GoTrek Tours/Treks

 

Everest Trekking and Mountain Climbing Guide Services in Nepal

What makes trekking and climbing in Nepal the experience of a lifetime is a combination of the awesome peaks that hover around you, the exotic sights and sounds of Kathmandu and age old-temples.

Our Mt. Everest base camp trek occurs in early spring or late fall and takes you to 18,000 feet where you stay for the duration of the walk, surrounded by the highest mountains in the world.

Our other Everest trek - only available to summit climbers in the past - is an exhilarating climb into the ice labyrinth of the Khumbu Icefall to reach the 20,000 foot level. And then for the very few, there is the "main event" . the climb to the top of Everest itself.

 

Kangchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Included: Hotels, tours, all ground transportation, domestic flights, porters, guides, food & all group equipment.

Not included: International round-trip air fare and travel expenses United States to Nepal, personal gear, excess baggage charges, airport taxes and Nepal entry visas, satellite telephone air charges, costs incurred as a result of delays or events beyond the control of Go Trek, recommended insurance policies (medical, evacuation and trip cancellation.)

In 1989 Craig van Hoy summited the worlds third highest mountain Kangchenjunga (catch-chewn-chung-ga) as part of the first American team. Craig is please to announce that after 17-years he will be leading a trek back to the 16,500 foot base camp. "The trek into the Kangchenjunga Base Camp is one of the most beautiful in all of Nepal". Unlike the Mount Everest area the trek has only been open to hikers since about 1990 and is still a very pristine walk. The other unique thing about this trek is that you follow the river valley to eventually reach the high villages on Pangpema, and eventually base camp. On most treks in Nepal you have to cut across the "grain" of the great Himalayan range meaning you go from ridgeline to river valley and then repeat the process for days to reach the highlands. "I am excited to be returning to Kangchenjunga in 2006 with a group of trekkers, this will definitely be a great adventure and a trek to remember for many years to come.

Culture & Sightseeing

This is a wonderful trek filled with monasteries, Sherpa culture and the exotic sights and sounds of Kathmandu.

Experience Requirements

Extensive mountaineering experience is not required. As on all our treks in Nepal, porters or yaks carry all your gear. Typically your day pack may include items such as a camera, jacket, hat, gloves and a water bottle.

Immunization Checklist

You should check with your physician or your local travel clinic well before your departure for current requirements. The following immunizations are recommended:

• Hepatitis A & B
  Both are recommended for protection against Hepatitis.
• Meningitis
  Recommended.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria
  Make sure you are current you may need a booster.
• Rabies
  For protection against animal bites.
• Cholera
  Ask your clinician.

Additional Information

There are two ideal "weather windows" for Nepal. Temperatures are relatively warm through the latter half of March until the first of June. Mornings are bright and clear with the air slowly becoming hazier as the day progresses. The color displays of the rhododendron forests in spring time are spectacular. The fall season, the later half of October to early December, is an ideal time for the best mountain views. Cool and clear crisp air greets the trekker each morning and evening.

Equipment List

Clothing:
• Camp shoes (running shoes, sneakers, etc.)
• Hiking boots (waterproofed and well broken in)
• Gaiters
• Four pairs of socks
• One pair light fleece gloves
• One pair heavier ski gloves
• Fleece hat (ski cap)
• Two pairs synthetic long underwear (top and bottoms) (no cotton)
• One pair fleece pants (full side zips)
• One fleece jacket
• One pair hiking shorts
• Two pair running shorts
• Down jacket with hood
• GORE-TEX® jacket
• GORE-TEX® pants (full side zips)

Gear:
• Two big duffel bags with locks, nametags, and contact information written directly on the duffels
• Secure travel wallet
• Passport with one extra photo.(You’ll need the photo for the Nepal Entry Visa.You will also need four more passport photos for trekking permits)
• Backpack, 3500-cubic-inch-capacity
• Large day pack (Use this as your airline carry-on)
• Two sleeping pads (one inflatable and one closed cell foam)
• Several nylon stuff sacks, two plastic garbage bags, and five large Ziploc bags
• Headlamp with one set of extra batteries
• Sunglasses (wrap around style)
• Pocket knife and Bic lighter
• Personal toiletries (lightweight)
• Personal First Aid Kit: tape, BandAids, Amoxicillin, Cipro, Dexamethasone, Diamox, and cold/flu medicine
• Small stash of personal snack food and drink mix powder
• Walkman/Discman with extra batteries (for the tents)
• Earplugs
• Two Nalgene water bottles (wide mouth) with foam insulated covers
• One pee bottle (for tent nights)
• Adjustable ski poles
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and sun hat
• One package Potable Aqua (iodine tablets) for water purification
• Cup, bowl, and spoon
• Camera and film

 

Mt. Everest Climbing Guide

Rates: $4,500

Included: Transportation to and from airport in Kathmandu; hotels in Kathmandu for stated itinerary at beginning of expedition; welcome dinner; round-trip flight to Lukla; all group camp and upper mountain supplies such as tents and stoves, etc.; group climbing gear such as ropes and pickets; all meals while trekking and climbing; park fees and climbing permits; Nepal liaison officer; group climbing Sherpas; camp staff, radio communications; satellite telephone equipment; yaks and porters; oxygen systems (summit climb only).

Not included: International round-trip air fare and travel expenses United States to Nepal, meals in Kathmandu, hotels in Kathmandu after the climb, personal gear, excess baggage charges, airport taxes and Nepal entry visas, Sherpa tips, satellite telephone air charges, costs incurred as a result of delays or events beyond the control of Go Trek, recommended insurance policies (medical, evacuation and trip cancellation.)

The name "Everest" says many things in and of itself. It is not only the highest mountain on earth but speaks of mans ultimate achievement with nature. Go Trek can get you there. We have been guiding in the Mount Everest area since 1985 and have led countless trekkers to its slopes and nearby trekking peaks. For the few we offer an unparallel opportunity to attempt the very summit of Everest. New this coming season we are also giving folks the chance to climb above base camp through the Khumbu Icefall and reach camp one at 20,000 feet. Give us a call or send us an email with any questions. This is truly a once in a lifetime trip.

Itinerary

Summit Climbers and Khumbu Icefall Climbers:

• Day 1
  Leave United States
• Day 2
  Arrive Bangkok
• Day 3
  Arrive Kathmandu
• Day 4
  Free day
• Day 5
  Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
• Day 6
  Trek to Namche
• Day 7
  Acclimatization day
• Day 8
  Trek to Phortse
• Day 9
  Trek to Tengboche, visit monastery
• Day 10
  Trek to Dingboche
• Day 11
  Day hike towards Chukkung
• Day 12
  Optional day hike to Pheriche—rest/acclimatization day
• Day 13
  Trek to Lobuje
• Day 14
  Trek to Gorak Shep
• Day 15
  Climb Kala Pattar and return to Gorak Shep
• Day 16
  Trek to Everest base

Khumbu Icefall Climbers Only: Note for Summit Climbers: We don’t have an itinerary from base camp on. We climb when we can, we make some early trips up the mountain to acclimatize, and we rest when we need to, we wait for the weather to be right and we stay healthy. We have to be off the mountain by May 31.

• Day 17
  Return trek to Lobuje
• Day 18
  Trek over Khongma La to Chukkung
• Day 19
  Trek to Island Peak base camp
• Day 20
  Climb to Island Peak high camp
• Day 21
  Climb Island Peak & return to Island Peak base camp
• Day 22
  Spare day
• Day 23
  Trek to Dingboche
• Day 24
  Ascend to base camp
• Day 25
  Rest day
• Day 26
  Rest day
• Day 27
  Climb to camp 1
• Day 28
  Visit Cwm, descend
• Day 29
  Descend to base camp
• Day 30
  Trek to Lobuje
• Day 31
  Trek to Pangboche
• Day 32
  Trek to Namche
• Day 33
  Trek to Lukla
• Day 34
  Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
• Day 35
  Free day
• Day 36
  Fly to Bangkok
• Day 38
  Fly to United States

 

Culture & Sightseeing

This is an astounding trip where you come face to face with age-old monasteries, wonderful Sherpa culture and the exotic sights and sounds of Kathmandu.

Experience Requirements

Needless to say the more climbing experience you have before attempting a mountain like Everest the greater your chances of being successful and safer in the process of doing so. In addition to your climbing background you need to be able to get along with other trip members and staff over an extended period of time under stressful conditions (i.e. bad weather, remoteness etc.). Being able to stay healthy and not lose too much weight is also an important factor in attempting Mt. Everest. Summit climbers should have the following type of experience "under their belt" before an Everest attempt:

1. Completion of a climbing course or seminar- 1-2 weeks learning the mountaineering basics like use of the ice axe, rope travel, fixed lines, running belays, steep cramponing etc.

2. Climbs like Mt. Rainer in Washington State, Mt. McKinley in Alaska and Aconcagua in South America would all be great "stepping stones" beforehand. If you have the time and money a climb of another 8000-meter peak like Cho Oyo from the Tibet side is highly recommended.

3. Physically strong. You have preformed well before on other high mountains and are a proven asset to the climbing team.

4. You can psychologically handle the stresses of expedition life and being away from friends and family for two months.

If you can answer, "yes" to the above questions and have the desire and financial ability to join us we would love to talk with you.

Immunization Checklist

You should check with your physician or your local travel clinic well before your departure for current requirements. The following immunizations are recommended:

• Hepatitis A & B
  both are recommended for protection against Hepatitis.
• Meningitis
  recommended.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria
  make sure you are current you may need a booster.
• Rabies
  for protection against animal bites.
• Cholera
  ask your clinician.

Additional Information

Go Trek, under the direction of Craig Van Hoy will do everything possible in order for you to get a reasonable chance to make a summit bid on Everest or reach Camp One if you are participating in the "Ice Fall" climb. We work with some of the best Climbing Sherpas and cooks available in Nepal and provide the best possible logistical support. In addition, we make sure our Sherpa staff is insured for the duration of the trip incase any health or other issues that arise. There is also an opportunity for you to purchase rescue insurance for a minimal fee in order to get a helicopter while in Nepal.

While at Base Camp we will have the use of satellite phone, solar power, and if the need should arise a "Gamow" Type bag & oxygen in case of altitude problems.

Because Everest is such a extended adventure we realize one of the most important things is enjoying the people your with. We do our best to put together a small team that gets along with each other to make a difficult task a memorable experience.

Khumbu Icefall
Participants who are interested experiencing a little more of Everest beyond just a trek but do not have the time, desire or money for a "full on" Everest attempt can make their way to camp one through the Khumbu Icefall. Please get a hold of us for more details on this adventure

Equipment List

Clothing:
• Footwear: comfortable shoes for camp like, "Nike", "flip flops", plastic mountaineering boots such as Kolflach brand & One Sport Everest boots (made by Millet).
• Socks: "Thor-Lo" or "Smart-wool" type (8 pair).
• Pants: Comfortable approach pants, shorts, two pair climbing pants-one a lightweight Scholler fabric and the other a fleece/pile pant with side-zips. Gore-Tex full side-zip wind/rain pants.
• Two weights of Capaline underwear bottoms.
• Shirts/Jackets: lightweight long-sleeved approach shirt, mulitiable weights of Capelin underwear tops at least on light colored one. Two fleece jackets. One Gore-Tex wind/rain jacket. Warm down jacket with a hood.
• Gloves: lightweight, ski gloves and heavyweight expedition mittens (down mitts are advisable as well).
• Hats: sun hat with visor and warm hat with ear protection. Face mask & neck gaiter.
• Full one-piece down suit: Northface or Mountain Hardware recommended.

Climbing Gear:
• Pack: 3500-5000 cubic inches. Large daypack for the trek in.
• Two large duffle bags: Northface recommended with small locks and your name on them.
• Two water bottles (one quart) with covers. An additional pee bottle is a great idea.
• Ice axe: 70 cm
• Crampons: twelve point, two pair, reasonably sharp
• Headlamp: plenty of extra batteries a two extra bulbs.
• Sleeping bag(two): One for base camp and the other for higher camps. They should be down and rated to -30 or -40 degrees.
• Sleeping pads(two): One full-length Therma-Rest pad & one foam pad.
• Sunglasses: very dark with side protection. Bring extras & a pair of good ski goggles.
• Sunscreen: plenty as well as lip balm.
• First Aid Kit: includes the basics plus any prescriptions you might need including altitude medications and others like "Cipro" for infections. Some iodine is a good idea like "Potable Agua"
• Basic Repair Kit: duct tape, wire, cord, plastic ties, tools, nuts & bolts you might need, etc.
• Climbing Harness: Large enough get over a down suit with detachable leg loops. Also include several locking and non-locking carabineers, an ascender with a sling,
• Climbing helmet: lightweight
• Knife: be sure and put this in your check in bag
• Bic Lighter: several to be put in your "carry on".
• Ski Poles: adjustable ones work well.

Other Items:
• Your Valid Passport: with extra photo's and two extra copies of your front picture page.
• Still camera & or movie camera: plenty of extra batteries, rechargeable ones are the best.
• Toilet Kit (we will be able to shower at B.C.): razors, shampoo, soap, hand wash, toothbrush, toilet paper, etc.
• Plenty of books, CD's, DVD's, IPOD, etc.
• Personal Snack Food: bring a bag of your own personal favorites to "treat yourself now & then".

Ready to go Trekking or Mountain Climbing?

If you are ready to get going and want to speed the process along, complete the steps below.

• Step 1: Complete & submit the Online Contact Form below
• Step 2: Download & complete the Medical Information Form
• Step 3: Download & complete the Release of Liability Waiver
• Step 4: Reserve your space. Mail the Medical Information Form, Release of Liability Waiver, Online Reservation E-mail Confirmation and Trip Deposit to:

  GoTrek & Mountain Climbing Expeditions
  9013 Key Peninsula Highway North #115
  Lakebay, WA 98349
  USA