When people think of Himalayan climbing, they often picture the towering heights of Mount Everest, but the Himalayas offer a world of opportunities, from base camp treks and approachable intermediate peaks to the otherworldly giants like Ama Dablam, Manaslu, and Lhotse that can build your confidence, community, and climbing skills throughout your mountaineering journey. Whether you’re aiming to one day stand atop Everest or simply want to experience the beauty and culture of Nepal, there’s a perfect CTSS adventure for you in the Himalayas.

Get to Know the Himalayas through Treks and Advanced-Beginner Expeditions

If you’re new to the world of Himalayan climbing, a trek is a perfect way to dip your toes in without the full commitment of an expedition. Our Everest Base Camp Trek & Stay is not just a legendary adventure; it also offers incredible exposure to the high-altitude environment with unique opportunities to witness Himalayan climbing at its finest as you trek alongside our summit teams. Along the way, you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of the Khumbu Valley, learn about Sherpa culture, and get a feel for high-altitude life. And don’t forget that we also offer our Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek & Stay in our famous, for which we’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure you can experience a dash of refinement in extremely remote places. 

If you want to learn more about our Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek & Stay, join us in December for our live webinar with CTSS co-owner Caroline Pemberton. Click here to register.

For those eyeing bigger mountains down the line, maximize your time in Nepal with an advanced beginner summit climb like Lobuche East (6,119m). Our Lobuche climbers still have the opportunity to trek to and stay at Everest Base Camp while also honing your basic mountaineering skills like crampon use, ice axe techniques, and glacier navigation. The climbing consists of moderately steep snow and rock fixed line climbing, making it best for those with basic mountaineer skills and looking to attempt their first Himalayan climb. Once you reach the summit, you’ll know this is the first of many rewarding experiences in the Himalayas. 

For an introduction to mountaineering skills that will jump-start your climbing career, check out our Alpine Academy programs.

For climbers ready to advance, intermediate Himalayan peaks offer the perfect balance of adventure and skill-building. Our signature 3 Peaks expedition (Lobuche, Pokalde, and Island Peak) builds upon the standalone Lobuche itinerary to provide the challenge of steeper terrain, basic rope skills, and exposure to changing weather conditions. These climbs are designed to help you develop your comfort with altitude and technical skills—perfect for those with some climbing experience who want to deepen their connection with the Himalayas.

For those looking for a standalone objective, our First Ascent program is designed for adventure seekers hoping to climb a peak that no one has ever summited before, putting yourself well and truly in the history books. Here, you can solidify your mountaineering skills—such as dealing with altitude, building up stamina for extended expeditions, and refining your technical capabilities. In addition, you will be able to truly experience Nepal’s rugged terrain as these trips are typically more remote and do not utilize the more established infrastructure that you find along the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

We can help you choose an intermediate climb that suits your abilities, strengths, and goals.

Tackle an Advanced Peak by Climbing a Himalayan Giant

These peaks offer the ultimate Himalayan experience, blending high-altitude conditions with technical sections that push your skills and endurance. Some of the top choices for advanced Himalayan climbs include Manaslu (8,163m), Ama Dablam (6,812m)—though under 8,000m, often regarded as one of the most technically demanding climbs in the region—Cho Oyu (8,188m), and Lhotse (8,516m). 

If you’re looking for a dress rehearsal for a bigger objective, like Everest, summiting an 8,000m peak like Manaslu, Cho Oyu, or Lhotse will be a rewarding experience that will prepare you before you commit to spending the amount of time and money required for Everest. You’ll be climbing in the same style, dealing with similar conditions, and pushing your body to the limits—all essential skills for Everest. Don’t miss an opportunity to test yourself beforehand so you have confidence and experience for the monumental task ahead. And remember, the Nepalese government requires all climbers to have at least one climb above 7,000 meters under their belt before they can attempt an Everest summit! 

However, for many climbers, a peak like Ama Dablam or Manaslu is their ultimate goal and an incredible objective in its own right. Whatever you’re aiming towards, there is no doubt that we will have an advanced climb that will help you progress or celebrate your successes in the Himalayas. 

At the top of many climbers’ bucket lists is the world’s highest peak, Everest (8,848m). We are proud to be the gold standard in Everest expeditions because of our safety and success rate, expert leadership, Marginal Gains Philosophy, overall value, and unique customization options. As mountaineers ourselves, we know that not every climber is the same, which is why we do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. We believe an expedition should match your experience, climbing style, and budget. 

Here is an overview of the customizations we offer on Everest: 

• Western Guide: Private 1:1 Climb – Personal guidance and attention, the ultimate experience.
• Western Guide: Team Climb – Connection and community with team starting in Kathmandu.
• IFMGA Sherpa Guide: Private 1:1 Climb – Best value for a private climb with independence. 
• IFMGA Sherpa Guide: Team Climb – Connection and community with team, great value 
• Sherpa Guide: 1:1 Private Climb – Experts who are looking for the best value and a private guide.
• Sherpa Supported: 1:1 Summit Support – Experts who only need support on summit day. 

Tiger of the Snows Fund

At Climbing the Seven Summits, Himalayan climbing isn’t just about summiting peaks,it’s about connecting deeply with the culture, the people, and the stunning landscapes of Nepal. While we explore these sacred mountains, we are also committed to giving back to the local communities that make these experiences possible. Through the Tiger of the Snows Fund, we aim to empower the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes of the outdoor tourism industry—guides, porters, and their families—by providing access to education and essential resources. 

Recently, we provided a grant to support Mrs. Yangdi Sherpa, a mother of three daughters who has faced significant hardship after losing her husband, Nima Tenji Sherpa, in 2021 while he was working on Everest with another operator. This grant enables her daughters to continue their education near their home in Lukla, a critical piece of support as Mrs. Yangdi works to provide for her family on her own. This is just one example of how our grants help promote community development and opportunities for local families facing adversity.

Whether it’s through sponsoring a worker’s continuing education or supporting a child’s school tuition, we believe that helping local communities thrive is as important as any summit. Together, we can foster a more sustainable and equitable future for Nepal, where the benefits of tourism are shared by all.

Ready to Learn More? Check Out CTSS’ Everest Experience on YouTube

Safe and successful mountaineering is rooted in the skills you develop and hone along the way. Every climber, regardless of whether they are climbing Mount Baker or Mount Everest, needs a strong foundation in expedition management (e.g., winter camping and self-care) and technical skills (e.g., crampon and ice axe usage) paired with an intentional altitude progression. As a holistic mountaineering guide service, we are here to give you advice and are committed to ensuring that you are set up for success on all your future expeditions. 

Not all trip itineraries offer climbers dedicated time to learn, practice, and refine the fundamental skills, which is why we designed the Mount Baker Alpine Academy courses—a program specifically developed for beginner climbers who want a jumping-off point to the great ranges around the world. Even seasoned climbers find Mount Baker a great place to refresh, improve efficiency, and continue to build mastery. What makes a strong climber is the continued repetition of skills, especially as you move toward a new objective.

We asked Mike Hamill, CTSS co-owner and author of Climbing the Seven Summits, to share the technical and expedition skills around which he designed the Mount Baker Alpine Academy curriculum and that he believes are fundamental to setting climbers up for a lifetime of climbing.

Skill #1: Multi-Day Expedition Camping

Camping and expedition training are the foundation upon which your more technical mountaineering skill set will rest. This includes everything from building and packing your kit for the hike into base camp to setting up a winter camp, spending consecutive nights in a tent, and managing a wide array of weather conditions. If you have your eyes on an expedition to Vinson, Denali, or Aconcagua, being proficient in these skills and having well-practiced, dependable systems will set you up for success so you can focus more on climbing.

We’ve broken this singular concept into three subcategories to help you better understand what skills you should focus on when you’re on Mount Baker. 

• Expedition Kit: A properly curated kit is your lifeline in harsh environments. This kit should include a variety of layers to prevent both overheating and cold injuries, which means you’ll want moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat away from your skin, insulating mid-layers to trap warmth and a waterproof, windproof outer shell for protection against the elements. Anticipating and adjusting your layers as conditions change ensures you stay warm without overheating. Your gear, from your crampons to your headlamp, must be organized, reliable, and tested beforehand to prevent any on-mountain mishaps. Insulated mountaineering boots are especially important—make sure they fit well to avoid frostbite and blisters and have space for bulky socks. Mount Baker offers the perfect terrain to test your kit together and explore how each piece works effectively as a system.  Check out our blog post, How to Choose the Right Mountaineering Boots, for more info on choosing the right boot.

• Winter Camping: Tent camping in inclement conditions demands specific skills to ensure not only your comfort but also your survival in more extreme environments. Setting up a solid winter camp also requires a reliable, four-season tent capable of withstanding high winds and snowfall. Knowing how to secure your tent with snow anchors, create windbreaks, and avoid drafts is essential. Equally important is your sleep system; use a properly rated sleeping bag and two insulated sleeping pads to ensure you stay warm and get the rest you need to maintain energy for the next day’s climb. Another key task at camp is making potable water, which often means melting snow on the stove. Efficiently managing your water filtration systems and keeping fuel consumption under control are crucial for staying hydrated.

• Self-Care: Taking care of yourself on a multi-day expedition involves managing both your physical and mental well-being. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential, and your meals should be calorie-dense yet lightweight, designed to keep your energy levels high in the cold. It’s easy to forget to hydrate in freezing temperatures, but staying hydrated is just as critical as on warmer days. Injuries such as blisters or sore muscles can derail your climb if not managed early. Learn to avoid and treat blisters as soon as they appear, and be proactive with stretching and rest to keep muscle fatigue at bay. Having a well-stocked first aid kit and the know-how to use it can help you avoid minor issues turning into bigger problems.

Mike on the importance of self-care.

Skill #2: Cramponing & Ice Axe Techniques

Cramponing and ice axe techniques are essential for safe and efficient movement on glaciated terrain. Together, these tools allow climbers to ascend and descend safely, providing traction and support on technical routes. Mastering these skills is crucial for navigating challenging conditions and minimizing risk.

Crampons are detachable spikes designed to fit securely onto your mountaineering boots and provide traction on terrain covered in snow and ice. The most commonly used crampon technique is flat-footing (French technique). This style keeps the crampon flat against the surface, thereby engaging all points and helping conserve energy. Front-pointing (German technique), as the name suggests, involves using the front points of the crampon to kick into the ice, particularly on steep slopes, to provide strong, secure footing.

The ice axe is a specialized yet versatile tool used in mountaineering, specifically during glacier travel. It serves several key functions, including providing support, balance, and safety on snowy or icy slopes. It typically has three parts: the head (including the sharp pick and a flat blade called the adze), the shaft (the long handle), and the spike (the pointed end at the bottom).  

Key ice axe techniques include learning to self-arrest, which is one of the most important safety skills in mountaineering. In the event of an unexpected fall, a climber must quickly retrieve their ice axe and dig it into the snow or ice while rolling to their stomach. Once a climber is laying flat, they can put additional pressure onto the head of the axe using their body weight. Ideally, the ice axe is tucked under the climber’s chest while they use their feet to stabilize their fall.

Pressure breathing emphasizes controlled, metered breaths, which, when used properly, can significantly improve oxygen saturation in your body and help keep your muscles oxygenated at high altitudes. If you were to use a pulse oximeter, you’d see a notable increase in O2 after about five minutes of pressure breathing. You might find that some guides teach back-pressure breathing, but remember that the goal is to breathe consistently and calmly.

The rest step incorporates a brief pause with each step by locking your back leg, enabling your skeletal system to bear more of the load and reducing strain on your muscles. In fact, if we were all standing around right now, you’d more than likely be practicing a rest step standing with one leg locked and the other not locked. This essentially mimics the rest step. 

When combined  with a steady pace, these techniques create a rhythm that enhances overall performance, allowing climbers to maintain a consistent, manageable speed that conserves energy and reduces exhaustion on challenging terrain. 

Mike’s thoughts on efficiency. 

Final Thoughts on Mountaineering Skills 

It’s important to remember that these skills aren’t just checkboxes during your Mount Baker Alpine Academy. These are lifelong mountaineering skills that you will need to practice and hone year after year because they are crucial for your safety and success in the mountains. Regardless of where you are in your mountaineering journey, you don’t want to get to the final pitches on Denali, for example, and feel exhausted, inefficient, and intimidated by what’s in front of you. When you take the time to learn and continually refine these skills, you will become a more capable and confident mountaineer, making every adventure more rewarding. 

If you have questions about your own climbing journey or how to set yourself up for success on a particular objective, our team is happy to help you craft a plan designed specifically for you. We work with mountaineers over a lifetime of climbing, and we get to know each individual throughout their progression, investing deeply not only in your safety and success but in your goals, education, and experience.

Mountaineering 101: Expedition Essentials on Mount Baker

Ready to level up your climbing skills? Join top guides Dallas Glass and Kat Schaumberg for an expert-led webinar in November to learn about our favorite classroom—Mount Baker!

This FREE webinar is your chance to learn from our very own Mount Baker Lead Guides as they share their expertise on essential mountain climbing techniques. From mastering glacier travel to honing your camping skills in harsh environments, discover why Mount Baker is the ideal classroom for climbers aiming for bigger peaks.