A fierce determination and a burning desire to climb the mountain are the essential pre-requisites for joining this expedition. One must have done a few high altitude treks and must have climbed some glaciated peaks above 6000m. One needs to be familiar with walking in snow and ice and must have a good standard of fitness. You should be familiar with Ice Axe arrest and crampon skills, the use of ascenders (jumar) and descenders, and how to use your particular harness.

You have full support till base camp which means you only carry a back pack till BC. We encourage climbers to carry a little more weight than just a back pack as it helps higher up on the climb but it is optional.  Above base camp the sherpa team puts all the fixed ropes and hauls all the common gear - food, fuel, tents etc

All climbers are expected to carry all their personal gear with them - climbing eqpt/ clothing/ sleeping bag/ mattress etc. We also do a couple of load ferries on the way up. On the way down we normally bring it all in one go. 

At high camps - Food & water is prepared by the guides & sherpa team. If someone wants to help with shoveling snow/ pitching tents etc he/ she is welcome but again it is optional. 

Having very high fitness levels is essential and climbers would need to train considerably for these climbs. Besides being physically fit and having the climbing skills, you need to have the proper attitude and mental discipline. You will need to be willing to work hard day after day, with no comforts. You may need to dig deep into your reserves after a long day of climbing in bad weather to help set up camp, help a team member. organise your tent, change into dry clothes and be ready for another such day. We would be melting snow to make water at high camps (5-6 days) and will have simple food to survive on.

Apart from the mental strength having a positive attitude and the ability to get along well with strangers in stressful situations is very important. You would be sharing a lot of time with your tent partners especially if we are waiting out bad weather. Having good manners and hygiene would be important. Everyone must learn patience and relax! At high camps tou could be paired up with a person of a different gender and hence you could be required to give even more private time & space to your tent mate. 

7-10 days on the mountain would be very demanding but high motivation can overcome most of the difficulties. Waiting out storms and bad weather is quite difficult, especially at high altitude. Everyone must learn patience and relax!  Some weight loss is inevitable If you are not prepared, you may not be allowed to continue the climb.

Internal Flights: Please note that poor weather can cause delays on the flights on Kathmandu-Lukla sector. At the end of the trip you should book the afternoon flights out from Kathmandu which gives you a day against delay on the flight back from Lukla. Helicopters can sometimes fly when the scheduled fixed wing aircraft cannot. If your group is offered the opportunity to use a chartered helicopter, either flying up to Lukla or back to Kathmandu, the cost will be shared between those choosing to take this option. In the extremely unlikely event that flight cancellations cause you to miss your homeward international flight, we will render all assistance, but cannot be held liable for any extra costs incurred. You could explore having an insurance for your flight cancellations.