My travel agent says I can just get an ‘e’ ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be actually issued a physical ticket.
'E' tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in Kathmandu. Ensure that you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows our local agents to assist with changing your return flight plans if need be, while you are in the mountains.
When should I book my ticket?
Generally, we ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights before this point, then ensure that you can make changes to your tickets or you run the risk of losing them if we do have to cancel the trip. In such situations, we are usually able to help you book on to an alternate departure, either with us or another operator.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. Some of the places we go to aren't straightforward and we highly recommend using a travel agent for such travel, as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run they save you money! We use professional travel agents for all our staff and guides' travel bookings.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
You should fly into Kathmandu International Airport (KTM) and an Adventure Consultants guide or representative will be there to pick you up off your flight. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often make arrangements for a pick up, although taking a taxi is generally the easiest form of transport before your trip starts.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions that you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans as we love to pass on Kathmandu sightseeing tips.
Do I need to get a visa for Nepal?
Yes. These can either be obtained on arrival into Kathmandu or can be issued prior through the online visa system. Be sure to have the correct USD amount in cash for your visa application and have a passport photo for your arrival in Kathmandu. Currently, a 40-day visa costs $40 and 90-day visa costs US$100.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Once we have received your application we will email out a set of Team Reference Notes which provide an assortment of information including detailed equipment lists. Any questions you have after reading through this will be directed to our Equipment Coordinator, who can assist you in preparing for the trip as well as recommending and sourcing a range of clothing and equipment suitable for the climb via our gear retail service.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared and please bring everything on the list!
How heavy will my pack be?
We will move our personal gear up the mountain in stages, but typically our packs are 30-60lbs/14-26kgs.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. It will depend on where you are going but in general, you will need a sleeping bag warm enough for you in conditions that can be as cold as -20°C/-4°F. Blankets are generally not available so pay careful attention to the bag we recommend. We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear extra clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.
How much weight will we carry on the expedition?
You will carry your day pack with warm clothes, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day. Generally it will be light, 5 to 10kgs (10 to 20 pounds). On summit day(s) you will add your down jacket, technical climbing gear (which you will be wearing most of the time) and heavier gloves.
Will there be any oxygen carried on the expedition? Is this included in our expedition fee?
Most of our expeditions take oxygen as a medical backup. We also take PACs (Personal Altitude Chambers) with us. A trekker or climber with mountain sickness is placed inside the chamber and it is inflated around them. It increases the air pressure and any altitude related illness is usually immediately fixed. The climber then feels better and can usually walk down to lower elevations to recover.
On Nuptse, there is the option to use bottled oxygen if you wish, at an additional cost. Climbers desiring oxygen would adopt our standard expedition package that provides you with 2-3 litres of oxygen per minute for the summit day above Camp 3 and 0.5 litres per minute for sleeping at Camp 3 before leaving. This is sufficient for an ascent of Nuptse, although we can arrange for a Max OX option should you want that option (4 litres per minute climbing and 1 litre per minute sleeping).
What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/during the expedition?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits including various medications for altitude illness. If you have a previous history of altitude illness then please discuss this with us and your physician, otherwise there is no need to take preventative medication before or during your expedition.
You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them) plus extra. Also bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
How many guides/Sherpas will be assigned to our group?
A ratio of climbers to Western guides is stated on each trip’s web page in the downloadable ‘Trip Notes’. Sherpa guides are assigned depending on the size of the group and type of expedition.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels. From those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure, we provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Can my friends and family join me on the trek to Base Camp?
Yes, this is possible on some of our expeditions so please enquire with the Adventure Consultants office if interested in exploring this option.
Can I contact other climbers or guides for this expedition?
Yes, we encourage that. Perhaps there is someone in your area that can become a training partner, perhaps they can help you source some hard to find gear. The bottom line is that it’s a good idea to have some contact with folks that you will share this experience with. We respect the privacy of each team member and check with each person before releasing any contact details.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Gasherbrum 2 and Kanchenjunga, all of the Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. Some clients enjoy the added privacy and schedule flexibility that a private expedition allows, so you can hike and climb at your own pace and enjoy the mountains on your own terms. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for the expedition?
We cannot recommend enough being fit prior to the expedition as this will make all the difference to your success and enjoyment. You should be comfortable climbing at altitude while carrying a pack for 4-6hrs on most climbing days. Summit day will be longer, often 10-14hrs. Contact us for specific advice regarding training for your climb and check out our Fitness Training Programmes page.
How do you train for a trip like this?
We have specific ideas around training and great book suggestions to help you along. Please look over our Fitness Training Programmes page for details. If you require more information please contact our office and we will be happy to put you in touch with one of our senior guides for a consultation and we can also link you with our training coach to design a training programme for you.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If so, what are the charges for usage?
Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at US$3 per minute. Most often, your guide will post daily dispatches on the AC website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.
I want to contact a friend or relative who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
On many of our climbs, we send daily internet dispatches and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries available throughout the expedition? What are the voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and sometimes battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our radios, satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. There is usually enough power to then charge your personal electrical equipment.
At the Base Camp we will also have a 12V electrical re-charging system, so bring 12V car-chargers for any electrical items that you wish to recharge. We cannot charge items in Base Camp that do not have a 12V cigarette lighter adapter, so please check that your appliance takes batteries or can plug in with a 12V cigarette lighter charger. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost or advise on purchase of a suitable personal solar charging system - please enquire with our office.
For lodge-based trips, during the trek in many of the lodges also have power available with typical Asian plugs (two horizontal prongs) and offer recharging for a fee.
What insurance do we need to get?
We require each expedition member to have insurance to cover any personal or medical mishaps that may occur before or during the expedition. Click here for more information on expedition insurance.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event that you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us, we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
We recommend that you buy trip cancellation insurance upon sign up for your expedition or at the very least, at the same time as you pay for your flights and the balance payment. It is very important to buy trip cancellation insurance (in addition to your evacuation and comprehensive travel insurance) as it is not unknown for people to have unforeseen circumstances that force them to cancel their trips for reasons such as family illness, injury to one’s self, etc.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on the expedition is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.
What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
There is an extensive section in our Reference Notes, which are emailed out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep your camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to high elevations.
What about the Maoists in Nepal?
The Maoist problem which partly crippled the economy of Nepal for the past decade garnered major international interest. The Maoists have now formed part of the Nepalese government and there is a comprehensive peace agreement in place so we hope the troubles of the past are put behind the Nepalese people. Our sources in Nepal keep us up to date with the political situation and if there are significant changes we will be sure to advise you.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
