PEAK CLIMBING QUESTION/ANSWERS

PEAK CLIMBING QUESTION/ANSWERS

What is Trekking peak?

Trekking Peaks are the mountain that can be approached in a day to the summit from their base camp including a return to the basecamp. Trekking peaks are generally between 5000m to 7000m. The climbing permits for these peaks can be obtained from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). These peaks are also called NMA Trekking Peaks.

Who can climb a peak?

There are no restrictions to obtain a climbing permit and anyone with appropriate fitness and skills can attempt a peak climbing. Climbing difficulty varies for different mountains and routes. Non-technical climbs can be attempted by a fit trekker with little or no climbing experience. For technical climbs, one needs to have an appropriate level of climbing experience.

I have never climbed before. Can I go for peak climbing?

There is always the first time for everything including peak climbing. There are non-technical peaks, which can be climbed safely by a fit trekker and even slightly technical peaks can be attempted by a novice climber with a professional climbing guide.

What are the physical fitness criteria to climb a peak in Nepal?

To climb high elevation peak the health and fitness is a paramount criterion. The level of fitness required is proportional to peak elevation and route difficulty and length.

What is a climbing permit?

Climbing Permit for trekking peaks is a legal document issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association authorizing the climber to attempt the climb on designated peak or route. Attempting a climb without a permit is illegal.

Do I need a climbing permit?

Yes, climbing permits are required to climb any peak above 5000m and it is illegal to do so without a climbing permit.

Who will lead me during climbing?

A licensed, trained, and experienced Climbing Sherpa Guide will lead you while Peak Climbing.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, rescue insurance is required while climbing.

Which is the best season for peak climbing?

n general August to November and March to May are two climbing seasons in Nepal.

Do I need to join a climbing group?

There is no legal requirement to join the climbing group however climbing solo is an unsafe practice. It is recommended to hire the guide even for simple routes.

What will be the food and accommodation?

During the access trek, you will be accommodated in a lodge/teahouse; once in the basecamp you will be assigned a tent and your climbing Sherpa will prepare high altitude food; all your climbing gear and food for the climb will be carried by the porter up to the base camp.

How much time is generally required for trekking peak?

It varies for different peaks and weather conditions. Generally, most of the trekking peaks require one or two days to summit from the basecamp. The access time also varies and depends on peak location and peak elevation.

How difficult are the trekking peaks?

It depends on the geographic layout of Trekking Peak. There is a variety of peaks available ranging from non-technical or slightly technical to technical and very highly technical routes.

Is there any age limit for trekking Peaks Climbing?

Children below 18 are Restricted for Peak Climbing in Nepal. 

What are the sources of drinking water supply during Peak Climbing?

On most of the treks, bottled water is available. There are also purified/filtered water stations in many lodges. The boiled water is also available in the lodges and the camp kitchen.

Where do we eat our meals?

On popular trails, you will stay in lodges and guest houses and the meals will be cooked for you from available continental menu meals as well as soups and noodles and rice dishes; on some routes, there are limited choices and on some remote routes only local Nepali Dal Bhat and curry or instant noodle soups are available. In the basecamp, your Sherpa guide will prepare meals for you from instant dry meals.

Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

It all depends on the area with most of the trekking routes having local VHF Phones; increasingly more places get mobile coverage of varied capacity; in remote communication is not available or is very limited so the only option would be a satellite phone.

What type of shoes or boots should I wear?

You need comfortable trekking shoes preferably with Gore-Tex style lining for ultimate comfort and thick Vibram soles to have a comfortable walk on rocky paths. On snow routes, you will also require crampons, climbing harness, and on many climbs the ice-ax.

What problems can arise on altitude?

At high altitude, your cardio-pulmonary system is affected by low oxygen density and you can suffer from general breathing difficulties to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as well as your skin is susceptible to sunburn if not protected by clothes or sunblock. The AMS is preventable through appropriate trekking pace and undertaking acclimatization.

What type of insurance should I have? Where can I obtain the insurance?

You need to obtain travel insurance before you arrive in Kathmandu. Your insurance should cover rescue insurance and it should allow the expense of helicopter supported medevac. Nowadays such policies are readily available through many airfare booking agents. Try ihi.com if you cannot find your insurance.

What is the cost of Peak Climbing?

The cost depends on the peak you wish to climb and the number of climbers in the group. The cost of the climb consists of trekking cost, transportation costs (airfare or surface transportation), equipment and staff requirements, climbing duration, and permit costs. Please contact us.