I want to climb Everest, but there are so many options and the cost is high! Why should I choose Himalayan Trail Blazer? What makes you different to other companies out there?
As we all know that when you make a decision to climb the Everest it is one of the most financially challenging trips to come on. Our prices compared to other outfitters that provide the same product, services, if not a lesser product are actually less! We invite you to shop around and compare, both in price and quality. We feel strongly that you will find us to be the best in the business.
One of the main things that set us apart is our attention to detail. Nowhere else you will find a team of people more dedicated to your success! From the time you contact the office to the time you step on the mountain, our customer service is the best. Another most important reason to choose is our community service.
Our trip prices are much more reasonable compare to many global based companies; it is not because we are economical in service in which we operate. We are local operator therefore we DO NOT re-sell or use second party or agency. Many international companies will take anything from one third to three quarters of the profits this is how your trip price makes huge unusual.
How will the Expedition operate?
After meeting all your team and crew in Kathmandu we fly by helicopter or fixed wing plane directly to Lukla and follow the Khumbu Valley to Namche Bazar. Acclimatizing along the way and relishing in the hospitality provided by our Sherpa friends we reach base camp and after some rest and preparation we begin the ascent. Base camp will be a collection of sleeping tents, as well as a large kitchen and dining tent. We utilize the services of specially trained Sherpa cooks and we import a lot of high quality food to supplement the local produce available. The guides and Sherpas will fix rope on the route and stock the camps with provisions and equipment. By utilizing fixed rope we can climb in average weather, and, if necessary descend to base camp with little problem in case of a major storm. Two or three climbing Sherpas will assist with the load carrying but no more will be engaged in order to avoid clogging the route and spoiling the nature of the climb. When the fixed line is in place, and the two camps are established and stocked, we will climb back up the ropes and make a bid for the summit. Sufficient supplies will be available to support all members. Guides and Sherpas will carry all group gear but members are expected to carry their own personal gear. Radios will be used to co-ordinate the movements on the mountain and provide a safety back-up for the lead team.
Can my friends and family come along to base camp for the expedition?
Sure! This is one of the best points to start the expedition, having family and friends trek to base camp to see you off on your journey. Base camp for non-climbers is not a very hospitable place, but we strive to make your guests comfortable and welcome. Guests for the duration of the expedition are allowed on a case by case basis. The reason for this is simple. On the trip, our job is to be climbing, spending time just at base camp can be quite boring sometimes, so we usually encourage guests to trek in at the beginning or end of the expedition, to join you during the most exciting parts of the trip! Contact us for cost and details.
As the trip is so long, can I bring food and other gear not on the list?
Of course! Most people on the Everest expedition, members end up bringing “the kitchen sink”! We encourage you to bring some of your favorite goodies and tech toys, as base camp will become our home for 2 months or so. The more comfortable you are, the more energy you have for the climb, so every little thing helps!
Is there a private trip option too? If yes, how does that work and what are the costs?
Taking as your Everest expedition is a once in a lifetime experience, we wanted to make sure you have every possible advantage. Some clients enjoy the added privacy and schedule flexibility that a private expedition allows. A private means you will have your own guides, your share of the Sherpa carry staff, a private dining tent, and optional private communication facilities. This allows you to climb at your own pace, and enjoy the mountain on your own terms. The costs vary depending on how many clients there are in your private group. Please contact the office for details.
Are the skills/prior experiences required for this climb?
Simply, You cannot just decide to write a cheque and go and climb Mt. Everest! A comprehensive climbing resume is required to join our team. The most required factor on our 'Himalayan Trail Blazer Everest Expedition' is that the participants must have a solid understanding of mountaineering skills. This should include previous high altitude experience of at least 6,000 meters, mixed with a multitude of Alpine mountaineering and, preferably, you will have taken part in a previous 8,000-metre expedition. Please let us know if you want us to arrange training program in some of the 6000 and 7000 meters peaks in Himalaya before your Everest expedition begin. Our Three Peaks Climbing Courses or Pumori Expedition is appropriate for preparing Everest expedition. By our experience we have found that those who have been to 7000 to 8,000-meters peak previously have a considerably better chance of getting to the top of Everest. We would strongly advise you to climb one of the other 7000 or 8,000 meter peaks before going to Everest, as this is the best way of ensuring the money you spend on Everest will be rewarded by a successful ascent and a safe return home. Exceptionally, however, climbers who have not had the chance of climbing 7000 to 8,000 meters peak may consider Everest if they have a compensating depth of experience.
What is the conditioning level needed for this climb?
You should be in the best shape of your life! This is our longest expedition of the year. It requires patience, stamina, mental fortitude, and a strong will. Summit day can sometimes be over 20 hours long! Day by day the challenges are different, but the more prepared you are, both mentally and physically, the smoother your trip will go.
In a team, how many climbers will be on this expedition?
Maximum 10 members can be included on our Himalayan Trail Blazer Everest expedition. This is to ensure that we can maintain safety and our attention on detail. There may be more in base camp and in the camps on the mountain if there are private expeditions, but they will generally travel separately from the main team.
Can I contact other climbers or guides for this expedition?
Yes, we encourage that. Perhaps there may be 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.
Will I be sharing a tent or room with other climbers? Is there a single room option on this trip?
You will have your own tent in base camp, but on the mountain, you will be sharing a tent with others. We generally book you in to a single room in the hotel in Kathmandu whilst it is twin share in the lodges on the trek into base camp. A single supplement is available. Please contact us for further details.
How heavy will my pack be?
It will depend on the day. On a “carry” day, where you are moving your personal gear between camps, your pack can be 20-40lbs, equal to 9-18kg , sometimes higher if you choose to carry more of your equipment. On “move” days, the weight goes down significantly, to 10-15lbs., 5-7kg.
What kind of food do you have on the mountain? Or at the base camp?
All these will depend on what camp we are in. In the base camp, we import tons of food from Kathmandu. So don’t be surprised by our sushi nights, fresh muffins, yoghurt for breakfast, and pizza! On the mountain, we usually have a wide variety of meals; these are significantly tastier than freeze dried, as they are real food and ready to heat and eat! At Camp 2, our advanced base camp, we have Sherpa cook staff, who prepare more ‘base camp like’ food. Pizza, pasta, eggs and bacon! We work hard to make sure our food is second to none.
During the stay at lodges you will find delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat(rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard.
How long will be a typical day on the mountain?
It depends on the day and your level of acclimatization. At the beginning of the trip, everything seems slower and longer, but as you get more adjusted to the mountain, the days go quicker. Average days can be 5-10 hours long. Summit day can be up to 20 hours long.
Is communication possible on the expedition? If yes, what its type?
Experience has shown how important it is on Everest to be able to talk to every team member, at all times. If you join Himalayan Trail Blazer on Everest, you will have a dedicated radio. Each Sherpa will also have his own radio, so that at all times we can keep in touch with everyone, and everyone can keep in touch with each other. Base Camp is equipped with a lap top and high speed satellite connection. The satellite communications are also used to send back regular reports, every couple of days, to Himalayan Trail Blazer office. Expedition updates are then posted on the web and/or are sent to family and friends via email.
What sort of hotels do we stay at in Kathmandu?
We use standard rooms from three/four star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Hotel Vaishali, Samasara Resort are the examples of the hotel that we use in Kathmandu.
What time should I arrive and where do I meet my guides?
There will be an Himalayan Trail Blazer representative at the airport to meet you, and the first of many team briefing occurs in the evening of day 1 and 2 in Kathmandu with our local Sherpa guides.
How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
Since this is our biggest and longest trip, we usually suggest our expedition members to bring USD$1500 -$2500. This will cover everything from gifts, to bottled drinks, lunch and dinner, tips, and anything else that catches your eye on the trail. ATM cash machines work in Kathmandu, but only pays the local currency, Rupees.
How much should I tip my guide staff?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from 20USD to 15,000 USD for an Everest expedition tip. Tipping is not must, but a small way to show your guides thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of personal involvement with your guide. Recommended tipping and Sherpa bonuses are as follow:
Allow $80-150 for general non-sherpa crew who stay at base camp.
Allow $150-250 for sherpas who go up to the base camp.
Summit climbing Sherpa US$ 400-600 per Sherpa
What if I arrive early or depart late?
As long as possible, we request you to arrive in Kathmandu on the assigned date, to assure your baggage makes it on time, and you have time to recover from jet lag before trekking. It is hard to catch the group if you are arriving late and still waiting for lost baggage! We can arrange extra nights in the hotel. Many people depart from our Nepal expeditions later, to enjoy the sights and sounds of Kathmandu, but do keep in mind that this is long expedition and we find that people want to head home as quickly as possible after the climb finishes.
Is Himalayan Trail Blazer a member of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal?
Yes. In fact, the managing director, Prem K Khatry, has served as the board member in the association.
Do your guides have trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?
Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).
Are there any volunteer projects that we could visit after the trek?
Himalayan Trail Blazer is one of the prime supporters of the social organization Sambhav Nepal. There are several on-going projects in a village called Arupokhari (Gorkha district) which you are more than welcome to visit or even volunteer at. You will be able to gain a different insight into the lives of the people in the hills and also make a difference!
Is there a minimum and a maximum number for your groups?
We cater to all group sizes, while maintaining the field staff ratio to give you the best quality and experience.
Do we book our own international flights to and from Nepal?
Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us.
Will it be possible to get any clothes washed along the way, to enable load to be kept as light as possible?
Laundry service is difficult to find, except in cities. For other trips, laundry is done by self at the taps.
Can I rent climbing equipment from you?
Yes. Please contact us for the price. However we strongly suggest bringing the good quality equipment yourself. It is hard to find good quality brand new climbing equipment in Nepal.
Do your climbing guides are trained and have done this peak previously?
YES all our climbing guides are licensed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. They are experienced in many 6000 and 7000 meters peaks and also been to 8000 meters peaks few times. We only provide the Sherpa who have done Everest multiple times previously.
How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
Since this is our biggest and longest trip, we usually suggest our expedition members to bring USD$800 -$1000 . This will cover everything from gifts, to bottled drinks, tips, and anything else that catches your eye on the trail. ATM cash machines work in Kathmandu, but only pays the local currency, Rupees.
What if I arrive early or depart late?
As long as possible, we request you to arrive in Kathmandu on the assigned date, to assure your baggage makes it on time, and you have time to recover from jet lag before trekking. It is hard to catch the group if you are arriving late and still waiting for lost baggage! We can arrange extra nights in the hotel. Many people depart from our Nepal expeditions later, to enjoy the sights and sounds of Kathmandu, but do keep in mind that this is long expedition and we find that people want to head home as quickly as possible after the climb finishes.
Can i obtain the visa for Nepal upon on arrival at the airport?
YES, you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos. Please obtain the 90 days visa when you arrive because 30 days is not good enough for this trip.
Could I have my own personal Sherpa?
Additional Personal Sherpas (who have successfully climbed Mount Everest) are available for hire, the cost will US$1500 extra (includes all their costs) to climb with an individual who desires someone to climb with them on a personal basis.
What kind of insurance do I need?
We invest in insurance coverage for commercial liability and medical and disability insurance for our employees and Sherpas while participating on our programs. We cannot insure you for your personal needs, but we do expect you to be as fiscally responsible as we are. We strongly recommend that you insure yourself against potentially expensive difficulties that may arise. First, trip cancellation insurance may provide financial relief should you be forced to withdraw from the climb before it even happens. Next, make sure you have adequate traveler's medical and evacuation insurance for coverage should you have a problem during the trip. Medical care and evacuation from mountain can be expensive.
Do i need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be ?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from 20USD to 15,000USD for an Everest expedition tip. Tipping is not must, but a small way to show your guides thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of personal involvement with your guide. Recommended tipping and Sherpa bonuses are as follow:
Allow $80-150 for general non-sherpa crew who stay at base camp.
Allow $150-250 for sherpas who go up to the base camp.
Summit climbing Sherpa US$ 400 – 600 per Sherpa
What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?
In major places, we arrange guesthouse with hot shower. And in rest of the places, hotel water in bucket will be provided for shower. We will also have the shower tent at the base camp of Everest.
Is Himalayan Trail Blazer's staff insured?
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters.
Can I add extra days to my trip?
Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?
Depending on the group size we use both porter or Yaks to carry your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.
I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?
Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip.
What is your cancellation policy? Refund policy?
Climbing member may cancel his/her participation on the following basis:
Two months before trip departure - 50% refund of the total cost.
After Two months - no refund will be made.
What immunizations will I need?
No vaccinations are compulsory in Himalaya, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.
We also recommend:
A dental check-up prior to travelling.
That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Himalayan Trail Blazer at the time of your booking.
We recommend that you visit the travel clinic at a major University Hospital or your local Public Health Department for the most up to date info on travel requirements.
