Island Peak with Tim Mosedale

The Khumbu Climber

Further information

If you require a detailed itinerary, equipment list or further information regarding health issues then do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can e mail on climb@timmosedale.co.uk

or telephone 017687 71050 or 07980 521079

Who is it for?

This trip is designed to be accessible to anyone who has a love of the mountains. Most seasoned hillgoers will find that they are perfectly able to complete the itinerary. The programme is designed to maximise your chances of acclimatising properly for the summit day on Island Peak. There are also various days where people can opt out if the altitude is taking its toll without jeopardising their summit bid, and without the need to split the group.

The terrain on Island Peak summit day, after the rocky band above high camp, is a gently angled glacier and we will move as roped parties. This leads to a snowy slope of about 40 to 45 degrees which will be fixed and ascended by use of jumars. This in turn leads to a snowy ridge that takes us to the summit dome.

Prior to summit day I will run a technical session on the safe use of jumars and how to move up, along and down fixed ropes.

Previous use of crampons is preferred, but not essential as the terrain is relatively straightforward and objectively safe. For those who would prefer to be competent in the use of crampons and ice axe, or for those who would like a refresher, I run winter courses in Scotland to cover all the relevant skills (see below or click on the link to my Winter Skills courses from my Home Page). This is also an ideal time for us to meet, discuss equipment requirements and for me to show some slides to give you a flavour of what to expect in Nepal. Please ask for details.

Yes, I'd like to go to Scotland

What is included

o Peak Fees
o Administration fee for our expedition agent in Nepal - I use one of the premiere trekking and climbing agencies in KTM. They have a proven track record of providing an excellent service, are able to provide full support throughout the expedition and have a tried and tested emergency call out procedure should the need arise
o My fee for administration and planning prior to the expedition and technical support, guiding, instruction, planning and logistics during the expedition
o Trekking and camping arrangements on a full board basis (this includes 3 course meals, service of cook crew, full porter support, camping equipment, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen utensils etc)
o National Park entrance fees
o Comprehensive 1st aid kit including antibiotics and medicines for use at altitude (Note: there is also a 1st aid post at Pheriche which is manned by Western doctors throughout the trekking season. This is only a couple of hours away should we have a medical emergency that we are unable to deal with ourselves)
o Insurance for the Nepalese
o Internal flights KTM / Lukla / KTM
o Departure tax KTM / Lukla / KTM
o Map of The Khumbu
o Map of the Thamel district of Kathmandu
o All airport transfers in KTM
o Hotel arrangements in Kathmandu
o Feeding arrangements in Kathmandu

What is not included

o International flights
o Entry Visa (approx £20)
o Inoculation / vaccination costs
o Travel and medical insurance - MUST include helicopter rescue and repatriation - check out www.thebmc.co.uk for up to date prices and their policy schedule)
o Hire of any equipment for personal use
o Tips for the staff (typically £35-£50 depending on the group size)
o Excess baggage
o Drinks with meals in Kathmandu
o Any drinks and / or food during the trek other than that which is provided by the crew (e.g. soft drinks, snacks, alcohol, etc).
o Spending money
o Any costs incurred if leaving the expedition early

What is it going to cost?

The 3 week itinerary is from as little as £1,300 and the 4 week itinerary from as little as £1,450. These quotes may go up slightly but only if there is a significant change in exchange rates or an increase in the peak fees, LO fees or similar.

So why pay in the region of £2.5K (and still have to pay for your meals and sight seeing in Kathmandu) when you can do it for sooooo much less but still get the same quality and better staff ratios?

Please remember that these estimates do not include international flights (allow approx £650-£800).