Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek & Stay
Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek & Stay
Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek & Stay
Have you always wanted to tick a trek to Everest Base Camp off the bucket list, but want to do it in a once in a lifetime, ruggedly luxurious way?
Rugged Luxury – it’s meaningful, connected, comfortable travel, without sacrificing any of the adventure
Expedition Snapshot
- EBC Trek guided by a top Everest Summit Guide
- Go to Base Camp Proper (where 99% of trekkers never reach!)
- Stay where the summiteers stay and see where the action happens!
- 3x nights in 5-star accommodation in Kathmandu
- 7x nights in top-class mountain lodges along the trekking route
- 2x nights in exclusive, luxury CTSS Camp in heated, geodesic dome tents
- Champagne breakfast on the glacier at Everest
- Beginner friendly ice climbing clinic on Everest
- Relax with a 60-minute massage following your trek
- Scenic helicopter flight from the Everest glacier back to Kathmandu
- Full-day city tour of the best of Kathmandu
“Why would you stay at
the Holiday Inn if you could
upgrade to the Four Seasons?”
— Michael K, USA
Departs Annually
28th March - 14th April (18 Days) in Kathmandu, Nepal.
2025 Additional Departure
24th March - 10th April (18 Days) in Kathmandu, Nepal.
$19,995 pp
What Exactly is 'Rugged Luxury'?
Rugged Luxury is about bringing a dash of refinement to remote places and innovating to achieve comfort and a sense of indulgence, without sacrificing the experiential aspects of adventure travel that we all seek and love.
It’s still an untamed, off-the-beaten-path expedition that satisfies your desire for exploration and being close to nature but with as many creature comforts as possible.
In a nutshell, it’s comparative luxury in really remote places.
Journey Highlights - On the Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is widely heralded as the best trek in the world and for good reason; it’s beautiful, challenging yet achievable, and incredibly scenic. For roughly 40 miles/70 km you will trek through lush green pastures, blossoming Rhododendron forests and the most spectacular mountain terrain in the world.
Our journey begins in Kathmandu, where we meet the team, undertake gear checks, and a guide briefing before flying into the Khumbu Valley. The flight to Lukla is exciting and offers us our first glimpse of Everest, our end goal! We land on a runway carved into the side of a mountain before a gentle afternoon trek downhill to Phakding.
Our guide is a top Everest Summit Guide who is laser-focused on your safety, acclimatization, and success.
From Phakding we weave our way up the Khumbu Valley, past Namche Bazaar – the Sherpa Capital, to Tengboche where we visit the world famous monastery for a Buddhist blessing before climbing above the vegetation level to Pheriche. We are now truly amongst the Himalayan giants of Ama Dablam, Lobuche, Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. Each night we stay in the finest tea houses and mountain lodges available in the Khumbu Valley.
Off the beaten trail, we divert to Lobuche Base Camp for our first tented night under the alpine stars before finally weaving our way to Everest Base Camp.
Unlike all the other trekkers, we pass straight by ‘trekkers’ rock’ and enter the official Everest Base Camp, where the aspiring summiteers reside.
3D Everest Base Camp Trek Route
Journey Highlights - At Base Camp
Having reached our destination, our journey doesn’t end but is just beginning. We have two days to enjoy all the incredible amenities of CTSS’ luxury Everest Base Camp, from a champagne breakfast on the glacier to playing the world’s highest game of ping pong while sipping on a barista-made cappuccino overlooking the icefall.
Each night, we cocoon inside our private luxury Everest Executive geodesic domes. Heated and powered with a queen sized bed, they are the ultimate Everest glamping digs!
In the morning, we have the option to partake in a beginner-friendly ice climbing clinic where we get a taste of what it is to be an Everest climber. We practice and learn fixed line climbing, rappelling, cramponing, and rope skills before heading back to Base Camp for a chef-prepared lunch.
In the afternoon, relax in the spa tent with a 60 minute massage before cuddling up with a hot chocolate and watching a movie in the famous ‘Big House’ – a huge 845-square-foot solar-powered geodesic dome that serves as the heart of camp.
The Big House has views of Everest’s West Shoulder and the famous icefall and is furnished with coffee tables, couches, a library, a yoga area, and a cafe staffed with a professional barista!
Journey Highlights - Post-Everest Base Camp
In the morning, we wake to one final cappuccino delivered to your dome tent before breakfast. A specialized high-altitude helicopter picks us up from Everest Base Camp, and whisks us all the way back to Kathmandu, skipping the long three day walk back down the Khumbu Valley. By afternoon, we are settled back into our 5-star accommodation in the city.
To wrap our adventure, we enjoy the sights and sounds of Kathmandu with a final full-day city tour, taking in the top highlights before our farewell dinner and flights home.
We have sourced (or built!) accommodation and service to a very high standard for this trip and relative to this part of the world. But please remember this, at its deepest essence, is still adventure travel, so “luxury” in a tent on a mountainside at 5,500m is what we might call rugged.
We want to make sure you are comfortable, but we do need to let you know that when camping and glamping, there are certain aspects that still fall very much into the adventurous category, more so than the luxury one.
For instance, on the Everest Base Camp Trek, everything you see around you has been carried in by hand or yak. There are no roads, no towns, no major infrastructure. What we have available is very different than what we might find in New York, Paris, London, or Sydney.
We expect you to roll with the punches and enjoy those rugged elements, for instance, the famous “toilet” tent. Yes, it is a small tent (and it has a toilet seat), but there is no convenient flush into a sewerage system rather your business is dropped off in a big drum, that gets sealed and removed from the glacier to be disposed of appropriately and environmentally down the valley.
There is very little electricity in the mountain lodges, so they won’t necessarily have reliable refrigeration. This means all the food you eat, is simple, locally sourced, sustainable, organic, safe to eat, and totally delicious, but sushi or steak won’t be on the menu.
We hope that your sense of adventure and desire to hike to Everest Base Camp on foot and experience the magical mountain setting will make up for certain rugged aspects of camping on the mountain and being on an expedition!
Nepal has an irresistible, mystic allure for travelers, and one of the best ways to see Nepal is on foot. Our Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek combines the culture and colors of Nepal with exclusive access to Everest Base Camp proper, welcoming teahouses and luxury accommodations in Kathmandu and the best mountain leaders in the world.
CTSS is well versed in providing world-class guidance and logistics in some of the most remote, inhospitable corners of our planet, from the summit of Everest to the heart of Antarctica to the North & South Poles. Together with our local Nepalese team, who provide exceptional service and take safety and hygiene standards to new heights, we are bringing you a more comfortable way of exploring these remote, unforgiving places in the High Himalayas.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is widely heralded as the best trek in the world, and for good reason; it’s beautiful, challenging yet achievable, and incredibly scenic. For roughly 40 miles/70 km, you will trek through lush green pastures, blossoming Rhododendron forests and the most spectacular mountain terrain in the world.
Our journey begins in Kathmandu, where we meet the team, undertake gear checks and a guide briefing before flying into the Khumbu Valley. The flight to Lukla is exciting and offers us our first glimpse of Everest, our goal! We land on a runway carved into the side of a mountain before a gentle trek to Phakding.
From Phakding, we weave our way up the Khumbu Valley, past Namche Bazaar – the Sherpa Capital, to Tengboche, where we visit the world-famous monastery for a Buddhist blessing before climbing above the vegetation level to Pheriche. We are now truly amongst the Himalayan giants of Ama Dablam, Lobuche, Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest.
Off the beaten trail, we divert to Lobuche Base Camp for our first tented night under the alpine stars, before finally weaving our way to Everest Base Camp. Unlike all the other trekkers, we pass straight by ‘trekkers’ rock’ and enter the official Everest Base Camp, where the aspiring summiteers reside.
Having reached our destination, our journey doesn’t end but just begins. We have 2x days to enjoy all the incredible amenities of CTSS’ luxury Everest Base Camp, from a champagne breakfast on the glacier, to playing the worlds’ highest game of ping pong, sipping on a barista made cappucino overlooking the icefall.
Each night we cocoon inside our private luxury Everest Executive geodesic domes. Heated and powered with a queen-sized bed, they are the ultimate Everest glamping digs!
In the morning, we have the option to partake in a beginner-friendly ice climbing clinic led by Everest guides, where we get a taste of what it is to be an Everest climber. Technically we can say we’ve even climbed on Everest! We practice and learn fixed line climbing, rappelling, cramponing, and rope skills before heading back to Base Camp for a chef-prepared lunch.
In the afternoon, relax in the spa tent with a 60 minute massage before cuddling up with a hot chocolate and watching a movie in the Big House.
Tomorrow, we will be picked up and whisked away by a specialized high-altitude helicopter all the way back to Kathmandu and our five-star hotel.
To wrap our adventure, we enjoy the sights and sounds of Kathmandu with a full-day city tour, taking in the top highlights before our farewell dinner and flights home.
Expedition Itinerary
The following is a sample daily schedule of our Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek Program: Please note that due to the nature of trekking at altitude and the challenges of weather on flights in and out of EBC, this itinerary is only a rough outline and may need to be adapted in accordance with weather conditions and acclimatization.
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu, our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our 5-star hotel. Today is a pure arrival day; you can arrive at anytime
Day 2
Leisurely breakfast at the hotel before your Guide Briefing and Gear Checks. Free time in the afternoon. Welcome dinner that evening.
Day 3
Fly to Lukla, trek to the river down of Phakding (3-4 hours). Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home Lodge
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar – the Sherpa capital! Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home (5-6 hours)
Day 5
Rest/Acclimatization Day at Namche. We take an active recovery day and visit Thamo Monastery. Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home
Day 6
Trek to Debouche (5-6 hours). Overnight at Teahouse
Day 7
Rest/Acclimatization Day at Debouche. We take an active recovery day and visit the Tengboche Monastery. Overnight at Teahouse
Day 8
Trek to Pheriche (5-6 hours). Above the vegetation level, we are getting higher into the Himalayas at 14,350 ft. Overnight at Teahouse
Day 9
Rest/Acclimatization Day in Pheriche. We go for a hike and then visit the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) to learn about high-altitude & its effects on the body. Overnight at Teahouse
Day 10
Trek to Lobuche Base Camp (4-5 hours). Deviating from the main trail, we visit the base of Lobuche Base Camp, where we stay in our tented camp.
Day 11
Acclimatization hike to Lobuche High Camp for some of the best views of the Himalayas before returning to Lobuche Base Camp. Overnight in our tented camp.
Day 12
Trek to Gorak Shep (3-4 hours). This is the last village in the Khumbu Valley. Overnight teahouse or tented camp.
Day 13
Trek to Everest Base Camp Proper! Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch before exploring camp and enjoying the amenities of Base Camp. Overnight Everest Executive Domes
Day 14
Everest Base Camp: Beginner-friendly ice climbing clinic on the Khumbu Glacier! Overnight Everest Executive Domes
Day 15
Scenic helicopter flight from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu. Transfer back to 5-star hotel for the evening and your 1-hour massage.
Day 16
Full-day Kathmandu City Tour and Farewell Dinner
Please take on this hi-lux adventure with a positive, adaptable mindset. Your safety is always our priority. You are strongly advised to build in contingency days on either side of your trip to allow for travel delays. These days are not included in your trip costs. We also recommend booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu Valley due to mountain weather.
Please let us know if you would like us to book your extra nights stay.
We are here to support you on the journey to your adventure every step of the way. Part of the joy of having a trip to look forward to is the lead-up to departure, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
There are no prerequisites for the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is achievable and accessible to anyone who is healthy, relatively fit, and willing to train for the adventure.
Once you have booked your place, you will also receive a pre-trip departure guide booklet, which has all you need to know about trekking at altitude, gear, visas and more.
Included:
- World Class Trekking Guides, Porters, and Sherpa staff
- 5-Star accommodation in Kathmandu (3 nights)
- Single rooming. Dual occupancy for couples
- Airport transfers
- Transportation: All group transportation while on the expedition
- Domestic flights to Lukla at the start of the trek
- Finest teahouse and mountain lodge accommodation in the Khumbu Valley
- Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
- All meals while on the trek and at Everest Base Camp
- Tented camps at Lobuche and Everest Base Camp
- 2x Nights in Everest Executive Domes at Everest Base Camp Proper
- Beginner-friendly ice climbing clinic and necessary gear
- Shared one-way helicopter from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu
- 1x 1hr massage in Kathmandu upon return from Everest Base Camp
Not Included:
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Airport arrival or departure taxes, visas, associated travel expenses
- Any extensions prior to or post the specified itinerary. Note: we can help you plan these add-ons – let us know!
- Personal clothing and equipment, toiletries
- Sherpa tip pool ($400 for trekkers)
- Guide tips, customary but optional
- In the event of a rescue, evacuation, or early departure from the group, any rescue expenses incurred or excess expenses above and beyond our normal trip costs, including transport, hotels, evacuation, flight changes, and gear shipping, are the responsibility of the client.
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
- Bar tabs, mini-bars, hotel internet bills, laundry, etc.
- Lunch in Kathmandu, souvenirs, and personal sundries
Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.
We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.
We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.
To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.
Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.
We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.
Walking at altitude is a slow process, so we encourage you to settle into the rhythm and pace set by our experienced guides. Enjoy taking in the magnificent views of the mountains around you and the quaint villages that you pass through. There is no rush at altitude. You will be walking/hiking each day for between 4-7 hours. Be prepared to walk in all weather and on undulating mountain terrain, crossing creeks and rivers and climbing some high passes.
From the minute you land in Lukla, you are at altitude, and your body requires time to ease and adjust to this new altitude naturally. One of the best ways to do this is to climb slowly. Our itinerary is designed to allow time for acclimatization to minimize the stress of altitude on the body. However, illness at altitude can be experienced in varying degrees, from a slight headache to breathlessness or fatigue. Our guides know the signs and will work with you to help avoid and manage altitude illness. We will ask you to practice a very high level of hygiene at all stages of the trek. We take many precautions to make sure we minimize the chances of our team members getting sick.
The contingency day built into our itineraries are designed to take the stress out of travel. It may seem like extra padding, but in fact is essential to allow adjustments to the itinerary when weather or other conditions demand it. If unused, it will allow you time to unwind before and after the trek, which is a vital part of acclimatizing to the altitude, and having you return home feeling rejuvenated rather than rushed.
Our expert team will give you access to training guides, and a program to follow that will assist with giving you the best preparation for hiking at altitude. Follow the program and allow sufficient time to prepare for this adventure, and you will not only enjoy the trek but be able to immerse yourself in the surroundings and be truly present without feeling totally out of your comfort zone.
Alpine Academies & Introductory Courses
Alpine Academies & Introductory Courses
Need help finding your perfect fit?
Australian Alpine Academy – An Introduction to Mountaineering
Australian Alpine AcademyDifficulty Level: Beginner
The Snowy Mountains in NSW Australia is one of the most unique alpine environments in the world. The landscape itself is defined by gumtrees, wildflowers and limestone gorges and is home to Australia’s largest mainland peak, Mt Kosciuszko. The topography of Kosciuszko National Park makes for rugged and challenging environment that is perfectly suited to learning technical alpine skills. The Australian Alpine Academy focuses on teaching the fundamentals of mountaineering and backcountry travel to prepare for bigger, more technical objectives aboard.
The CTSS Australian Alpine Academy offers two in-depth programs. Choose from our ‘Introduction to Mountaineering – Alpine Academy’ which prepares you for bigger, international peaks or our ‘Winter Ascent of Kosciuszko’ as part of the Seven Summits, or combine them together for a-once-in-a-lifetime Australian winter experience.
Learn why we love climbing and mountaineering in the Snowy Mountains in our blog post Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko: An Unexpected Mountaineering Destination.
- Learn Principles of Mountaineering with world class guides
- Ice and mixed climbing at Blue Lakes and surrounding areas*
- Setting up rappel stations and abseiling techniques
- Snow slope pitching and protection
- Expedition snow camping
- In-depth workshops and hands-on practical experience
- Experience the unique Australian alpine environment
- Opportunity to climb one of the Seven Summits
*Ice climbing dependent upon weather & condition
This programme is suited for people who have a good base level of fitness, beginner or intermediate mountaineering skills as well as those with adventurous mindset.
We meet prior to our official expedition start in the Australian alpine village of Jindabyne where we will do a complimentary gear check and briefing the afternoon before.
Our expedition proper begins officially in Guthega where we will drop into the back country and enter the main range, snowshoeing to Base Camp.
Our route consists of low angle snow slopes, open plateaus and undulating terrain. Overall the topography is very achievable and provides elements that are perfectly suited to teach beginner and intermediate mountaineering techniques.
The Australian Alpine Academy is designed to expose you to all aspects of expedition style climbing as well as well as winter snow camping so that you can gain practical hands on experience with expert guides in an alpine environment so as to gain the confidence and skills necessary to prepare you for bigger international objectives.
This course is also suited for those with an adventurous mindset who want to experience the Australian alpine environment in in a unique setting!
This Alpine Academy has been organized by Mike Hamill, Owner of Climbing the Seven Summits. Mike has personally guided nearly well over 100 high altitude expeditions, 10 Mt. Everest expeditions, 23 X 8,000m expeditions, has 6 Everest summits, currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu, and has written the guide book to “Climbing the Seven Summits,” making him one of the most experienced guides in the world.
Mike has an impeccable safety record and an unmatched success rate due to his expertise and professionalism and holds all of the CTSS guides to the same high standards as he holds himself. He knows that his choice of guides is the most important decision factor to continued success so CTSS only employs world-class leaders known for their coal face experience, focus on client care and attention to safety
Welcome to “Climbing the Seven Summits” Australian Alpine Academy.
We are delighted to host this unique ‘Introduction to Mountaineering’ course in the Australian Alps in the hope of introducing a new generation of climbers to the joy of the mountains and equip them with a solid foundation of skill and knowledge to allow them to progress onto higher peaks.
As an adopted Aussie, I spend much of my year in Australia and I’ve come to love its unique environment. As an American I’ve grown up climbing on some of the most rugged peaks in the world; from Rainier in the North Cascades to Denali in the Alaskan Range and would have previously dismissed any alpine terrain in Australia.
Yet I’m impressed with the diversity of the terrain in the backcountry and have found it to be an excellent, uncrowded playground perfect for challenging any aspiring climber and laying down the fundamentals of big mountain climbing.
I’m excited to introduce you to this program, and look forward to meeting you in the mountains.
Best regards,
Mike Hamill
Owner and Director, Climbing the Seven Summits
Author of “Climbing the Seven Summits”
CTSS has a small rental fleet of high-quality, climbing-specific gear available to rent with advanced notice. Below you will find the gear we rent along with the rental price for the duration of your four-day course.
- Crampons – $55
- Snowshoes – $75
- Ice axe – $30
- Helmet – $25
- Harness with two lockers – $30
If you need to rent gear that CTSS does not offer, such as boots, packs, trekking poles, etc. let us know and we can recommend a location in Jindabyne and the surrounding area.
At CTSS, we offer three expedition options which allow you to customize your experience to your climbing style. These options are listed below:
Alpine Academy – Introduction to Mountaineering: $1,995 (AUD inclusive of GST) (4 Days | 3 Nights)
- August 9 – 12, 2025
Note: we host a complimentary pre-trip briefing & gear check in Jindabyne at 1pm the afternoon before the start of your course.
Course Learning Covers:
- Alpine safety
- Expedition & snow camping – Site selection, tent set up, snow block walls, kitchen setup, camp hygiene
- Mountaineering skills – Crampon technique, self-arrest training, climbing efficiency techniques
- Knots, hitches and rope craft
- Fixed line ascension
- Glacier travel
- Ice climbing (condition dependent)
- Rappelling
- Crevasse rescue
- Snow anchors & running protection
Note: curriculum may be adapted to take advantage of current weather conditions.
Winter Summit Ascent of Mt. Kosciuszko (Beginner Friendly): $1,995 (AUD inclusive of GST) (4 Days | 3 Nights)
- August 16 – 19, 2025
Note: we host a complimentary pre-trip briefing & gear check in Jindabyne at 1pm the afternoon before the start of your course.
A winter ascent of Mount Kosciuszko represents is a unique way in which to achieve one of the Seven Summits.
While the mountain itself requires no prior technical climbing experience, a winter ascent is by no means a walk in the park! This course requires a good level of physical fitness and some grit to achieve the summit.
In addition to the summit climb, course learning covers:
- Snow shoeing
- Alpine safety
- Expedition & snow camping – Site selection, tent set up, snow block walls, kitchen setup, camp hygiene
- Mountaineering skills – Crampon technique, self-arrest training, climbing efficiency techniques
- Ice climbing (condition dependent)
- Rappelling
- Snow anchors & running protection
Note: curriculum may be adapted to take advantage of current weather conditions.
All Women’s Alpine Academy – Introduction to Mountaineering x Winter Summit Ascent of Mt. Kosciuszko (Beginner Friendly): $1,995 (AUD inclusive of GST) (4 Days | 3 nights)
- August 2 – 5, 2025
Note: we host a complimentary pre-trip briefing & gear check in Jindabyne at 1pm the afternoon before the start of your course.
This course has been designed to decrease the barriers of entry to mountaineering for our female climbers, and is a great way for women to make forays into climbing in an all-women (or mostly-women* environment) as a stepping stone into the big mountain realm.
This expedition centres around a winter ascent of Mount Kosciuszko – one of the Seven Summits.
While the mountain itself requires no prior technical climbing experience and is very achievable, this expedition requires a good level of physical fitness and some grit to achieve the summit.
In addition to the summit climb, course learning covers:
- Snow shoeing
- Alpine safety
- Expedition & snow camping – Site selection, tent set up, snow block walls, kitchen setup, camp hygiene
- Mountaineering skills – Crampon technique, self-arrest training, climbing efficiency techniques
- Knots, hitches and rope craft
- Fixed line ascension
- Glacier travel
- Ice climbing (condition dependent)
- Rappelling
- Crevasse rescue
- Snow anchors & running protection
Note: curriculum may be adapted to take advantage of current weather conditions.
Family-Friendly Summer Ascent
Contact us for custom dates and prices
Kosciuszko is the most accessible of the Seven Summits and a great opportunity to bring your family and friends along for the adventure. Many of our Seven Summiteers finish their goal on Kosciuszko as a celebration climb. We can help you arrange your trip self-guided or alongside one of our Australian Alpine Guides.
Expedition Itineraries
Intro to Mountaineering (4 Days | 3 Night):
Day 0: Guide Briefing and Gear Checks
- 1PM: pre-trip team briefing & gear checks in Jindabyne.
Please note that this is a complimentary service that is not included in the official program, so you need to be in Jindabyne a day early. Accommodation the night before is your responsibility.
Day 1: Base Camp Setup and Basic Mountaineering Skills
- AM: Meet in Guthega Car Park
- AM Training: Snowshoeing & packing
- Snowshoe to Base Camp
- PM Training: Intro to expedition camping, set up camp
- Overnight at Base Camp
Day 2: Basic Mountaineering Skills
- Full Day Training: Snowshoe to Blue Lakes
- Basic Mountaineering Skills:
- Crampon techniques
- Self-arrest
- Climbing efficiency
- Knots & Hitches
- Glacier travel
- Overnight at Base Camp
Day 3: Basic Mountaineering Skills
- Full Day Training: Snowshoe to Blue Lakes
- Basic Mountaineering Skills:
- Snow anchors and running protection
- Fixed line ascension
- Ice climbing (condition dependent)
- Rappelling
- Snow anchors & running protection
- Overnight at Base Camp
Day 4: Basic Mountaineering Skills and Base Camp Breakdown
- AM Training: Crevasse rescue
- Break down Base Camp
- PM: Return to Guthega by approximately 4-5 PM
Note: It is strongly recommended you book accommodation in the area to avoid driving/travelling when you are tired.
Winter Ascent of Mount Kosciuszko (4 days | 3 nights):
Day 0: Guide Briefing and Gear Checks
- 1 PM: Pre-trip team briefing & gear checks in Jindabyne.
Please note: this is a complimentary service that is not included in the official program, so you need to be in Jindabyne a day early. Accommodation the night before is your responsibility.
Day 1: Base Camp Setup and Basic Mountaineering Skills
- AM: Meet in Guthega Car Park
- AM Training: Snowshoeing & packing
- Snowshoe to Base Camp
- PM Training: Intro to expedition camping, set up camp
- Overnight at Base Camp
Day 2: Basic Mountaineering Skills or Summit Climb to Kozi (weather dependent)
- Crampon techniques
- Self-arrest skills
- Climbing efficiency
- Ice-climbing at Blue Lake (ice condition dependent)
Day 3: Basic Mountaineering Skills or Summit Climb to Kozi (weather dependent)
- Crampon techniques
- Self-arrest skills
- Climbing efficiency
- Ice-climbing at Blue Lake (ice condition dependent)
Day 4: Basic Mountaineering Skills and Base Camp Breakdown
- AM Training: Crevasse rescue
- Break down Base Camp
- PM: Return to Guthega by approximately 4-5 PM
Please Note: it is strongly recommended you book accommodation in the area to avoid travelling when you are tired.
- Strong hiking fitness (you are expected to be able to snowshoe in snow for 6-7kms)
- Ability carry a 15- 20kg pack for up to 6 hours
- An appetite for adventure travel and the ability to spend several days snow camping in the backcountry
Please do not underestimate this alpine environment. While it may seem like mild terrain, it can be challenging with zero visibility white outs, ferocious wind, blizzards and extreme cold.
Australian Alpine Academy Mandatory Personal Equipment List:
Personal Gear Miscellaneous
- In town clothes for Jindabyne
- Print out team emails and bring with you
- Pen/marker
- Power banks/recharger/solar charger with cords (optional)
- Sunscreen – 30+ SPF with high zinc oxide content
- Lip balm or Zinc stick
- Toiletries – toilet paper in zip lock bag, tooth brush, wet wipes etc.
- Glacier Glasses – must be cat 4, darkest lens
- Hand sanitiser x 1 small container
- Ear plugs and eye mask
- Drink bottle – x 2 1 litre Nalgene bottles (insulated covers are optional)
- Camera, phone etc. (optional)
- Headlamp – with extra batteries
- Heavy garbage bag liners x 3 (help to ensure gear is kept dry at all times)
- Insulated mug
- Plate and fork/spork
- Snack Food (gels, chocolate, protein bars etc.)
Lower Body:
- Insulated climbing pants
- Goretex Pants- full zip wind & rain proof pants
- Base layer, 1 x polyprop or merino
- Gaiters – must fit over climbing boots
- 2 x pairs of climbing socks – mid weight
- 2 pairs of underwear (merino are great)
- Mountaineering Boots – single or double
Upper Body:
- Goretex Shell Jacket – wind and rain proof
- 750+ Fill power down jacket with hood
- Mid Layers (fleece or synthetic)
- Base layer, 2 x polyprop or merino
- Gloves or Mittens – 1 pair of base layer gloves & 1 x pair of warm goretex
- Light gloves
- Beanie/warm ski hat
- Buff
- Cap or full brim hat
- Snow googles – darkest lens available
Personal Climbing Gear:
- Mountaineering ice axe
- Crampons – 12 point, steel crampons (preferably with anti-balling plates)
- Helmet
- Snow shoes (Can rent from Jindabyne)
- Harness
- 6 metres of 7mm prusik cord
- 3x locking carabiners | 7x non-locking carabiners
- Belay devices (Preferably an ATC but figure 8 acceptable)
- Climbing Ascender
- 2x Slings (1 double length & 1 single length)
- Sleeping mats (Closed cell foam (for insulation) and inflatable thermarest
- Sleeping bag -20c
- Ski/trekking poles with powder baskets
- Light duffel for sled (100L + capacity)
- Backpack (70L + capacity)
- Down booties with soles (for basecamp – optional)
- Pee Bottle & Funnel
Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!
To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.
Steps:
1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*
*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.
Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.
Included:
- Fully qualified world class Mountain Guides
- Education and Comprehensive Training Seminars
- 3x nights camping in Kosciuszko National Park
- Camping equipment (tents, toilet facilities)
- Group equipment (stoves, gas, group technical gear including snow & ice anchors, ropes, rock, ice & snow protection, sleds, snow shovels)
- Mountain Meals
- Emergency equipment, first aid, satellite phone/GPS
Not Included:
- All costs for the Australian Alpine Academy are incurred by you prior to the start date of the trip and after the end date, including accommodation in Jindabyne the night before (Day Zero) or the night the course completes
- Personal clothing and personal climbing gear (including snow shoes, helmet, harness, carabiners, mountaineering boots, ice axe – many of these items can be rented in advance)
- In town meals in Jindabyne
- Transportation
- Personal National Park entry fees
- Expenses while on expedition that are above and beyond the normal scope of the trip such as medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, snacks, flight changes, alcohol, gifts for friends and family, specialty coffees, and bottled water among others.
- Expenses incurred due to events out of the control of CTSS such as delays or interruptions, political events, natural events of disasters, events outside of our control will not be covered by CTSS. These may include circumstances such as extra hotel nights due to delays.
- Trip Insurance including personal climbing, medical, rescue, evacuation, trip interruption, and trip cancellation insurance
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.
We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.
We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.
To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.
Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.
We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.
Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.
Express Your Interest in our Australian Alpine Academy
Australian Alpine Adventures
Carstensz Pyramid
Carstensz Pyramid (helicopter in and out)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
It is often argued as to which mountain is the true Seventh Summit: Carstensz or Kosciuszko? To that we answer, “It doesn’t matter! They are both beautiful and unique adventures in their own right so why not do them both?” In fact, it seems that many people are concluding just that and climbing both peaks.
Carstensz Pyramid is one of the world’s great adventures. Few people have the opportunity to go to such an exotic location as Irian Jaya. The fact that Carstensz is a stunning climb and one of the Seven Summits is just the icing on the cake. If you are looking for a true adventure and world-class rock climbing, look no further than Carstensz Pyramid. One of the most attractive features of the Seven Summits is that to climb them you are forced to travel the world and experience cultures you would otherwise miss. This isn’t more true for any peak than Carstensz Pyramid.
- End your expedition by meeting up with friend and family in Bali, Indonesia, a world-famous beach resort island that we usually fly through both on the way in and out of our climb
- Climb a classic rock route and brave the airy cable bridge traverse en route to the summit of Carstensz
- See a part of the world on the remote island of New Guinea that few people have seen
- Fly in a helicopter over the lush rainforest and mountains of the Sudirman Range from our start point in Timika en route to Carstensz base camp
Ready to learn more about Carstensz Pyramid? Check out our guide tips, resources, and answers to your most pressing questions in our Carstensz Top Five live on our blog!
Deep in the heart of the Sudirman Range in the western central highlands of Irian Jaya lies Carstensz Pyramid. Irian Jaya comprises the western side of the island of New Guinea; the eastern part is Papua New Guinea. Irian Jaya (formerly West New Guinea or Dutch New Guinea) is part of Indonesia, a nation of more than 17,000 islands in the southern Southeast Asia. The bare, rocky, and near-vertical slopes of Carstensz Pyramid rise above the lush jungle environment and small settlements that characterize the moderately large island of New Guinea. Carstensz Pyramid is also known as Puncak Jaya in Indonesian.
Carstensz looms over the smaller peaks in the mountain range at a height of 16,024 feet (4884m). The mountain is part of the Lorentz National Park, the largest protected area is Southeast Asia. It is surrounded to the south by settlements belonging to several native Indonesian tribes, including the Dani, who live mainly in simple structures and maintain a more primitive way of life than any culture experienced on the other Seven Summits. The local culture is part of what makes a climb of Carstensz Pyramid such a unique and adventurous experience.
Carstensz is one of the least climbed of the Seven Summits because of its logistical challenges, the prohibitive expense required, and its dubious status on the Seven Summits list, although more climbers are beginning to attempt the peak as awareness of the mountain and region grow. Carstensz is a very remote mountain that lies in an exotic, undeveloped region of the world.
Welcome to CTSS’s Carstensz Pyramid Expedition!
Climbing Carstensz Pyramid is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is your chance to get way off the beaten path and see a remote part of Southeast Asia that few have seen while having an incredible adventure. It just also happens to be one of the Seven Summits too!
Come join our world-class guide team on one of the world’s most sought-after peaks. You will not be disappointed by the experience. Because of the remoteness and logistical challenges involved with this climb we only offer one departure per year so spaces are limited and they tend to go quickly.
We have chosen to fly both in and out of the mountain for many reason, the main one being safety. We feel that the risks associated with trekking into base camp are too great and out of our comfort zone given that it is impossible for us to mitigate them. Once you experience the helicopter service and the amenities that we provide on our Carstensz climb, you will be pleased you decided to climb Carstensz the right way — focusing on climbing rather than jungle mud-slogging!
We have been fine-tuning our Carstensz logistics for many years, and I literally wrote the book on the Seven Summits. We employ a slow acclimatization schedule to make sure that you are properly adjusted to the rarefied air and have the best chance of success. Come join us for this amazing, life changing experience- one that you will one-day tell your grandkids about.
We look forward to helping you achieve success on Carstensz Pyramid. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly regarding the expedition if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Mike Hamill
Owner and Lead Guide, Climbing the Seven Summits
Expedition Options (Schedule and Prices)
Carstensz Pyramid Team Guided Climb
$24,995 USD per climber
Note: This expedition meets in Timika, Indonesia
- September 20th – 27th, 2025
This expedition is our traditional guided team climb, which ascends the Normal Route via a stunning alpine rock climb on Carstensz. We provide professional guidance, a return shared helicopter transfers from Timika to base camp, local guides, logistics, team gear, food, and support for a summit attempt on Carstensz.
All prices are in US Dollars.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. Please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy for more information.
All payments, once submitted, are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
Please Note:
- Central Papua and Highland Papua is subject to ongoing travel warnings, and you must assume responsibility for this risk.
- You will want to check with your embassy to understand Indonesia’s visa requirements for your country.
- You will require two passport photos and a copy of your passport for travel in Papua.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry into Indonesia and have 4 free pages.
Custom Dates and a dedicated private Guide
- 1 person private: US$39,995 (per person)
- 2 person private: US$31,995 (per person)
- 3 person private: US$28,995 (per person)
Having your own private guide climbing with you can be an indispensable advantage! A private guide allows you to dictate the schedule, amend it depending on how you’re feeling, customize a program, and a private guide can coach you throughout the expedition, give you valuable feedback, be available if there are any medical issues, and make your climbing experience more enjoyable overall. Although summits are obviously never guaranteed this is a great way to stack the odds in your favor.
Please Note:
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. Please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy for more information.
All payments once submitted are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
All prices are in US Dollars.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. For more information, please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy.
All payments, once submitted, are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
- Best expedition at a great value: CTSS believes in providing our clients with the highest quality service in the industry at a great value. Climbing and trekking is our passion, and our goal is to share these unique places and experiences with you. We want you to feel good about your experience because we believe word-of-mouth is the best advertising, and that begins with satisfied customers. There is a difference between our expeditions and those of our competitors, especially local cut-rate options. In choosing us, you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from well over 100 high altitude expeditions, and drawing on decades of first-hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value.
- We are a modestly sized guide service with highly personalized service: We maintain a moderate size so that we can tailor our Carstensz Pyramid experience to you. Not all climbers are the same, which is why Mike Hamill will work with you directly to make sure you choose only the programs that are right for you.
- The best route: CTSS climbs Carstensz by the beautiful normal route. By using this route, we provide you with the highest chance of success and give you the best climbing experience available on the mountain. We also provide you will more than ample time to acclimatize to the altitude so you feel good on summit day. Many climbing companies, especially local ones, race you up and down the mountain not allowing time to get used to the rarefied air. This is not only not advantageous to you but it is dangerous. We also fly you both in and out of the mountain in a helicopter. It is dangerous and incredibly time to consume to take the trekking approach and takes the focus off the climbing route and summit. Using the helicopter is a huge advantage that improves safety, success and fun- are our three main objectives. You will see when you’re on the mountain that there’s no better way to climb the peak than the way we have organized it.
- Leadership: As the expedition organizer, Mike’s almost unparalleled experience base at high altitude can make the difference between success and failure. From start to finish, he will work with you to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to reach your goal of standing on top of Oceania. Often being able to troubleshoot problems before they occur can make all the difference and this is where Mike’s vast experience becomes crucial. Please visit our Success Rates page for more information.
- The Seven Summits specialist! Climbing the Seven Summits is THE Seven Summits specialist. We focus primarily on the mountains of the Seven Summits, and Carstensz is one of our signature climbs. With hundreds of high altitude expeditions under our belts, we are well prepared to create the perfect climbing experience for you. We love the diversity of the “Seven Summits,” and the challenge of climbing them all which is why we focus on these climbs in particular.
- Best guides: The quality of an expedition is, in large part, dictated by the individual guide(s) leading the trip. CTSS hires only the finest guides operating at the highest standards for client care who are highly trained, well respected in the industry, and close friends that we trust. They have excellent personalities and are some of the most experienced professionals in the world. Mike and the rest of our guides are strong leaders who maintain high standards. Our guides make our company what it is and have extensive resumes of personal climbs, high altitude guiding, and certifications. All our lead guides maintain at least a Wilderness First Responder medical standard or equivalent. Our local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles.
- Safety: Our primary goal at CTSS is safety. We have an unparalleled safety record and our clientele’s well-being factors into every decision we make while on expeditions. Although we like to stand on the top of mountains more than anyone, we believe that climbing is a round trip endeavour and getting you back to your loved ones safely is paramount. We take many safety precautions including bringing multiple communication devices, high altitude safety equipment, medical kits, and the highest quality gear to ensure a safe environment in which to climb.
- Success: Success rates on expeditions under Mike’s leadership are among the best in the business. Mike has maintained a 91% expedition success rate for expeditions under his direct guidance. This is a testament to our quality of service and attention to detail. Mike and our team of guides are incredibly proud of their summit success and work hard to get their clients to the top. As Mike says, “You can’t buy a summit, but you can buy better odds.” With our expertise, experience and infrastructure, you can stack those odds in your favor. We offer a longer acclimatization progression for proper acclimatization to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness. Many guide services race their clients up the mountain, especially local companies, to cut corners on costs. We are highly invested in our reputation for safety and success and are always striving to improve our programs to maintain our hard-earned status. Decision making in the mountains is supremely important, and our guides are the best in the business, have a hunger to summit whenever it’s safe to do so, and have a proven track record. All of our programs acclimatize conservatively to mitigate the risk of having altitude issues and to give them the highest chance of success.
- You!: Why choose us? Because of you! We consistently attract the best clients and believe this is because we offer the highest quality expedition at a great value. Our clientele takes the time to educate themselves about their options and choose us because of this. We feel that surrounding yourself with the right people will make you successful, and that goes for guide service owners, guides, and even those with whom you climb. Having a team with the right attitude and camaraderie is a key factor in making you successful.
- Logistics: We have led countless high altitude expeditions and have perfected the logistics, allowing you to focus on climbing, safety and success. We eat well and live well on expedition. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while on your climb or safari to not be distracted from the task at hand. We feel that these creature-comforts go a long way to making your time in the backcountry enjoyable. We strive to work with the best local outfitters and provide the best local logistics hands down.
- Updates: In today’s connected world people want to know how things are going on the expedition. CTSS maintains regular updates on our blog to keep friends and families informed. This can relieve a lot of the stress loved ones have when you’re away on climbing. We want to make the climb as stress-free for both the climber and the folks back home.
- Professional Business Practices: Running a professional guide service that you feel comfortable putting your trust in, is important to us. We comply with all local, state, federal and international laws. We hope that this makes you feel more confident about choosing us and our programs.
- Enjoyment: This is your vacation, and you’re here to have a good time. Our goal is to give you the experience of a lifetime, inspire you in the mountains, and to have a great time doing it. This, again, comes back to our guides; they all have great personalities, and their love for the mountain is contagious.
- Low client to guide ratio: We operate all of our trips at a low client to guide ratio which offers you a better, safer, and more personalized experience.
“Great leaders like Mike inspire and lead people to take on challenges and achieve great things.” -Tim Igo
- Carstensz Pyramid sits in Irian Jaya, which is part of Indonesia
- Carstensz Pyramid entails the most consistently steep and technical climbing of all the Seven Summits
- Some native tribes in Papua still practice cannibalism
- Patrick Morrow was the first person to finish the Seven Summits with the Carstensz variation
- Dutch explorer Jan Carstensz was the first European to sight the peak in 1623
The climbing on Carstensz consists mainly of steep rock climbing. From base camp the route winds its way up a series of gulleys following fixed lines to the top of a ridge. The climbing is fun and positive with great friction even when it’s raining, albeit somewhat steep and exposed in sections. The steepest steps consist of moderate 5th class climbing on fixed lines. Leather gloves are highly recommended due to the extremely rough texture of the rock.
Once on the ridge the route traverses the ridge and undulates up and down following the path of least resistance. After crossing the famous cable bridge it’s a short scramble to the summit. The descent consists mainly of rappelling on steep fixed lines reversing course from the ascent.
Climbing Carstensz requires serious fitness, an ability to perform well at altitude, the mindset to be away from home for several weeks, and a desire for rugged adventure travel. The Sudirman Range is still a very remote and rugged place with few of the amenities we have come to expect. We try to give our climbers all of the creature comforts that we can but at the end of the day this is true adventure travel!
Climbers need to have experience rock climbing and using fixedlines and ascenders. Also, cramponing skill, knowledge of self-arrest technique and ice axe use are valuable but not a pre-requisite. If you want to join this expedition but don’t have these skills we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb. Please let us know how we can help!
Day 1: Meet in Timika, Indonesia: Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel. This is a pure arrival day. You may arrive at any time and shake off the jetlag.
Day 2: Gear checks and team meeting: We will meet at breakfast and set a plan for the day. We will organize a team meeting that will get everyone up to speed on the details of the trip before diving into gear checks. Once gear checks are complete we will check in with the immigration office in Timika and pick up any last-minute supplies. We will have a team dinner before heading to bed early.
Day 3: We rise early and have a 5am breakfast before transferring to the airport and checking in with the local helicopter service. We will then take our morning flight (approx 40mins) to Yellow Valley Basecamp (4,250m) At Base Camp we will acclimatize. Sleep, read, relax, take a light walk around Base Camp. Whatever you do – stay hydrated!
Day 4: Acclimatization day: We spend today getting used to the altitude and continuing our acclimatization. Today we will do some rope training ahead of a summit plan briefing and an early dinner.
Day 5: Summit Days. We wake up at 1am and prepare for our summit. We will have a very light meal and a hot drink to kick start our bodies before we start trekking at 2am. Our route follows the ridge crest with grand exposure along the way. We pass four small notches as we rappel and use ascenders to negotiate trickier rock climbing sections. Our descent entails multiple rappels and scrambles. The rock is clean and provides excellent friction even when wet. You can expect a summit day of 10-12 hours round trip.
Day 6: We rise early to pack our equipment. Our helicopters could arrive as early as 6Am. We are picked up from Yellow Valley Basecamp and returned to Timika where we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel.
Day 7: Fly Home. Check out of our hotel and transfer back to the hotel for our onward flights, either to Bali or Jakarta.
Day 8– 14: Contingency days: Since the weather is such a huge factor in most Carstensz climbs. We advise booking your flexible return airfare a week beyond your expected departure day and moving it forward if your expedition goes to schedule.
Note: Weather is a huge factor in this expedition! Teams have waited for weeks to get in and out of base camp and some teams haven’t even made it in. This is a real possibility. EXPECT weather delays. This is true adventure travel so you need to relax, roll with the punches, bring a good book and music, and book flexible return airfares.
This detailed gear list is provided for your reference. Please follow these guidelines carefully because if you arrive in Indonesia missing gear you will be required to track them down prior to the climb at your own expense which can be difficult (if not impossible) and costly. Please make sure you are fully prepared so that your trip and that of your teammates goes smoothly. If you have any questions about the gear, please give us a call, and we can discuss: we’re here to help! Note: There are strict weight limitations for the helicopter flight so bring only what you need and not more. That being said, if you are unsure about items you can bring them to Timika for the gear check and make the final decision there. You can leave some stuff in a duffel at the hotel in Timika.
- Travel wallet with passport, cash, and pen
- $1,000 USD travel expense money (includes the $200 USD local staff tip pool)
- 2 x large duffels, waterproof PVC rugged construction
- 3 x passport photos
- Casual travel clothes
- Printout of team emails
- Travel adapters, charging cables, battery pack, etc.
- Lightweight sneakers
- Light socks for travel
- Climbing boots (single-layer insulated technical climbing boots that have a ¾ shank with some flex in the soles to be nimble on rock. Carstensz gets a lot of rain so they must be waterproof.)
- Hiking shoes or hiking boots
- 4 x pairs trekking socks
- 1 x pair climbing socks
- Medium-weight gaiters that fit boots
- Foot powder
- 2 x pairs thermal bottoms
- 4 x pairs synthetic underwear
- 2 x pairs synthetic climbing/trekking pants
- 1 x pair trekking shorts
- 1 x pair insulated pants – must have a full side zip
- 1 x pair shell pants – must have a full side zip
- 2 x thermal layer under tops (1 light, 1 medium)
- Sun hoodie
- Mid-weight upper body insulation layer like a heavy fleece
- Mid-weight synthetic jacket with a front zip and hood
- Shell jacket
- Down parka with hood
- 2 x buffs
- 1 x balaclava/face mask (must cover all exposed skin on your face)
- 2 x ski/winter hat
- 1 x ball cap for sun protection
- 1 x pair fleece gloves
- 1 x pair mid-weight climbing glove
- 2 x pairs of thick leather gloves (waterproof)
- Chemical hand/foot warmers (optional)
- 1 x pair glacier glasses
- 1 x pair sunglasses
- 1 x pair goggles
- Day pack – 30 – 40L
- Pack cover
- Rock climbing harness
- Ascender
- 2 x double-length slings (120cm) and 1 single-length sling (60cm)
- 5 x locking carabiners and 5 non-locking carabiners
- 30 feet of 8mm prusik cord
- Helmet
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Figure 8 and rappel device
- Trekking poles
- 1 x sleeping bag, rated to 0°F
- 2 x sleeping pads (1 closed cell foam, 1 inflatable)
- 2 x headlamps (1 medium sized, 1 small sized as a backup)
- Extra batteries
- 2 x 1-liter Nalgene water bottles with full insulated covers
- 1 x 0.5L Thermos
- Pee bottle (1L bottle with wide mouth)
- Pee funnel (for women)
- Water treatment (Iodine tabs, Chlorine tabs, or water filtration system)
- Book/Kindle
- Camera or phone camera
- Multitool
- Altitude watch
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Small soap
- Small shampoo
- Umbrella and rain poncho
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Nail trimmers
- Trek towel
- Small med kit
- Prescription medications, in consultation with your doctor (Acetazolamide 125mg x 14 tablets, Dexamethasone 4mg x 4 tablets, Nifedipine 30 mg slow-release x 2 tablets)
- Bug spray
- Ear plugs
- Personal toiletries
- 2 x rolls toilet paper
- Baby wipes, for staying clean on the mountain
- 5 x trash bags (for waterproofing duffels and backpack)
- 3 x stuff sacks and 2 compression sacks for packing gear
- 5lbs personal snack food and drink mix
Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!
To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.
Steps:
1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*
*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.
Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.
What’s included/not included in your Carstensz Pyramid Team Guided Climb
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guide/cooks, etc.
- Climbing and park permits
- All transfers, including return airport transfers
- 3x nights of dual occupancy accommodation in Nabire (2x nights before trip/1x night after)
- Round trip chartered helicopter flights to Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp (15kg luggage allowance)
- Full board (all meals) while on the mountain
- Personal sleeping tents (one tent per person) dining tents/table, chairs, etc.
- All international flights and flights to Nabire, our meeting point
- All personal climbing gear and equipment
- Additional fees associated with early arrivals or late departures
- $200 local guide, cooks, land porter tip pool (we will hold a tipping ceremony at the end of the trip)
- Mandatory trip, medical and evacuation insurance
- Visas on arrival, travel fees, excess baggage fees, etc.
- All in-town meals
- Excess baggage costs
- Any extra nights' accommodation due to delays above and beyond those covered (beyond the 3 nights in Nabire)
- Drinks and alcohol, incidentals, 3rd party internet costs, laundry, etc.
- Any additional expenses above and beyond the normal trip costs such as rescues, medical issues, early departure expenses, etc.
- 5lbs of snack/climbing food for the climb and acclimatization days
- Single occupancy rooming
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
Each expedition is led by Mike Hamill.
Mike Hamill, lead guide and owner of CTSS, is universally regarded as one of the most experienced and respected high altitude mountaineers and expedition leaders in the world.
He has personally guided thousands of climbers on the Seven Summits and well over 150 climbers have stood atop 8000m peaks, including Everest with him. A guide for over 20 years, he boasts a 91% expedition success rate and an 83% climber summit success rate for all of his expeditions worldwide.
He has stood on top of Everest 6x and currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu. He’s also the author of the guidebook “Climbing the Seven Summits,”
To complement his leadership, Mike has hand-picked a selection of the finest mountaineering professionals from around the world to make up the international CTSS guiding team.
Our team are highly qualified and some of the most highly experienced climbers in the world. Chosen for their attention to detail, safety records along with their fun, genuine and caring personalities, we have no hesitation in saying they are the best. Mike holds the CTSS staff to the same high standards as he holds himself.
Who you choose for expedition organization and leadership is a big deal – it can be the difference between a great expedition and a miserable, potentially dangerous one and you only want the best in your corner. The fact that Mike and his guides have an unprecedented safety record should be a paramount consideration in who you choose to climb with.
Mike and the CTSS team’s love for the mountains and adventure continues in our corporate social responsibility policy. A portion of profits and fundraising climbs are organized every year in support of the “Tiger of the Snows Fund” a not-for-profit that provides grants to further education of mountain tourism workers and their families.
“Great leaders like Mike inspire and lead people to take on challenges and achieve great things.” -Tim Igo
Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.
We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.
We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.
To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.
Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.
We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.
Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.
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Everest Base Camp Trek
EBC Trek & Stay at Everest Base Camp Proper
Check out our Rugged Luxury EBC Trek & Stay
Everest Base Camp Trek & Stay
Annually: April 3rd – April 22nd – SOLD OUT! Join our waitlist.
Annually: April 12th – May 1st
Team Departure: $5,495 USD
Everest Base Camp is perhaps the most iconic trek in the world and for good reason. This stunningly scenic pilgrimage into the high Himalayas is not only a grand adventure that will take you to the foot of the highest mountain on earth but it is also a deep personal challenge that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Winding your way up through the Khumbu Valley, you can expect to pass through enchanted rhododendron forests, stay in quaint villages, camp on a living, breathing glacier that forms on Mt. Everest and be enveloped by views of our planet’s most breathtaking mountains. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s physical for sure but nevertheless achievable for anyone willing to put in a little training.
What makes the beauty and excitement of trekking in this majestic landscape even better is the hospitable Sherpa culture. Sherpa are renown the world over for their graciousness and generosity and the moment you step foot on the trail you too, will know why.
- Cross one of the world’s greatest treks off your bucket list
- Be a team member and be part of an Everest climbing expedition
- Stay at Everest Base Camp proper where the summiteers reside
- Experience and appreciate Sherpa culture, food, and hospitality
- Climb the famous Kala Pathar for spectacular views of Everest in her entirety
- See Everest and the Himalayas from the air while flying to and from Lukla
How Our Everest Base Camp Trek is Unique
We encourage you to research your many options when it comes to picking a guide service for your dream Everest Base Camp trek. As a popular trek, we know that there is a huge variety of operators to chose from who offer different trek styles and therefore prices. A few ways in which we differ and add value to our trips are:
- You will spend 2x nights in our luxury camp on the Khumbu glacier inside Base Camp Proper rather than down valley in a teahouse far away from the action. (Most trekking companies that aren't affiliated with an actual Everest climbing team are not allowed to stay in camp and simply tag 'trekkers rock' which is located on the outskirts of camp before returning down valley. Very few even enter base camp itself which is a shame as you miss out on the scene and community of Everest expedition life.
- You have the opportunity to take part in a 'Climbing Clinic' and learn ice-climbing and rapelling in the safe base of Khumbu icefall where we will help you take some great hero photos to remember your experience (Technically you'll be able to say you've climbed on Everest!)
- Trek alongside real Everest Guides and aspiring summit climbers, be part of a summit expedition as a front row witness to all the action and understand what really goes into an Everest Expedition!
This is perhaps the best and most iconic trek in the world! Hiking to Everest base camp should be on everyone’s bucket list. What makes the beauty and excitement of trekking in this majestic land even better is being part of the lovely and hospitable Sherpa culture. Sherpa are known the world over for their graciousness and generosity.
Enjoy spending time visiting famous cultural and religious sights on our way through this scenic valley in the shadow of the world’s highest mountains. Our slow acclimatization schedule means there is plenty of time to explore landmarks like the famous Tengboche Monastery where you can stop by to visit a High Lama and receive a blessing, take time to explore the famous Namche Bazaar – the Sherpa capital or have a beer in the world’s highest pub. Passing by countless Tibetan Buddhist stupas and chortens, you will feel the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism come alive.
We choose to implement a slow acclimatization schedule, not just so you can take in the sights and sounds of the valley but to ensure you enjoy your trek and feel great. Altitude isn’t something to be feared, it’s achievable for most people but it isn’t a process that can be rushed. Treks that move too quickly often have disgruntled, unwell people because their bodies are struggling to adjust.
Yes, trekking to Mt. Everest base camp requires good fitness but it is an achievable goal. You need have the mindset to be away from home for several weeks, along with the desire for adventure travel. The Khumbu is still a remote place with few of the creature comforts we have come to expect at home so it’s best to suspend your expectations of 5 star luxury, super smooth trails and blazing fast internet. In fact, when you embrace it, you’ll enjoy the slower pace of life and being a little disconnected from the rush of the Western world. That said we do our best and select teahouses that are clean, have great food and offer hot showers and 3rd party wifi internet for purchase.
The CTSS Mt. Everest base camp trek begins in Kathmandu where we obtain our permits and encourage you to enjoy a day checking out the city before beginning the trek in to base camp via the Khumbu Valley by flying in to Lukla to begin your expedition which will see you trek to over 17,600ft/5,400m!
Throughout time the human desire to explore new places has been part of our DNA and the world’s highest mountain, Everest, is an incredible draw. Trekking to its base camp is one of the world’s most sought after adventures and for good reason. Not only is it spectacularly beautiful, it is a challenging adventure that anyone should be proud of.
Trekking within a CTSS Everest expedition is an opportunity to experience what a real Mt. Everest climbing team experiences, from the thoughts and feelings of the team on the approach to what life is like at base camp. It’s a rare chance that few people have to gain a true insight into what it is to climb the world’s grandest peak. Most Base Camp treks aren’t affiliated with Everest expeditions and therefore aren’t able to stay at Base Camp proper. They simply reach the outskirts of the camp, tag ‘Trekker’s Rock’ and turn around. They rarely get to spend time or speak to the mountaineering community at all.
If you’re interested in mountaineering or what goes into an Everest expedition then this is a great trek.
As the premier high altitude guide service, CTSS is committed to your safety and success. We are not a huge “trekking factory” but a modestly sized, nimble guide service that prides itself in customizing our program to your individual needs.
In choosing us you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from countless Himalayan expeditions and treks and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value. In fact, I personally lead our Everest base camp.
Further, we invite our Everest climbers to ask their friends and family to join them on this exotic journey by jumping on our Everest base camp Trek, Lobuche climb, or Everest C2 and C3 programs. You will be able to share many of the cultural experiences together and they will even be able to spend some time with you at base camp and possibly above. This time together often makes these long expeditions more “do-able” from a time away perspective.
We look forward to sharing a great experience with you on the Mt. Everest base camp trek.
Best regards,
Mike Hamill
Owner and Director, Climbing the Seven Summits
- Trek with a real Everest/Lhotse climbing team: This is your opportunity to peer into what an actual Everest/Lhotse climbing team goes through on the approach to base camp. You will get to know the personalities and Sherpa that will attempt to stand on the top of the world. This adds a very unique aspect to the world’s most breath-taking trek.
- Stay at Everest Base Camp: Because you are associated with an actual climbing team you are allowed to stay at Everest base camp. This option is not open to other trekkers but is one of the best parts of an Everest base camp trek and to miss it would be a huge loss. Most trekking groups reach the beginning of camp and turn around to rush back to their teahouse for the night. You will spend the night at base camp with the climbers and have time to walk around and experience the community. What’s more, you can even walk a short way into the first, safe part of the Khumbu icefall to see what it’s like.
- Best Value: We have worked hard to create the best trek at the best price. We implore you to do your homework and look closely at what others offer in terms of leadership, ability to stay at Everest base camp and camp accommodations, quality of food, guide experience, logistics, hotels, acclimatization schedule, Sherpa expertise, personal service and professionalism. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-nourished, healthy trekkers are strong and successful trekkers. An Everest base camp trek is too important to not look closely at the details and we are here to answer your questions. We want you feel 100% confident in joining our team. We have spared no expense and yet still offer you the best rates in the industry.
- The best teahouses: CTSS always stays at some of the finest teahouses in the valley. We choose our teahouses based upon quality of accommodations, hygiene and cleanliness, food and hospitality. Everest base camp trek teahouses are rustic to be sure, and this is adventure travel. Even so, you will be in relative luxury.
- The best guides: This is hugely important- please research the quality and experience of your guides thoroughly. All of our guides have extensive knowledge of the region and have proven themselves at altitude time and again. Many of them have dozens of trips to Nepal and have stood on top of Mt. Everest so can talk to what it’s like to climb the mountain.
- Highest paid Sherpa: We purposely pay our Sherpa more than anyone so that they are happy and take care of our clients. Year in, year out we can attract the best talent. Our world-class team of Sherpa are hand-picked by Sirdar Tendi Sherpa and CTSS owner Mike Hamill to ensure we have the cream of the crop. They are all close friends who we have complete confidence in. Because they are paid well they go the extra mile to make sure base camp is exceptional and that our clients are extremely well taken care of. Once they’ve been selected for the team, they go through intensive training and a 5-day review process which includes mountain medicine, client care, technical rescue, and guiding principles before being ok’ed to work. We believe in our Sherpa and know that they will do a great job for you and become friends for life.
At CTSS we offer the widest variety of trek options as well as a Lobuche climb so that you can customize your Mt. Everest base camp trek experience to your trekking style, ability, interests and budget. A Mt. Everest base camp trek should not be “one size fits all.”
Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek – $5,495 USD
Annually: April 3rd – April 22nd – SOLD OUT! Join our waitlist.
Annually: April 12th – May 1st
The Everest base camp trek is widely heralded as the best trek in the world, and for good reason.
This trek takes you from Kathmandu by plane to Lukla at the head of the Khumbu valley. From there you trek roughly 40 miles/70 km through the lush green pastures, blossoming Rhododendron forests, up into the most precipitous mountain terrain one can imagine. En route to Everest base camp you get to experience the famous Sherpa culture and hospitality while taking in the views of literally the tallest mountains on earth.
At Everest Base Camp Proper you will spend 2x nights in our Expedition Camp, with the opportunity to do a beginner friendly ice climbing/mountaineering skills clinic in the lower part of the Khumbu Glacier, time to hang out in the famed ‘Big House’ Dome complete with unlimited cappuccinos from the world’s highest cafe, play a game of the world’s highest ping pong table! and relax taking in vistas over the icefall.
After your unique stay at Base Camp, you will retrace your steps back down valley, before flying back to Kathmandu, and onward home.
The terminus of your trek is Everest base camp at 17,600ft/ 5,500m where, since you are affiliated with an Everest climbing expedition, you are allowed to spend a night at base camp. This allows you to get a sense of the Everest base camp scene and community while other trekking groups don’t get this luxury. You even have the option to scale Kala Pathar the morning you leave base camp for stunning views of the Everest Massif, Lhotse and Nuptse.
This trek is ideal for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and is a great option for families and friends of CTSS climbers. They can join the trek in, stay at base camp proper (which is not open to everyday trekkers) & get a first-hand experience of being part of a Mt. Everest and Lhotse expedition.
For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.
Lobuche East Climb
April 1 – April 22*: $6,995 USD
Lobuche Peak is a jewel of the Himalaya and offers perhaps the best summit view in the world! Lobuche is surrounded by the tallest peaks on earth and the view from the summit peers out on the Everest/Lhotse/Nuptse massif, Makalu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and many others. This is a great first Himalayan climb and a great training peak for taller mountains such as Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, and Cho Oyu. To consider an ascent of Lobuche East peak participants must be familiar with crampon and ice axe technique and have used a harness before. We will run a training refresher at Lobuche base camp before the ascent so if you are a little rusty, don’t worry, we will get you up to speed. If you’re not sure if you have the experience for this climb, please ask us. If not, we can recommend other training to get prepared for a Lobuche ascent.
If you’re a climber your friends and family can join you on your acclimatization climb of Lobuche en route to Everest and challenge themselves on steep fixed-line climbing up rock, snow, and ice.
For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.
Camp 2 Mt. Everest Climb (21,500ft/6,500m)
April 3 – May 3*: $17,995 USD
Looking to climb Mt. Everest in the future and interested in getting real training on her slopes under your belt? Looking to climb Cho Oyu or another first 8000m peak? Or perhaps you wish to climb on Mt. Everest but have no interest in going to the summit? Our partial Everest climbs may be the perfect budget friendly option for you. Please contact us directly to discuss these options.
For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.
Camp 3 Mt. Everest Climb (24,000ft/7,500m):
April 3 – May 12*: $21,995 USD
Looking to climb Mt. Everest in the future and interested in getting real training on her slopes under your belt? Looking to climb Cho Oyu or another first 8000m peak? Or perhaps you wish to climb on Mt. Everest but have no interest in going to the summit? Our partial Everest climbs may be the perfect budget friendly option for you. Please contact us directly to discuss these options.
For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.
CTSS Custom and Private Climbs: (contact us for customization and current pricing)
We pride ourselves on our ability to customize your trek to suit your needs. As a smaller team, we can fully customize your trek to you, and in fact we encourage this customization. A Mt Everest base camp trek should not be one size fits all. We offer the most options (see expedition options) because we believe every trekker has individual needs. Our personalization and client care are second to none. DON’T get lost in the numbers and join a large team where quality and personal attention suffer.
Allowing you to customize your expedition to suit your needs and budget is a huge priority for us. As mountaineers ourselves, we understand that it’s the little things that can make the difference and not everyone is the same when it comes to their approach. Therefore we encourage you to tailor your expedition and talk to us about any other options you may wish for.
Single rooming option: $1250 USD
We are happy to organize single rooming accommodations and a tea house upgrade for you throughout the expedition. If you snore or are easily awakened by others that do snore, this might be a great option. We stay at some of the nicest teahouses in the Khumbu valley throughout our trek to keep you healthy and to provide you with comfort. Many teahouses offer room upgrades which may include an en suite bathroom with hot shower and more space, whereas our normal rooms generally have a shared bathroom and shower for an added fee.
Shared Helicopter to Lukla at the end of the climb: $3,495 USD
Many trekkers are anxious to get home to family and friends as quickly as possible after two months in the mountains. Because of this, we offer to arrange a private helicopter for you from Everest base camp to Lukla to avoid the three day, 40 mile walk back down the valley. It’s also a once in a lifetime experience in it’s own right and an incredible way to see what you have trekked from the air and take a scenic flight amongst the Himalaya. From Lukla you will either catch a flight that day or spend the night before catching your regularly scheduled flight back to Kathmandu. Taking a helicopter to Lukla and a fixed wing plane back to Kathmandu, rather than a helicopter the entire way saves many thousands of dollars.
Shared Helicopter to Kathmandu at the end of the climb: $5,995 USD
For those that aren’t as price sensitive and who want to get back to Kathmandu and homeward bound as quickly as possible at the end of the trek, we can arrange a private helicopter for you directly from Everest base camp to Kathmandu. This avoids the three day, 40 mile walk back down the valley and waiting for a night in Lula for a flight back to Kathmandu. It’s also a once in a lifetime experience in it’s own right and an incredible way to see what you have trekked from the air and take a scenic flight amongst the Himalaya.
Kathmandu Cultural City Tour – $250 per person
Kathmandu is one of the most exciting, culturally rich cities in the world. Unique, and overflowing with sights, smells, sounds and tastes, it’s both chaotic and charming. A city of true contrast it needs to be experienced to be understood. During our Kathmandu Cultural Tour an English speaking guide will show you the best history and UNESCO sites the city has to offer.
Additional Nights at Everest Base Camp: $350 USD per night
If trekkers want to stay at base camp longer than the itinerary we can add additional nights for $250/each. If you would like to stay longer than a week you will need a Nuptse climbing permit which allows you to stay at base camp throughout the entire Everest expedition season. Please contact us directly to arrange this.
Gokyo Return Extension – $1,495 USD per person
Once you’ve achieved your goal of Everest Base Camp, why not make your return a little different and rather than retracing your footprints back down the Khumbu valley, instead spend a few days seeking some new scenery by visiting the Gokyo region. Gokyo itself is a small hamlet of stone houses and one of the highest settlements in the world, surrounded by truly breathtaking vistas, mountains and glaciers.
You’ll see and experience more of these amazing mighty Himalayan mountains, climb the famous Cho La Pass (5,420m) escape the madding crowds and view the stunning Gokyo Lakes before rejoining the main trail at Namche Bazaar for the final day’s trek back to Lukla.
This extension is best suited to experienced and fit trekkers who are keen to get off the beaten path and further challenge themselves.
Dietary restrictions accommodation: (please let us know, no charge)
We can accommodate just about any dietary restriction if you let us know far enough in advance. Please make us aware of any restrictions you may have and we will do our best to create healthy and satisfying options.
EBC Trekker Emily shares her thoughts on the Trek
Emily had her reservations about signing up to join a Climbing the Seven Summits Everest Base Camp trek, see what she thought…
Take a tour of CTSS' Mt. Everest Base Camp
CTSS prides itself on offering the best expedition at the best price. Because of this we offer many amenities that other companies don’t. We have carefully worked through all of the details of our expedition to offer you every nuance that can help you be successful and comfortable and stripped our program of anything that could hinder you.
Expedition Itineraries
Everest Base Camp Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.
Day Itinerary
1 Arrive in Kathmandu, airport pick up and transfer to our hotel.
2 Meet for breakfast, Guide briefing, gear check & free afternoon in Kathmandu
3 Fly to Lukla/Trek to Phakding
4 Trek to Namche Bazaar
5 Rest/Acclimatization in Namche
6 Hike to Tengboche
7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche. Visit the Tengboche Monastery
8 Hike to Pheriche
9 Rest/acclimatization in Pheriche
10 Hike to Lobuche Base camp (tented camp)
11 Trek to Lobuche High Camp, return to Lobuche Base Camp (tented camp)
12 Trek to Gorak Shep
13 Trek to Everest Base Camp & Overnight in Base Camp Proper
14 Explore Base Camp, Climbing Clinic in lower Icefall, Overnight in Base Camp Proper
15 Climb Kala Patthar and descend to Pheriche
16 Trek to Namche
17 Trek to Lukla
18 Fly to Kathmandu
19 Contingency Day
20 Fly Home
Note: Unused Contingency Days are not included in the cost of your program however we highly recommend that you factor them in as we have outlined in the itinerary to account for any weather delays etc (given the mountain environment we are in) We suggest buying a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t need those contingency days or push it back as you need to. CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu at the end of your program. If you don’t use your contingency days on the mountain or decide to stay longer in Kathmandu awaiting your return flight, associated hotel costs and expenses are strictly your responsibility.
Lobuche Climb Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.
Day Itinerary
1 Arrive KTM
2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day in Kathmandu/Team dinner
3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
4 Trek to Namche
5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche
6 Hike to Tengboche
7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche
8 Hike to Pheriche
9 Rest/acclimatization in Pheriche
10 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp
11 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher
12 Move to Lobuche High Camp
13 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp
14 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp
15 Trek to Everest Base Camp
16 Rest at Everest Base Camp
17 Trek to Pheriche
18 Trek to Namche
19 Trek to Lukla
20 Fly to Kathmandu
21 Fly Home
22 Contingency Day
Note: Unused Contingency Days are not included in the cost of your program however we highly recommend that you factor them in as we have outlined in the itinerary to account for any weather delays etc (given the mountain environment we are in) We suggest buying a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t need those contingency days or push it back as you need to. CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu at the end of your program. If you don’t use your contingency days on the mountain or decide to stay longer in Kathmandu awaiting your return flight, associated hotel costs and expenses are strictly your responsibility.
Everest Camp 2 Climb Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.
Day Itinerary
1 Arrive KTM
2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day/Team dinner
3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
4 Trek to Namche
5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche
6 Hike to Tengboche
7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche
8 Hike to Pheriche
9 Rest/Acclimatization in Pheriche
10 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp
11 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher
12 Move to Lobuche High Camp
13 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp
14 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp
15 Trek to Everest Base Camp
16 Rest at Everest Base Camp
17 Training/Acclimatization
18 Packing/Acclimatization
19 Climb to Camp 1
20 Climb to Camp 2, return to Camp 1
21 Descend to Everest Base Camp
22 Rest/Pack up
23 Descend to Pheriche
24 Descend to Namche
25 Descend to Lukla
26 Fly to Kathmandu
27 Fly Home
28 Contingency Day
29 Contingency Day
30 Contingency Day
Note: Unused Contingency Days are not included in the cost of your program however we highly recommend that you factor them in as we have outlined in the itinerary to account for any weather delays etc (given the mountain environment we are in) We suggest buying a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t need those contingency days or push it back as you need to. CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu at the end of your program. If you don’t use your contingency days on the mountain or decide to stay longer in Kathmandu awaiting your return flight, associated hotel costs and expenses are strictly your responsibility.
Everest Partial Camp 3 Climb Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.
Day Itinerary
1 Arrive KTM
2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day/Team dinner
3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
4 Trek to Namche
5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche
6 Hike to Tengboche
7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche
8 Hike to Pheriche
9 Rest/Acclimatization in Pheriche
10 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp
11 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher
12 Move to Lobuche High Camp
13 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp
14 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp
15 Trek to Everest Base Camp
16 Rest at Everest Base Camp
17 Training/Acclimatization
18 Packing/Acclimatization
19 Climb to Camp 1
20 Climb to Camp 2, return to Camp 1
21 Move to Camp 2
22 Descend to Everest Base Camp
23 Rest
24 Hike to Pumori Camp 1
25 Rest/Pack
26 Climb to Camp 1
27 Climb to Camp 2
28 Touch the base of the Lhotse Face
29 Climb to touch Camp 3, descend to Camp 2
30 Descend to Base Camp
31 Pack/Rest
32 Descend to Pheriche
33 Descend to Namche
34 Descend to Lukla
35 Fly to Kathmandu
36 Fly Home
37 Contingency Day
38 Contingency Day
39 Contingency Day
Note: Unused Contingency Days are not included in the cost of your program however we highly recommend that you factor them in as we have outlined in the itinerary to account for any weather delays etc (given the mountain environment we are in) We suggest buying a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t need those contingency days or push it back as you need to. CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu at the end of your program. If you don’t use your contingency days on the mountain or decide to stay longer in Kathmandu awaiting your return flight, associated hotel costs and expenses are strictly your responsibility.
Our Mt. Everest base camp trek meets in Kathmandu where we obtain our permits, run through gear checks and have a team meeting. Following our time in Kathmandu we fly to Lukla to start the trek. We land at the Hillary runway at roughly 9,000ft/3,000m. From the moment you land in Lukla you will be at altitude. It’s important to take it easy and let your body adjust to the altitude naturally. From here we make our way up the Khumbu valley staying at some of the best teahouses in the region in order to mitigate the stress so you can focus on the climb.
Hygiene is incredibly important to us and we take many precautions to make sure our team avoids getting sick. Despite this, illness can be a fact of life in Nepal so chances are people will at least experience a stomach rumbling at some point during the trek.
Once en route we use a slow, methodical acclimatization strategy to position ourselves for the summit bid. Most treks rush this process and suffer the consequences of altitude illness because of it.
Our base camp is the finest on the mountain. We spare little expense making you feel as comfortable as possible. Our top-notch cooks make you the healthiest food possible with strong hygiene standards.
Gear List: This gear list has been carefully compiled over years of treks and expeditions. Please take it seriously. All of the items on the list are mandatory. If you don’t have all the items on the list you will be required to purchase them in Kathmandu. Please contact us for specific items or more details on items. Specific items change too fast for us to recommend a certain model so it’s best to email us for real-time product info. Please support our partners: We work closely with Mountain Gear out of Washington State in the USA. If you purchase through the link at the bottom of our home page they will give you a discount and they are also available to help you select the right gear if you let them know you are with Climbing the Seven Summits.
- Travel Wallet with passport, cash and travel documents
- Day Pack- 30L
- 1x heavy PVC Duffel Bags with locks
- Passport photos (5)
- Casual Travel Clothes
- Light-weight sneakers for travel and at base camp
- 2 pairs light socks
- Medium weight trekking boots with ankle support
- 2 pairs medium weight trekking socks
- Medium weight gaiters
- 2 pairs of thermal under layers top & bottom: 1 light, 1 medium
- 4 pairs of underwear
- 2 pairs of synthetic climbing pants: 1 light and 1 medium weight
- 1 pair of insulated pants for base camp and Lobuche
- 1 pair of shell pants (water proof with full side zippers and fit over climbing pants)
- 2 medium weight layers: 1 synthetic pile jacket, 1 down or synthetic vest and jacket
- 1 shell jacket
- 1 heavy down parka with hood
- 2 buff neck gaiters
- 2 heavy weight winter hats
- 1 baseball hat/sun hat that protects the neck
- 1 medium weight fleece glove
- 1 heavy weight pair of climbing gloves
- Prescription eyewear
- Trekking Poles
- Pack cover
- 1 Down Sleeping Bag rated to -20F
- 2 headlamps; 1 medium sized and 1 small sized as a backup
- Batteries – Make sure to have enough batteries for your entire trip with spares
- 2x 1 liter water bottles, wide mouth
- Water purification: Iodine tablets, filter or UV treatment
- Book or Kindle/iPad with movies/tv series
- Camera
- Multitool
- Altitude watch
- Sun screen & zinc
- Hand Sanitizer (several small bottles)
- Small Soap
- Small Shampoo
- Trek Towel
- Tooth Brush and Toothpaste
- Nail trimmers
- Baby wipes
- Basic medical kit with high altitude meds should include: blister kit, low dose aspirin, Band-Aids, wound closure strips, triple antibiotic ointment, basic repair kit, scissors, Diamox (acetazolamide, 125mg) for AMS, antacids, NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprophen, anti-diarrheal, duct tape, ear plugs, Antibiotics (upper respiratory such as Azithromycin and a gastro-intestinal such as Ciproflaxin), melatonin, Asthma medication if you use it (Advair), cold and flu medication,
Lobuche Climbers Add:
- Climbing pack – 60 liter like the Hyperlite 3,300
- 1 pair of 8000m mitts
- Hand warmers and electronic boot warmers like Hotronics (optional)
- 2 pairs of Glacier glasses: one spare (must be Cat 4)
- 2 pairs of goggles (1 clear lens, 1 dark lens)
- 1 full face mask that covers all skin on face & can be worn with goggles
- 2 sleeping pads: 1 closed cell foam, 1 inflatable
- Foot warmers (optional)
- Foot power keeps feet dry and warm
- Down booties with a sole
- Lightweight Harness with detachable leg loops like Black Diamond Couloir
- Ascender with single length sling
- 2 extra double-length slings
- 3 locking carabiners and 4 non-locking carabiners
- 30 feet of prusik cord
- Helmet, light weight
- Ice axe – alpine axe that is long enough for walking and has a leash but is lightweight.
- 12 Point Crampons that MUST fit your boots perfectly.
- ATC and/or Figure 8
- Water Bottle Insulators
- Collapsible Cup, bowl, spoon
Camp 2 Climbers Add:
- Snack food: We recommend 5 pounds/2 kilograms of food you know you like to eat while climbing. “GU”, “Nuun”, and shot blocks, granola bars, candy bars, cheese, meat, chocolate, and nuts are excellent.
- High Altitude Medications: niphedepine (for pulmonary edema, time release), dexamethasone (for cerebral edema, 4mg),
- Winter Sorel Type boots for relaxing in cold weather at base camp
Camp 3 Climbers Add:
- 1 down suit or 8,000m top & bottom. Leg zippers, arm pit zippers, rainbow zip butt
- Triple Climbing Boots suitable for above 8000m
- 2 pairs heavy climbing socks to be worn with triple boots
- 1 down sleeping bags: 1 rated to -40F/-40C)
- 1x heavy PVC Duffel Bags with locks
Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!
To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.
Steps:
1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*
*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.
Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.
What’s included/not included in your Mt. Everest base camp trek:
Our treks are fully inclusive except for items/services of a personal nature. Please take note that the following is not included:
- International flights to Kathmandu, Nepal
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Associated travel expenses including: Visa, Passport, Reciprocity Fees, Vaccination Charges, Excess Baggage
- Water for the day on Trek to Base Camp: you may buy directly from stores along the route or from teahouses
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary or additional days before or after the scheduled program
- Personal trekking equipment, clothing, toiletries, snack food, etc.
- Personal sundries including but not limited to; non-team meals while in Kathmandu, personal snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, third party internet, medical expenses, gratuities, email or phone charges, bottled water and boiled water, specialty coffees and bakery items, showers at teahouses
- Sherpa tip pool ($300 for trekkers)
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
- Satellite telephone air charges & 3rd party base camp Wi-Fi
- Costs incurred as a result of events beyond the control of CTSS above and beyond the normal expedition costs
- Required travel insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation etc.)
Each expedition is led by Mike Hamill.
Mike Hamill, lead guide and owner of CTSS, is universally regarded as one of the most experienced and respected high altitude mountaineers and expedition leaders in the world.
He has personally guided thousands of climbers on the Seven Summits and well over 150 climbers have stood atop 8000m peaks, including Everest with him. A guide for over 20 years, he boasts a 91% expedition success rate and an 83% climber summit success rate for all of his expeditions worldwide.
He has stood on top of Everest 6x and currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu. He’s also the author of the guidebook “Climbing the Seven Summits,”
To complement his leadership, Mike has hand-picked a selection of the finest mountaineering professionals from around the world to make up the international CTSS guiding team.
Our team are highly qualified and some of the most highly experienced climbers in the world. Chosen for their attention to detail, safety records along with their fun, genuine and caring personalities, we have no hesitation in saying they are the best. Mike holds the CTSS staff to the same high standards as he holds himself.
Who you choose for expedition organization and leadership is a big deal – it can be the difference between a great expedition and a miserable, potentially dangerous one and you only want the best in your corner. The fact that Mike and his guides have an unprecedented safety record should be a paramount consideration in who you choose to climb with.
Mike and the CTSS team’s love for the mountains and adventure continues in our corporate social responsibility policy. A portion of profits and fundraising climbs are organized every year in support of the “Tiger of the Snows Fund” a not-for-profit that provides grants to further education of mountain tourism workers and their families.
“Great leaders like Mike inspire and lead people to take on challenges and achieve great things.” -Tim Igo
You will quickly notice our Sherpa’s many character traits: hard work, humility, friendliness, gregariousness, not to mention strength.
Our team of Sherpa is simply the cream of the crop and are led by our Sirdar Tendi Sherpa. Tendi is one of the most respected members of the Everest and Lhotse community and has notched a dozen Everest summits on both the south and north sides of the mountain beyond many other summits worldwide. Tendi is an internationally certified guide, co-owns a logistics company based in Kathmandu and is the best in the business.
He holds his team of Sherpa to the same high standard that he holds himself and hand picks only the strongest, most skilled, and trusted Sherpa friends. Some of our Sherpa team are fully internationally IFMGA certified guides and all are incredibly strong and proficient climbers. Tendi and his team will work incredibly hard to make your trek a success and they will become friends for life. Tendi and the Sherpa team go through extensive technical and customer service training before each expedition to make sure their skills at sharp. Our Sherpa are paid higher than any other Sherpa on the mountain because we believe in them and want them to feel happy and taken care of. This will ensure that they do the best job possible for you.
Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.
We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.
We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.
To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.
Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.
We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.
Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.
- The Everest Base Camp Trek is roughly 40 miles each way for a total of around 80 miles start to finish.
- Everest base camp lies at 17,600ft, roughly the same height as high camp on Denali, North America’s tallest peak.
- Everest Base Camp is built on the ice of the Khumbu glacier which stretches over 12km!
- Everest was first climbed in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary
Express Your Interest in Our Expeditions
Everest Base Camp FAQ
Absolutely, you are a valued team member and meeting your needs are just as important to us. Many trekkers worry that they aren’t “fit” enough to be joining a summit climbing team and that they might not be able to keep up or that their concerns will fall to the bottom of the priority list. Rest assured, that is not the case.
All our team/s move at a very manageable pace, slow acclimatization is important for everyone regardless of how much training or experience you have. Our schedule is achievable for everyone and we take plenty of breaks and rest days.
We also staff our treks well to ensure that everyone can keep their own pace and go as fast or as slowly as they chose and still have guidance. Sometimes climbers like to stretch their legs a bit but there is no need to feel rushed or that you must keep up or be together at all times. Everyone’s bodies respond differently and we understand that.
enough staff that everyone can keep their own pace, fast or as slow as you like
Altitude sickness or AMS is a common concern, but you don’t need to worry, or have any prior experience at altitude to be successful. We purposely keep a very slow acclimatization schedule to allow you plenty of time to acclimatize naturally. Slow and steady wins the race as such. We still encourage you to speak to your doctor about your options as there are medications like diamox that help with acclimatization with few side effects that many people find helpful but this is a personal choice.
All of our staff are trained to look for and spot signs of altitude sickness and will manage them immediately.
A few things to look out for are headaches, lack of appetite and shortness of breath. Remember when you are on the trek, there’s no need to push stoically through in silence, tough it out, or worry about holding others back. Please speak up about how you are feeling so we can adjust your pace, schedule etc to ensure your success. There is plenty of room in the itinerary to do that. Afterall, some of the best climbers/trekkers in the world acclimatize slowly, so don’t feel ashamed if you need to take your time.
On the trek to BC we will be eating meals prepared for us by the teahouse staff. We stay at some of the finest teahouses so the food is the best available in the Khumbu. We can cater for dietary requirements but we do need prior notice.
At base camp, our food is the finest on Mt. Everest. Our head chef Kumar has been cooking for Everest expeditions for more than a decade and trains at 5 star hotels in the off-season.
You are welcome and encouraged to bring some of your favorite snacks, although we provide plenty of food and there is opportunity to purchase snacks along the trail, some people find it comforting to have their favorite, familiar treats from home
Yes, if you have not selected the Single Room Upgrade for the majority of the trek the teahouses are twin share.
We stay at the famous “Yak and Yeti” hotel in Kathmandu and in the finest teahouses while trekking to base camp. While at Everest base camp you will be sharing a tent. If you are climbing above base camp, or staying for a prolonged period with our expedition, you will have your own tent at Base Camp (above Base Camp you will share a tent with another climber to reduce the number of dangerous loads the Sherpa need to carry through the treacherous Khumbu Ice fall and for warmth)
In general, trekking packs are relatively light. You will likely be carrying 5lbs – 10lbs (2kg – 5kg) most of the time on the trek into base camp.
If you are climbing you should be prepared to carry your gear for the day and some of your personal gear for the mountain. Sherpa will carry all of the group gear and help with personal gear.
Yes. Trip delay and cancellation, rescue, repatriation, medical insurance is mandatory for this program for your own benefit. We have seen too many times people need to cancel their trip either before or during the trek for reasons such as injury, health, family and business matters. With such a long trip and so much at stake climbers need to be prepared for contingencies.
“Mike, there’s an aura about you that when you’re around everything will be ok. You chose the right profession, and I’m a better person because of it!! Cheers!!” -Bart W
“And I will never forget that you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. For that I will always be grateful to you.” Jason V
“It’s not often that you get to have the privilege of climbing with a world class climber, such as yourself. Wow. And here’s an added bonus… you’re a really nice guy, too… down to earth and not an ounce of pretension. Seriously, we couldn’t have enjoyed our time with you more. You illustrated the utmost level of caution and consideration for the team and not only that, you were a blast to hang out with. Thank you for your patience with me, for pushing me beyond my comfort level, and for your wisdom and care to make it to the top. You taught me a lot about climbing and about myself. I appreciate you tremendously and know that without you, I wouldn’t have made it. This was one hell of a trip and we will always think of you fondly… and hope to climb with you again. Thank you, Mike and enjoy your next adventure.” Angela H
“Mike, we knew by reputation, but I did not expect such a down-to-earth, humble, approachable person. Mike welcomed us and made us feel like we all belonged. He taught us about climbing every day. He encouraged us when we did well and he pointed out our mistakes in a positive way. He made an effort to get to know each of us individually- we were all different people to him, not just a bunch of clients. And on summit morning his leadership and decision making were incredible. Every one of us has incredible respect for Mike. I cannot imagine ever doing something like this again without him.” Doug B
“I had the time of my life on the EBC trek and am so grateful for the opportunity! I truly had lots of fun every day meeting and getting to know people from all over the world, learning about the Nepal culture, eating their food, listening to everyone’s stories (so inspirational), and I felt connected to so many people. The Sherpa, all guides, cooks, staff, and porters were simply the best! No doubt, CTSS employs quality, compassionate, funny, knowledgeable, and inspiring team members to ensure our safety, well-being, and happiness along the journey! Very pleased with the entire CTSS logistics and total operations. Again, thanks to CTSS, I had the joy and best experience of a lifetime! I look forward to returning to Nepal in the near future and continuing my journeys through more treks and mountain climbs around the globe with none other than CTSS!” – Julie M. EBC Trek 2024
Orizaba Express Mexico Trek
Orizaba Express
Difficulty Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Orizaba (formally known as Pico de Orizaba) is North America’s third-tallest peak and a classic climb. Situated in Mexico, it has it all: culture, high mountain huts, stunning views, and the opportunity to get your crampons into plenty of snow and ice. This mountain is easily accessible to just about anyone willing to train and work hard on the climb.
- Climb Mexico’s tallest peak
- Build technical mountaineering skills
- Experience Mexico and its people
- Explore ancient Aztec culture and relics
- Add-on an Ixtaccíhuatl climb to see the sunrise over Popocatépetl (active volcano) and its plume of steam.
Conditions on Orizaba were tougher than normal but under Mike’s leadership and his attention to detail, our entire team summited. Everything was planned perfectly and lifelong friendships were formed‑Kent Stewart
Orizaba is a stratovolcano that sits in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and is just a short flight away from major hubs in the United States.
The beauty of our “Orizaba Express” climb is that it is a high-altitude gem which is very conveniently located and you can do it in just a week. It’s the perfect ascent for time poor people who have limited vacation or those who are preparing to climb Aconcagua or Himalayan peaks. To maximize the trip we have scheduled it so it is book-ended by the weekend.
The climbing consists of mostly moderate glaciated terrain with a few protected steeper sections that involve roped travel, solid cramping and general snow climbing skills. We also take some time to explore the region and meet the locals who are amazingly friendly and welcoming, their culture rich and fascinating not to mention their food is delicious! We have a very close relationship with our local outfitters and staff and consider them like family.
Our Mexican Volcanoes program is high altitude climbing from beginning to end. We fly into Mexico City at 7,382ft/2,250m, so right from the start your body will start adjusting to the rarefied air. Because of this it is paramount to use a slow progression, promote hydration and temperance and watch each other for symptoms of altitude illness.
“Orizaba Express” is one of our shorter expeditions and as such one of our most popular trips because it allows those who are time poor to still get into the mountains. We acclimatize for Orizaba on the neighboring flanks of Ixta (short for Iztaccihuatl) allowing us to see more of the region. However, please note, we don’t intend to summit Ixta, we use it primarily as acclimatization training. This keeps our expedition within that week-long schedule whilst still giving us variety. Ixta is also less glaciated and summit day is long and boring with more objective danger. Summiting Ixta only fatigues our climbers and detracts from the real objective, Orizaba. Orizaba is not only more scenic, it allows us to get into our crampons and cement our technical mountaineering skills.
We have led many trips to Mexico and have stood on the top of Orizaba each time and hope to maintain our 100% success rate for many years to come. You don’t get better odds than that!
This expedition will be organized by Mike Hamill, Owner of Climbing the Seven Summits. Mike has personally guided nearly well over 100 high altitude expeditions, 10 Mt. Everest expeditions, 23 X 8,000m expeditions, has 6 Everest summits, currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu, and has written the guide book to “Climbing the Seven Summits,” making him one of the most experienced guides in the world.
Mike has an impeccable safety record and an unmatched success rate due to his expertise and professionalism and holds all of the CTSS guides to the same high standards as he holds himself.
He knows that his choice of guides is the most important decision factor to continued success so CTSS only employs world-class leaders known for their coal face experience, focus on client care and attention to safety.
Orizaba is a serious undertaking and climbers should be prepared with adequate fitness. Our guides will work with you throughout the expedition to provide logistics, guidance, and information to best ensure your summit success & safety.
Welcome to “Climbing the Seven Summits” Orizaba Express Expedition!
Orizaba is a classic. It’s such a great peak because it offers excellent climbing that is just so accessible and quick being so close to the United States.
I have personally designed our Mexico expedition and it is guided by either myself or my pick of senior mountaineers who have a huge breadth of experience, not just on Orizaba but on all the Seven Summits.
I’m proud to say I’ve had a 100% success rate on climbs under my direct leadership so you can be assured by and have confidence in our CTSS experience, advice and safety standards.
On this trip, we acclimatize on the slopes of Ixta the neighbour of Orizaba. This allows us to take in more of the vast scenery Mexico has to offer, experience more of the Mexican flare, and to allow our climbers more time to acclimatize properly, thus increasing our chance of success.
We look forward to helping you achieve success on this expedition. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly regarding the expedition if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Mike Hamill
Owner and Lead Guide, Climbing the Seven Summits
Expedition Options (Schedule and Prices)
At CTSS we offer a variety of different climb options to customize your Orizaba experience to your climbing style and ability:
Orizaba Express Guided Climb
January 9 – 15, 2026: $3,395 USD
This is our most popular option. This expedition is our traditional guided team climb, which ascends the stunning Northern Route. For a detailed overview of the trip from an objective source, have a read of this great article by mountaineer Laura Lisowski.
Provided are guidance, leadership, and expedition oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill, local guides, logistics, team gear, food, and support for a summit attempt on Orizaba. All prices are in US Dollars. CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. Please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy for more information.
All payments once submitted are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
2 Day Ixtaccíhuatl Add-On Climb
$795 USD
Day 7: Transfer to Paso de Cortes and climb to Ixta high camp
Day 8: Summit Ixta and descend to Paso de Cortes and overnight in Amecameca/celebration dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Mexico City for flights home
On Mountain Porterage 2 Days – $1,000
Our Orizaba expeditions are self-carrying, and there are two days in particular, moving to high camp and descending from high camp, on which pack weights can be heavy. If you would like additional support, we encourage you to do so and contribute to the local economy by employing a porter.
This includes up to 20kg | 44 pounds of weight carried on your behalf.
Mexico Volcanoes Private Climb:
1:1 Client to Guide Private Climb with local guide: $8,995
2:1 Client to Guide Private Climb with local guide: $6,995 per person
1:1 Private Climb with Western/International guide: $14,995
2:1 Private Climb with Western/International guide: $9,995 per person.
Having your own private guide climbing with you can be an indispensable advantage! A private guide allows you to dictate the schedule, amend it depending on how you’re feeling, customize a program, and a private guide can coach you throughout the expedition, give you valuable feedback, be available if there are any medical issues, and make your climbing experience more enjoyable overall. Although summits a obviously never guaranteed but this is a great way to stack the odds in your favor.
All prices are in US Dollars.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. Please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy for more information.
All payments once submitted are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
Orizaba Speed Ascent w/ Private Guide and Hypoxic Pre-acclimatization Chamber
(Please contact us directly for dates and prices)
CTSS offers select climbers our “Speed Ascent” option which employs state-of-the-art technology to allow you to summit in less time. If you are short on time and want to make the round trip safely but as quickly as possible, this is the ideal option. We use a time-tested training program in conjunction with the use of a portable hypoxic altitude chamber to pre-acclimate your body to the rarefied air found at altitude. This option is perfect for those who want to minimize time away from home while still stacking the odds in their favor for summit success.
If you think this option may be right for you please contact us directly and we will work with you on a personalized plan to allow our “Speed Ascent” Program to maximize results for you.
This expedition provides a Private guide at a 1:1 ratio, logistical oversight by expedition leader Mike Hamill, logistics, food, team gear, and support for a summit attempt on Orizaba. Whether you’re a less experienced climber or have climbed at altitude many times before, our speed ascent private climb with 1:1 Private Guide will give you the best chance at standing on top of Orizaba in less time than the normal expedition.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. Please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy for more information.
All payments once submitted are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
Single rooming option: $500
We are happy to organize single rooming accommodations throughout the expedition for you. If you aren’t price sensitive, you snore or you are easily awakened by others that do snore this might be a great option.
We feel that having a single room helps climbers stay healthy and adds a bit of comfort and personal space that can go a long way. If you would like a single rooming option please let us know.
Please note that tent accommodations on the mountain are double-occupancy for safety and warmth.
All prices are in US Dollars.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. For more information, please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy.
All payments, once submitted, are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
- Pico de Orizaba is a stratovolcano and the tallest peak in Mexico standing at 18,880ft
- The volcano is currently dormant but not extinct, with the last eruption taking place during the 19th century
- Mexico City is built on the ruins of an Aztec city.
- Mexico has a population of 10 million
- Orizaba has also been called Citlaltépetl which means “Star Mountain”, “Cerro de San Andrés” and a third name, Poyauhtecatl, which means “the one that illuminates”
- It has so much prominence it can be seen from the Gulf of Mexico
Best expedition at a great value: CTSS believes in providing our clients with the highest quality service in the industry at a great value. Climbing and trekking is our passion, and our goal is to share these unique places and experiences with you. We want you to feel good about your experience because we believe word-of-mouth is the best advertising, and that begins with satisfied customers. There is a difference between our expeditions and those of our competitors, especially local cut-rate options. In choosing us, you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from many Kilimanjaro expeditions, well over 100 high altitude expeditions, and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value.
We are a modestly sized guide service with highly personalized service: We maintain a moderate size so that we can tailor our Orizaba climbing experience to you. Not all climbers are the same, which is why Mike Hamill will work with you directly to make sure you choose only the programs that are right for you.
The best route: CTSS climbs northern route on Orizaba. By using this route, we provide you with the highest chance of success and give you the best climbing experience available on the mountain. This is due to the more relaxed terrain and greater amount of time for acclimatization en route to the summit. This route offers a stunning glaciated ascent of the peak and some of the best mountain vistas in North America. We climb through a variety of different ecological zones and take in the local culture along the way. You will see when you’re on the mountain that there’s no better way to climb the peak.
Mexican culture: We take time on our first day in Mexico City to see some of the best cultural sites the country has to offer. If you’re a fan of Aztec history then this is a great experience for you. Beyond the sights in and around Mexico City we immerse ourselves in Mexico eating and staying and eating at some of the best and most quintessentially Mexican places in the region.
Leadership: As expedition leader, Mike’s almost unparalleled experience base at high altitude can make the difference between success and failure. Let Mike guide you through the many nuances of climbing Orizaba that will allow you to be successful. From start to finish, he will work with you to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to reach your goal of standing on top of Mexico. Often being able to trouble shoot problems before they occur can make the difference, and this is where Mike’s vast experience becomes crucial. See Mike’s success rate.
Best guides: The quality of an expedition is, in large part, dictated by the individual guide(s) leading the trip. CTSS hires only the finest guides operating at the highest standards for client care who are highly trained, well respected in the industry, and close friends that we trust. The have excellent personalities and are some of the most experienced professionals in the world. Mike and the rest of our guides are strong leaders who maintain high standards. Our guides make our company what it is and have extensive resumes of personal climbs, high altitude guiding, and certifications. All our lead guides maintain at least a Wilderness First Responder medical standard. Our local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles.
Safety: Our primary goal at CTSS is safety. We have an unparalleled safety record and our clientele’s wellbeing factors in to every decision we make while on expeditions. Although we like to stand on the top of mountains more than anyone, we believe that climbing is a round trip endeavor and getting you back to your loved ones safely is paramount. We take many safety precautions including bringing multiple communication devices, high altitude safety equipment, medical kits, and the highest quality gear to ensure a safe environment in which to climb.
Success: Success rates on expeditions under Mike’s leadership are among the best in the business. Mike has maintained a 100% expedition success rate for expeditions under his direct guidance on Orizaba. This is a testament to our quality of service and attention to detail. Mike and our team of guides are incredibly proud of their summit success and work hard to get their clients to the top. As Mike says, “You can’t buy a summit, but you can buy better odds.” With our expertise, experience and infrastructure, you can stack those odds in your favor. We offer a longer acclimatization progression for proper acclimatization to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness. Many guide services race their clients up the mountain, especially local companies, to cut corners on costs. We are highly invested in our reputation for safety and success and are always striving to improve our programs to maintain our hard-earned status. Decision making in the mountains is supremely important, and our guides are the best in the business, have a hunger to summit whenever it’s safe to do so, and have a proven track record. All of our programs acclimatize conservatively to mitigate the risk of having altitude issues and to give them the highest chance of success.
You! Why choose us? Because of you! We consistently attract the best clients and believe this is because we offer the highest quality expedition at a great value. Our clientele takes the time to educate themselves about their options and choose us because of this. We feel that surrounding yourself with the right people will make you successful, and that goes for guide service owners, guides, and even those with whom you climb. Having a team with the right attitude and camaraderie is a key factor in making you successful.
Logistics: We have led countless high altitude expeditions and have perfected the logistics, allowing you to focus on climbing, safety and success. We eat well and live well on expedition. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while on your climb or safari to not be distracted from the task at hand. We feel that these creature-comforts go a long way to making your time in the backcountry enjoyable. We strive to work with the best local outfitters and provide the best local logistics hands down.
Updates: In today’s connected world people want to know how things are going on expedition. CTSS maintains regular updates on our blog to keep friends and families informed. This can relieve a lot of the stress loved ones have when you’re away on climbing. We want to make the climb as stress-free for both the climber and the folks back home.
Professional Business Practices: Running a professional guide service that you feel comfortable putting your trust in is important to us. We comply with all local, state, federal and international laws. We hope that this makes you feel more confident about choosing us and our programs.
Enjoyment: This is your vacation, and you’re here to have a good time. Our goal is to give you the experience of a lifetime, inspire you in the mountains, and to have a great time doing it. This, again, comes back to our guides; they all have great personalities, and their love for the mountain is contagious.
Low client to guide ratio: We operate all of our trips at a low client to guide ratio which offers you a better, safer, and more personalized experience.
“Again, thanks for an awesome adventure. It’s the people, the friendship and the camaraderie that make up for more than half of the experience. Thanks for being so great!! and getting me up and down that hill safely. I look forward to climbing with you again in the future.” Jason V
“Thank you again for the trip of a lifetime” -Rick B
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Climbing Orizaba requires solid fitness and an ability to perform well at altitude, but it is not beyond the abilities of many people who are willing to train for the climb and work hard on the trip. Prior use of crampons and an ice axe is preferred but not mandatory as we will do a brief snow school for those with experience to touch up their skills and for others to become familiar. If you want to join this expedition but feel unsure of your ability, chat to us as we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb as we take immense pride in helping people achieve their goals.
The following is a sample daily schedule of our Orizaba Express climb:
- Day 1: Arrive Mexico and transfer to hotel for gear checks and briefing/team dinner
- Day 2: Transfer to Tlachichuca and get settled in
- Day 3: Acclimatization hike on slopes of Orizaba
- Day 4: Move to mountain hut and acclimatization hike above hut
- Day 5: Move to high camp
- Day 6: Summit and descend to Tlachichuca
- Day 7: Transfer to Mexico City and afternoon flights home
Check the gear list. Pack and repack to make sure you know your gear. The gear on the gear list is mandatory to allow you to have a safe, successful climb as well as your entire team. Any questions we’re here to help.
For a complete gear list with descriptions and links to actual recommended items please see our Bolivia gear list page at:
Travel Gear:
- Travel Wallet: It should sling over your shoulder and lay discreetly next to your body
- Passport, cash and travel documents: Make sure to have a print out of all travel documents, pen, plenty of csh for the trip, and your passport handy.
- Sneakers: Light weight sneakers for travel and at base camp
- 2 pairs light socks: For use with sneakers.
- Day pack: Light weight 30 liter pack doubles as a carry on and a trekking pack
- 2 Duffel Bags: Heavy PVC duffel bags hold up to abuse and pack well on donkeys and in jeeps.
- 1 small duffel: to leave city clothes in at the hotel. Please no rolling duffels. Your duffels will be carried by porters and donkeys and rolling duffels make this very difficult for them and are much heavier.
- 3 Locks for Duffel bags: It is best to not tempt anyone into going through your gear so one lock per duffel is smart. TSA-type locks that customs officials can access and re-lock are handy as are zipties that can be cut off and put back on easily. Duffel locks are good for locking bags stored at the hotel or while on the donkeys/porters while climbing.
- Passport photos (3)
You will need at least 1 for your Visas and it’s always good to have a few extra. - Casual Travel Clothes: Several days will be spent in transit, in Mexico City, driving to base camp and at base camp so it is nice to have some casual clothes to travel in.
- Hotel vouchers if laying over en route to Mexico: If you have extended layovers make sure to pre-book a hotel and print out the voucher. Our travel agent can help you with this.
Lower Body:
- Medium weight trekking boots: Comfortable boots with plenty of ankle support and warmth to trek to base camps and ascend to high camps.
- 4 pairs of climbing socks, synthetic or wool: 2 medium weight for lower altitudes, and 2 heavier weight for summit days. They must not be too tight when used with climbing boots.
- Double climbing boots: Warm plastic double boots such as the Scarpa Inverno, La Sportiva Spantik, and La Sportiva Baruntse are ideal. Triple Boots are overkill and will be too warm. Single leather boots are not enough for the summit days!
- Medium weight gaiters: Must fit your boots. They will be used trekking to base camp, higher camps, and on the summit days.
- Chemical foot warmers: Optional, if needed. Some people use foot warmers for high altitude climbing and swear by them, others don’t. If you get cold feet you should seriously consider purchasing a pair of boot warmers and fitting them to your boots. They could prevent you from needing to turn around on summit day with cold feet.
- Foot powder: Foot power keeps feet dry and warm and can really help on summit day.
- Down booties: These are great for walking around base camp and at the upper camps. Try to find something light weight with a sole.
- 2 pairs of long johns: 1 thin and 1 medium weight. They will be worn underneath climbing pants so make sure the climbing pants will fit over them.
- 6 pairs of underwear: 3 pairs of synthetic underwear for climbing, 3 pairs cotton underwear for off mountain use. Three pairs of each for travel and on the mountain should be sufficient.
- 2 pairs of synthetic climbing pants: 1 thin and 1 medium weight. They need to fit over the synthetic under layers. Scholler type pants or quick drying zip-off pants are both great options.
- Jeans: For travel and base camp
- 1 pair of Goretex type full-zippered shell pants
These must be full zipper and should be light weight. They need to fit over your synthetic under layer and climbing pant combination to layer for warmth. They must be waterproof and breathable.
Upper body:
- Casual shirts for travel and base camp
- 2 synthetic under layers: 1 light, 1 medium. These must fit underneath your mid weight layers. The light one will be for lower on the mountain and the medium weight for up higher. A zippered collar is a nice option to have.
- 2 medium weight layers: 1 synthetic pile jacket, 1 down or synthetic vest. These two layers must be able to be worn in unison over the synthetic under layer and underneath the Shell jacket and down jacket. They should be light and one should have a hood.
- 1 waterproof shell jacket: This need to fit over your medium weight pile layers and be light weight, waterproof, and breathable.
- 1 mid-weight down jacket: This is to be worn at base camp, higher camps, and on the summit days. It must be able to layer over your other layers and have a hood. It doesn’t need to be an 8,000m parka but should be the step just below.
Head and Hands:
- 2 buff neck gaiters: These can be worn on the dusty drives to base camp to avoid sickness and on the mountain to warm and humidify the air.
- 1 face mask: A full face mask that can cover all of the skin on your face when used in unison with goggles is a necessity for cold, windy days.
- 2 heavy weight winter hats
- 1 sun/baseball hat: A sun hat that protects the neck is a great addition to your gear for trekking and on the mountain.
- 1 light weight fleece/synthetic liner gloves: These may be used on their own or underneath the warmer glove and mitten layers
- 1 medium weight fleece/ski glove: These will be used on their own lower on the mountain
- 1 heavy weight pair of climbing gloves: These can be used on their own or with a lighter pair of fleece liners higher on the mountain when climbing in cold weather. They are required gear and should be warm enough to climb to the summit in. Gloves have more dexterity than mittens for manipulating gear so they should be warn as much as possible as long as your hands are warm.
- 1 heavy weight pair of down mitts: These are used as a back up pair if you were to drop a glove or if it is extremely cold and you need a layer warmer than heavy climbing gloves. They should fit over a lighter fleece liner glove.
- Hand warmers: Like foot warmers, some people use hand warmers, others don’t. If you get cold hands you should consider bringing them although they don’t burn very warm due to the low oxygen at higher altitudes needed for the chemical reaction to take place.
- 2 pairs of Glacier glasses (one spare): These must block out as much light as possible and be the darkest level of protection (Cat 4). Removable side shields are useful. Bring a spare pair in case one is lost or broken.
- 2 pairs of goggles: 1 clear lens and 1 dark lens. The light pair will be worn on summit night when it is dark if it is really cold and windy, and the dark pair the rest of the climb. They both should block UVA/UVB and fans are quite effective.
- Prescription eyewear: If you wear prescription eye wear make sure to figure out how you will deal with tis on the mountain when it is cold, dusty, and windy. Many people purchase prescription glacier glasses and goggles to use up high and use glasses and contacts down low.
- Sunscreen: SPF 30 or so is good with Zinc in it.
Personal Gear:
- Trekking Poles: These must be collapsible and fit in your duffel bags. A medium sized snow basket is recommend.
- 80L climbing pack: This pack will be used on the mountain. It must be lightweight and fit your back. Since we need to carry a load to high camp on Ixta and carry that same gear back down again we need a large pack.
- Pack cover: This is convenient for the trekking to base camp and upper camps. It must fit your pack.
- Umbrella: An umbrella is nice to have for the trip to base camps. Buy a large one with a long handle.
- 1 sleeping bag: 1 rated to 0F or -10F: The should be made of down and light weight.
- 2 sleeping pads: 1 closed cell foam, 1 inflatable. They will be used together at the mountain camps. They should be light weight and have a high R-value.
- 2 headlamps; 1 medium sized and 1 small sized as a backup both with extra batteries. The main headlamp must be bright but light weight and the other will be used as a back up. Bring extra batteries for both.
- Batteries: 8 AA batteries and 8 AAA batteries depending on what your electronics use. Make sure to have enough batteries for all your electronics and gadgets.
- 2 litre water bottles, wide mouth Nalgene-type.
- 2 water bottle covers (jackets): These must fit over your water bottles and be as insulating as possible.
- 1 litre thermos (optional): This will be used high on the mountain to make sure you always have unfrozen water. Make sure it insulates well and doesn’t leak. It is also nice for carrying hot tea on the route with you.
- Snack food: We will provide lunches (and of course breakfasts and dinners) but be sure to bring enough palatable personal snack food as you will need on the mountain. We recommend 2 pounds/1 kilograms. It needs to be palatable when you don’t want to eat at altitude. Specialty items such as “Gu”, “Nuun”, and shot blocks are excellent.
- Water purification (optional): Iodine tablets, filter or UV treatment. We will boil all the water you will need to drink while on the trip. However, since it is boiled it takes a while to cool. If you want cold water then bring personal water purification. You can buy bottles water while in town, but it is nice to not create more trash than necessary and save some money. Don’t pack bottled water in your bags because the extra weight gets expensive when hiring mules and bottles can break. We don’t recommend drinking un-purified water out of the tap in Mexico.
- Books: Bring one or two and we will be able to share them around to save weight.
- Camera: Lightweight is good for the mountain but you can bring a heavier one for the drive and in to base camps. Make sure to bring plenty of storage and your battery charger. Many people just bring their Iphones on climbs now.
- Multitool: Good for around camp but make sure not to cut yourself with the knife!
- Toilet paper (1 roll): Toilet Paper will be provided once we arrive at base camp. It’s nice to have one roll for the upper camps.
- Altitude watch: Knowing your altitude is important in the mountains. Everyone should have an altitude watch.
- Sun screen: SPF 30 or higher. Make sure to bring enough for the entire expedition.
- Hand Sanitizer: Bring several small bottles to keep in your pocket at all times and one or two medium bottles for use at camps.
- Tooth Brush and Toothpaste
- Nail trimmers
- Baby wipes: These are invaluable while at the mountain camps for cleaning up.
- Basic medical kit: Should include: blister kit, low dose aspirin, bandaids, wound closure strips, triple antibiotic ointment, basic repair kit, scissors, diamox (acetezolomide, 125mg) for AMS, niphedepine (for pulmonary edema, time release), dexamethazone (for cerebral edema, 4mg), antacids, NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, anti-diarrhoea, duct tape, ear plugs, Antibiotics (upper respiratory such as Azithromycin and a gastrointestinal such as Ciproflaxin), melatonin, Asthma medication if you use it (Advair), cold and flu medication,
Climbing Gear:
- Harness: This should be lightweight and have detachable leg loops.
- -1 locking carabiners and 2 non-locking carabiners
- Helmet: There are a few sections with rock fall and ice fall.
- Ice axe: Bring an alpine axe that is long enough for walking and has a leash.
- Crampons: 12 point crampons that MUST fit your boots perfectly. Once we get on the mountain there is no option to change crampons so a proper fit is crucial. We will double-check the fit during the gear checks.
Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!
To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.
Steps:
1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*
*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.
Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.
Included:
- Guides
- Hotels
- Transportation: All group transportation while on the expedition. If you depart early then the added expenses for transport, lodging, rescue, and evacuation is your own responsibility.
- Food: While we’re on the mountain all of the food (dinners, breakfasts, snacks/lunch) will be provided but it’s best to supplement as usual with a few pounds of your favorite snack and climbing food. Make sure it’s palatable up high.
- All Group Gear: Four season tents, cooking gear, group duffels, stoves, etc.
- Satellite Phone: Available to clientele at $3/min
- 1 drink per meal
Not Included:
- Flights to and from Mexico
- Any extensions prior or post the specified itinerary (however we can help you plan these add ons)
- Personal gear: all personal climbing gear is the responsibility of the client
- In the event of a rescue, evacuation, or early departure from the group, any rescue expenses incurred or excess expenses above and beyond our normal trip costs including transport, hotels, evacuation, flight changes, and gear shipping are the responsibility of the client.
- Guide Tip (Customary but optional)
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
- Snack food: We will have some snacks/lunches for the team but we always recommend bringing about 3lbs of snack food that you know you like and will be bale to eat at altitude when you’re not hungry.
- Bar tabs
Mike Hamill oversees each Orizaba expedition and leads many of them personally.
Mike Hamill, lead guide and owner of CTSS, is universally regarded as one of the most experienced and respected high altitude mountaineers and expedition leaders in the world.
He has personally guided thousands of climbers on the Seven Summits and well over 150 climbers have stood atop 8000m peaks, including Everest with him. A guide for over 20 years, he boasts a 91% expedition success rate and an 83% climber summit success rate for all of his expeditions worldwide.
He has stood on top of Everest 6x and currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu. He’s also the author of the guidebook “Climbing the Seven Summits,”
To complement his leadership, Mike has hand-picked a selection of the finest mountaineering professionals from around the world to make up the international CTSS guiding team.
Our team are highly qualified and some of the most highly experienced climbers in the world. Chosen for their attention to detail, safety records along with their fun, genuine and caring personalities, we have no hesitation in saying they are the best. Mike holds the CTSS staff to the same high standards as he holds himself.
Who you choose for expedition organization and leadership is a big deal – it can be the difference between a great expedition and a miserable, potentially dangerous one and you only want the best in your corner. The fact that Mike and his guides have an unprecedented safety record should be a paramount consideration in who you choose to climb with.
Mike and the CTSS team’s love for the mountains and adventure continues in our corporate social responsibility policy. A portion of profits and fundraising climbs are organized every year in support of the “Tiger of the Snows Fund” a not-for-profit that provides grants to further education of mountain tourism workers and their families.
“Great leaders like Mike inspire and lead people to take on challenges and achieve great things.” -Tim Igo
Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.
We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.
We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.
To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.
Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.
We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.
Mountaineer Laura Lisowski details her climb with CTSS on Orizaba:
“I’ve had the pleasure of climbing with Mike on several expeditions over the past 12 years from Antarctica to Alaska to Russia to Everest. Not only is he one of the most respected mountain guides in the world, he is as fine a person as you will ever meet. There is no one I would rather have on my team should something go wrong on a big mountain. I was fortunate to be on Mike’s first Climbing the Seven Summits expedition last month on Orizaba and it was flawless” -Kent Stewart
Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.