Climb one of Nepal’s most popular trekking peaks, Lobuche East (6,119m/20,075ft), located in Nepal's stunning Khumbu Valley.
This is an ideal first step into Himalayan climbing, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, culminating in the sight of the towering peaks of Nuptse and Mount Everest.
This is very doable expedition for anyone in good shape and with a desire for high adventure. It is a journey with many visual highlights, including stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks of Everest, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam and many, many more.
Participants should be in good physical shape and have a background in basic mountaineering and/or a history of physical exercise. Instruction in mountaineering skills relative to the climb will be provided prior to the climbing commencing, as the ascent requires the use of crampons, ice axe and fixed rope climbing.
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 2024
Trip 1: November 2 - 21, 2024 (post-monsoon) Space Available - BOOK TODAY!
Pricing Schedule 2024
The cost of the Lobuche East Expedition ex Kathmandu, Nepal is US$7,600 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 payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.
Deposit
A deposit of US$500 is payable to secure a place on the expedition trek.
Balance
The balance is payable 90 days prior to your 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 trek 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' Lobuche East Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the images or download a pdf by clicking the links.
Team Membership
For the Lobuche East Expedition, we will take a maximum of 12 people hence spaces are limited.
Our Guides
The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our trip leaders on Himalayan peaks have extensive experience at high altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.
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 and receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help ensure you're fit and ready for the expedition.
Level of Experience Required
Participants should have a background in basic mountaineering, including abseiling and the use of crampons and ice axe, or a history of physical exercise that can be applied to energetic trekking and the moderate altitude mountaineering that defines this expedition. Instruction in the use of fixed lines and a refresher on abseiling will be provided to ensure the requisite skills are gained prior to the climbing commencing. This ascent involves a modicum of technical climbing at times where the use of crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes will be encountered.
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 porter support during the trek. Each day you will carry your daypack, containing rain jacket, fleece, sun block, water, snacks, trekking poles, small personal first aid kit, camera and a few extra personal items. At higher elevations, you add in a warm hat and gloves.
The Lobuche Expedition climbers will carry all of their warm and windproof clothes, ice axe, crampons, harness etc on summit day. It is highly beneficial on summit day to wear your trekking boots to the snowline and carry your climbing boots, then change into your climbing boots and crampons for the climbing beyond the snowline.
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. During the trek we will be dining in lodges and Lobuche East Base Camp we will be eating in the Adventure Consultants mess tent. Our base camp equipment and ample, nutritious meals are always the envy of other groups on the mountain!
Accommodation
Accommodation and dining during the trek will be in lodges where you will be accommodated in dormitories or twin rooms. Mattresses are provided but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. Each lodge has a large lounge and dining area where trek members can congregate to share meals, socialise or simply relax by the fireplace. Some even have showers, internet, battery re-charging and laundry services available for a small fee.
When you are at Lobuche East Base Camp you will sleep in a shared tent.
Clothing & Equipment
Expedition members will be sent a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive Kathmandu |
| 2 | Gear checks and sightseeing (if time permits) |
| 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 | Acclimatisation day 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) via Pangboche (3,985m/13,074ft) |
| 8 | Rest/acclimatisation day |
| 9 | Pheriche to Lobuche (4,800m/15,750ft) |
| 10 | Rest/acclimatisation day |
| 11 | Trek to Gorak Shep (5,165m/18,209ft), climb Kala Patar (5,554m/18,222ft) |
| 12 | Trek to Everest Base Camp for lunch, descend to Lobuche Base Camp (4,800m/15,750ft) |
| 13 | Move to Lobuche High Camp (5,400m/17,720ft) |
| 14 | Summit bid on Lobuche East (6,119m/20,075ft), return to Base Camp |
| 15 | Lobuche Base Camp to Pangboche |
| 16 | Pangboche to Namche Bazaar |
| 17 | Weather contingency day |
| 18 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla |
| 19 | Lukla to Kathmandu flight |
| 20 | Depart from Kathmandu, trip ends |
This 20-day expedition commences in Kathmandu, Nepal. We will spend the following day sorting equipment, attending a team briefing about the journey ahead and making our final preparations. On Day 3 we fly to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu Valley.
The expedition will stay at Sherpa lodges whilst we are trekking up the Khumbu Valley through to Everest Base Camp. On our trek we will visit monasteries and small villages on the same route that Everest climbers have taken for over 50 years.
Eventually we leave the lodges of the Khumbu behind us and establish our Lobuche Base Camp at the lofty elevation of 4,800m/15,750ft. Our Base Camp is in a beautiful sunny meadow below the mountain and we are supported here by our talented kitchen crew who cater for us and keep us well fed. We spend two days here acclimatising and partaking in some rope skills training.
We then move up to High Camp on Lobuche East, which lies on a small ledge of rock above small lakes. It’s easy to sit around admiring the views in the evening light. Then it’s early to bed for another alpine start the following morning. The climbing is protected by fixed rope that our guide and Sherpa team will have fixed prior to the ascent. Our early start (around 2.30am) sees us climbing the South East Ridge, which is a mixture of rock, snow and ice climbing. Your guides will climb with you throughout the ascent to assist you towards the goal. On the upper mountain the angle increases and here we climb the icy slopes using crampons on our boots. We will utilise the security of fixed ropes that we attach ourselves to with an ascender to our harness for safety.
About 6–8 hours of steady climbing will bring us to the eastern summit of Lobuche Peak. Woohoo, look at that view! From the top, we are well rewarded with superb views across to Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Pumori, Gyachung Kang, Cho Oyu and of course Mount Everest, Mother Goddess of the Earth. Then it’s time for our descent, all the way back to our Base Camp to celebrate!
After the ascent of Lobuche East, we relish in the comfort of our Base Camp for one last night and the next day begin the 3-day trek back down the valley.
There is still much to see and enjoy on the trek out. We pass through the famous Tengboche Monastery (the town is also the location of a famous bakery!) on the way to Namche Bazaar. The thicker oxygen-enriched air makes for easy travel with time to stop to enjoy the views or chat with the locals. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy Namche Bazaar, where you can shop around for some of the thousands of items on display, such as the Tibetan rugs, jewellery and gemstones. Some people prefer to sample the offerings at the Irish bar and even enjoy a few rounds of pool. The next day, it’s onwards to Lukla for our final night in the Khumbu, before our flight back to Kathmandu.
This expedition is designed to offer you the best of Nepal with the highest level of service and support at the most reasonable price. Our many years of Himalayan experience allows us to introduce you to the best food, accommodation, destinations and experiences that are available. It’s the small details that make all the difference, and this is where we excel. We provide the most affable and experienced Western guides working in conjunction with our excellent Sherpa friends, to promise you an experience of a lifetime!
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
Everest Base Camp Extension
No visit to the Khumbu is complete without a visit to the iconic Everest Base Camp! Located at the base of the mighty Khumbu Icefall and surrounded by majestic peaks, not only is Everest Base Camp the home away from home each year to mountaineers seeking to climb the world’s highest mountain, but it’s an awe-inspiring trekking destination in itself.
Extend your expedition by adding the Everest Base Camp Extension to your existing Adventure Consultants Ama Dablam, Lobuche East or Three Peaks Nepal Expedition. You will have the opportunity to spend some time visiting Base Camp and climb the nearby Kala Patar, for spectacular sunrise views of Everest and its surrounding peaks.
You can view the Everest Base Camp Extension trip notes online by clicking the image.
Gokyo Extension
Trek over the challenging Cho La Pass to visit the Gokyo Lakes region with our Gokyo Extension. This is a highly recommended extension for fit and experienced trekkers.
An early start sees the group going over the 5,380m pass by late mid-morning (fantastic views back to Ama Dablam and of Cholatse) and then descending off the steeper side of the pass into boulder fields and trails with a more remote feeling to them. By the end of a superb day’s Himalayan trekking we reach the small village of Dragnag. The next day we cross the Ngozumpa Glacier and after a couple of hours reach Gokyo for a well-earned rest. There are options to climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) later on or trek further up valley to view some of the stunning Gokyo lakes (of which there are five).
We then begin the trek out from the Gokyo region with a beautiful day of trekking to Machermo, before re-joining the main trail at Namche Bazaar. The trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla is a long day before the early morning flight back out to Kathmandu on the last day.
Please click on the image to view the trip notes online or visit our Gokyo Extension webpage for more information.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is one of the major draw cards in Nepal outside of the Himalayas themselves. This is a World Heritage listed wildlife reserve that protects over 932 square kilometres of wilderness that is home to a raft of different wildlife. While there you will have the opportunity to see one horned rhinoceroses, monkeys and deer, and 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.
Additional Sherpa Support
If you feel you want additional Sherpa support to carry equipment for you then please contact the office to discuss pricing for this option. We can arrange for a personal Sherpa to carry for you throughout the expedition or for occasional carries where necessary. We are not in a position to arrange the employment of additional Sherpas once on the mountain, so if you think you may be interested please contact our office well in advance of the trip start date.
Personal Communications & Personal Tent on the Mountain
You may also like to talk to us about other options such as personal communication systems (own BGAN satellite connection and laptop 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.
For more information on additional services, please contact our office.
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 Trekking Peaks Expeditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions as 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 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 has 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 expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination provided 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 trekking and climbing in this amazing country.
What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city?
Our climbers usually stay at the Hotel Radisson in Kathmandu, which is only a 15-minute 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 facilities will be available on the expedition?
Hot showers are available in some of the lodges during the trekking phase for a small fee. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for the impromptu wash in between available showers and some lodges also provide a laundry service for a small fee.
Please note that on the Dhaulagiri Circuit and Dhampus Peak, there are generally no showers available, although a bowl of hot water will be available for washing on most days. Most days also start with a 'hot face towel' delivered to your tent or dining table. Likewise, no laundry facilities are available due to the lack of drying opportunities.
What food will be available?
You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, plus 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 treat you like, we encourage you to bring some along.
What is the food like?
When staying in the lodges, expect hearty food like yak steak, local favourites such as dal bhat and Western-style dishes such as pizza. When in camp, our well-trained cooks prepare high-quality Western food as well as popular local dishes and we usually bring a few treats from New Zealand such as Kiwi bacon, cheese and salami, fresh coffee and yoghurt. Once on the mountain, we typically focus on MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) which are real food, freeze-dried and vacuum sealed. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form. We are happy to accommodate those with specific diets.
What are the lodges like? Can I have my own room or tent?
We book tidy, clean and modern lodges using 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. If you prefer, we can book private rooms for you at an added cost. Our standard trips are based on shared rooms, usually twin-share and sometimes triple-share.
In camps, you will be sleeping in a high-quality mountain tent, shared with one other climber. You will be greeted each morning with a cup of bed tea, served by our smiling cook staff. Evening meals will be served in our comfortable dining tent. A single supplement is available – please contact our office to enquire.
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 and this will let you know the time and place to meet your guides. 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. Do ensure 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 your expedition's balance payment 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, then ensure you can make changes to your tickets or you run the risk of losing your ticket if we do have to cancel the trip.
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. Even if you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often still make arrangements for a pick up.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions to 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?
Yes. For most nationalities, a visa can either be obtained on arrival into Kathmandu or can be issued online prior through Nepal's online system. Be sure to have the suggested 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 your Reference Notes which include detailed equipment lists. Any questions you have after reading through this can be directed to our designated Equipment Coordinator, who can assist you by recommending and sourcing a range of suitable clothing and equipment via our gear retail service.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared. Please bring everything on the list!
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 -15°C. Blankets are generally not available so pay careful attention to the bags 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 also greatly improve a bag's warmth.
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 and 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.
What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/during the trek?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits including various medications for altitude illness. If you have a previous history of altitude illness then discuss this with us and your physician, otherwise there should be no need to take preventative medication before or during your trip.
You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
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 -10kgs/10-20lbs. 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.
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, ranging 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.
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 enjoyment and success. Focus on pack carrying on steep and varied terrain, aiming to carry 5-10% more than the maximum expedition pack weight you will carry (approximately 10-15kg/20-30lbs).
Endurance training is also important as you will have to be able to trek, carrying a light pack for 4-6 hours on most days. Summit day(s) can be 10-14 hours long, so do fit some longer days into your training also.
Add back-to-back days of pack carrying in the weeks and months prior to your departure. This can be in the form of overnight backpacking or with the first day on stairs or in the gym, building up to the maximum altitude gain required on summit day (check your itinerary for this information), and a second day of flatter, outdoor walking with a lighter pack.
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 will be 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 my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
Many of our treks and climbs 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, etc. available throughout the expedition?
Many of the lodges have power available with typical Asian plugs (two horizontal prongs) and offer recharging for a fee. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost or advise on the purchase of a suitable personal solar charging system - please enquire with our office.
What insurance do we need to get?
On all of our international expeditions, you will require 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 a trip with us, we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
We recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to all our expedition and trek members. You should purchase the insurance upon sign up for your expedition or at the very least when you pay 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 and injury to 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 trip 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 and 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 upon receipt of your trip deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep 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.
