Mount Manaslu, is the world's eighth-highest mountain, reaching a lofty 8,163m/26,781ft. We climb Manaslu via the North-East Face along moderately-angled snow slopes before a steep snow arête takes us to the summit for magnificent views across the Himalaya.
It is a stunning and remote peak that is an ideal expedition for those looking to climb an 8,000er, or in preparation for Everest.
| RATIOS | 42 DAYS |
|---|---|
| Please liaise directly with our office | POA |
If you are considering climbing an 8,000m peak, Manaslu has to be one of the preferred options.
We helicopter into a village at the foot of the mountain where we enjoy day hikes to acclimatise before moving up to the Base Camp to begin the climb.
We ascend by the North East Face, utilising four camps along the way.
The climbing route ascends moderate-angled snow slopes on the lower reaches with a short steep slope above Camp One. The angle picks up towards Camp Four, where we follow fixed ropes through a series of short ice bulges to arrive on a flat col and campsite.
Summit day is a pearler—ascend a series of moderate snow slopes and plateaus, finishing up a steep snow arête to an airy summit with rather grand views!
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition Leaders and Sherpa staff who are recognised as some of the most pre-eminent mountaineers in the industry.
Many operators make statements about their services that are intentionally designed to mislead or avoid addressing important issues. The reality on the mountain is that unless you have a strong and experienced leader with sufficient Sherpa staff in support, the chances of summiting are dramatically reduced. Expeditions that are operated by local staff, with no qualified and experienced western guides, are generally not able to offer you a legitimate level of safety or success. These expeditions have the highest ratio of accident and frostbite injury on trips which may seem cheap at the time when booking but the long term effects make the price difference irrelevant.
The AC approach to making expeditions work for you is reflected in the quality and safety of the expeditions we run along with our consistently high success rate.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of US$5,000 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance is payable 90 days prior to your trip commencement date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Manaslu Expeditions.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
We will be accepting experienced climbers to participate in the team who have prepared themselves through a progression of ascents of ever-higher peaks. Team size may vary depending on your groups needs. Our maximum guide to climber ratio is 1:6. A team of Climbing Sherpas will carry loads and support the summit climb. The base camp will be staffed by a Sherpa Sirdar/Cook.
Our Guides
The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our trip leaders to the 8,000m peaks have extensive experience at high altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.
Ang Dorjee Sherpa
Expedition Leader 2022
Summiting Everest initially with Adventure Consultants in 1992, Ang Dorjee has moved on to achieve 20 summits of Everest and 29 ascents of 8,000m peaks! His skills as a climber are legendary. Frequently we consult his mountain acumen to ensure the smooth operation of an expedition.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Kelly McLaren, Expedition Liaison
Having worked for Adventure Consultants since 2004, Kelly has gained a vast knowledge of AC expeditions and treks. In her role as Expedition Liaison, Kelly will assist with the planning and logistics for your trip, providing useful information, reminders and answering any questions to ensure you arrive well prepared.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experience Required
There is no definitive measure for assessing the required skill-level to climb Manaslu so we prefer to discuss this on an individual basis. However, there are some broad guidelines that can be applied from the outset.
A successful team member will have been visiting the mountains for at least three seasons and made ascents of peaks up to 18-20,000 feet (5,500 - 6,000 metres). It is quite common for members to have previously climbed Mt McKinley in Alaska, Aconcagua in South America, or various Mexican volcanoes as training for Manaslu.
He/she will be familiar with fixed rope and crevasse travel techniques and have a good overall standard of fitness.
Age itself is no barrier. To date we have succeeded on Himalayan trips with members aged from 22 to 65 years of age.
A fierce determination and a burning desire to climb the mountain are essential prerequisites for this expedition. The guides and other expedition staff will provide the leadership, tactics and overall decision making required during the climb, but members will contribute to the day to day expedition requirements such as melting snow, cooking in your tents on the mountain, helping with pitching tents etc.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
What You Carry
We have the luxury of a strong Sherpa team that will carry all the team equipment, food and ropes on the mountain. Whilst there are some instances where the Sherpas may take a couple of small items for you to the next camp, this is only occasional and you are expected to carry your personal gear. When you put all your gear into a pack it still amounts to between 18-25kg so the load is not insignificant and you must come prepared for the high level of physical output. This reinforces the need to take just the right amount of equipment with you on the mountain and to ensure you are ‘pack fit’ before you arrive on the expedition.
Technical Training Specific to Manaslu
We climb Manaslu via the South West Ridge, a technical route, and considered to be the standard route. The route is considered a relatively safe route by Himalayan standards. It is a varied and interesting route with loads of superb climbing on snow, rock and ice. On Manaslu, the hardest pitches of technical rock and ice climbing are not sustained but tend to come in short manageable sections, all with ropes fixed in place.
One of the most energy absorbing activities, if not done properly, is ascending a steep fixed rope. Getting specific training in this area is important for not wasting energy at altitude (it’s hard enough at sea level). By practicing at a local cliff or climbing gym you should be able to get all your lengths of leash attachments right and fine tune your technique.
Other skills specific to Manaslu include travelling along rocky ridges in your plastic mountaineering boots, camping in the snow, rapelling/abseiling and general mountain movement (difficult if you live in a city). See our Fitness Training Programs for details on how we can help you prepare for the challenge ahead!
Food
Our Base Camp equipment and ample, nutritious meals are always the envy of other groups on the mountain!
AC imports western food for our Nepal based expeditions and we supplement this with fresh and dried Nepalese products. Our expeditions are renowned for the quality of the food and the expertise of the cooks. We specially train our cooks at specialist cooking skills and you will be amazed at what great food they produce from their expedition kitchen. We bring a variety of foods and snack foods to cater to most tastes however we recommend you bring a small selection of your favourite snack food/treat for the trekking days or high on the mountain and some Gu/Powergels for the big days.
Clothing & Equipment
Expedition members will be sent a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided.
Safety
Like most mountains, Manalsu has its hazards. These include crevasses, icefall danger, falls where there is no fixed rope and avalanches. There are dangers associated with altitude that we will manage by a sensible acclimatisation program with the support of medications and specialised equipment for treatment of altitude related issues.
Avalanche hazard on Manaslu is addressed by the avoidance of prone slopes and camp sites after heavy snowfalls. Adventure Consultants take a conservative approach to these hazards and wait for snow to settle or the completion of avalanche cycles. This generally leads to better climbing conditions anyway and patience in these situations usually provides rewards and increases safety margins significantly.
We will fix ropes on the mountain to safeguard members on steep terrain and where fixed ropes will ensure positive route finding on descent. Other teams arrive thinking they do not need fixed ropes and end up using the ropes we have placed. The fixed ropes provide the lifeline they need and hadn't planned for in advance. Under-resourced expeditions are common on the 8,000m peaks and people buy into them as a way to reduce cost. This is a false economy when they find they cannot summit due to lack of support, or even worse, do not have back-up or safety systems when it is most crucial.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive Kathmandu |
| 2 | Kathmandu preparations |
| 3 | Fly to Samagaon (3,500m/11,500ft) |
| 4-7 | Acclimatisation hikes |
| 8 | Trek from Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m/15,750ft) |
| 9-11 | Base Camp preparation and acclimatisation |
| 12-24 | Establish high camps and acclimatise |
| 25-36 | Summit climb (8,163m/26,781ft) and descend to Base Camp |
| 37 | Descend to Samagaon |
| 38-40 | Trek from Samagaon to Soti Khola |
| 41 | Drive to Kathmandu |
| 42 | Depart Kathmandu |
The expedition commences from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Here you will meet your guide and the other team members for an expedition briefing where you will be informed of the expedition plans from this point. Your guide will conduct a gear check and you can finalise the packing of your climbing duffel that will go ahead for transport to Base Camp.
We fly from Kathmandu by helicopter to Samagaon, a small village below Manaslu, which is at an altitude of 3,500m/11,500ft. Samagaon is inhabited by people of Tibetan origin who live much as they did in centuries gone by; subsisting on Yak farming and agriculture. A large monastery (or gompa) is situated overlooking the village. It is an active monastery whose Lamas are ordained through succession meaning that when a Lama dies, the oldest son becomes the next Lama in the chain. We base ourselves at a lodge in the village utilising the trails on the hillsides and trekking routes around the mountain to develop our acclimatisation for four nights. Having taken the time to adjust to the new elevation we then move up to Base Camp at 4,800m/15,750ft.
Over three weeks we establish four camps on the mountain and aim to summit in mid May.
The route up to Camp 1 involves climbing over grassy slopes, rock slabs and moraine, followed by a crevassed glacier with occasional small ice steps to Camp 1 at 5500m/18,040ft. During seasons with more snowfall there may be snow around Base Camp and below. Views of the surrounding peaks will add reference to the uphill climb and the team will enjoy seeing more of the upper part of the mountain, as high as Camp 4, from the trail to Camp 1.
The route to Camp 2, at 6,250m/20,500ft, is considered the technical crux of the climb with fixed ropes for security on the steeper parts. The terrain features long 40 degree snow slopes with a few vertical ice steps where brief sections of front-point cramponing is required with the aid of fixed ropes.
Above Camp 2 the slopes ease off with fixed ropes on intermittent steep sections but in general the route to Camp 3 (6,800m/22,300ft) is relatively straightforward. Acclimatised climbers can complete this leg in approximately 3-4 hours.
From Camp 3 there is 550m/1800ft of strenuous climbing to Camp 4 at 7,450m/24,440ft. A well deserved rest and rehydration will greatly increase your enthusiasm for a summit bid early the following morning when you set out for the climb.
Summit day will start well before dawn and the climb should take about 6-7 hrs. The climbing is not technical in the early part as we ascend through several basins with short headwalls connecting them. The climb passes the false summit and finishes on an exposed ridge through to the true summit for an unforgettable vista. Our strong guide and Sherpa team will fix ropes, break trail and make every effort to assist the group on what will be a memorable day with the objective to reach the summit of the 8th highest mountain in the world!
We descend to Base Camp the day after summiting for a well-earned celebration. A day is spent packing up Base Camp then we drop down to Samagaon and hike to Soti Khola before driving back to Kathmandu.
Experience tells us that a high degree of Sherpa support, coupled with maximum oxygen flow rates, greatly increases the rate of success for our team members. With this option, you receive oxygen at a higher flow rate on climbing days allowing you to completely focus on summitting. The results speak for themselves. With the ‘Max Ox’ option, climbers have reported having better energy levels, a better appetite, more warmth, a higher degree of strength and greater enjoyment on summit day than those without. They also enjoy a higher rate of success!
Additional Sherpa Support
We offer a service giving members the option to have their gear carried on ‘camp moving’ days, so all you have to carry is your jacket and water bottle and items required for the day. This option is popular with those who have difficulty recovering after a carrying a heavy load at altitude.
Personal Sherpa
This option provides you with the assistance of a very experienced and dedicated Sherpa who will support you for the duration of the expedition above Base Camp. Your Personal Sherpa will climb with you each day while you are climbing on the mountain as your climbing partner and generally assist you throughout the expedition all the way to the summit. When on the mountain, you would share a tent with your Personal Sherpa and he would supervise cooking duties. Our Sherpa guides are very experienced with multiple ascents of Everest and other high peaks under their belts, and are friendly and supportive companions along the way!
Finally you can combine these options to give Max OX and Additional Sherpa support in one package at a favourable price. We feel that the results speak for themselves. Climbers who once may have had issues recovering from heavy load carrying, in time for a summit attempt, are now able to experience an enjoyable and rewarding summit day.
You may also like to talk to us about other options such as personal communication systems, or the provision of a personal tent on the mountain.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our 8,000m peak expeditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Please note you will be emailed a set of Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips.
How long have Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more about AC's history here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
We are renowned for the quality of service and strategy applied to our expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Nowhere else will you find a team of people more dedicated to your success! From when you first contact the AC office to the time you step on the mountain, our customer service is second to none. The AC team of guides and Sherpas will ensure that this expedition is run to our high standards and will be an enjoyable expedition with a great group of people.
What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city?
We stay at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu, which features a rooftop swimming pool and on-site dining. Ideally located in Lazmipat, the hotel is adjacent to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum and is within walking distance of popular attractions including Durbar Marg and Thamel.
Will I be sharing a tent or room with other climbers? Is there a single room option on this trip?
We generally book you into a single room at the hotel in Kathmandu and then twin share in any lodges used during the trek into Base Camp. When you arrive at Base Camp you will have your own tent but on the mountain you will share a tent with others. A single supplement is available, please contact our office for further details. On the Shishapangma and Cho Oyu expeditions, we book twin-share hotel rooms in Lhasa.
What showers and laundry facilities will be available on the expedition?
Showers will often be available at the hotels and lodges on the approach to Base Camp, sometimes for a small fee. We do offer shower facilities on all our 8,000m expeditions and these will be made available as often as possible at your Base Camp. We advise people to bring wet wipes for impromptu washes in between available showers. It is also possible to hand wash clothes at Base Camp between climbing cycles.
What food will be available?
If you have any special treat that you like, we encourage you to bring some along. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as ample hot and cold drinks. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements on your application form and we will be happy to accommodate you. All of our expeditions provide excellent local and Western food! On the mountain, we usually have a wide variety of MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat). These are significantly tastier than freeze-dried meals, as they are real food vacuum-sealed and ready to heat and eat.
We work really hard to make sure our food is second to none. Our food is rated so highly that our guides are frequently seen chasing guides and clients from other expeditions out of our mess tents!
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You should plan to arrive before 3pm on Day 1. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore Kathmandu if you have the time. Before your expedition, you will receive a “final details” email. This will let you know the time and place to meet your guides. An AC representative will meet you at the airport and the first of many team briefings will take place on the evening of Day 1.
You are free to depart from the last day of the trip. Please do not book to depart before the final scheduled itinerary day.
What is the best way to get to Nepal?
Regular flights operate into Kathmandu via Bangkok, Doha, Hong Kong, Singapore and Delhi.
My travel agent says I can just get an ‘e’ ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be issued a physical ticket.
'E' tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure that you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows our local agents to assist with changing your return flight plans if need be, while you are in the mountains.
When should I book my ticket?
Generally, we ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure that your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights earlier, then ensure that you can make changes to your tickets or you run the risk of losing them if we do have to cancel the trip.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes. We highly recommend using a travel agent, as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run, they save you money! We use professional travel agents for all our staff and guides' travel bookings.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Please plan to fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). An Adventure Consultants guide or representative will be there to pick you up off your flight. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often still make arrangements for a pickup.
Can I arrive early or depart late?
Of course. We request that you arrive in Kathmandu by the assigned date to assure your baggage makes it on time and you have time to recover from jet lag before going to altitude. It is impossible on this expedition to catch the group if you are arriving late and still waiting for lost baggage! Some people depart from our expeditions later to enjoy the sights and sounds of Kathmandu, but do keep in mind that this is a long expedition and we find that people often want to head home as quickly as possible after the climb finishes.
Do I need to get a visa?
Yes. Nepal visas can either be obtained on arrival into Kathmandu or can be issued in advance through an online visa system. Be sure to have the correct USD amount in cash for your visa application and have a passport photo for your arrival in Kathmandu. Currently, a 30-day visa costs $50 and 90-day visa costs US$125.
For the Shishapangma expedition to Tibet, visas are processed in Kathmandu following your arrival. Do make sure that your passport has at least six months validity and more details on this process are included in your Reference Notes, which will be emailed out to you upon sign up.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Once we have received your application we will email you a copy of our Reference Notes which include detailed equipment lists. Any questions you have after reading through this can be directed to our Equipment Coordinator, who can assist you by recommending and sourcing a range of clothing and equipment suitable for the climb via our gear retail service.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes. These lists have been carefully prepared so please bring everything on the list!
Can I bring food and other gear not on the list?
Absolutely! Most of our expedition members end up bringing “the kitchen sink!" We encourage you to bring some of your favourite goodies and tech toys, as Base Camp will become our home. The more comfortable you are, the more energy you have for the climb, so every little thing helps!
How heavy will my pack be?
We will have the luxury of a strong Sherpa team that will carry team equipment, food and oxygen on the mountain. Whilst there are some instances where the Sherpa may take a couple of small items for you to the next camp, this is only occasional and you are expected to carry your personal gear. This is achieved by taking small amounts of your gear to the higher camps each time you go. However there are times when you must carry all your personal gear at one time making for a fairly heavy load. When you put all your gear into a pack it still amounts to between 18-25kg/40-55lbs so the load is not insignificant and you must come prepared for the high level of physical output. This reinforces the need to take just the right amount of equipment with you on the mountain and to ensure you are ‘pack fit’ before you arrive.
Given the large amount of equipment that I need to bring, can I send freight ahead?
Sending your equipment ahead by freight is not as easy as it sounds. The costs can be considerable with expensive clearance and duty fees, plus time delays getting your gear out of customs. We advise against it, but if considering it, please contact us to discuss the process and associated costs.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
This will be clearly stated on your expedition equipment list. Blankets are generally not available so pay careful attention to the type of bag we recommend. We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear extra clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.
What altitude medication will be available? Do we need to take tablets before/during the expedition?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits including Diamox, Dexamethasone, Nifedipine and Sildenafil for altitude illness. Some of our bigger expeditions even have their own doctor. Generally, there is no need to take prophylactic altitude medication before or during your expedition but if you have a previous history of altitude illness, then please discuss this with us and your physician.
You do, however, need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also, bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
What sort of O2 masks do you use?
We use Summit and Topout masks plus regulators for all our Sherpas, guides and climbers.
What is the oxygen bottle size?
We use 4-litre Poisk bottles, which are the lightest available at 3.5kg/8lbs each.
What is Max OX? How does it work?
The Max OX option is simple and in this era of better O2 systems, we wanted to offer our team members every possible advantage to summit. The Max OX option allows you to climb on a higher bottled oxygen flow rate, thus increasing your chance of success. Please see the 'Add Ons' section above for more information.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels. From those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure, we provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Can I contact other climbers or guides for this expedition?
Yes, we encourage that. Perhaps there is someone in your area who can become a training partner, perhaps they can help you source some hard to find gear. The bottom line is that it’s a good idea to have some contact with folks that you will share this experience with. We respect the privacy of each team member and check with each person before releasing any contact details.
How many guides/Sherpas will be assigned to our group?
A ratio of climbers to Western guides is stated on each trip’s web page in the downloadable ‘Trip Notes’. Sherpa guides are assigned depending on the size of the group and type of expedition.
How much should I tip my guide staff? What about the Sherpa staff?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from US$20 to US$10,000 for an 8,000m expedition. It is worth remembering that you will have a high degree of contact with some of the Sherpa staff, while others will be working away in the background providing necessary services to keep the expedition running and therefore we feel it is appropriate to include them in the tipping pool.
Can my friends and family join me on the trek into Base Camp?
Yes, this is possible on some of our expeditions so please do enquire directly with the Adventure Consultants office.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Gasherbrum 2 and Kanchenjunga, all of the Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. Some clients enjoy the added privacy and schedule flexibility that a private expedition allows, so you can hike and climb at your own pace and enjoy the mountains on your own terms. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for a climb at high altitude?
You should be in the best shape of your life! We invite you to check out our Fitness Training Page and recommend checking with your physician before embarking on strenuous physical activity. For our high altitude expeditions, you should be comfortable walking for 5-9 hours with a weighted pack, although summit days on some peaks can be over 20 hours long! Pack weight can be 18-25kg/40-55lbs on carry days on but only 5-7kg/11-15lbs on summit day and on the trek in. Working out every day with day-long hikes with a weighted pack on the weekends is generally a good realistic training programme. Day by day the challenges are different, but the more prepared you are both mentally and physically, the smoother your trip will go.
How long is a typical day on the mountain?
It depends on the day and your level of acclimatisation. At the beginning of the trip, everything seems slower and longer, but as you get more adjusted to the mountain, the days go quicker. Average days can be 5-10 hours long. Summit day can be up to 20 hours long.
How do you train for a trip like this?
Our standard response to this question is that you become a climber first, and everything else during this portion of your life comes second. This is the level of dedication to your training, both mental and physical, that you need to have. We have specific ideas around training and great book suggestions to help you along. Please look over our Fitness Training Programmes page for details. If you require more information please contact our office and we will be happy to put you in touch with one of our senior guides for a consultation. We can also link you with our training coach to design a training programme for you.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries and electronic equipment throughout the expedition? What are the voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our computers, satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. There is usually enough power to then charge your personal electrical equipment. If your equipment has a cigarette lighter car charger, bring that and you can plug it in to charge. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras as they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost - please enquire with our office. Many of the lodges also have power available with typical Asian plug sockets (two horizontal prongs) and can recharge batteries for a small fee.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If so, what are the charges for usage?
Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at US$3 to $4 per minute depending on the region.
I want to contact a friend or relative who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
Most of our expeditions send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
What weather report service do you use?
We receive comprehensive weather forecasts from our Swiss meteorologists which enable us to plan our ascent around favourable weather. Additional meteorological interpretation is provided by veteran high altitude guides through our head office in New Zealand and helps manage the decision-making process.
What insurance do we need to get?
We require you to have insurance for any personal or medical mishaps may occur during the expedition. This should include cover for illness, medical emergency and/or evacuation. We also highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy to provide cover for trip interruption or cancellation, baggage loss, damage or theft, delayed flights or other such incidents that may occur during your trip. Please contact us for expedition insurance advice or visit our webpage here.
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.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us, we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without taking a loss on non-refundable expenses already paid. Adventure Consultants highly recommends trip cancellation insurance. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (for example, if 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 you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our secure online payment system page.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
You can find information on expedition inclusions and exclusions in the 'Payment Conditions' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price, but we can recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your airfare.
How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
In addition to the cash you should bring for staff gratuities, you will also need to take funds for the likes of laundry, bottled water, alcohol, showers and any other sundry purchases that you may make. Approximately US$300-500 should suffice for the trek in and out for such small purchases.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on the expedition is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for further information.
What is the best equipment for photography in alpine environments?
There is an extensive section in our Reference Notes, which are sent out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to high elevations.
What about the Maoists in Nepal?
The Maoist problem which partly crippled the economy of Nepal for a decade garnered major international interest. The Maoists have now formed part of the Nepalese government and there is a comprehensive peace agreement in place so we hope the troubles of the past are put behind the Nepalese people. Our sources in Nepal keep us up to date with the political situation and if there are significant changes we will be sure to advise you.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
Dispatches - Manaslu 2017
Dispatches - Manaslu 2015
Dispatches - Manaslu 2012
