Peak Mountaineering

Everest......

Sat, 18 May 2013 22:24:52 BST

'If everything happened well, early in the morning on May, 15th Bolotov and I at light of small lamps we will leave Base camp' (a translation from Dennis Urboko's blog)

Everest has come up in conversation a lot over the last few weeks. During the Everest season it's becoming impossible to escape regular news from the world’s highest mountain. This year it is even harder than usual as 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of Hillary and Tenzing’s famous ascent. It needs to be a year to celebrate the majesty of the world’s highest mountain, but Everest 2013 is also becoming notorious for other reasons.

I’ve never climbed Everest and have no plans to try, but I have always been fascinated by the mountain. I remember reading about Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler making the first ascent without oxygen followed soon after by Messner’s incredible solo ascent. I devoured Bonington’s books about his team ascending the South West Face. I cried when I read of Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker disappearing during their audacious attempt on the North East Ridge in 1982. Stephen Venables forging a route up the Kangshung Face, Alison Hargreaves soloing the mountain without oxygen or Sherpa support or the legendary Jerzy Kukuczka's new routing the South Pillar. They have all been a big part of my climbing inspiration over the years.

Many of these ascents were completed in what amounted to, in my opinion, Everest’s golden age. I imagine, at the time, only a few teams on the mountain, simple living conditions and minimal support. Of course there were still differences of scale. Bonington’s South West Face team had a huge amount of logistical support whereas I remember reading that for Messner’s solo adventure there was just his girlfriend waiting for him at base camp. But they are still a marked contrast from the tented city that now becomes base camp each year or the sight last year of several hundred climbers snailing their way up the Lhotse Face on the same day.

Peak Mountaineering runs commercial expeditions and I would never criticise anyone who seeks a personal challenge by climbing Everest, but I still can’t help longing for a return to that past pioneering spirit. It’s amazing that there have only been 2 new routes successfully climbed on the mountain in the past decade. So I was particularly pleased that, in this anniversary year, we did have 2 teams that promised to be really interesting to follow......

I saw a photo some weeks ago on Facebook. It was a snap of Ueli Steck and Jon Griffiths as they sat on a flight to Kathmandu. Their faces had beaming smiles and their eyes gave away that excited look of people heading for a great adventure. I studied the scene with jealousy and excitement in equal measure. I am always jealous when people are heading off for new adventures (unless I'm involved with one of my own) but I also looked forward to seeing what would become of their trip.

Jon is a talented alpinist and superb photographer and was heading to Everest for the first time. Ueli is a world famous multi discipline climber with stacks of notable ascents to his name (includes a previous Everest ascent without oxygen). They were going to team up with another very talented climber, Simone Moro, to attempt a new route on the world’s highest peak. This was certainly an expedition with great potential.

It didn't seem long after I saw that photo that, like everybody else, I was hit with the news that a fight had occurred high on the mountain. The western climbers had, apparently, been set upon by a Sherpa 'mob' and forced to race for their lives to base camp. I was devastated to hear the initial news reports and saddened to follow the barrage of conflicting reports that followed. For days it raged on and even, unlikely as it seems, made the front page of the Sun newspaper (the photo above came from inside the Sun on that day).

Clearly something went very wrong that day. I have seen reports blaming the European team for climbing too near the Sherpa rope fixers. I have heard reports that there were disrespectful comments made. I have also read that the Europeans did nothing wrong and the actions of the Sherpas demonstrates a breakdown in relations caused cultural differences that have been slowly bubbling to the surface (I recommend reading Jon's blog here).

I wasn't there and would hate to speculate. I have climbed with Sherpas on several occasions and know they work incredibly hard and take significant risks to allow western climbers to realise their dreams. Their efforts on Everest have, over many decades, allowed thousands to ascend the mountain. Thousands who wouldn't have stood a chance unaided. They live in difficult conditions away from their families for several months. It's a big ask.

Of course Ueli's team weren't sharing the same plans as many of the Everest mountaineers currently on the mountain. They were climbing independently and weren't relying on the services of Sherpas. Their ascent was taking alpine style methods to a Himalayan giant. So when I heard that they were leaving Everest (with Steck saying he will never return) I just felt extremely sad about the whole situation. Sad for Jon, Ueli and Simone, but sad in equal measure for the Sherpas and the rest of the mountaineering community. I know mountains can bring out the best and the worst in everyone but, whatever the reasons, this marks a very sad chapter in Everest history.

Once the furore died down the Everest machine rumbled on and my attention turned to Dennis Urubko and Alexey Bolotov’s attempt on a new line on the South West Face (details on their proposed climb are here). Alexey is a legendary Russian mountaineer who’s previous ‘ticks’ include a number of 8000ers including 2 previous ascents of Everest. He was also one of a very select group to have been awarded 2 Piolet d Or's. Dennis is a mountaineer with an incredible pedigree having previously climbed all 14 8000metre peaks and many other significant mountains. Dennis and Alexey had an audacious plan to climb a new line in alpine style. This would undoubtedly be a ground breaking ascent in the purest way.

Then I turned on my computer this afternoon and the whole game had changed. I sat there stunned to hear that Alexey was dead. Reports are confused at this stage but one suggestion is that a fixed line snapped as he traversed through the icefall and he was instantly killed in a long fall. Such a numbing way to lose such a great mountaineer and my sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Such a sad end to their exciting plan which would have given Everest’s 60th anniversary something unique to celebrate. Everest has lost its shine for me this season.

Of course I am not disrespecting the mountaineers who use Everest’s standard routes. I will never be in a position to follow what Ueli, Jon, Simone, Alexey or Dennis were attempting. If I were climbing the mountain I would undoubtedly be ascending the fixed lines with everyone else. But I still maintain that we need ascents that push the boundaries to keep the vibrant spirit of Everest mountaineering alive. Past Everest mountaineers have inspired me and I hope future ones will continue to do so. When I run up the steep hill behind my house later and want to stop for a rest I will take strength from the determination these climbers showed. When I find myself struggling on a steep mountain face I will be thinking of Ueli or Dennis. After this crazy season there will be calls for things to change on Everest. For me the biggest change needs to be getting more of the pioneers back in action.

Posted by Paul

Sawyer Water Filters

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:02:59 BST

*GREAT NEWS.....Sawyer have also very kindly offered to provide a filter system for our Friendly Friday Giveaway (17th May). Full details can be found on our Latest News page here.

We’ve used water filters a lot over the years. For a long time our favourite was the MSR Miniworks. We liked the UV systems made by Steripen and a fair amount of Iodine and Chlorine Dioxide has also gone into our bottles over the years. They all work but they all have their drawbacks too. A while ago our friends at Trek and Mountain Magazine asked us to review a Sawyer Squeeze System filter. This conveniently coincided with some Mountain Leader courses and a trip to Peru so we’ve had plenty of chance to give the system a thorough test. We love it!

The Sawyer system works by mechanically filtering out contaminants through super fine hollow fibres. It’s a system based on medical dialysis equipment. We are mid-way through writing a more detailed review but the key things the end user will notice are the speedy filtration speed, light weight (only 93 grams for the filter unit), small pack size (the filter is only about 17cms long and no more than 5cms wide) and longevity (Sawyer guarantees the filter to last for 1 million gallons!). At under £60 they also offer one of the cheapest reliable options for travellers and outdoors people. The squeeze kit also comes with a selection of lightweight water bags in different sizes making it an ultralight and very user friendly system. We used to think twice about whether to pack a filter or take chemicals. Now it’s a very easy choice!

We were so impressed that we got in touch with Sawyer to ask if we could arrange a discount deal for Peak Mountaineering clients and they couldn’t have been accommodating. Sawyer have kindly offered to discount their systems by 10% as well as agreeing to donate a further 10% to the water aid charity Fresh₂O. The charity is doing great things to improve the quality of water available globally and when you hear that about 4500 children die from lack of clean water every day you realise it’s a big issue. Details on Fresh₂O’s work can be found here.

Finally, we want to do our bit too. For any course attendees buying a Sawyer System Filter we’ll also contribute 10% of your course fee to Fresh₂O (offer valid on all UK courses excluding NGB’s). Future clients will automatically receive details on how to take advantage of this offer with their joining instructions. For past customers please feel free to get in touch and we’ll happily tell you how to access the offer too. We hope you’ll give Sawyer Filter Systems a shot. It is very likely to be the last water filter you will ever need to buy!

This handy little video of the squeeze system in action will help you see how simple it is....

Posted by Cal

Friendly Friday Giveaway.....

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:48:20 BST

To celebrate our new discount partnership with Sawyer Water Filters we are offering a brilliant new Sawyer Squeeze Filter System (kindly donated by Sawyer Europe).

The filter is ideal for anyone needing clean water. So, you'll find it useful if your adventures are occasional walks in the countryside just as much as if you are a world explorer.

It's the simplest, most compact and durable system we've ever tried and we are delighted to be able to offer one to Peak Mountaineering Friendly Friday Giveaway (FFG) followers.

All you need to do is the famous Peak Mountaineering Triple (Like us on Facebook here, follow us on Twitter here and sign up for our newsletters here).

But, for this FFG we also need the answer to a couple of simple questions too.....

1. How much does the Sawyer filter unit weigh in grams?

2. How many gallons of water are they guaranteed to filter?

Luckily, you'll find all the info you need about the Sawyer Squeeze System as well as the answers to these questions on our new blog post here.

Please email your answers to us at info@peakmountaineering.com and, providing you are a triple complter, we'll add you to the draw (which will take place on Friday 24th May).

Good Luck :)

Posted by Cal

Rock Climbing

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:10:02 BST

Peak Mountaineering specialise in tailor made rock climbing courses with low ratios. This allows us to match our training exactly to your requirements enabling you to progress at the pace that suits you. We have all been held back on courses by less fit or inexperienced participants and similarly we’ve all felt pressurised to do things we aren’t comfortable with – we don’t want that to happen to you! We use a variety of teaching methods but the emphasis is always on lots of doing rather than lots of talking because you learn more that way.

Peak Mountaineering offers rock climbing courses for everyone. Whether you've never climbed before, climbed indoors or simply want to progress your skills - we can help. Similarly, we can offer bespoke itineraries if you have a particular objective or particular skills you want to focus on. Email or call and we'll be happy to help.

Please see our Client Reviews here.

First Aid

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:38:21 BST

Peak Mountaineering is proud to be a provider of Immediate Temporary Care (ITC) first aid courses. ITC is an HSE approved provider and a market leader in the delivery of high quality first aid training. All ITC courses place a strong emphasis on learning by doing - on our courses you really don't need to worry that you'll be staring at Powerpoint slides all day!

We offer 2 main course types. Our 2 day Outdoor First Aid course is ideal for those operating in more remote locations (and instructors renewing their qualification to revalidate NGB awards) while the 6 hour Emergency First Aid at Work course suits those operating in workplace environments or participants looking to focus primarily on life saving skills.

We can offer a full range of other courses so don't hesitate to get in touch if you have particular requirements.

Client Reviews

Outdoor First Aid

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:26:30 BST

Trekking in the Khumbu

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:41:05 BST

Nepal is a magical adventure destination. Home to eight of the world’s 14 peaks over 8000 metres. A country with inspiring and friendly locals and a well developed trekking infrastructure. It's a place that really should be on everyone’s must visit list.

Nepal has many amazing areas to explore but the most popular is undoubtedly the Khumbu Valley. For anyone interested in mountaineering history trekking in the Khumbu will feel like a game of mountain 'eye spy' as you follow in the footsteps of the countless expeditions that have used this route to access Himalayan giants like Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse or Cholatse. Having said that, even for those who aren't the least bit interested in mountaineering, the Khumbu is one of the world's greatest trekking venues. Very few places offer as warm a welcome with such breath taking scenery.

Many trekking companies run itineraries in this area and having logistical support and back up will appeal to many. However, the infrastructure created by the thousands that have gone before means you can also consider organising your own trip relatively easily. The following information should get you on your way.......

When to go

The most popular trekking period is the post monsoon months of October and November. During this time the weather is usually stable and the visibility excellent. The downside is that this is also the busiest trekking period. An alternative is the pre monsoon period of March to May. During this time there is lots of spring growth but conditions can be more variable.

Getting there and life in Kathmandu

Flying to Kathmandu from the main UK airports is pretty easy. Shop around and you’ll probably get a return fare for around £600 (it depends a lot on how close to departure you book). Once you get to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International airport it's easy to get a taxi to your hotel.

Most tourists stay in the Thamel District and it’s a great option with its mix of Nepalese style venues alongside westernised options. In Thamel you’ll easily find accommodation catering for all budgets. At the cheaper end it’s hard to beat the Kathmandu Guesthouse or Holy Lodge but there are over 100 to choose from. They do get busy so book ahead.

You’ll also be able to pick up any equipment and food you might need for your adventures within easy walking distance and there’s well stocked bookshops selling a full range of maps and guides alongside all the books you could ever want to read about those epic Himalayan ascents. There’s also a stack of internet cafes and welcoming craft and gift stores to wander around. It's a laid back and friendly place.

Leaving Kathmandu

The quickest and easiest route to the mountains is to take the famous flight to Lukla. This 45 minute hop costs around $250 return and, particularly if you’ve got limited time, it is money well spent. The landing at Lukla is spectacular with an upward sloping runway that makes the experience worth it even if just for the thrill factor! Lukla is in a stunning location but it’s also in the heart of the mountains and weather can sometimes wreak havoc on the flight schedules. There are plenty of lodges to stay in but if you get a morning flight you will probably want to head off straight away. Either way, when you are ready to hit the trails, the path to the Khumbu is just on the opposite side of the airport.

For those with more time available it is possible to get a bus from Kathmandu to the village of Jiri (1950 metres) and walk from there. Jiri was the main starting point for trekkers until the Lukla airstrip was built in 1964 and, with many trekkers now choosing to fly, it offers a tranquil week long route up to Namche Bazaar. The modest starting altitude allows a gradual acclimatisation friendly height gain and it’s a stunning route that follows winding rivers, crosses terraced fields and traverses forested ridges. For those keen to experience the Lukla to Kathmandu flight you can always walk up via Jiri and then fly back to give the best of both worlds.

Porters/guides or going it alone?

You can choose whether to hire a porter, a guide, a porter/guide or go it alone. Porters are the unsung load carrying heroes of the Khumbu and will ease your burden by carrying up to 30 kgs of your load (so a couple of trekkers could easily share one). Porters often talk little or no English but they know the Khumbu inside out and typically you just arrange a place to meet up at the end of the day and your bags will be waiting for you.

A porter/guide is another possibility. They will typically carry 5/10kgs of your load and accompany you as you walk. They often speak much better English and suit people that want the reassurance of having someone that knows the trails and can give you information about what you are seeing around you.

A final option is to go it alone. The suggested kit list below is easily managed by reasonably fit hillwalkers and the trails in the Khumbu region are easy to navigate. Being under your own steam will allow you to be flexible about when and where you stop and, of course, will save some money. Maps of the region are widely available in Kathmandu and the highly recommended Jamie McGuiness guidebook ‘Trekking in the Everest Region’ (Trailblazer Guides) has all the information you could ever need and the trek timings are realistic.

Tea houses

The Teahouse (or lodge) system in Nepal is fantastic. Developed over many years (and still developing) and brilliant in its simplicity. All you need to do is turn up at a village of your choice and ask around the various lodges for a room. Most areas operate a price setting system so you don’t pay much for the room but you’ll be expected to also eat at the lodge to get this price.

The food is usually very good. Alongside traditional local dishes like dahl baht you'll find lots of western style dishes like 'Swiss Rosti', omelettes, apple pie and, in some lodges, even fried Mars Bar or Snicker rolls, which provide a handy energy boost after a long day on the trail.

The lodge rooms are simple and you’ll usually just get a couple of single beds in each room. You’ll be given a padlock to lock the door and some rooms have simple lights powered by solar charged batteries (but ensure you’ve got a torch because you probably won’t get enough light from them to read by).

Generally you will find a room without booking but if there’s a large group or you plan to arrive late you may want to try to book in advance. Alternatively, at busy times you may want to start your trekking day earlier to ensure you arrive at the next lodge before the crowds. Some lodges allow camping in the grounds but then you’ll obviously need to carry a tent and mat.

What to take

Pack

If you are planning to go it alone it is perfectly possible to fit all you need into a 40-45 litre rucksack. Bear in mind that you’ll be carrying a reasonable weight for several hours a day so don’t scrimp on the model you choose. A lightweight model with comfortable back system, well-padded shoulder straps and a supportive waist belt will serve you well.

Boots

Well fitting, lightweight boots are ideal. Choose some with good ankle support, a solid grippy sole and enough room at the front to avoid destroying your toes on long descents. Getting your boots fitted at a specialist shop is highly recommended and make sure you break them in before you go.

Sleeping bag

Some teahouses have blankets, some have duvets but some have nothing at all. I strongly suggest taking a 3 season down sleeping bag to ensure you have good sleeps. Bear in mind that there is usually no heating in the dorms and it gets chilly at night. I always store my sleeping bag in a dry bag so I know that it will be dry no matter what the day throws at me.

Warm jacket

Once the sun goes in you’ll really appreciate a warm down jacket to pull on for sitting in the lounge, star gazing outside or even backing up your sleeping bag on really cold nights.

Waterproofs

A lightweight Paclite or Event type jacket and overtrousers will be perfect.

Other clothing

A mid weight fleece, a couple of wicking base layers with long sleeves, a few pairs of underwear, some comfortable trekking pants, a couple of sets of socks, warm hat, sun hat, and a light pair of gloves and you should be set. There will be some opportunities for washing clothes but it isn’t so easy in the upper reaches of the Khumbu so you need to be prepared to wear stuff for quite a while at times.

Bits and bobs

Toiletries and a small travel towel, water carriers for at least 2 litres (I take a 1 litre Nalgene and 2 litre Platypus type water bag so I’ve got plenty of capacity), high factor suncream, good quality sunglasses, something to read (the nights are often quiet so you’ll value something to pass the time), money belt for keeping your documents safe, trekking poles (good for tricky descents) a small first aid kit and personal medications, sanitary products, camera (and spare battery), a headtorch (you’ll use this a lot in the dimly lit tea house bedrooms) and some way to purify water (some lodges provide boiled or purified water but I prefer to have a system like Chlorine Dioxide as a back-up) and some wet wipes (washing facilities can sometimes be hard to find and a bit of a wet wipe wash here and there works wonders for your morale!) and some toilet paper plus alcholol-based hand cleanser.

Many lodges rely on solar power so don't count on always being able to charge batteries. It may be worth taking a personal solar panel if you need to keep things topped up. Bear in mind that there is a very good phone signal in most of this area so a phone is worth considering for emergency purposes.

A final couple of items to consider are some earplugs and a pee bottle. The dividing walls in most dormitories are made of thin plywood and you can often hear everything from nearby rooms so a pair of squidgy foam earplugs will be worth their weight in….well….foam! As for a pee bottle (and maybe a Shewee device for women) – I wouldn’t be without one!

A suggested itinerary

There’s load of choice about where you walk and how far you travel in a day – it really depends on your aspirations, fitness levels and the time you have available. However, to give you a tried and tested option the following route will get you to some of the best bits in a manageable circular trek. It also includes the Khumbu holy grail of Kala Pattar and a possible additional trek round to Everest Base Camp. The individual trekking legs are timed to allow plenty of rest stops and a realistic ascent profile but please remember that the altitude is a major factor and you should take steps to ensure you know how to deal with the potential problems that can occur and how to deal with them.

Day 1

Kathmandu to Phakding

Flying in to one of the world’s most iconic airports is always a thrill. Sit on the left hand side of the plane and you should get (cloud permitting) staggering views of the mountains as you head across. Once at Lukla the path to the Khumbu starts on the far side of the airport. It is impossible to miss the well-trodden trail to Khumbu heaven and soon you’ll be wandering down a steep path to the valley base. The path to Phakding follows the mighty Dubh Kosi river and it’s a stunning introduction to what lies ahead. Getting to Phakding will only take a few hours and this little village is the perfect first night stop.

Day 2

Phakding to Namche

A few awesome cable bridges, some stunning scenery and a lung busting 800 metre final climb brings you to the mecca that is Namche. The village is a bustling place with a rich history as the gateway to the Khumbu for decades of ground breaking expeditions. The village has a full range of bars, internet cafes and small shops plus a highly recommended bakery where you can eat your pastry while sitting on the terrace enjoying stunning scenery.

Day 3

Namche

Namche is high (3450 metres) so it’s well worth taking a rest day here to aid acclimatisation. Having said that, try and avoid sitting around all day as you’ll acclimatise better if you keep active. Explore the village or hike up to the Everest View Hotel and you’ll feel you have earned that afternoon doughnut back at the bakery!

Day 4

Namche to Dole

The classic itinerary from here takes you towards Kala Pattar but our circular route takes us up the alternative valley to Dole. This leads you via the Mong La Col which is a great place to relax and drink with the bonus of stunning views across to Ama Dablam. After the long climb up to the Mong La get mentally prepared as you’ll drop down a demoralizingly long way before then having to climb back up steeply to the isolated village of Dole.

Day 5

Dole to Machermo

From Dole a pleasant short walk takes you to Machermo. Don’t be tempted to go further today as you are getting higher and need time to acclimatise. It’s a good place to relax and you’ll be able to attend the daily altitude talk at the medical base – well worth attending but please give a donation to support the fantastic work this facility does both for travellers and locals.

Day 6

Machermo to Gokyo

This stunning day follows a beautiful valley leading to the famous Gokyo Lakes. The views get better and better the further you go and, as you approach Goyko Village, you’ll see the cirque of mountains where Cho Oyo sits and left of the village you’ll see the trail of tourists ascending Gokyo Ri (well worth the effort both for acclimatisation and the view!) although many people head up late afternoon to catch the sunset (remember warm clothes and a headtorch).

Day 7

Gokyo

It is well worth giving Gokyo a day of your life to continue the acclimatisation process. Try to stretch the legs and there are plenty of nice easy walks around the lakes. One popular option will take you up to Noddy’s Point for some excellent Everest views.

Day 8

Gokyo to Dragnag

After leaving Gokyo you are heading across the moraine to the small settlement of Dragnag. This is a short walk (about 2 hours) but you need to take care as the exact route changes frequently due to the increasing lake size (apparently another victim of global warming). Your best source of information on the current route will be your lodge owner.

Day 9

Dragnag to Dzongla (or Loboche)

This is a big day but it's certainly worth the effort. Your route is going to take you on a long climb over the Cho La pass and into the next valley. An early start is recommended to ensure you have plenty of time in hand. The amount of snow at the top of the pass varies so take that into account and get advice from the lodge owner in Dragnag or check to see whether people are getting over from the other side.

Once over the pass you’ll get amazing views into the next valley and the surrounding peaks will take your breath away. This valley is the one you now follow (there’s some fairly steep but straight forward scrambly sections) down to Dzongla. You can stop at the lodge here or, time permitting, you might decide to plough on to Loboche. My preference is to get to Loboche that day but the lodges there get very busy so consider if there’s time to get there before the crowds. It’s a couple of hours walk from Dzongla.

Day 10

Dzongla to Loboche (or rest day if you got to Loboche yesterday)

Depending on what you did yesterday you can either trek round to Loboche today or take a rest day if you arrived there last night. There are plenty of lodges in Loboche and it’s a famous stopping point.

Day 11

Loboche to Kala Pattar (and back to Loboche)

What you do today depends on how you want to play your big Everest viewing day. The best place to get the classic view is from the top of Kala Pattar which is the hill overlooking Everest Base Camp. If you want the classic sunset shots you’ll have to either stay at Gorak Shep (the small village under Kala Pattar) or walk back to Loboche in the dark.

My preference, if you are happy to snap photos earlier in the day, is to make an early start from Loboche to Gorak Shep, continue up Kala Pattar then return to Loboche in the same day. This means you get to keep the same room in Loboche, can travel light, and you still get plenty of time. It’s a round trip of about 8 hours.

An alternative day 11 (or a possible extra day added in to your itinerary) would be to walk to Everest Base Camp (EBC). This is possible from Lobuche although it is a long day requiring an early start. If time allows you can make this a shorter day by walking to Gorak Shep then heading to EBC after spending a night there. Either way, the route from Gorak Shep initially follows steady ground before following the side of the glacier and descending onto the moraine to weave round to the flatter area used for base camp. In the Spring this will be busy with expeditions but will be relatively deserted in the post monsoon period. Once at base camp it is possible to get close up views of the mighty Khumbu Ice Fall and explore the base camp area before returning to Gorak Shep or Lobuche.

Day 12

Loboche to Dingboche

It’s all downhill from here – physically at least! The walk from Loboche follows a lovely valley before you break round to the village of Dingboche. There are plenty of great lodges here as well as internet access and great views up the valley towards Island Peak and the South Face of Lhotse and Ama Dablam is visible from here too. An alternative place to stay would be Pheriche which is nearby (and it has another medical clinic if needed).

Day 13

Dingboche to Tengboche

Again you are gradually losing some of the height you’ve gained and, as you are getting onto the classic Everest Trail, the paths are likely to be busier. That said, this is one of my favourite stretches to walk as the terrain is varied, the views sublime and it always feels to me like you are right in the teeth of the mountains. You’ll arrive at the village of Tengboche in good time and it’s well worth checking out the famous monastery which marks the villages place as a religious centre of the Khumbu. The monastery was destroyed by a fire in 1989 so all you see is fairly new – but it’s still a mightily impressive building.

Day 14

Tengboche to Monjo

From Tengboche you are now completing the loop back to Namche. Today follows a stunning valley with fantastic views. You’ll be in Namche in about 4-5 hours so it is worth dropping down the steep hillside you climbed all those days ago and staying for the night in Monjo instead. This is a small village with a good range of lodges and this sets you up nicely for your final day.

Day 15

Monjo to Lukla

You know this bit but I’m sure it will feel like a long time since you were last here! After heading along the valley floor you have the final long hill climb back up to Lukla. Remember to reconfirm your flights before the offices close (usually about 4 to 5 pm) then have a great night celebrating your adventure.

Day 16

Lukla to Kathmandu

Take the flight back to Kathmandu and hit Sam’s Bar for celebratory beers and the chance to share your stories with fellow trekkers and mountaineers.

Travel and Expeditions

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:38:29 BST

FREE Outdoor First Aid Course!

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:17:55 BST

Offers don't get any better than this! We have some places available on an Outdoor First Aid course running this Friday (10th May)....and you can attend for FREE!

This is a course that we are running for another company and they have kindly allowed us to give the spare places away. The only cost to participants will be the certification registration fee of £14.00. We'll even include refreshments (just bruing along your own lunch).

The course is an ITC 8 hour Outdoor First Aid course (Emergency Action). It focuses on key life saving first aid skills (although it will be tailored as much as possible to the outdoor environment). It isn't suitable for validating National Governing Body Awards but is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or others requiring first aid skills. It would also make an excellent refresher course for qualified first aiders wanting to remind themselves of all the vital skills they have forgotten! Following successful completion of the course attendees will receive a first aid certificate valid for 3 years.

The course is running in Hope (right in the centre of the Peak District National Park) and full joining instructions will be sent to all participants.

It's an unbeatable offer and we expect a lot of interest - so please contact us as soon as possible if you want to join us.

Association of Mountaineering Instructors

Tue, 07 May 2013 23:29:02 BST

The Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) is the representative body for professional mountaineering instructors. Currently the association has close to 1000 members who hold various mountaineering qualifications:

MIA (Mountain Instructor Award) holders

MIA holders are qualified to undertake all mountaineering activities in summer conditions. The association represents both trainee MIA holders (instructors who have undertaken MIA training but have not yet been assessed) and MIA holders who have passed their final assessment.

MIC (Mountain Instructor Certificate) holders

MIC holders are qualified to undertake all the mountaineering activities MIAs can offer but can also offer a full range of winter mountaineering activities. The MIC is the highest qualification under the UK awards system. To start training as an MIC instructors must first have gained the summer and winter Mountain Leader Awards and the Mountain Instructor Award. There is a useful video showing the remit of the MIC here.

Winter ML (Winter Mountain Leader Award) holders

Some MIA holders may also hold the Winter Mountain Leader Award and can offer winter hillwalking activities.

AMI Members will be able to offer a variety of courses as well as bespoke private guiding.

More Info

More information on the activities offered by members, the qualification structure and the role of the association can be found on the AMI website at www.ami.org.uk. All the latest AMI news can also be found in the quarterly magazine 'AMI News' which is available at many outdoor retailers or can be ordered direct from the website.