Mount Everest, 8,850 meters (29,035 ft.), is the highest mountain in the world and as such has become the ultimate high altitude mountaineering for a many climbers. Known to the Nepalese as Sagarmatha and to the Sharpies and Tibetans as Chomolungma, which means "Mother Goddess of the World," we will be climbing Everest via the South Cool route. The South Cool was the first successfully climbed route on Mt. Everest as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay Sherpa accomplished this feat in May 29, 1953. Since then, the South Cool has seen over 450 ascents. It is known as the most successfully climbed route on Everest.

CLIMBING ROUTE

By the time we get to base camp, our climbing Sharpies will have base camp set up and will be on the way to having the lower part of the mountain (the Chummy Ice Fall) already fixed with ropes and ladders. We will establish four camps on the mountains we follow the route up to the South Cool. After passing through the ice fall, climbers will arrive at Camp 1, located just above the Ice Fall at 19,600 feet. Camp 2 is located further up the Western Cwm at 21,400 feet. From Camp 2, we ascend fixed lines to Camp 3, located about two-thirds up the Lhotse face at 23,400 feet. Finally, climbers arrive at Camp 4, our final camp 26300'. Summit day involves a climb with oxygen along the southeast ridge, past the South Summit, up the Hilary Step and on to the highest
point in the world at 29,050 feet!

SUMMIT ATTEMPTS

After Camps 3 and 4 are set up and all our supplies are in place, we return to Base Camp to get a good rest. At Base Camp we will organize our summit teams and prepare ourselves for summit attempts. Once we are
ready, we return to Advanced Base Camp. If the weather is good we will continue to ascent to Camp 3 on the second day. We move up to Camp 4 on the third day. On the summit day we will start very early that morning and attempt to reach the summit before mid-day. After the summit, we retreat back to the South Cool and on to Camp 3. Weather plays is a major part in actual summit attempts. We will try as many summit attempts as safely as possible. Our skilled team of high altitude Sharpies all of whom have summitted Everest numerous times without supplemental oxygen, will fix ropes, stock camps and provide leadership and support for the climb. This will enable you to carry lighter loads, thus saving your strength for the summit bid. Oxygen will be provided
for all team members at camp 4. Our goal is to provide an expedition that gives you the best chance of summitting Mount Everest to the top of the world.

Day 1: Depart for Katmandu.

Day 2: En route to Katmandu.

Day 3: Arrive in Katmandu. We will be met at the airport by Sherpa Ascent International's Katmandu staff who will escort us to our hotel. The group is then free to explore Katmandu or relax from the long trip.

Day 4: Katmandu Sightseeing. We have arranged for a private sightseeing tour of the mystical city of Katmandu that includes the Buddhist shrines of Swayambunath (the famed monkey temple) and Bodhnath, as well as theHindu funeral pyres of Pashupatinath. The evening is free to finish final packing arrangements.

Day 5: Katmandu to Lukla and Sewangma (8,900 ft.). We fly from Katmandu to Lukla(9,350 ft.), and land on the memorable Lukla airstrip. We are then met by our trekking crew, and begin our trek by descending to
Chaurikharka, crossing the Dud Koshi river over the new Sewangma Bridge, that Pemba built in 2000, and climbing up to Pemba's boyhood village of Sewangma. This is an "off-the-beaten path" excursion where we will see no other tourists and will be welcomed by Pemba's family.

Day 6: Sewangma to Phakding (8,661 ft.). We will continue trekking on the western side ofthe Dud Koshi River, so will see traditional Sherpa villages and no other tourists. We will stop by the Gomela School, where Pemba has helped build the school. We will meet up again with the main trail in Phakding, where we camp.

Day 6: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,319 ft.). We will continue to move up the Dud Koshi valley, past a waterfall at Banker (2700 m) and on the Chime. Magnificent forests of firs, rhododendrons and manolias grace
much of this part of the trail. We drop to the Dud Koshi to cross it and climb again to Jorsale (2850 m) where we will enter the Sagarmatha National Park. After lunch at Jorsale, it's all uphill to Namche, but our first views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse make the climb worth it!

Day 7: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Acclimatization is critical before going higher, so you have the day to explore Namche Bazaar. Some members of the group may want to take a long acclimatization hike up to
the monastery at Thame. We will also be here for the famous Saturday market, with many Tibetan, having crossed the Nangpa La, selling their wares.

Day 8: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (12,664 ft.). It's up to Punkitanga and then on to the famous monastery of Tengboche with its background of mountain peaks, including Ama Dablam and Everest. The original monastery
burned down in 1988, but the new structure, built in 1990, is also striking. This still remains the largest and most active monastery in the Chummy. We'll camp near the monastery so you'll have plenty of time to photograph and explore this beautiful site.

Day 9: Tengboche to Dingboche (14,271 ft.). We drop slightly to Devuche, cross the Imja Khola, and climb up to Pangboche (13,123 ft.). We pass superb mani stones along the way. The "yeti scalp" at the monastery here
is even on display! Pangboche is the highest year-round settlement and the monastery is the oldest in the Community. We'll finish the day at our campsite in Dingboche.

Day 10: Dingboche to Lobuche (16,207 ft.). Today we have a beautiful walk to the village of Lobuche, as Pumori (and Kala Pattar) leading the way.

Day 11: Lobuche to Everest BaseCamp (17,160 ft.). We hike up to Gorak Shep (16,962 ft.)for tea before going up to Everest Base Camp. This classic hike is superb for viewing Pumori, Mt. Everest, and the high
Himal. We'll arrive in Everest Base camp for a hot lunch and check our camp site then meet up with our climbing Sharpas.

Day 12 - 62: Climbing period

Day 63: Everest Base Camp To Lobuche (16,207 ft.). We meet up with our Yak and Yak drivers then clean up our camp and hike down to Lobuche.

Day 64: Lobuche to Tengboche (12,664 ft.). We will retrace our steps back to Tengboche today.

Day 65: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (11,319 ft.). We will continue to retrace our steps back to Namche.

Day 66: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (9,350 ft.). We will complete the trek in the village of Lukla, bustling with tourists, porters, and guides.

Day 67: Lukla to Katmandu. We will catch an early morning flight on the memorable Lukla airstrip and return to the luxuries (e.g., hot showers, warm towels) of Katmandu!

Day 68: Katmandu. An open day in Katmandu to visit more of the temples, shop, and relax.

Day 69-70: Return to U.S.

LAND COST: $32,000

Payment Schedule:
Initial deposit to hold space: $3,000
Final payment due three months before departure.

Cost includes:

1. Land cost of trek and climb
2. Climbing permit
3. Four days meal in Katmandu
4. Sherpa guide, siddhar, porters, cook, and staff
5. Tent and sleeping pads
6. Cooking gear, fuel, stoves, ropes, all forms of rock and ice
protection, radio communications
7. Oxygen, medical supplies, etc.
8. Sagarmatha National Park fee
9. Four nights lodging (double occupancy) in Katmandu
10. One day sightseeing in Katmandu
11. All transportation in Nepal
12. Around trip flight to Katmandu Lukla
13. Laison officer

Not included:

1. International airfare
2. Bangkok lodging and Bangkok airport tax
3. Personal drinks, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
4. Lodging in Katmandu beyond four days
5. Airport tax in Katmandu
6. Nepali Visa
7. Immunization

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

In addition to personal gear, you should bring a sleeping bag (rated -20 degrees or less), a backpack, and a large duffel bag with a double zipper that locks (for porters or yaks to carry with your personal gear). You will be provided with a two-person tent, full-length foam sleeping pad, all commissary gear, and eating/drinking utensils.

All personal gear, camp stools, folding tables, and dining tent are carried by Yaks. Climbers carry only a backpack with water bottles, camera, extra jacket, and items you may need during the course of the day. A full equipment list is available after signing up.