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
Everest BC - 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.
Everest BC - Insurance Expand You are required to have an insurance policy that covers trekking to 5,545m, 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.
Everest BC - 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
Everest BC - Training & Fitness Expand This trek is suitable for all abilities, with the correct training. You'll be trekking for multiple consecutive days, at high altitude and in varied temperatures, so good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your trek. You should aim to walk regularly in the hills with a light pack (7-10kg) and follow an exercise routine to strengthen your core and legs and to increase your cardiovascular fitness. We recommend this training guide for trekking expedition clients. You can find out more about how to prepare for high-altitude here.
Everest BC - Inlcusions & 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 flights Nepal Visa Travel insurance Lunches in Kathmandu Personal medication & personal expenses Expenses incurred due to early departure Tips for local staff Personal equipment hire e.g. sleeping bag (available at extra cost)
Everest BC - 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
Everest BC - Clothing & Equipment Expand We'll send through a kit list on request, but you can see an example here:
Everest BC - Acclimatisation Expand The main problem faced by climbers or trekkers is trying to climb too quickly. From a medical perspective, we are trekking in very high altitude (up to 5,500m) and in extreme altitude (summit day Kala Patthar above 5,500m). At sea level, the standard barometric pressure is 101 kPa. At 5,554m on the summit of Kala Pathhar, 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).
Everest BC - 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. The local families will often entertain us with local songs and dance. Single supplements are available – please get in touch for pricing.
Everest BC - Logistics Expand As well as your international expedition Leader, we'll be supported by local English-speaking Sherpa guides; 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. On the trek, your Leader will carry an expedition first aid kit, 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 5,545 meters above sea level - your insurance company should cover your costs.
Do You Want A Safari Extension? Expand Safari Extensions We offer a superb 3-day & 2-night safari extension designed to offer you a short, intense and incredibly rewarding Tanzanian Northern Circuit safari adventure. You'll experience the excitement of game viewing in three of the most spectacular national game parks in Tanzania; Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire National Park. This 3-day safari option is a great way to experience some of Tanzania’s most amazing wildlife. You can expect to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) as well as cheetah, giraffe and a wide range of other carnivores & herbivores. You can see full details by clicking the button below. 3 Day Short Safari – Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara
How To Book Kilimanjaro Expand Participation Agreement and Terms & Conditions You'll need to read and agree to both our Overseas Trips Booking Terms & Conditions and our Participation Agreement (see below) - you'll be asked to confirm this during the booking process below. Overseas Trips Booking Terms & Conditions Participation Agreement How to book Choose your event date below In the event, you can choose to pay your deposit online (with a 1.5% processing charge to cover our fees), by bank transfer (free), or pay your full balance - you'll receive an email acknowledging receipt of your payment/booking. Once you've booked and/or paid your deposit you'll receive a second email requiring you to complete our online Client Information & Medical Declaration Form, which must be completed before we can confirm your booking Rongai Route: October 2020 February 2021 Lemosho Glades Route: December 2020
Kilimanjaro Entry & Health Requirements 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 Kilimanjaro International Airport, but we advise our clients to apply for a Tanzanian visa in advance using the new e-visa system on line – this works really well and has significantly reduced waiting times at the airport on arrival. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa from the nearest Tanzanian High Commission before you travel. We do not recommend a visa on arrival as this creates unnecessary delays for the whole group.
Insurance For Kilimanjaro Expand You are required to have an insurance policy that covers trekking to 5,895m, 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 Kilimanjaro, such as truetraveller, DOGTAG & others.
Kilimanjaro - 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. In 2017 he became the first Brit in twenty years to summit Kilimanjaro's second highest peak (Mawenzi), which is a technical rock climb. Book a call with Ricky Join our Club on
Kilimanjaro - Training & Fitness Expand This trek is suitable for all abilities, with the correct training. You'll be trekking for seven consecutive days, at high altitude and in varied temperatures, so good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your trek. You should aim to walk regularly in the hills with a light pack (7-10kg) and follow an exercise routine to strengthen your core and legs and to increase your cardiovascular fitness. We recommend this training guide for trekking expedition clients. You can find out more about how to prepare for high-altitude here.
Kilimanjaro Client Benefits Expand a complimentary Cicerone Trekking Kilimanjaro guidebook (worth £16.95 - 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
Kilimanjaro Clothing & Equipment Expand You'll receive a kit list upon booking, but you can see an example kit list here.
Kilimanjaro Acclimatisation Expand The main problem faced by trekkers is trying to climb too quickly. From a medical perspective, we are trekking in very high altitude (up to 5,500m) and in extreme altitude (summit day above 5,500m). At sea level, the standard barometric pressure is 101 kPa. At 5,895m on the summit of Kilimanjaro, the standard barometric pressure is 50 kPa. This lower oxygen pressure means that there are fewer oxygen molecules in the same volume of air - there is only 49% 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 are following a gradual ascent profile and have programmed an extra night at Mawenzi Tarn Camp, with the opportunity to gain extra height on Mawenzi Ridge on Days 4 & 5. This ensures that we give our bodies more time to acclimatise to the lower oxygen levels before summit day. We recommend that you discuss with your GP the option of using Diamox (acetazolamide) to help prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Kilimanjaro Safety Expand Your safety is our top priority. On the mountain, your Leader will carry an expedition first aid kit, 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 6,000 meters above sea level - your insurance company should cover your costs. We also carry an emergency supply of supplementary oxygen.
Kilimanjaro Accommodation Expand Accommodation is on a shared twin-bed basis in hotels and two trekkers to a three-person tent on the mountain. Single supplements are available and can be booked below.
Kilimanjaro Logistics Expand As well as your Leader, we'll be supported by local guides and porters. Kilimanjaro National Park regulations require us to be accompanied by a local guide and we'll also hire porters and a cook to carry our communal gear (tents, food etc.) and your 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. We'll have a maximum guide-to-client ratio of 1:3. We need to register with the Park Authority before beginning our trek and need to sign in at each camp along the way. All food on the mountain is provided, and we'll have a communal mess tent with dining chairs and table. Sufficient fresh water will be provided daily to ensure you stay hydrated.
Mont Blanc Itinerary Expand Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive & Transfer to Chamonix Fly into Geneva, make your own way to Chamonix and be greeted by your guides at our accommodation at 17:00. Meet your fellow adventurers and get briefed for the week ahead. We’ll have dinner, kit checks and an inspirational talk from Everest summiteer Ricky Munday. Day 2: Chamonix - Rifugio Chabod We'll sort out any last minute gear rental in Chamonix before before driving through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy to reach Rifugio Chabod in Gran Paradiso (1.5h drive). We'll park in the valley and walk up to the hut at 2,750m, with 900m of altitude gain (2.5 - 3h trek). Once at the refuge, we'll eat lunch and complete an outdoor training session covering crampon techniques, being roped up, using all gear correctly and essential scrambling techniques. Day 3: Rifugio Chabod - Summit Gran Paradiso A big day involving an early start and 1,300m of ascent (and descent) to reach the summit of Gran Paradiso, the highest peak entirely in Italy (4061m). The route from the Rifugio Chabod climbs easily up the glacier Laveciau which spills down from the North Face of the Gran Paradiso. The normal way to the summit first ascends this glacier before linking up the higher Gran Paradiso glacier as you near the summit, then joins the route coming in from the Vittorio Emanuele hut at about 3,500 meters. More easy glacier climbing follows, followed by a bergschrund crossing and a short steeper snow slope to the final rocky summit ridge. The last section is quite fun, airy climbing on good rock to the distinct summit blocks (5-7hours). It’s a spectacular summit and the final traverse requires a good head for heights, and this is great training for Mont Blanc because similar techniques are required on both peaks. The climb will put you in good stead for the main summit attempt later in the week. After the summit we descend back to Rifugio Chabod. This means we can leave unnecessary clothing & equipment there to make our ascent as light as possible. Additionally, staying up at altitude instead of heading all the way down to the valley today helps with your acclimatisation process. Day 4: Rifugio Chabod - Chamonix We'll wake around 07:00 for breakfast and by 8.30 we'll start descending at a gentle pace to the valley (2hours). On our drive back we can stop for a delicious Italian coffee and snack, and by 1pm we'll arrive back in Chamonix after a 1.5 hour drive. It's really important rest well this afternoon to ensure your body can recover from the strain of yesterday and prepare for the days ahead. Day 5: Chamonix - Tete Rousse Hut Climbing Mont Blanc takes two days. We start by driving to Les Houches (10min) and then taking uplifts on the Bellevue cable car followed by the Tramway du Mont Blanc train to Refuge du Nid d’Aigle at 2,372m. From here, we hike up to the Tete Rousse hut (3,167m) for an overnight stay, where we'll spend the afternoon relaxing, sorting kit and talking through the route & strategy for our big summit day of Mont Blanc via the Gouter route the following morning. Day 6: Summit Day! On summit day we wake up very early (01:00) to make our summit attempt. We'll set off after a light breakfast at 02:00 using head-torche. After a few of hours it is usually light enough to see clearly. It will take approximately two hours to ascend the Gouter ridge and arrive at the Gouter Hut, then we make our way in crampons up the glacier and over the Dôme de Goûter (4304m), and from the top of the Dôme we descend slightly and then quickly reach the emergency shelter of the Vallot hut (4,362m), which should take another two hours. From the Vallot Hut, it should hopefully take just less than another couple of hours to the summit. Above the Vallot, we ascend steeper ground climbing Les Bosses (4,547m), followed by the gradually narrowing summit ridge. We aim to reach the summit of Mt Blanc (4,810m) soon after daybreak. The pace on summit day is not fast, but will be steady and constant. Our summit attempt will take between 8-12 hours depending on conditions and your physical ability. On the descent from the summit, we return to Nid d’Aigle to take the Tramway du Mont Blanc followed by the Bellevue cable car down to Les Houches, then drive back to Chamonix to spend the night in the valley. We'll head out in Chamonix for a celebration dinner together on the final evening to round off our incredible week. Day 7: Chamonix - Home Depart. Check out is at 10:00, and after one last hearty breakfast we sadly bid farewell. You will take your transfer service back to Geneva and head for home. Thanks for choosing Inspire Alpine®. Please note: This itinerary is based on good weather and mountain conditions as well as hut availability. Should an ascent of Mont Blanc not be possible due to dangerous conditions or bad weather, we strive to provide suitable alternatives such as climbing in the Monta Rosa range on the Swiss/Italian border where there are many 4000ers and the experience is equally as challenging and spectacular. During June and July we may opt for the Italian normal route (via rifugio Gonella) if conditions allow. It is a stunning alternative route to the Gouter route and is often much less frequented.