Sitting as it does, in the shadows of its more famous partners, Nuptse receives a relatively low number of ascents, and yet, Nuptse is the perfect ascent for those looking for sub 8,000m climb in a premier neighbourhood!
Sitting adjacent to the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest and the world's fourth highest mountain Mount Lhotse, Nuptse offers sustained climbing, never too complicated or difficult, but challenging nonetheless due to its high altitude.
The Nuptse climb is operated alongside our Everest Expedition and therefore climbers can enjoy the associated infrastructure of our legendary Base Camp support. Climbers also have the option of climbing Nuptse as an add-on to Everest and Lhotse to complete the 'Triple Crown'.
Choosing a Provider
It is very important to us that the climbers who join our team have expectations that are compatible with the program we offer and the style of expedition that we run. We don’t want to merely ‘fill our expedition’ but instead we want a team membership of companionable people who are focused on reaching the summit in good style with the highest level of support and safety standards as can be provided by a guiding service on Nuptse accompanied by the best standards of food and equipment that is attainable.
If you are serious about being successful on an ascent in the high Himalaya - and you want an environment that gives you the best chance of attaining that goal in a relaxed team atmosphere or private expedition - then Adventure Consultants is the perfect choice.
Small Teams
We are constantly developing and evolving our operational systems to ensure you participate in the best expedition available. We figure our expedition members do not deserve anything less! In the interests of giving you the most optimal chance to summit, we limit our team size to ensure the group summits on the best weather day; sometimes there is only one summit day! Large teams offering cheap climbs often miss out as they split their groups over several potential summit days.
Highly Qualified Western Guides
Our guides are seasoned professionals who are trained and assessed through the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) resulting in a greater repertoire of skills that enables them to provide a dedicated level of security to you during the expedition. The guide’s contribution is predominantly around making decisions to keep you safe and healthy and to avoid a mishap. This is based on years of firsthand experience on the mountain and is in contrast to startup operators looking to learn the ropes at your expense or locally-led groups which are wanting of preventative strategies and backup contingency in case of a mishap.
Advanced Communication and Weather Forecasting
For two decades we have been at the forefront of providing the most current communications systems for our expeditions. These deliver comprehensive weather forecasts which enable us to plan our ascent around favourable weather. Additional meteorological interpretation provided by veteran Everest guides through our head office in New Zealand helps manage the decision-making process.
Our WiFi data connection allows you to keep in touch with sponsors, business, friends and family via email, social media accounts or blog throughout the expedition from the comfort of your tent or our Base Camp lounge.
Well Appointed Base Camp Facilities
The comfortable Base Camp environment and the quality of food provided by AC is legendary.
Our cooks are regarded as the best in the business, providing wholesome and appetising meals with an agreeable array of menus to suit all your food requirements. The meals you are served on the mountain are also of the highest standard and designed to sustain you for the rigours of the ascent. For those with specific needs - we can cater to special dietary requirements.
Dedicated Base Camp Doctor
In line with our objectives to ensure you receive the best possible level of care while you are on the expedition, we provide a dedicated Base Camp doctor who is there specifically to ensure the wellbeing of the team members. We have had it confirmed time and again that this consistently makes a crucial contribution to the success rate and well-being of our team members.
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 or 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 their 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' Nuptse Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Logistics
With technology constantly evolving, Adventure Consultants have kept abreast of all the new techniques and equipment advancements - encompassing the latest in weather forecasting facilities, equipment innovations and communications systems.
Guy Cotter, CEO / Mountain & Ski Guide
The expedition is being organised by Guy Cotter, director of Adventure Consultants and a veteran of 27 years of Everest expedition guiding and organisation.
Nuptse is not the place to be with an organisation that is ‘learning the ropes’, there is too much at stake for that. Adventure Consultants expedition staff, along with the operations and logistics team at the head office in New Zealand, provide the highest level of backup and support to the climbing team in order to maximise your chances of success. This is coupled with a very strong expedition guiding team and Sherpa contingent, who, you will come to see, are second-to-none in the industry.
Our international guiding staff are the best in the industry. You will find the Adventure Consultants mountain guides companionable and strong expedition leaders with considerable abilities and a willingness to see you achieve your goals. The number of guides is determined by the team size but the normal ratio of guides to members is 1:4.
Sherpas
Our group of climbing Sherpas is enthusiastic, motivated and regarded as the strongest and most cohesive group of Sherpas in the Mt Everest region. They have dozens of 8000m summits between them.
Our cooking staff are very well known for the quality of the cuisine they produce and are coveted by other team leaders due to the reputation they have established. We have been developing the personnel within our Sherpa team for 18 years and they are an integral part of the Adventure Consultants Team.
Da Jangbu Sherpa, Climbing Sidar
Da Jangbu Sherpa, our Expedition and Climbing Sirdar, has summitted Everest an impressive 13 times and brings with him considerable knowledge and experience. As a consequence of his leadership, we have a legendary group of Climbing Sherpas who operate in a harmonious atmosphere of cooperation and commitment to the expedition.
Base Camp Support Team
Bronwen Waters, Everest Basecamp Manager
A qualified ski guide, ski patroller and trekking guide, Bronwen has built a career out of guiding around the world, having previously guided expeditions to Mera Peak, Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Bhutan and the Altaii Tavan Mountains in Mongolia, including an ascent of Mt Khuiten. She has also worked as a ski guide and ski patroller for numerous seasons in New Zealand, Canada, Norway and Japan.
Dr Sara Gordon, Expedition Doctor
With a background in Rural Hospital Medicine and General Practice, New Zealander Sara first joined AC as Expedition Doctor on our 2017 Dhaulagiri team. Sara is no stranger to heights, having lived at altitude in North America and enjoyed trekking in the Himalayas, NZ and Japan. Prior to training in medicine, Sara worked as an outdoor instructor and river guide in New Zealand and now instructs in Wilderness and Polar Medicine. In her free time, Sara enjoys backcountry and mountain adventures in New Zealand, where she has been a Search & Rescue team member in Auckland and Nelson over the past 12 years.
Dr Sophie Wallace, Medical Advisor
Sophie works for AC in the capacity of our Medical Advisor, as well as having been our Expedition Doctor at Everest Base Camp in 2014, 2017 and 2018. She is an experienced emergency physician, currently based at the Royal Perth Hospital in Australia. Originally from the United Kingdom, Sophie has a passion for the outdoors and has trekked, travelled, dived and worked in remote high altitude locations around the world.
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
AC provides a dedicated doctor for the whole team as standard. Most other teams use a generic medical provider whilst our doctor is there primarily for you and your teammates. The doctor will monitor your overall health throughout the expedition and our medical equipment and provisions are there to provide for your healthcare needs.
Ample resources will be on call to support each and every climber, not just the first team or fittest members. Remember, this is an expedition led by guides whose job it is to look after your interests. This should not be confused with a "professionally led" expedition where often you may be buying a place in a team with fewer support services and led by climbers who are attempting the summit primarily for themselves. There are also “Sherpa led” expeditions where you are placed in the hands of a Sherpa for the climb. This can seem alluring, especially when some expedition operators will encourage completely inexperienced climbers to join so they can fill their available spaces, but too often these expeditions have over 20 members! Most Sherpas are not trained in medical techniques and are often reluctant to act effectively in situations requiring urgency. This is where the skills and experience of your western guide become invaluable. Too often expedition members find out the deficiencies of their guides/operators when things begin to go wrong which is usually too late.
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 and food on the mountain. They will also carry your sleeping bag for you between camps on camp-move days. This will leave you with a lighter load on our camp-move day but it is still worth keeping your equipment to the necessities only.
Ensure your backpack is large enough to fit all your gear into as well as cameras, mittens, food, water bottles and glasses/goggles etc. Generally, a pack of around 80 litres will carry all your kit. On the most part, we will be able to carry a good portion of our gear ahead to a higher camp, to be followed by another small load when we move up to stay at that camp.
When you leave Camp 3 you will be wearing down clothing in your pack. As it often warms up during this day you may have to strip down and stow down gear in your pack.
Additional Sherpa support is available should you want all your gear carried on camp move days. This is an additional cost so please enquire early if you want this facility to give us enough time to arrange the hire of the extra Sherpas.
What It Takes
No climb at very high altitudes is ‘easy’. We are operating in an extreme environment that we need to treat with respect and caution. However, to be successful, we must also know when to ‘push’, and when not to.
Prospective members on this expedition must be robust and prepared for the rigours of altitude; essentially come prepared for hard work and physical output. However, we must also know not to push too hard but operate at the level just below our aerobic threshold so we can save our energy for the summit attempt. In other words, we must ease our way up the route leaving our reserves for when we need them. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
Appropriate prerequisites would be ascents of peaks such as Denali or Aconcagua. Strong technical climbers who are used to lugging big loads into remote locations would find the transition to high altitude eminently doable. Climbers must be confident on crampons and be conversant with snow and ice techniques. Rope skills such as rappelling, belaying and ascending ropes are imperative skills also.
On this climb, we carry our own personal gear between camps, with sleeping bags carried by our Sherpa team on camp move days. Additional Sherpa support is available for those who desire it but at all times we will carry our own kit for each day such as a jacket, water camera etc. On summit day we will climb with the support of our Guides and Sherpas. We are running this as an oxygenless climb but some climbers may elect to use bottled oxygen for an additional cost.
Food
AC will import western food for the expedition and supplement this with fresh and dried Nepalese products. Our expeditions are renowned for the quality of the food and the expertise of our cooks. Fresh food is transported up the Khumbu Valley throughout the expedition and we try as much as possible to provide fresh vegetables with every main meal. We bring a variety of foods and snack foods to cater to most tastes however if you have specific needs or a favourite snack food / treat for the trekking days or high on the mountain, we recommend you bring some with you.
We highly recommend reading Mark Twight’s book, Extreme Alpinism – Climbing Light, Fast and High for ideas about nutrition for mountaineering (as well as a myriad of advice on training and mental fortitude etc.).
It is a good idea to try out different snacks, energy bars and gels during your training. It can be difficult to stomach certain foods at high altitude so finding something that suits you is very important. Once you find what works for you we suggest you bring a supply with you to supplement the snacks that we provide.
Oxygen & Sherpa Support
Many climbers will climb Nuptse without the use of oxygen, but for those who would prefer to use oxygen, we do have an oxygen package available for the ascent.
Climbers wanting oxygen would adopt our standard Expedition Oxygen Package that provides you with 2-3 litres of oxygen per minute for the summit day above Camp 3 and 0.5 litres per minute for sleeping at Camp 3 before leaving. This is sufficient for an ascent of Nuptse although we can arrange for a Max Ox option should you want that option (4 litres per minute climbing and 1 litre per minute sleeping).
Another service we can offer is ‘Additional Sherpa Support’ or a ‘Personal Sherpa’. Additional Sherpa Support enables climbers to forego the carrying of heavy packs on `camp carry’ days which is often very debilitating at high altitude. For some climbers, the long climb with a pack up to the top camp can leave them too exhausted for summit day and hence this service greatly enhances your summit opportunity. The Personal Sherpa option is for a personal Sherpa to climb with you throughout the expedition, starting from Base Camp, all the way to the summit and back again. Please enquire should you be interested in rates.
We are also able to offer Privately Guided Expeditions where you have the services of a top AC Western Guide, as well as your own Sherpa support team to work exclusively with you on the expedition to ensure your needs are best met. Adventure Consultants have been fortunate to work with many privately guided groups over the years with exceptional results.
You may also like to talk to us about other options such as the Triple Crown - an Everest-Lhotse-Nuptse combo climb, personal communication systems, or the provision of a personal tent on the mountain.
For more information, please contact us for details.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu |
| 2 | Kathmandu preparations |
| 3 | Fly to Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft) |
| 4-13 | Trek to Base Camp (5,300m/17,400ft) |
| 14-28 | Establish camps and acclimatise |
| 29-36 | Summit Climb Period |
| 37 | Clean up and depart Base Camp |
| 38-40 | Trek to Lukla |
| 41 | Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu |
| 42 | Depart Kathmandu |
We congregate in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, where we meet for a team briefing, gear checks and last-minute purchases before flying by helicopter into Lukla Airport in the Khumbu Valley. We trek the delightful approach through the Sherpa homelands of the Khumbu Valley, enjoying Sherpa hospitality in modern lodges with good food, and all the while being impressed by the spectacular scenery of the incredible peaks of the lower Khumbu.
On the way, we trek over the Kongma La, a high pass (5,535m/18,159ft) with exceptional views of Ama Dablam, Makalu and the hundreds of other amazing peaks in the region. This gives us a bit of an acclimatisation advantage heading to Base Camp when we arrive the next evening.
Our Base Camp is very well appointed with a high level of comfort including your own walk-in sleeping tents with comfortable beds, high-quality food, a heated dining tent with chairs and couches and Wi-Fi access. We have our own dedicated doctor who is there to ensure your health and well-being on the expedition.
By the time we first arrive at Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall, a route will already be established with ropes and ladders through to Camp 1. Our strong Sherpa team will be busily involved in ferrying loads of equipment up the mountain.
We do two forays into the lower Khumbu Icefall for ladder training and familiarisation before moving to Camp 1 (5,900m/19,500ft). After a couple of nights at Camp 1, we move to Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft) for several nights’ acclimatisation with a foray to the Nuptse Camp 3 (6,800m/22,300ft) thrown in to push our acclimatisation. Our Camp 2 is like an Advanced Base Camp and is set up along with cook tents, dedicated cooks, a heated dining tent with tables and chairs. We utilise shared sleeping tents on the mountain.
At the end of this phase, we return to Base Camp to rest up then do one more rotation on the mountain to sleep at Camp 3. Then we again drop back to Base Camp where we await a weather window in which to make our summit bid. When we do so, we move up through to Camp 2 for a couple of nights then make our summit bid after a night at Camp 3. It’s a long day and the group is likely to descend to Camp 3 after the climb. The following day you would return to Base Camp.
We offer a range of additional service options to complement our comprehensive array of expedition inclusions. These service options enable you to customise your expedition to your own specifications and can greatly increase your comfort and summit chances. Please contact us for current pricing and to discuss your specific needs.
Triple Crown
Climb three of the world’s highest peaks - Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse in one expedition! Contact our office for more information.
Many climbers will climb Nuptse without the use of oxygen, but for those who would prefer to use oxygen, we do have an oxygen package available for the ascent.
Climbers wanting oxygen would adopt our standard expedition package that provides you with 2-3 litres of oxygen per minute for the summit day above Camp 3 and 0.5 litres per minute for sleeping at Camp 3 before leaving. This is sufficient for an ascent of Nuptse although we can arrange for a Max Ox option should you want that option (4 litres per minute climbing and 1 litre per minute sleeping).
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!
We offer Privately Guided Expeditions where you have the services of a top Adventure Consultants western guide as well as your own Sherpa support team to work exclusively with you on the expedition to ensure your needs are best met. AC has been fortunate to work with many privately guided groups over the years with exceptional results.
Other services we have on offer are Private Guide, a personal tent as far as Camp 2 on the mountain and specialised communications requests (for an individual computer with a broadband connection or sat phone).
All of the additional services must be pre-arranged as each service requires a comprehensive preparation period. Please contact our office for further information and costs.
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 Himalayan ascents. 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 on the history of Adventure Consultants 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 treks. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Once on the ground in Nepal, you can expect to be well looked after by our guides so that you can relax and enjoy climbing in this amazing country.
What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city?
We stay at the Hotel Radisson in Kathmandu. Only 15 minutes walk from the tourist centre of Thamel, the Radisson is situated in a quiet location and boasts a fitness centre, sauna and steam room, three restaurants, a bar, café and a rooftop swimming pool! A perfect place to begin and end your trip.
What showers and laundry will be available on the expedition?
For lodge-based treks, many teahouses offer hot showers for a fee and at Base Camp we will often set up a dedicated shower tent. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for impromptu washes in between available showers. Most days in Base Camp also start with a 'hot towel' delivered to your tent or dining table.
Hot water is sometimes available to wash clothes on rest days and some of the lodges provide a laundry service for a small fee.
What food will be available?
You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as ample hot and cold drinks. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip. All of our expeditions provide excellent local and Western food. If you have any special treats that you like, we encourage you to bring some along.
What is the food like?
When staying in lodges, expect local food such as dal bhat as well as Western-style dishes such as pizza or yak steak. At Base Camp, our well-trained cooks prepare high quality ‘Western’ food as well as popular local dishes - don't be surprised to see sushi, nachos and pad thai on the menu as well as Kiwi bacon, cheese and salami, fresh coffee and yoghurt. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form as we are happy to accommodate those with specific diets.
What are the lodges like? Can I have my own room or tent?
The lodges that we book are tidy, clean and modern - the best that are available in each village. They are well-known locations to us and we have a good relationship with the lodge owners. We can book private rooms for you if that is a preference at an added cost. Our standard lodge-based trips are based on shared rooms, usually twin-share and sometimes triple-share. On camping-based expeditions and on the mountain you will share a tent with one, or sometimes two other climbers.
What is the best way to get to Nepal?
Regular flights operate into Kathmandu via Bangkok, Doha, Hong Kong, Singapore and Delhi.
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 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” letter. This will let you know the time and place to meet your guide(s). An AC representative will meet you at the airport and the first of many team briefings will take place on the evening of Day One. Please do not book to depart before the scheduled final trip itinerary day.
My travel agent says I can just get an ‘e’ ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be actually issued a physical ticket.
'E' tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in Kathmandu. 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 your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights before this point, 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. In such situations, we are usually able to help you book on to an alternate departure, either with us or another operator.
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 to your ticket. Some of the places we go to aren't straightforward and we highly recommend using a travel agent for such travel, 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?
You should fly into Kathmandu International Airport (KTM) and 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 make arrangements for a pick up, although taking a taxi is generally the easiest form of transport before your trip starts.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions that you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans as we love to pass on Kathmandu sightseeing tips.
Do I need to get a visa for Nepal?
Yes. These can either be obtained on arrival into Kathmandu or can be issued prior through the 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 40-day visa costs $40 and 90-day visa costs US$100.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Once we have received your application we will email out a set of Team Reference Notes which provide an assortment of information including detailed equipment lists. Any questions you have after reading through this will be directed to our Equipment Coordinator, who can assist you in preparing for the trip as well as 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 and please bring everything on the list!
How heavy will my pack be?
We will move our personal gear up the mountain in stages, but typically our packs are 30-60lbs/14-26kgs.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. It will depend on where you are going but in general, you will need a sleeping bag warm enough for you in conditions that can be as cold as -20°C/-4°F. Blankets are generally not available so pay careful attention to the 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.
How much weight will we carry on the expedition?
You will carry your day pack with warm clothes, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day. Generally it will be light, 5 to 10kgs (10 to 20 pounds). On summit day(s) you will add your down jacket, technical climbing gear (which you will be wearing most of the time) and heavier gloves.
Will there be any oxygen carried on the expedition? Is this included in our expedition fee?
Most of our expeditions take oxygen as a medical backup. We also take PACs (Personal Altitude Chambers) with us. A trekker or climber with mountain sickness is placed inside the chamber and it is inflated around them. It increases the air pressure and any altitude related illness is usually immediately fixed. The climber then feels better and can usually walk down to lower elevations to recover.
On Nuptse, there is the option to use bottled oxygen if you wish, at an additional cost. Climbers desiring oxygen would adopt our standard expedition package that provides you with 2-3 litres of oxygen per minute for the summit day above Camp 3 and 0.5 litres per minute for sleeping at Camp 3 before leaving. This is sufficient for an ascent of Nuptse, although we can arrange for a Max OX option should you want that option (4 litres per minute climbing and 1 litre per minute sleeping).
What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/during the expedition?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits including various medications for altitude illness. If you have a previous history of altitude illness then please discuss this with us and your physician, otherwise there is no need to take preventative medication before or during your expedition.
You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them) plus extra. Also bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
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.
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 my friends and family join me on the trek to Base Camp?
Yes, this is possible on some of our expeditions so please enquire with the Adventure Consultants office if interested in exploring this option.
Can I contact other climbers or guides for this expedition?
Yes, we encourage that. Perhaps there is someone in your area that 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.
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 the expedition?
We cannot recommend enough being fit prior to the expedition as this will make all the difference to your success and enjoyment. You should be comfortable climbing at altitude while carrying a pack for 4-6hrs on most climbing days. Summit day will be longer, often 10-14hrs. Contact us for specific advice regarding training for your climb and check out our Fitness Training Programmes page.
How do you train for a trip like this?
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 and 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 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 per minute. Most often, your guide will post daily dispatches on the AC website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.
I want to contact a friend or relative who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
On many of our climbs, we 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.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries available throughout the expedition? What are the voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and sometimes battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our radios, satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. There is usually enough power to then charge your personal electrical equipment.
At the Base Camp we will also have a 12V electrical re-charging system, so bring 12V car-chargers for any electrical items that you wish to recharge. We cannot charge items in Base Camp that do not have a 12V cigarette lighter adapter, so please check that your appliance takes batteries or can plug in with a 12V cigarette lighter charger. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost or advise on purchase of a suitable personal solar charging system - please enquire with our office.
For lodge-based trips, during the trek in many of the lodges also have power available with typical Asian plugs (two horizontal prongs) and offer recharging for a fee.
What insurance do we need to get?
We require each expedition member to have insurance to cover any personal or medical mishaps that may occur before or during the expedition. Click here for more information on expedition insurance.
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?
We recommend that you buy trip cancellation insurance upon sign up for your expedition or at the very least, at the same time as you pay for your flights and the balance payment. It is very important to buy trip cancellation insurance (in addition to your evacuation and comprehensive travel insurance) as it is not unknown for people to have unforeseen circumstances that force them to cancel their trips for reasons such as family illness, injury to one’s self, etc.
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 online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
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 more information.
What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
There is an extensive section in our Reference Notes, which are emailed 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 your 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 the past 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.
