Yorkshire Three Peaks - Route Map & Description Expand View Route in OS Maps Peak 1: Whernside route At 736 metres, the highest peak in Yorkshire offers fine views down Dentdale and Kingsdale and across to Morecambe Bay. Whernside is formed of Millstone Grit and is thought to be named after ‘quern’ stones used for grinding corn. Whernside’s 'whale-back' shape was formed by land slippage, and the natural bowl on the north-east slope is believed to be the site of one of the last glaciers in the Yorkshire Dales. When the glacier receded, it left behind a small tarn and the boggy area known as Greensett Moss. We cross the B6255 keeping the viaduct on our left and follow an obvious path which runs alongside the railway. After 2.5km the path crosses over the railway besides an aqueduct, and we have excellent views back to Ingleborough being framed between the railway arches. The path now starts to climb towards Grain Head. We leave this path by taking a sign-posted route to the left which climbs slowly on to the ridge, following the line of a wall for a few hundred yards, before heading off diagonally left onto a man-made path constructed of large stone slabs to try to prevent erosion. The path turns back to the wall to continue all the way up to the summit of Whernside (736m), the highest point in Yorkshire. Peak 2: Ingleborough route On a clear day we have views to Morecambe Bay far off to the west. Ingleborough's recognisable stepped profile is due to the alternating layers of limestone, sandstone and shale which form the bulk of the mountain beneath its gritstone cap. Ingleborough is interesting for its archaeology - the rocks laid out on the top were part of an Iron Age (or even earlier) ritual site. Aerial photography shows that the summit plateau once had a stone wall around it, and there are also the remains of circular stone structures. These have been identified as Iron Age huts, part of a defensive hillfort belonging to the Brigantes, a northern tribe who fought the Roman invaders in the second century AD. We descend from the summit of & continue to follow the ridge path southwards for 1.5km and then turn left on the signed path down to Bruntscar. We follow a lane towards the valley to reach the B6255, where we turn left, go past the Old Hill Inn, and then right on to a level grassy path. This path takes us through farmland and past the shakehole known as Braithwaite Wife Hole. An obvious path continues towards Ingleborough climbing, gently at first, but steepening sharply to reach the summit plateau, which can be challenging to navigate in low visibility. Peak 3: Pen-y-ghent route Pen-y-ghent's stepped, domed outline dominates the surrounding landscape. The steep southern side has great stepped ‘rakes’ and a grit stone cap resting on a band of limestone. The rakes were formed in 1881 when a tremendous storm washed away the topsoil leaving the Millstone Grit and limestone exposed. The summit ridge divides streams flowing east to the North Sea from those that flow west into the Irish Sea. Remains of a Neolithic chambered tomb can be seen at Round Barrow within the shadow of Pen-y-ghent. From the summit plateau of Ingleborough, we follow a path east heading towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale, which loses height slowly towards the valley. The main path continues along Sulber Nick, a small straight valley. The path continues through a number of fields before reaching Horton train station. We can resupply at the famous Pen-y-ghent Café. After refreshments, we walk south out of the village and turn left up a minor road towards Brackenbottom. Just before reaching some farm buildings, we take a footpath on our left signed to Pen-y-ghent, which runs alongside along a dry stonewall. We climb steadily up through fields with Pen-y-ghent ahead of us. The final section of the route to the summit steepens for a while and you may want to use hands at certain points as we step up some large boulders, before reaching the trig point and shelter. We cross the wall at the summit to follow the path heading roughly north, which zig zags down to reach the head of a walled lane, where we carry straight on following a good path over Whitber Hill to reach a clear track. We follow this track for 1.5km then veer left towards Birkwith cave and follow a series of tracks towards Nether Lodge. Beyond Nether Lodge we emerge on to the B6479, where we turn right and follow the road back to the start at Ribblehead. Note: In the map below, it's best to view the route by selecting 'OSM Outdoor' from the dropdown on the top right-hand corner of the map, which defaults to 'RWGPS'.
Yorkshire Three Peaks - Weather & Terrain Expand We run this event throughout the year, although the chances of good weather and summer conditions are higher between May & September. You must consider that the UK mountains cause moist air coming in from the Atlantic Ocean to condense and form clouds, which then dump large quantities of rain. The terrain of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge includes well-worn paths, with short road sections. There are a few short, steep ascents and descents. Poor weather makes the walk harder and it’s essential that participants have good footwear and adequate outdoor clothing to protect you from the elements. The weather can be unpredictable so be prepared for all conditions! You can check some local weather forecasts below. Yorkshire Dales Mountain Forecast Mountain Forecast for Pen-y-ghent Met Office weather for the Yorkshire Dales The weather can have a massive impact on a group’s ability to complete the challenge. We will do our utmost to proceed safely but in very severe weather conditions the Mountain Leader has ultimate authority to decide whether to proceed and his/her decision will be final.
Yorkshire Three Peaks - Food & Water Expand Food choices are very personal, but to guide you, here’s what I carry in my rucksack when we start: 1 Sandwich or roll 1 packet of crisps 2 or 3 fruits (apple, citrus fruits, banana) 1 litre of water 1 small bottle of Lucozade Orange As we can resupply between peaks (in summer) I typically don’t eat or drink all of this, but it does mean I have spare food in an emergency. Crucially, I carry my main snacking items in accessible trouser or jacket pockets. I normally snack on Haribo Starmix, Jelly Babies or Fruit Pastilles. It’s important that your snacks are easily accessible and can be eaten while you’re moving on the mountain. You shouldn’t have to stop to remove your rucksack to access your snacks. It’s vital that you eat something at least once per hour in order to maintain your energy levels. Staying hydrated is vitally important, but water is heavy so try to hydrate as much as possible before you start walking. I will pre-hydrate by drinking between 0.5 - 1 litre of water before I reach the start. We recommend a 750 ml Water-to-Go filter water bottle for this event - it saves you carrying extra weight on this long hill day and you can fill up safely and drink water either from the streams on the route, or refill water at Philpin Farm between Whernside & Ingleborough, and again at the famous Pen-y-ghent Café in Horton-in Ribblesdale between Ingleborough & Pen-y-ghent. Buy a Water-to-Go filter bottle
Yorkshire Three Peaks - Is it suitable for me? Expand The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is demanding and requires a good level of fitness & commitment and you must be able to walk for up to 12-hours over hilly terrain. It’s harder than the Edale Skyline Challenge but easier than the National Three Peaks Challenge. There are a few places where it’s possible to drop out safely & there are opportunities en-route to buy refreshments, including hot drinks, and to re-fill water. It's very achievable for anyone willing to comit to a training plan and with a positive & flexible mindset.
Yorkshire Three Peaks - Safety Expand Your safety is our top priority: Our activities are fully risk assessed and we hold Public Liability Insurance via Lockton LLP Our leaders carry a mountain first aid kit, an emergency shelter, a fully charged mobile phone & spare battery, spare warm clothing & emergency food We have two-way radio contact with all of our guides at all times during an event We provide live GPS event tracking so that our office staff can monitor our progress and be automaticaly notified in an emergency. Your family & friends can also follow your progress. When mountaineering, there is no way to completely remove the risk, although we do try to reduce it. The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) Participation Statement says that: “The BMC recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.” The risk of personal injury is increased when attempting to ascend three highest peaks in Yorkshire consecutively as: you will be pushing yourself hard physically and mentally you will be tired and you may be walking in the dark we might face very challenging weather conditions there are many places where you can trip or slip, and there are no safety rails or barriers If you cannot understand or accept these risks, then please do not attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
Yorkshire Three Peaks - How To Book Expand You can book online by selecting your preferred event date and you'll be taken to the event booking page where you can book & pay. There are a number of ticket types. You can choose: Full payment by bank transfer: £90 Full payment online (1.5% fee added): £91.35 Deposit by bank transfer: £30 Deposit online (1.5% fee added): £30.45 If you choose deposit only (options 3 & 4), you'll also be asked if you'd like to pay your balance by raising funds for our social mission, which means you’ll have nothing else to pay! Book Here Participation Agreement and Terms & Conditions You'll need to read and agree to both our UK Trips Booking Terms & Conditions and our Participation Agreement (see below) - you'll be asked to confirm this during the booking process . UK Booking Terms & Conditions Participation Agreement Once you've boked you'll receive an email acknowledging receipt of your payment/booking. You'll receive a second email requiring you to complete our online Medical Declaration Form, which must be completed before we can confirm your booking. Booking confirmed Once your booking is confirmed, you'll be emailed: joining instructions a link to your Vamoos itinerary a suggested training plan a kit list discount codes a date to join a free inspirational Everest webinar We'll also post out your free BMC Safety on Mountains book
Yorkshire Three Peaks - COVID-19 Expand Inspire Alpine® Tourism has been awarded the "We're Good to Go" industry standard mark, which has been developed by national tourism organisations to provide reassurance to visitors that businesses have clear processes in place and are following industry and Government COVID-19 guidance on cleanliness and social distancing. Achieving “We’re Good To Go” means we have read and implemented the Government’s COVID-19 reopening guidance, understand the guidance from Public Health England and have a COVID-19 Risk Assessment in place. COVID-19 Symptoms Poster Guidance - if you fall ill What happens if the trip cannot run due to Covid-19? Your safety is our top priority. Please rest assured that if your event cannot go ahead due to Government-imposed Covid-19 restrictions, we'll offer you a number of options including the chance to: postpone your trip to a later departure of the same event (this year or next) join any other UK event in our portfolio (this year or next) receive a refund of monies paid for the challenge What if there is no official advice against travel, but I want to cancel? We respect that you may feel more comfortable staying at home, and not travelling regardless of the official advice. If you choose to cancel, we’ll action your request but where there is no Government advice against travel to at the time of cancellation, our standard cancellation terms will apply.
Book with confidence - Covid-19 Expand Cancellation flexibility For any bookings made between now and 31 March 2021 on an overseas adventure departing before 31 December 2021, we’re offering you the right to cancel and get a full refund of your deposit up to 90 days before the challenge is due to depart. We want anyone considering booking a trip now to have complete confidence that their deposit is protected and that they can cancel without any penalty for whatever reason. What happens if my trip cannot run due to Covid-19? Your safety is our top priority. Please rest assured that if your trip cannot operate in the host country due to Covid-19, we will offer you a number of options including the chance to: postpone your trip to a later departure of the same event (this year or next) join any other overseas trip in our portfolio (this year or next) transfer your place to another person receive a full refund of monies paid for the challenge Please note that in most cases, where trips can be rescheduled in the same financial year, we are waiving our standard admin fees. What if I postpone the trip and then the later revised trip is also affected and cannot run due to Covid-19? Even if you move on to another trip later in the year or next year, if we still find ourselves unable to safely operate the trip in the host country due to Covid-19, we’ll offer you the same options as above, to postpone, to change trips, to transfer your place to someone else or to receive a refund. What if there is no official advice against travel, but I want to cancel within 90 days of departure? We respect that you may feel more comfortable staying at home, and not travelling regardless of the destination or official advice. If you choose to cancel, we’ll action your request but where there is no FCDO advice against travel to that country at the time of cancellation, our standard cancellation terms will apply.
Kilimanjaro - Frequently Asked Questions Expand See our Kilimanjaro FAQ page below or for further info: Kilimanjaro FAQs Pre-Kilimanjaro trip preparation Expedition Documentation Please note you will be emailed out a set of Trip Joining Instructions after we confirm your booking. This includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help! How hard is it really and how fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro? Contrary to what most people believe, Kilimanjaro is not just a “hike”. Kilimanjaro is a tough challenge and requires a good level of fitness, physical and emotional strength, and stamina and it is important that you are prepared. You need to be comfortable carrying a backpack, have a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness and enjoy sleeping in a tent! Summit day can be very long and cold, but very rewarding, especially when the sun comes up! Your training to climb Kilimanjaro should incorporate aerobic, anaerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. Most importantly, you should spend time walking in the hills, in the boots you are going to be wearing on the Kilimanjaro challenge. People of all ages and sizes can reach the summit of Kilimanjaro but the more you train, the fitter you’ll be and the more you’ll enjoy the experience. The training plan here is focused on the National Three Peaks Challenge but it’s also good prep for a non-technical high-altitude trek. What are the skills/prior experiences required for this climb? This is one of our beginner trips and so the only thing required is to have a thirst for adventure! Do I need a visa / vaccinations? Visa - The answer is yes, all UK, Irish and US nationals require a visa for travel to Tanzania and this should be obtained prior to your challenge departure. If you are of different national heritage to those mentioned above, please check the Tanzania High Commission's website for visa requirements. Vaccinations - Make sure you are up to date for all boosters and courses as advised for life in the UK. You should also take a course of antimalarial medication and be aware that depending on the type you may need to start taking these up to a month in advance of departure. For advice on any additional vaccinations or treatments, please speak with your GP or doctor. What insurance do we need? We require you to have insurance for any personal or medical incidences that may occur during the expedition. This should include cover for illness, medical emergency or evacuation as well as trip cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, or any other such mishap that may occur. We recommend you obtain insurance as soon as possible. What is trip cancellation insurance? Trip cancellation insurance may allow you to cancel your trip without losing any pre-paid expenses. We highly recommend trip cancellation insurance - if circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous) then we will refund your fees paid, but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs that you may have incurred. 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. Our insurance must cover you for trekking up to 6,000m What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city? Prior to and after the trek/safari, we will arrange your Moshi accommodation and our chosen properties maintain a high level of customer service and quality aligning with our high standards. Typically, we stay at the Weru Weru River Lodge, located in the two-bridge area 10 minutes’ drive from Moshi Town. Weru Weru boasts lush tropical gardens with nesting weaver birds, is surrounded by a coffee estate to the north, and offers beautiful views of Kilimanjaro. Travel What time should I arrive and where do I meet my guides? Please plan to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and arrive latest on the afternoon of Day 1 of our itinerary, where you will also clear Tanzanian customs. We will arrange an airport transfer to take you to your hotel. Prior to your trip, we’ll send you a final details email including hotel details, information on your guide, details on when and where you will meet your guide, as well as any other pertinent last-minute information. What if I arrive early or depart late? We ask that you try to arrive on time, so early is great! Your bags then have a chance to catch up with you, if for some reason they are delayed. If you do arrive early, we’ll be happy to help you with your hotel arrangements and additional transfers. The same goes for departing later, and don’t panic if this happens. If your bags don’t arrive, we can send late bags up with additional porters if necessary. If your flight is late, we will find a solution that allows you to join the trek. How much cash should I plan to bring? Participants are usually really excited to purchase local artisan crafts and most of the places that sell such items don’t take credit cards. There are cash machines in town but in the villages, cash is king! Most get by with US$400-$800 for gifts and additional local expenses. Life on the Mountain How big is the Kilimanjaro group? / What support will there be? All of our Kilimanjaro adventures will have a maximum size of 12 participants. If we have more than 12 clients, we’ll split into two groups. We welcome individuals, couples and groups of friends on our treks, and many who join us literally have a mountain to climb in terms of the scale of the challenge they are taking on. We advocate camaraderie and team bonding, and really believe that this enhances your experience. Your challenge will be led by an experienced international expedition leader with extensive high-altitude and group management experience. Each of our leaders holds an advanced Outdoor First Aid qualification. Our leaders are selected for their experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, sensitivity and sense of humour, and will ensure that your Kilimanjaro trip runs smoothly. Your leader will be carrying a fully stocked medical kit in case of any emergency. They will carry out daily health checks on Kilimanjaro to ensure you’re acclimatising properly. Your leader will be in constant contact with all of our local guides via two-way radio - and between our local Kilimanjaro office staff. Your leader will also carry a satellite phone (and spare battery) for emergencies. If for any reason you need to leave the group early, local staff will assist you with your descent of Kilimanjaro and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary. Will I be sharing a tent or room with other climbers? Is there a single room option on this trip? When in Moshi and on safari, the hotels/lodges are priced on a twin-share basis. On the mountain, two team members will share a three-person tent. There is the option of a hotel single room and mountain tent supplement, please contact our office for details. How long is a typical day on the mountain? Your morning starts with a pan of warm water and a hot drink delivered to your tent door. We then rise and meet for breakfast around 7am, with the aim to start trekking by about 8am. We usually trek for between 5 and 7 hours, taking time for photographs and breaks along the way, including a sumptuous picnic lunch, before arriving into our next campsite in the afternoon by 3 or 4pm. How heavy will my pack be? Typically, 6-10kg. Each day, you’ll be carrying water, snacks, other essential items and any layers that you will need for the day. Porters will carry the bulk of your equipment and clothing, which will be awaiting your arrival at your camp. What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro? There are two main trekking seasons on Kilimanjaro - and all of our expeditions take place during these 'dry' periods. Mountain weather is very changeable and hard to predict, but we provide a general overview of what to expect in terms of temperatures and trekking conditions. You should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Kilimanjaro is large enough to have its own weather system, so the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. The rainy months are April to mid-June and November. What will the Kilimanjaro food / accommodation be like? We ensure there is plenty of food which is varied and wholesome. Breakfast is usually a hot drink with bread/ toast and spreads, porridge, eggs and sausage. Our Kilimanjaro cook team then hurries ahead of us to set up the mess tent and provide us with a hot lunch (most days). This usually consists of a starter soup, followed by either a rice or pasta dish with meat and veggies. On arrival into camp hot drinks and snacks are usually served before we tuck into the main event, which again is usually a hot soup starter, followed by a more substantial main than lunch, perhaps a warm winter stew, or meat and fish with lots of veggies, pasta or rice followed by a pudding or cake if it is a special occasion. We also recommend that participants pack some of their favourite snacks to enjoy throughout the day. Accommodation - When we are not trekking, life on a Kilimanjaro climb is spent mainly under canvas. We even go to the toilet in our specially designed toilet tent! For the majority of our expeditions we supply a 3-man branded expedition tent between 2 people, which means that everyone gets plenty of room for both sleeping and for their luggage. What type of communication is available on the climb? The local guides carry radios and mobile phones, so are in daily contact with our agent's Moshi office. If you bring a mobile phone from home, please double-check the cost of global roaming with your network supplier. Local SIM cards are available for purchase can and offer better reception, so please advise if you would like assistance with arranging one. Do please note however that once on the mountain there is extremely limited cell phone reception and no internet access available. How much should I tip the local staff? Tipping is mandatory as your guides, porters and camp staff work very hard on the mountain. Suggested tipping amounts are $100-$150, as this is dependent on your group size and the number of local staff employed. You can also donate any unwanted items of kit or clothing, as long as they are in serviceable condition. Flights & extending your stay Do you provide flights? International flights are not included in your package. You need to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on the afternoon of Day 1 of your itinerary. If you’re flying from the UK, this typically means departing the UK the previous day. Many of UK-based clients this fly on Qatar Airways and the flights from the UK are via Doha, Qatar. Other airlines also serve JRO from the UK, including Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways. When is a good time to climb Kilimanjaro? The two main trekking seasons - and the optimum times to climb Kilimanjaro are from the end of December to March and June to October. Temperatures should range between 25-30°C at the foot of the mountain and the temperature will decrease by approximately 1°C every 150m we climb. Mountain weather is always unpredictable, so you should ensure that you are fully prepared and equipped for all eventualities. Can I extend my trip? If you would like to extend your trip it is absolutely possible. We offer fantastic safari extension packages. To find out more, please check the website or email us and a member of the team will be in touch!
Island Peak & EBC - Frequently Asked Questions Expand Questions? See our island FAQ page below for further info: Island Peak FAQs Book your Island Peak adventure here
Island Peak & EBC - Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari Extension Expand We offer a superb four-day Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari based out of the highly rated & luxurious Kasara Resort. Once home to a royal hunting reserve, Chitwan National Park is now widely recognised as one of the best national parks in Asia. Occupying an area of 932 sq.km, this national park in the Inner Terai lowlands region of southern Nepal boasts an amazingly rich ecosystem that includes large mammals, reptiles, birds and a number of aquatic species. Covering an area of an area of 953 square kilometres, Chitwan was the first national park to be established in Nepal in 1973 and was granted World Heritage status in 1984. Major species found in the park include the iconic Bengal Tiger, Indian rhinoceros, clouded leopard, sloth bear, Asian elephants and gharials, as well as over 500 species of birds. You can relax in your luxurious resort deep in the heart of Chitwan’s jungle. You’ll track wild animals through its lush landscapes on foot, by traditional canoe and also by jeep. You’ll discover an enchanting lost world of verdant jungle alive with birdcalls and punctuated with wildlife sightings. As well as the abundant wildlife, this incredible adventure offers the opportunity to spend time among the local Tharu people, becoming immersed in their lifestyle and their culture. Chitwan Jungle Safari
Island Peak & EBC - Entry Requirements & Health Expand You can view the British Government's latest advice here. We suggest clients discuss their vaccination requirements with their GP and refer to the TravelHealthPro website, which comprises the travel health resources of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), which was set up by the Department of Health with the broad aim of Protecting the Health of British Travellers. You can be issued a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport, but we advise our clients to apply for a Nepalese visa in advance using at their nearest Embassy. You can also choose to register using the e-visa system on line – but please note that this still means you receive your visa at the airport in Nepal and will still have to queue. We do not recommend a visa on arrival as this creates unnecessary delays for the whole group.
Island Peak & EBC - Insurance Expand You are required to have an insurance policy that covers trekking to 6,189m, but it does not need to cover technical climbing. You're advised to take out insurance to cover potential events that might cause you to cancel your trip. You should bring with you a copy of your policy and also a photocopy of your passport, and to keep it separate to your own documents in the unlikely event that you lose your passport. We advise you to consider the British Mountaineering Council insurance, but many other insurance companies offer policies suitable for Everest Base Camp, such as truetraveller, DOGTAG & others.
Island Peak & EBC - Expedition Leader Expand Ricky Munday will be leading this expedition. He's a qualified Mountain Leader with an Expedition First Aid qualification and is a full member of the Mountain Training Association. He reached the summit of Mount Everest (8,848m) in May 2018. He holds an Honours degree in Physiology & Sport Science and is also a Chartered Accountant (CA). From 2014-2018 he served as the youngest ever member of the executive team at the UK's national polar research organisation, where he led the key professional service teams in both Antarctica and Cambridge. After qualifying as a CA, a four-month secondment to an orphanage in Kenya inspired him to spend six years deployed in the aftermath of natural disasters leading support functions for the Red Cross and other aid organisations in Sudan, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Haiti. Book a call with Ricky Join our Club on
Island Peak & EBC - Training & Fitness Expand Although it’s officially classified as a trekking peak by the Government of Nepal, Island Peak is technically the same grade as the normal route on Mont Blanc; it’s not suitable for complete novices. We recommend that you are familiar with mountaineering ropework and the use of ice axe and crampons and advise clients to gain experience climbing grade 1-3 winter routes in the UK before joining this trip. We can cover some of these basic skills onsite. Previous experience at altitude is also beneficial. We consider this a mountaineering expedition rather than a trekking expedition. You'll be trekking and climbing for multiple consecutive days, at high altitude and in varied temperatures (as low as -20C), so good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your experience. You should aim to walk regularly in the hills with a light pack (7-10kg) and follow a comprehensive exercise routine to strengthen your core and legs and to increase your cardiovascular fitness. You can find out more about how to prepare for high-altitude here.
Island Peak & EBC - Inclusions & Exclusions Expand Included: Airport transfers in Kathmandu 3 nights in four-star hotel in Kathmandu (B&B) Domestic flight Lukla (return) 3 meals x day during the trek (B,L,D) Guest house accommodation on trek Experienced Sherpa guides & porters National park fees and municipality fees Welcome Dinner & farewell dinner in Kathmandu Excluded: International airfare to Kathmandu Nepalese Visa Travel insurance Lunches in Kathmandu Personal medication Personal expenses such as soft drinks or alcoholic drinks Expenses incurred due to early departure Tips for local staff Personal equipment hire e.g. sleeping bag (available at extra cost)
Island Peak & EBC - Client Benefits Expand a complimentary Cicerone Everest Trekking guidebook (worth £17.95 - read an excerpt here) a complimentary branded Inspire Alpine BUFF® (worth £15.95) a complimentary BMC Safety on Mountains booklet (worth £6.99) We also offer an unbeatable range of generous discounts from outdoor retailers & manufacturers: Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock: 15% discount online or in-store Montane: a 15% discount online Open Air: a 15% online or in-store summitfit: a 20% discount online
Island Peak & EBC - Clothing & Equipment Expand You'll receive a kit list upon booking but as a guide, you’ll need to bring at least the following technical equipment for Island Peak: Mountaineering harness Walkinhg Ice axe, max 65 cm long Insulated double or triple mountaineering boots (e.g. La Sportiva Spantiks, La Sportiva G2 SMs, ScarpaPhantom 6000s or 8,000m boots) 12-point mountaineering crampons with anti-balling plates Climbing helmet Ascender (jumar) - left or right-handed for use with fixed ropes 2 x Locking karabiners 2 x 60cm slings Some of this equipment can be rented from us to reduce costs.
Island Peak & EBC - Acclimatisation Expand The main problem faced by climbers or trekkers is trying to climb too quickly. From a medical perspective, we are trekking in extreme altitude (summit day 6,189m). At sea level, the standard barometric pressure is 101 kPa. At 6,189m on the summit of Island Peak, the standard barometric pressure is 52 kPa. This lower oxygen pressure means that there are fewer oxygen molecules in the same volume of air - there is only 51% of the oxygen available compared to sea level. Your body reacts to this lower oxygen level in a variety of ways - for example, your respiration (breathing) rate increases, and your body starts to generate more red blood cells. The respiration increase begins immediately, but the production of extra red blood cells takes longer. We allow two extra acclimatisation days during the trek at Namche Bazaar & Dingboche, where we can climb high & sleep low. This ensures that we're giving our bodies time to acclimatise to the lower oxygen levels before reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar summit. We recommend that you discuss with your GP the option of using diamox (acetazolamide) to help prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Island Peak & EBC - Safety Expand Your safety is our top priority. On the mountain, your Leader will carry an expedition first aid kit and a satellite phone and have two-way radio contact with all of our guides at all times. They will also carry a pulse-oximeter to monitor your oxygen levels regularly. In the event of an emergency, helicopter rescue is available and - if your travel insurance covers medical evacuations up to 6,189 meters above sea level - your insurance company should cover your costs.
Island Peak & EBC - Accommodation Expand Accommodation will be on a shared twin basis at the four-star Maya Manor Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu and on a shared basis in teahouses, which are locally owned and run fairly basic establishments that provide good food, accommodation with twin or 3-4 beds in dormitories. You'll need a warm sleeping bag and might want a sleeping mat. There's a central dining room and toilet facilities are usually communal. On Island Peak, you’ll be sharing a tent with another climber – which will also keep you warmer. Single supplements are available – please get in touch for pricing.
Island Peak & EBC - Logistics Expand As well as your Leader, we'll be supported by local English-speaking Sherpa guides; for the climbing phase we’ll have a 1:3 guide:client ratio. Local porters will carry your main personal gear (e.g. sleeping bags, spare footwear) in a duffel bag or rucksack. You'll carry only what you need for each day's trekking in a small rucksack. All food on the trail is provided, and we will eat in the teahouses that we stay in overnight.
Island Peak & EBC - Route Expand The climb begins with three hours of scrambling to the Imja Tse glacier. Our route then ascends the east side of the mountain. An hour of climbing over and around crevasses brings us to the fixed lines. These lines run directly up the South East face at 65 degrees for 400 feet to the summit.
Everest BC - Frequently Asked Questions Expand Questions? See our Everest Base Camp FAQ below or for further info: Everest Base Camp FAQ Live Chat Pre-trip preparation Expedition Documentation Please note you will be emailed out a set of Trip Joining Instructions after we confirm your booking. This includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help! How hard is it really and how fit do I need to be to trek to Everest Base Camp? Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a tough high-altitude challenge and requires a good level of fitness, physical and emotional strength, and stamina and it is important that you are prepared. You need to be comfortable carrying a backpack and have a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness. Summit day on Kala Patthar can be very cold, but very rewarding, especially when the sun comes up! Your training to trek to Everest Base Camp should incorporate aerobic, anaerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. Most importantly, you should spend time walking in the hills, in the boots you are going to be wearing on the trek. People of all ages and sizes can reach Base Camp but the more you train, the fitter you’ll be and the more you’ll enjoy the experience. The training plan here is focused on the National Three Peaks Challenge but it’s also good prep for a non-technical high-altitude trek. What are the skills/prior experiences required for this climb? This is one of our beginner trips and so the only thing required is to have a thirst for adventure! Do I need a visa / vaccinations? Visa - The answer is yes, all UK, Irish and US nationals require a visa for travel to Nepal and this should be obtained prior to your challenge departure. If you are of different national heritage to those mentioned above, please check your local Nepal Embassy website for visa requirements. Vaccinations - Make sure you are up to date for all boosters and courses as advised for life in the UK. You should also take a course of antimalarial medication and be aware that depending on the type you may need to start taking these up to a month in advance of departure. For advice on any additional vaccinations or treatments, please speak with your GP or doctor. What insurance do we need to get? We require you to have insurance for any personal or medical incidences that may occur during the expedition. This should include cover for illness, medical emergency or evacuation as well as trip cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, or any other such mishap that may occur. We recommend you obtain insurance as soon as possible. What is trip cancellation insurance? Trip cancellation insurance may allow you to cancel your trip without losing any pre-paid expenses. We highly recommend trip cancellation insurance - if circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous) then we will refund your fees paid, but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs that you may have incurred. 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. Our insurance must cover you for trekking up to 5,545m What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city? Prior to and after the trek/safari, we will arrange your Kathmandu accommodation and our chosen properties maintain a high level of customer service and quality aligning with our high standards. Typically, we stay at the Maya Manor four-star boutique hotel, which is just 1.5 km from Hanuman Dhoka and just under 2 km from Durbar Square. Many important national landmarks including Monument Tower, City Clock, Nagpokhari Sacred Pond, Nandakeshari Heritage Courtyard, and Narayanhiti Golden Sprout surround the hotel. Travel What time should I arrive and where do I meet my guides? Please plan to fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and arrive latest on the afternoon of Day 1 of our itinerary, where you will also clear Nepal customs. We will arrange an airport transfer to take you to your hotel. Prior to your trip, we’ll send you a final details email including hotel details, information on your guide, details on when and where you will meet your guide, as well as any other pertinent last-minute information. What if I arrive early or depart late? We ask that you try to arrive on time, so early is great! Your bags then have a chance to catch up with you, if for some reason they are delayed. If you do arrive early, we’ll be happy to help you with your hotel arrangements and additional transfers. The same goes for departing later, and don’t panic if this happens. If your bags don’t arrive, we can send late bags up with additional porters if necessary. If your flight is late, we will find a solution that allows you to join the trek. How much cash should I plan to bring? Participants are usually really excited to purchase local artisan crafts. There are cash machines in towns, but cash is king! Most get by with US$400-$800 for gifts and additional local expenses. Life on the trek How big is the group? / What support will there be? All of our Everest Base Camp adventures will have a maximum size of 12 participants. If we have more than 12 clients, we’ll split into two groups. We welcome individuals, couples and groups of friends on our treks, and many who join us literally have a mountain to climb in terms of the scale of the challenge they are taking on. We advocate camaraderie and team bonding, and really believe that this enhances your experience. Your challenge will be led by an experienced international expedition leader with extensive high-altitude and group management experience. Each of our leaders holds an advanced Outdoor First Aid qualification. Our leaders are selected for their experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, sensitivity and sense of humour, and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly. Your leader will be carrying a fully stocked medical kit in case of any emergency. They will carry out daily health checks on the trek to ensure you’re acclimatising properly. Your leader will be in constant contact with all of our local guides via two-way radio - and between our local office staff. Your leader will also carry a satellite phone (and spare battery) for emergencies. If for any reason you need to leave the group early, local staff will assist you with your descent and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary. Will I be sharing a room with other participants? Is there a single room option on this trip? When in Kathmandu or on safari, the hotels/lodges are priced on a twin-share basis. On the mountain, team members will share twin or dormitory rooms. There is the option of a hotel single room supplement, please contact our office for details. How long is a typical day on the mountain? Your morning starts with a delicious cooked breakfast in our teahouse/lodge. We then aim to start trekking by about 8 a.m. We usually trek for between 5 and 7 hours, taking time for photographs and breaks along the way, including a sumptuous lunch at a local teahouse, before arriving into our next village in the afternoon by 3 or 4pm. How heavy will my pack be? Typically, 6-10kg. Each day, you’ll be carrying water, snacks, other essential items and any layers that you will need for the day. Porters will carry the bulk of your equipment and clothing, which will be awaiting your arrival at your lodge. What is the weather like on Everest Base Camp? There are two main trekking seasons for Everest Base Camp and all of our expeditions take place during these periods; pre-monsoon (February, March, April and May) and post monsoon (late September, October, November and December). Everest climbing expeditions take place in April & May, when the weather is warmer and the trail to base camp becomes incredibly busy. March offers typically dry, clear weather and quieter trails as the main season is just about to kick off. It can be cold at the higher lodges/tea houses, but the uncrowded trails make for a much more pleasant experience overall – it gets incredible busy at peak season. Traditionally late September, October & November provides amazing views of the mountains, as there’s less heat haze and cloud. Mountain weather is very changeable and hard to predict, but we provide a general overview of what to expect in terms of temperatures and trekking conditions. You should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Temperatures vary from 20+ degrees in the valley at Phakding on day 1 (you can wear shorts & t-shirt for trekking here) to -15C at night at Gorak Shep on Day 9. A sensible layering system will help you stay comfortable and a good sleeping bag and warm down jacket for the higher lodges will increase your comfort levels. What will the Everest Base Camp food / accommodation be like? On the trail we take lunch at tea houses en route, which serve either local food (dal bhat - lentil curry) or a variety of western food. At night we sleep in a local lodge or guest house and the higher we trek, the more basic the facilities. You can see an example of the type of lodge we stay in here. Showers are available at least up to Namche Bazaar, but you will pay extra for a hot shower. We tend to eat a three-course meal at dinner, which can be a combination of local or western food – you definitely won’t go hungry on this trip. You can buy soft drinks/beer even up at the highest lodge in Gorak Shep. The dining rooms tend to be heated with a communal stove, but the bedrooms are not heated so it’s important to have a decent 3 or 4 season sleeping bag. We also recommend that participants pack some of their favourite snacks to enjoy throughout the day. What type of communication is available on the climb? The local guides carry radios and mobile phones. If you bring a mobile phone from home, please double-check the cost of global roaming with your network supplier. Local SIM cards are available for purchase in Kathmandu can and offer better reception, so please advise if you would like assistance with arranging one. Do please note however that once we are higher on the trail there is no cell phone reception and limited internet access available, which is also expensive. How much should I tip the local staff? Tipping is mandatory as your guides, porters and camp staff work very hard on the mountain. Suggested tipping amounts are $150. You can also donate any unwanted items of kit or clothing, as long as they are in serviceable condition. Flights & extending your stay Do you provide flights? International flights are not included in your package. You need to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) on the afternoon of Day 1 of your itinerary. If you’re flying from the UK, this typically means departing the UK the previous day. Many of UK-based clients this fly on Qatar Airways and the flights from the UK are via Doha, Qatar. Other airlines also serve KTM from the UK. Can I extend my trip? If you would like to extend your trip it is absolutely possible. We offer a fantastic Chitwan National Park jungle safari extension packages. To find out more, please check the website or email [email protected] and a member of the team will be in touch! Funding & fundraising How can I fund this expedition? You can choose to: fully fund the expedition yourself fundraise for our social mission (we’re a social enterprise!) or a charity of your choice, from which approximately 50% of the sponsorship will cover your trip cost, or opt to do a mixture of both! For all three funding options, an online registration deposit of £250 is required to secure your place We have worked with many UK charities and welcome partnerships with new ones all the time! As long as the charity you propose to raise funds for is a registered UK or Irish charity and agree to you doing so, we are more than happy for you to fundraise for any charity close to your heart. Take me to Everest Base Camp!