mpreihs's Globetrooper News Feed

Skylar Givens Looks like the total cost. I would expect to pay at least $35,000+ by the time all is said and done.

Todd Hi Bader. It was an estimate of the whole trip, but Skylar has a better idea of costs since he's already booked. We're going to do some research over the next few weeks and put up a blog post comparing costs/inclusions from the major operators.

bader almofawezz hi todd what if someone have a budget less than 10,000$ and want to climb alone is this possible ?

Todd Not legally, due to the cost of the permit. With $10k, I'd probably do a 12-day technical mountaineering course and then climb a peak like Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, etc. Or if you don't need the course, maybe one of the easier 7000m or 8000m peaks. The permits are much cheaper.

bader almofawezz what about the ilegall way how can someone do it ? and after you climb the mountin succsfully do they regester you as a guy who climb mnt everest ?

bader almofawezz i mean do they regester you if you climb it in illegal way

Skylar Givens If you are caught, regardless if you successfully climbed it or not, they will detain you and never allow you to come back to the country. There are government officials at base camp that do check up on things. I know China (Tibet) is especially strict about this. You might look into climbing from the North side as it is significantly cheaper. Not worth the risk in my opinion. Mountain climbing is a patience game. My advice is to wait until you can afford the cost.

mpreihs Mountain climbing, especially Everest, is about rules and about team work. Not about scamming and shortcuts. Bader, perhaps your personality is better suited for something that won't get you in trouble - like sneaking up Everest on your own is sure to do. Check out the train ride around India. Looks like a great trip. Good luck.

bader almofawezz mpreihs its better to keep your opinions and advise to your self either you say somthing usefull here or to zip your mouth . i am very sirious about it my plan was to go with this trip but then i thought about were is the acheivment by going with group and botteld oxgen my plan was to climb Jengish Chokusu in kyrgyzstan but it canceled due to some political problems there right now and whole trip costs 4000$ so my main problem is the lack of mony

mpreihs As Skyler has pointed out, one can approach Mount Everest from the southern, Nepalese side, or from the northern, Tibetan (Chinese) side. Climbing permits issued in China cost around $4,000 and include many support services to Advanced Base Camp. Permits issued in Nepal cost $10,000 and don’t include services at all. However, the northern routes are longer, more dangerous, and much more technical than the southern routes. Your likelihood of summiting from the north is lower and your likelihood of dying on a northern route is higher.
In 2006, a British climber paid a budget, Kathmandu-based trekking company about $7,500 to arrange for a climbing permit, food, and minimal services to Base Camp on the north, Tibetan side of the mountain. He climbed alone, without the aid of a Sherpa or guide, and bought only a couple bottles of oxygen rather than the usual five. He also chose not to rent an emergency radio. No one knows exactly what happened during his climb, but his near lifeless body was found by a succession of descending climbers, who tried but were unable to revive or rescue him. Tragically, his death on the Northeast Ridge was only one of eleven deaths on Mount Everest in 2006, making it the second most deadly spring season on record.
Can it be done inexpensively and solo? Yes.
However, the chances of a successful summit are quite low.
It's a fact. If you want to increase your chances of a successful summit of Everest, it's going to be expensive.

Todd You're talking about David Sharpe right? It was interesting to read everyone's different version of 2006 and watch the Himex television series (can't remember the name). On one hand, it's unthinkable to leave someone like that. But then it's unthinkable to be so ill-prepared. It reminded me of these leaked video tapes of the wars in Iraq and Afg. When you actually see people indiscriminately killing each other, it reminds you that war is brutal. I think 2006 on Everest was similar in that it showed mountaineering (especially on Everest) isn't always pretty.

mpreihs Yes, That's who I was referring to. So may theories and conjecture as to what happened that day on the mountain. Without a doubt, a huge tragedy. The bottom line - ill prepared and a bit of bad luck yields pretty ugly results on the mountain.

Todd I've just emailed AMS to find out the total cost of the 6-day course. It's hiring the gear which I think will cost a bit. But let's see. Will get back with details soon.

Todd I've uploaded the kit rental price list here: http://globetrooper.com/notes/wp-content/uploads/MTC_Personal_Checklist.pdf. I haven't calculated exact cost, but it seems around $200 extra to hire gear. Thought some items must be purchased in addition to those rented.

mpreihs I think the fact that no advanced equipment is needed and few have skills honed through experience. Instead, you have a sort of public trail used by many who are foolish enough to give it a try regardless of their physical ability or previous climbing experience. Sheer drop-offs are just inches away on certain parts of the trail. There are also near vertical steps that seem to go on forever. The Chinese seem to have increased the safety standards for the hike but many still get hurt.

Todd I just went looking for pictures to add to the trip and it really does look quite dangerous. Will have to keep it in mind if we get the chance to visit China next year.

chester im currently based in beijing until the end of 2011 for sure. im interested in joining as long as i get enough time to ask for a leave from work

Todd Is this a trip you're planning to do mike? And will it last the whole 6 months, or are you just looking to travel within those 6 months?