Introduction To Mountaineering Skills

The course will be conducted by a highly qualified and certified mountaineering instructor with a support of a local crew. Specifically on the mountaineering side, participants will learn about the effects of altitude on the body, the importance of acclimatization, weather and snow conditions, avalanche awareness and how to travel on steep terrain, snow, ice and glaciers. There will also be an introduction to specialist equipment, including ice-axe, crampons, ropes etc., and their proper and safe use to enable the ascent of both rock and glaciated peaks, at an appropriately straightforward level of technical difficulty. We will also consider aspects such as planning for a climb (not only technical planning but also for domestic arrangements, food, dietary and health considerations etc.), day-to-day decision making in high mountain scenarios and handling emergency situations in difficult and remote locations.

Certificate For Accomplishment

Upon completion of the trek and climb, participants will be awarded ad certificate of Accomplishment, as a proper recognition of their achievement, as a record of the completion of a course in Basic Mountaineering Skills and as a souvenir of what will be a truly memorable experience in the mountains of Nepal.

Trek Educational Content

Apart from the more obvious aspects of a trek and climb in Nepal (see the trek outline above) it is also worth considering the more specific elements involved in such a venture from an educational point of view. A complete range of academic interests can be catered for which can make this trip a valuable resource in itself and these areas of interest can be then be looked at from different standpoint: pre-departure (planning), on trek (participation and observation) post-trek (assimilation and post trek presentation). Such matter will be available from, literally, Agriculture to Zoology! For further suggestions and guidance for interested school and college groups, a separate information sheet is available from Explore Himalaya.

Trek Grade And Fitness

The trek itself will involve 10 days of walking at increasingly high altitudes. Because of the need to acclimatise properly there will be a number of days when we do not move camp and simply do a short local walk and some days when we move camp but may only do 3 or 4 hours of trekking. And most of the days will be on good, well-graded paths, a part of the huge network that links all the settlements in the mountains of Nepal. These paths are frequently used by local people travelling to market, for visiting friends in other villages and for herding yaks and goats and goats and all adding to the interest and colour of the trek. Some of the earlier days at lower levels will be full days walking but the higher we go, the whole tempo of things slows down as we have to adjust to the altitude and have more time to relax and enjoy the fantastic environment. Only as we approach and then climb Yala Peak will need more effort as the effect of altitudes in excess of 4500m is felt. You will find it very easy to slow down and to take it nice and easily! Technically the mountain is straightforward and is over terrain that requires no previous experience of mountaineering skills: any training that is required, for example, in the use of crampons to walk on snow and ice, will be given on the acclimatisation days before reaching the higher parts of the mountain. The ascent simply needs a degree of stamina, determination and the willingness to walk at a slow, measured pace and the summit will be yours!

The trek to and from the peak is a wonderful experience in itself so if at any stage you decide not to do the climb, you will still have accomplished a superb and worthwhile expedition.

Trekking Life

One of the great joys of trekking in Nepal is the simple routine of day-to-day life away from the hustle and bustle of city life with only simple questions like "What if for lunch today" and "Where are we going tomorrow" to worry about! The Sherpas, cook team and porters are there to make your trek as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

The day usually starts at about 6am with hot tea brought to your tent followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. After packing your bags ready for the porters or pack animals to start for the next camp, there is a cooked breakfast of porridge followed by omelettes, fired or scrambled eggs with chappatis or bread; there will also be muesli, honey, jam, peanut butter, etc. together with tea and coffee. In fact, take it easy as you do not want to walk on too full stomach!

The morning's walk is usually about 3 to 4 hrs duration and all you need to carry is your camera, water bottle, sun-cream, and hat, may be a spare jacket or sweater as we get higher, etc. Not a lot! And there is always plenty of time to complete the walk so everybody can walk at their own pace, rest when they want, top for photos etc. A good rest and a cooked lunch is followed by usually a shorter afternoon followed by usually a shorter afternoon walk. Sometimes we will have reached camp at lunch time so the afternoon can be spent relaxing, exploring the locality or perhaps doing a bit of washing! Whatever, tea and biscuits will be available later in the afternoon and a full 3 course dinner will follow at about 6-7 pm. People normally head off for their sleeping bags at about 9 or 10, depending on what entertainment the group has come up with during the evening!

Climate

The October and November post Monsoon trekking season gives the most reliable and stable weather, typically clear days with superb visibility (bring plenty of film!) with day time temperatures in the mountains ideal for walking and climbing. At night, above 3 to 3500m, we can expect frosts with temperatures at over 400 m down to -410 or -15 degree Celsius. This is not unduly uncomfortable as it is a very 'dry' cold and suitable clothing and sleeping bags makes things very pleasant. The pre-Monsoon season of March and April has the advantage of generally warmer temperatures but a daily build-up of clouds will tend to obscure some views during the afternoon with the chance of a shower as well. Once the sun descends the clods clear to reveal rosey tints on the peaks and high snowfields at the end of the day..

Accommodation

In Kathmandu accommodation will be good quality hotels, in twin rooms with en suite facilities, satellite TV, with mini-bar and all the expected hotel services. On trek, we will be camping two to a ten, using proven, quality mountain tents with fly sheets and sewn-in ground sheets. There will also be a mess tent and toilet tents.

Food

Food in Kathmandu ranges from Nepali delicacies to Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, American etc. the choice is yours! We can recommend a range of excellent and reliable restaurants. On trek we ensure as much variety as possible with a mix of Asian and Western menus, including a cooked breakfast, lunch and a 3 course evening meal. We use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain remarkable high standards of health over many years of trek organization - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb!

Health

With a bit of care and common-sense your health will not be a problem in Nepal; you will be fully briefed well before your departure for Nepal and also on arrival. You will need to get your own local medical advice about suitable inoculations and any prophylactics before departure. Whilst on trek we carry an extensive First Aid Kit, our leaders are qualified in First Aid Kit and are very experienced in dealing with health and acclimatization matters in remote mountain areas.

Luggage

One on trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter or pack animals, usually yaks or cross bread, during the trekking day you simply carry a day sac with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek!

Clothing And Equipment

Clothing will need to allow for the heat of the lowlands and the sub-zero temperatures of the highest valleys and will range from lightweight mountaineering skills; any training that is required, for example, in the use of crampons to walk on snow and ice, will be given on the acclimatization days before reaching the higher parts of the mountain, the ascent simply needs a degree of stamina, determination and the willingness to walk at a slow, measured pace and the summit will be yours! The trek to and from the peak is a wonderful experience in itself so if at any stage you decide not to do the climb, you will still have accomplished a superb and worthwhile expedition.