Shishapangma - Tibet

RMI's Approach

• Safety is RMI's number one priority and nothing trumps its importance.

Guides

• The most experienced and renowned guides in the profession.
• Our guides are well-regarded climbers and mountaineering instructors. They are highly trained in technical rescue and in wilderness and mountain medicine.

Climbing Ratios

• Small team ratios of 3:1 climber-to-guide.
• Small team ratios facilitate stronger team dynamics, excellent communication, and individualized attention.

Logistics

• RMI is involved in every step of the planning, preparation, and packing of our expedition.
• Our behind-the-scenes logistics are not left to others, ensuring that each and every detail of expedition planning is addressed and met.

Expedition Execution

• Small ratios and extensive logistical support give us a high level of flexibility and the individual focus needed on the mountain, from acclimatization scheduling to individual food preferences.
• We intentionally avoid locking our expedition into predetermined itineraries and plans, choosing instead to tailor our climb to the needs of our climbers and the realities of the mountain conditions.

Sherpas

• With years of experience, our phenomenal Sherpa staff is among the most experienced and well regarded in the Himalaya. They each have dozens of Himalayan summits and offer superior attentive support for our expedition.
• Our Sherpa pursue ongoing technical training between expeditions under internationally accredited guide training programs.
• All of our Sherpas receive equipment stipends as well as First Ascent down suits for each expedition.

Base Camp

• We outfit a comprehensive and comfortable Base Camp on the mountain, including heated dining tents, hot showers, communications tent with re-charging equipment, private toilets, individual sleeping tents, full-time cooks and great food, as well as a selection of entertainment and games.
• We address all of the necessities, as well as luxuries, to keep our climbers comfortable and happy - and ultimately strong and healthy - throughout the climb.

Food

• Dedicated professional cooks at Base Camp who prepare excellent, healthy meals.
• We have well-stocked inventories that include hundreds of pounds of specialty food brought from the U.S., offering excellent variety and selection.
• A flexible and diverse menu accommodates our differing tastes and changing appetites.

On-Mountain Camps

• Our mountain camps are well stocked with emergency supplies, and medical and rescue equipment.

Medical

• Our guides are highly trained in medical and technical rescue and carry medical and rescue equipment with them at all times.

Weather Forecasts

• We use a private weather forecasting service with Himalayan experience to keep us current with the latest trends and developments in weather patterns throughout the expedition.

Communications

• All of our climbers, guides, and Sherpa are outfitted with personal radios.
• We can help arrange personal cell phone, email, and satellite communications equipment as needed.

Expedition Dispatches

• RMI posts daily expedition updates to our blog, including photos and audio dispatches, to help keep friends, family, and general followers up-to-date with the latest progress of the climb.

Environmental Impact

• RMI has pioneered and championed Leave No Trace ethics on mountains all around the world and we hold ourselves to the same high standards on Shishapangma.
• We remove excess packaging before the trip to minimize waste and carry all of our trash and unused supplies off of the mountain.
• We use biodegradable bags to ensure proper human waste disposal.
• Our custom-built solar photovoltaic power system supplies 100% of our electric needs. We have not used the standard noisy generator on our Himalayan expeditions in over two years!
• Our efforts keep camps clean and quiet, reduce our use of fossil fuels, and minimize our overall environmental impact.

Travel Consultant

CTT Destinations Travel Coordinator Pirjo DeHart has served climbers and adventurers for over 25 years. Specializing in small corporate and adventure travel, she works to assure your trip is stress free by taking care of the practical travel details and evaluating travel insurance. Each trip is handled with the utmost attention to detail so that you may focus on your adventure. You can contact Pirjo by phone at (425) 831-0367 or email: [email protected].

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required for this trip with a medical evacuation policy with minimum coverage of $500,000. Your travel insurance policy should include trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, and evacuation.

Navigating through the different options for travel insurance can be challenging. When purchasing Travel Insurance, here are a few items to consider:

• Read the fine print. Travel Insurance will reimburse you when canceling for a covered reason for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs that you insure. However, there are exclusions, so make sure you understand the "covered reasons."
• Confirm that your activity is a covered “activity.” Not all travel insurance policies will offer coverage for activities such as mountaineering, climbing, skiing, or trekking adventures. Policies can also exclude coverage for activities due to the gear used (crampons, ice axe), activities that go above specific elevations or activities in a particular region of the world. If there are exclusions, you may need to add an "Adventure" or "Sports" package to cover your activity.
• Verify that your state of residence is allowed with the policy that you are purchasing. Not all insurance companies offer policies in all 50 states.
• Contact your travel protection company directly for any questions you have regarding benefits or coverage.

TRAVELEX

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.

For more information on the available plans visit Travelex Insurance Services or contact Travelex Insurance (800) 228-9792 and reference location number 47-0370. 

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York). RETWEB

Security & Medical Evacuation

Global Rescue is the world’s premier provider of medical and security advisory and evacuation services. Security Evacuation offers crisis evacuation services in non-medical situations. Examples include evacuations from areas affected by natural disasters, war or conflict zones, terrorism, and other areas in which participant security is threatened.

Travel Advisories / Warnings

Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as passport and visa requirements with the U.S. Department of State.

Getting There

During your flight to Kathmandu (KTM) you will cross the International Date Line. Travel time is approximately three days. If you want to see the mountains as you fly into Kathmandu, make sure you sit on the right-hand side of the plane.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required for entering Nepal and for entering Tibet. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected date of return. U.S. passport holders can stay up to 90 days without special visas.

We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a backup. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.

Visas

Nepal: All foreigners (except Indian Nationals) require visas, which can be obtained in advance or upon arrival with one passport photo and payment in cash (U.S. Dollars).

Tibet: All arrangements for our Tibet visas will be made in Kathmandu. The cost of the Tibet visa is included in the price of your program.

Airport Arrival

Upon arrival at the Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport (KTM), follow signs to the Arrivals Building. Proceed to the visa counter for Visitors without a Visa. The debarkation and visa application forms you need are available both on your incoming flight as well as in the arrivals building. You will need one passport photo for your visa application.

Once you receive your bags from Baggage Claim, you will proceed to Customs. Be sure to keep all your bags together.

Outside the arrivals hall there will be a large group of taxi drivers and agents from many hotels and travel companies. Look for a sign with the name Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. A private vehicle will take us to our hotel.

In-Country Transportation

The provided transportation as stated in the itinerary is via authorized taxi or private vehicle.

Immunizations & Travel Medicine

For the most updated information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.

Traveler's Health

Travelers may suffer from upset stomachs when in foreign countries. There are some basic rules, however, that can help keep you healthy.

• Hygiene - It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly before meals and after using the restroom. If water is not available for washing, we recommend using a hand sanitizer.
• Water - The number one rule is: don't drink the water, and that includes shower water and ice! Brush your teeth with purified water rather than tap water. You should check bottled water for a good seal and use a napkin to wipe excess moisture from drinking glasses. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if it has been diluted with water. Carefully clean the tops of bottled beverages before opening.
• Food - If it is cooked, boiled or can be peeled, you can usually eat it. Salads and fruits should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Be wary of ice cream and shellfish. Always avoid any undercooked meat.

Medical Emergencies

Excellent care for minor illnesses and injuries is readily available. In the event of more serious illnesses or injuries, we recommend transport to any of the Level 1 care centers in Kathmandu.

Nepal Country Facts

Nepal is one of the world's richest countries in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The country is roughly 497 miles long and 124 miles wide, with an area of 56,827 square miles. The collision between the Indian subcontinent and the Eurasian continent produced the Himalaya and the Tibetan Plateau. Nepal lies completely within this collision zone, occupying the central sector of the Himalayan arc, nearly one third of the 1,500 mile-long Himalayan Mountains.

The first civilizations in Nepal, which flourished around the 6th century B.C., were confined to the fertile Kathmandu Valley where the present-day capital is located. It was in this region that Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, was born c. 563 B.C.

Nepali rulers' early patronage of Buddhism largely gave way to Hinduism, reflecting the increased influence of India, around the 12th century. Nepal is now primarily a Hindu country, with more than 80% of the population adhering to that faith.

Until the Kingdom of Nepal became the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal in May 2008, it had been ruled in relative isolation by monarchs or a ruling family for most of its modern history. Nepal is now home to nearly 29,000,000 people. The population is primarily rural. Kathmandu, the largest city, has less than 1 million inhabitants.

Tibet Facts

Tibet is bound by the high Himalayan Mountains at its south and is predominantly high plateau (between 13,000 and 16,400 feet) resulting in its nickname “the roof of the world.” Because of its harsh mountainous and geographical features, Tibet is the least populated province in China, currently with approximately three million people.

Tibet is an internationally recognized autonomous region within the People’s Republic of China, though many Tibetans dispute the legitimacy of China’s rule. Officially, China refers to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). However, the TAR only comprises a small part of the area included in traditional Tibet.

Tibet is the source of five of Asia’s largest rivers, providing water for over one billion people. They are the Mekong, the Salween, the Yangtze, the Tsangpo and the Yellow River. Tibet is known as the world’s “Third Pole” as, after the North and South Poles, it holds the largest quantity of glacially stored water.

Weather

Nepal: Nepal’s lowlands have two seasons: the dry season and the monsoon. The higher mountains have a cold winter as well. The dry season runs from October to May and the wet (monsoon) season from June to September. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) ring nearly perfect weather and are definitely the best times for trekking and climbing.

Tibet: In general, Tibet experiences lower temperatures due to its higher altitudes. The annual monsoon runs from July through September, with July and August bring half of Tibet’s annual rainfall. Our climb takes advantage of what are generally considered the best weather, road and mountain conditions of the year. Temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau generally drop below freezing, even during the days; rainfall, however, is negligible during these months.

Cultural Etiquette

Although it is not expected that we dress formally, we should dress modestly. Casual and comfortable clothing is suggested along with comfortable shoes. Except at swimming areas, it is generally considered offensive for a man to take off his shirt in public and, equally, women should be conservatively covered.

When eating, you should only use your right hand. This practice extends to passing food containers and plates with your right hand only.

A person’s head is considered the most revered/spiritual part of the body and therefore it is important that you do not make any kind of physical contact with it. This means that it is unacceptable for you to pat a child on the head.

Don’t take photos of people without permission. Most monasteries are off limits for interior photographs, or perhaps a small fee is required.

"Namaste" is perhaps the most important phrase you should learn when visiting Nepal. It is a greeting that means "salutations to you" or "I bless the divine in you." It is said while at the same time pressing your two hands together palm to palm in front of your chest.

Nepal has a huge population of beggars. Some are professionals. Others are genuine. The number of street children in Kathmandu can be heartbreaking. Giving money or sealed food to them, however, is also not recommended. To keep from being hassled, a polite but firm "No” is generally sufficient.

Electricity

Electricity in Nepal and Tibet normally comes as 220 Volts/50 cycles (Hz). It is advisable to carry voltage converters and plug adaptors with you while traveling. Voltage converters and plug adaptors are easily accessible at shopping malls in the cities of Nepal and the U.S.

Money

Nepal: The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). In Nepal you are almost always required to pay for goods or services with the Nepalese Rupee. It is recommended that you change only as much money as you think you may spend as local currencies cannot be removed from the country or reconverted easily. Check a financial newspaper or www.xe.com for the current exchange rate prior to departure.

We suggest bringing $900 - $1,100 total for personal spending money including restaurant meals, drinks, pocket money, and the Support Staff Tip Pool.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies. You will find a large number of ATMs in Kathmandu and using ATMs is an easy method for obtaining cash.

Everyone has a preferred way to carry money. Some use money belts, others have hidden pockets. Whatever you do, be aware of pickpockets and thieves in any area which caters to tourists.

Tibet: The official currency of Tibet is the China Yuan Renminbi (CNY). Your guides can help you exchange your U.S. Dollars for CNY as needed.

Tipping

Everyone approaches tipping a little differently. Whether or not a person tips, and how much, is completely dependent upon the individual; here are some suggested tipping guidelines for your trip.

Local waiters, drivers, and other service personnel expect to be tipped. Ten to fifteen percent is standard. Some restaurants and hotels add a 10% service fee to bills in which case, no further tip is required.

Support Staff Tip Pool: We recommend that each climber contribute $500 to the Tip Pool. This is collected at the beginning of the trip and will cover group tips for all our support and mountain staff throughout the program.

Our guides work hard to ensure your well-being and success on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Amounts are at your discretion and should be based on your level of enjoyment. Tips for excellent service normally average 10 – 15% of the cost of the program. If you would rather not bring the guide gratuity with you on the trip, you can send a check or call the RMI office to pay with a credit card upon your return.

Qualifications

This trip is open to all individuals in excellent physical condition with previous climbing experience. Successful completion of an RMI Expedition Skills Seminar on Mt. Rainier, in Alaska, Peru, Ecuador, North Cascades, or an equivalent multi-day mountaineering seminar is required.

Your climbing resume should include:

• Previous glacier travel experience
• Experience at altitudes above 6,000 meters (Aconcagua)

• A minimum of two snow and ice climbs of approximately 2,000' in length at 35-50 degrees in angle using two tools
• Crampon skills on 30 - 50 degree slopes
• Team rope travel skills
• Knots & slings - prussik, butterfly, Münter, etc.
• Snow and ice anchors (construction & equalization)
• Belaying and running belay experience
• Crevasse rescue (from both the victim and rescuer perspectives, and considering heavy packs)
• Fixed line travel with mechanical ascenders
• Ice axe self and team arrest, with and without a backpack

Screening and final selection will be done on an individual basis after we have reviewed your climbing experience and our veteran Himalayan Guides have spoken with you directly.

Qualifying Programs

Recommended climbing experiences prior to the Shishapangma Expedition include:

Physical Fitness Training

Mountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor.

• Start immediately. Start a rigorous fitness and training program now with the goal of arriving in top physical condition and confident in your skills.
• Be intentional. Focus on gaining the necessary strength, stamina and skills to meet the physical and technical demands of the climb.
• Be sport-specific. The best fitness and training program mimics the physical and technical demands of your climbing objective. The closer you get to your program date, the more your training should resemble the climbing.

For Shishapangma, you are preparing for:

• Steep climbing with a 40-50 lb load
• A 10-12+ hour summit day
• Mountaineering techniques requiring core strength and flexibility

Nothing ensures a personally successful adventure like your level of fitness and training. Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life and ready for a very challenging adventure!

Please refer to our Resources for Mountaineering Fitness and Training for detailed fitness and training information.

Acclimatization

The key to climbing high is proper acclimatization. Our program follows a calculated ascent profile which allows time for your body to adjust to the altitude.

Excellent physical conditioning significantly increases your ability to acclimatize as you ascend. Climbers in excellent physical condition simply have more energy to commit to the acclimatization process throughout the days and nights of the ascent, allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude more easily.

Finally, physical performance and acclimatization are also related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day. Arriving healthy and well-rested, maintaining proper hydration and caloric intake, and protecting against unnecessary heat loss (staying warm) are all key factors in an individual’s success on an expedition such as this.

Equipment List

2 DUFFEL BAG(S)

120+ liter bag(s) made of tough material with rugged zippers.

Guide Pick™

North Face Base Camp Duffel 132L

LUGGAGE LOCKS

Bring as needed. Make sure these are TSA-compliant.

Guide Pick™

Anvil TSA Luggage Lock (4 Pack)

65+ LITER BACKPACK

Your pack must be large enough for your layers, climbing gear, and food, as well as a portion of your tent and your share of group equipment. You will not need a separate summit pack.

Guide Pick™

Men's Gregory Denali 75 Women's Osprey Ariel Pro 75L Black Diamond Mission 75

25+ LITER DAY PACK

A 25+ liter day pack to use as carry-on or while sightseeing.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Speed 30

SLEEPING BAG

We recommend a bag rated between 0° and -20° F.  If you would prefer NOT to share group bags at the higher camps, you should bring a second bag rated -20° F or lower.

Guide Pick™

Men's Marmot Col -20° Rab Andes 1200 Down Sleeping Bag The North Face Inferno -20°

COMPRESSION STUFF SACK FOR SLEEPING BAG

Guide Pick™

Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Bag Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Compression Sack

INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD

A full-length inflatable pad.

Guide Pick™

Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT

CLOSED FOAM SLEEPING PAD

A full-length closed cell foam pad, used in combination with the inflatable sleeping pad.

Guide Pick™

Exped FlexMat

ICE AXE

The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm axe; and taller, use a 75 cm axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Raven Pro Petzl Summit Ice Axe

ICE AXE HOLSTER

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Blizzard

CLIMBING HARNESS

We recommend a comfortable, adjustable alpine climbing harness. Removable, drop seat, or adjustable leg loops are convenient for managing your clothing layers over the course of the climb and facilitate going to the bathroom.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Couloir Petzl Altitude

1 TRIPLE-ACTION LOCKING CARABINER

Used for clipping into the climbing rope.

Guide Pick™

Petzl William Triact Lock

2 LOCKING CARABINER(S)

Used for clipping into anchors, etc.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond VaporLock Screwgate

3 NON-LOCKING CARABINER(S)

Used for pack ditch loop, etc.

Guide Pick™

Petzl Ange S

CRAMPONS

Automatic or semi-automatic 12-point adjustable steel crampons with anti-balling plates designed for general mountaineering use.

Guide Pick™

Petzl Sarken Crampon Black Diamond Sabretooth

AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER WITH FRESH BATTERIES

Bring extra batteries appropriate to the duration of the climb.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Guide Bluetooth Beacon Black Diamond Recon X Beacon

TREKKING POLES

We recommend lightweight and collapsible poles with snow baskets.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Expedition 3 Poles Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles Women's Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

BELAY DEVICE

A tube-style belay/rappel device that can accept a variety of rope diameters.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond ATC Guide Petzl Reverso 4

MECHANICAL ASCENDER

For traveling on fixed lines. Most people prefer an ascender designed for their weak hand, leaving their strong hand free to hold their ice axe. For example, a right-handed person would use a left-handed ascender.

Guide Pick™

Petzl Ascension Ascender

SINGLE LENGTH SEWN NYLON SLING

60 cm sewn sling ("single-length runner").

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond 10mm Dynex Runners

12 ' ACCESSORY CORD

6 mm cordelette in one continuous length OR precut into two 4' sections OR two 13.5" Sterling Hollow Block sewn loops.

Guide Pick™

Sterling Accessory Cord 13.5" Sterling Hollow Block Sewn Loop

HELMET

A UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) or CE (European Committee for Standardization) certified climbing helmet.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet Petzl Sirocco Helmet Women's Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet Black Diamond Vapor Helmet

2 WARM HATS

Wool or synthetic hats; one light and one heavy.

Guide Pick™

Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Beanie

BALL CAP OR SUN HAT

Guide Pick™

RMI Expeditions Patch Hat Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat

BUFF

A Buff provides versatile head and neck protection. A neck gaiter is also acceptable.

Guide Pick™

Original Ecostretch Buff Merino Lightweight Buff

EXPEDITION WEIGHT BALACLAVA

An expedition-weight balaclava to be used in conjunction with your Buff. Your headwear system should leave no exposed skin.

Guide Pick™

Outdoor Research WB FS Balaclava

THERMAL FACEMASK

Guide Pick™

Seirus Original Masque

TWO HEADLAMPS

Bring two headlamps for the expedition. The second is for use around camp and to serve as a backup. Be sure to begin the program with fresh batteries and bring extra sets appropriate to the duration of the program.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Storm 450 Black Diamond Spot 400 Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

2 PAIRS OF GLACIER GLASSES

Glacier glasses are protective sunglasses that provide close to 100% frame coverage (wrap-around frames and side shields ensure no light can enter from the top, bottom, and sides of the glasses) and transmit less than 10% of visual light.

Guide Pick™

Julbo Shield Women's Julbo Monterosa Julbo Explorer 2.0

GOGGLES

Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. On windy days, climbers, especially contact lens wearers, may find photochromatic lenses the most versatile in a variety of light conditions.

Guide Pick™

I/O Goggle Smith I/O MAG

LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVES

Light weight liner or softshell gloves. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection.

Guide Pick™

Men's Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves Black Diamond Softshell Glove Black Diamond Crag Gloves

2 PAIRS OF MEDIUM WEIGHT WORK GLOVES

Medium weight, wind- and water-resistant insulated gloves for climbing and working around camp. These should be both durable and dexterous enough to allow you to perform activities like setting up or taking down tents while wearing them.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Patrol Glove Men's Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves Women's Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves

HEAVY WEIGHT GLOVES

Wind- and water-resistant, insulated gloves.

Guide Pick™

Men's Black Diamond Guide Glove Women's Black Diamond Guide Glove

EXPEDITION WEIGHT GLOVES OR MITTENS

For summit day and other very cold days. Gloves provide greater dexterity. Mitts provide greater warmth.

Guide Pick™

Marmot 8000m Mitt Men's Outdoor Research Alti II GTX Mitts

2 - 3 LIGHT WEIGHT BASELAYER OR SUN HOODY

Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Light weight, light-colored, hooded baselayers (sun hoodys) are highly recommended for sun protection.

Guide Pick™

Men's Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie Women's Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie Men's Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie Women's Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

LIGHT WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER

One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal light weight insulating layer.

Guide Pick™

Women's Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Hoody Men's Patagonia R1 Air FZ Hoody

MEDIUM WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER

A down, synthetic, or softshell hoody makes a great midlayer.

Guide Pick™

Men's Arc'Teryx Atom LT Hoody Women's Arc'teryx Atom Hoody Men's Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody Women's Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody

RAIN JACKET (HARD SHELL)

An uninsulated, waterproof shell jacket with hood.

Guide Pick™

Men's Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket Women's Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket

INSULATED PARKA WITH HOOD

Your expedition-style heavy parka must extend below the waist, have an insulated hood, and be able to fit over the rest of your upper body layers. While the parka is worn primarily at rest breaks on summit day, it also serves as an emergency garment if needed. We recommend down rather than synthetic fill.

Guide Pick™

Phantom Belay Down Parka Women's Phantom Belay Down Parka

DOWN SUIT

An 8,000 meter down suit.

Guide Pick™

Men's Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Suit Feathered Friends Expedition Down Suit Women's Mountain Hardwear Absolute Zero Suit

SPORTS BRA

We recommend a moisture-wicking, active-wear bra.

Guide Pick™

Women's Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra

3 - 4 PAIR PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR

Non-cotton briefs or boxers.

Guide Pick™

Men's Patagonia Sender Boxer Brief Men's Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief Women's Smartwool Seamless Bikini

LIGHT WEIGHT BASELAYER

Synthetic or wool.

Guide Pick™

Men's Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom Men's Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms Women's Capilene Midweight Bottoms

SOFTSHELL CLIMBING PANTS

Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.

Guide Pick™

Men's Outdoor Research Cirque II Pant Women's Outdoor Research Cirque II Pant Men's Black Diamond Alpine Pant Women's Black Diamond Alpine Pant

RAIN PANTS WITH FULL-LENGTH SIDE ZIPPERS (HARD SHELL)

Non-insulated, waterproof shell pants must be able to fit comfortable over your baselayer bottoms and softshell climbing pants. Full side zippers or 7/8 side zippers are required so that shell pants can be put on while wearing boots and crampons.

Guide Pick™

Men's Rab Kangri GORE-TEX Pants Women's Rab Kangri GORE-TEX Pants Men's Black Diamond Stormline Stretch FZ Rain Pants Women's Stormline Stretch Full Zip Rain Pants

DOWN OR SYNTHETIC INSULATED PANTS (OPTIONAL)

A pair of lightweight, insulated pants are ideal for extra warmth and comfort at camps, both on the glacier and on the trail.

Guide Pick™

Black Diamond Compressor Alpine Pant

LIGHT WEIGHT TREKKING PANTS OR SHORTS

A light weight, synthetic pair of pants is a good option for the approach trek when hiking at lower altitudes and in warm conditions. These pants have no insulation, are typically made of thin nylon, and commonly feature zippers to convert between pants and shorts.

Guide Pick™

Men's Kuhl Renegade Pants Women's PrAna Halle Pant II

ALL-IN-ONE MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS

A modern, all-in-one 8,000m boot is required. The boot needs to be roomy enough to allow for good circulation. Anticipate a sock combination when sizing them (single sock, liner and sock, or two heavy socks on each foot). Wear the boots as often as possible before the climb, to determine proper fit, comfort and performance.

Guide Pick™

Millet Everest La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube

BOOTIES

Goose down or synthetic fill. Nice for evenings at camp.

Guide Pick™

Forty Below Camp Booties

HIKING BOOTS

A pair of lightweight boots for approaches and hiking on rugged terrain. We recommend a waterproof, mid-top boot for better stability and ankle support.

Guide Pick™

Men's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots Women's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots Men's Merrell Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX Women's Merrell Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX

CASUAL SHOES

Great for traveling and wearing around town or camp. A pair of tennis shoes or light hikers works well.

Guide Pick™

Men's La Sportiva Mutant Women's La Sportiva TX Guide

4 - 6 PAIRS OF SOCKS

Either wool or synthetic. Whatever sock combination you are accustomed to wearing during your training or previous adventures (whether single medium weight socks, a medium weight with a liner sock, two medium weight socks together, etc.), should work just fine for this climb.

Guide Pick™

Men's Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition Men's Smartwool Hike Light Crew Sock Women's Smartwool Mountaineer Classic Edition

SMALL PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

Our guides carry comprehensive medical kits, so keep yours small and light. We recommend a selection of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, Moleskin and blister care, medical tape and/or duct tape, cough drops, basic painkillers, an antacid, an anti-diarrheal, and personal medications.

Guide Pick™

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Day Tripper

MEALS & SNACKS

See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.

BOWL

Packable plastic bowl. Collapsable models can work but must be handled carefully to avoid unintended collapsing. A lid is a great feature.

INSULATED MUG

Insulated outdoor-style mug. We recommed a model with a removable lid, which helps retain heat and prevent spills. You may also choose to use 0.5L insulated bottle or a 0.5L nalgene.

Guide Pick™

Sea to Summit Passage Insulated Mug

SPOON OR SPORK

A spoon or spork made of durable plastic or anodized metal. A long-handled spoon can be nice, especially if eating from a freeze-dried meal pouch.

Guide Pick™

MSR Folding Spork

2 - 3 WATER BOTTLES

One-liter water bottles with wide mouths made of co-polyester (BPA-free plastic).

Guide Pick™

Nalgene

THERMOS

High quality, durable vacuum bottle with a volume of 1/2 liter or 1 liter.

Guide Pick™

Thermos Stainless King Drink Bottle

2 - 3 INSULATED WATER BOTTLE COVERS

These help prevent freezing. It should completely cover the bottle.

Guide Pick™

Forty Below Bottle Boot

AQUAMIRA WATER TREATMENT DROPS

Chlorine Dioxide water purification drops. Make sure to select the 30-minute version.

Guide Pick™

Aquamira Water Treatment & Purification Drops

STUFF SACK(S)

Bring as needed.

Guide Pick™

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack

4 - 5 LARGE GARBAGE BAGS

Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a waterproof pack liner.

POCKETKNIFE

Guide Pick™

Petzl Spatha Knife

LIGHTER

Guide Pick™

Zippo Windproof Lighter

READING MATERIAL/JOURNAL (OPTIONAL)

Guide Pick™

PERSONAL TOILETRIES & BAG

Include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, and wet wipes. Bring a quantity appropriate to the duration of your trip.

SUNSCREEN

We recommend small tubes of SPF 30 or higher, which can be carried in pockets for easy access and to prevent freezing.

Guide Pick™

Z Blok Sunscreen SPF 45

LIP BALM

We recommend SPF 15 or higher.

Guide Pick™

Joshua Tree Lip Balm

EAR PLUGS

10 - 12 PAIRS CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS

Guide Pick™

Ignik Hand Warmer

PEE FUNNEL (FOR WOMEN)

Practice using this before coming on the climb!

Guide Pick™

Women's Freshette Funnel

PEE BOTTLE (OPTIONAL)

One clearly-marked wide-mouth or collapsible bottle for overnight use.

Guide Pick™

Metolius G-Whiz Pee Bottle

CAMERA (OPTIONAL)

Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.

POWER BANK (OPTIONAL)

A small power bank, enough to charge a phone or e-reader several times.

Guide Pick™

Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank

SOLAR PANEL (OPTIONAL)

A small solar panel to charge personal electronics.

ABC WATCH (OPTIONAL)

Watch with an altimeter, barometer, and compass. Many smart watches will also have this functionalty.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR (OPTIONAL)

Communicate with family and friends back home, track your progress, and much more. Generally requires a subscription plan. Make sure this is a modern model that makes it difficult to inititate an accidental SOS call.

Guide Pick™

Garmin inReach Mini

TRAVEL CLOTHES

We recommend bringing a selection of clothing to wear while traveling, site seeing and dining.  

Provided Equipment

RMI provides the following group equipment and technical hardware for your climb: tents, upper mountain community sleeping bags and pads, stoves and cooking equipment, climbing and fixed ropes, climbing anchors, shovels, route wands, radios for on-mountain communication, and comprehensive first aid and repair kits. Two bottles of climbing oxygen will be provided. Additional bottles are available upon request.

Meals

On Shishapangma we recommend you bring 10 - 12 lb of your favorite snacks to supplement the provided meals.

All meals on the mountain are included as indicated in our Trip Itinerary. The value of expert cooks and careful planning cannot be overstated for a multi-month, high altitude expedition and we work diligently to keep our climbers fit and content. With the exception of hotel breakfasts, most meals in Kathmandu are on your own. You are responsible for your own bottled water and drinks.

MOUNTAIN SNACKS

You will want to have a few snack items with you every day to fuel you up the trail. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb - lunch begins just after breakfast and ends just before dinner!

The importance of having foods that are genuinely enjoyed cannot be overstated. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength while in the mountains. In order to combat the loss of appetite at altitude we aim to have a variety of foods that stimulate the whole palate, from sweet to sour to salty.

Recommended snack items: dry salami, smoked salmon, jerky (turkey, beef, fish), small cans of tuna fish, individually wrapped cheeses such as Laughing Cow or Baby Bell, crackers, bagels, candy bars, hard candies (Jolly Ranchers, toffees, Life Savers), gummy bears, sour candies (Sweet Tarts), cookies, dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, GORP mixes, and drink mixes (Gatorade/Kool-Aid).

BREAKFAST

Breakfasts consist of most typical choices. Eggs, toast, hash browns, corn flakes, muesli, oatmeal, pancakes and the local specialties of chapatti and Tibetan bread are all common menu items. Breakfast is accompanied by juice, coffee, tea, cocoa and other hot drinks.

LUNCH AND DINNER

Lunch and dinner options include a variety of choices. Soups (commonly tomato, vegetable, noodle, or hearty "sherpa stew") are excellent starters. Main courses like chicken and yak dishes, pastas, pizzas, and even fries are served alongside vegetable fried rice or noodles. Be sure to save room for a dessert such as apple pie, chocolate cake, or "snickers pie!"

On the mountain, similar meals are served. Lunches and dinners include several courses, beginning with soup and ending with dessert.

Payments

Deposit Payments: A non-refundable deposit payment of $3,500 per person secures your reservation.

• Deposit payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express*, e-check/ACH, or check from a U.S. bank.

Balance Payments: The balance payment is due 120 days before the start of your program.

• Balance payments may only be made via e-check/ACH, check from a U.S. bank or wire transfer.**
  • **Wire transfers must cover all fees charged by your bank. The amount of the incoming wire to our bank must equal the balance payment amount.
• A payment reminder is emailed approximately three weeks before your payment due date. If your balance payment is not received 120 days before the start of your program, your reservation will be canceled, and all program fees will be forfeited.
• Payment in full is required when registering for a program within 120 days of the departure date.

*There is a 3% surcharge on all credit/debit card transactions. Credit/debit cards are not accepted for payments of $10,000 or more.

Cancellation

The $3,500 per person deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

• All cancellations require written notification. Once the RMI Office receives your written notification of cancellation, the following apply:
  • If you cancel 120 or more days before the start of your program, the $3,500 per person deposit will not be refunded.
  • If you cancel less than 120 days before the start of your program, no refunds will be issued.

Due to the time-sensitive nature of these programs, and the amount of preparation time required for this program, we strictly adhere to our policy and cannot make exceptions for any reason.

Cancellation Insurance

We require that everyone purchase travel insurance. Please see our Travel Tab for details.

Land Cost

INCLUDED

• RMI Leadership
• Transportation to and from the airport in Kathmandu
• Visas, permits, and administration required for entrance into Tibet
• All group camping supplies such as mountain tents, stoves, fuel, cooking tent, dining tent, shower tent and storage tent.
• All meals as stated in the itinerary
• Hotel accommodations as stated in the itinerary, based on double occupancy*
• Park fees and climbing permit fees
• Liaison and Sirdar officers
• Sherpa support
• Camp staff and cooking staff
• Radio communications, including hand held radio for each team member
• Power supply at Base Camp
• Porter support
• Yak support
• Portable hyperbaric chambers, emergency medical oxygen
• Climbing oxygen and Top Out Mask
• A single tent at Base Camp with a foam trekking mattress
• High-altitude camp equipment and supplies, and Sherpa support on summit day
• Climbing Sherpa will establish camps, carry group equipment (including sleeping bags and pads), establish the route, etc.
• Weather forecasting

NOT INCLUDED

• International round-trip air fare and travel expenses to/from Kathmandu
• Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu not included in itinerary
• Medical Evacuation insurance of $500,000 (required)
• Travel insurance and security evacuation insurance
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Excess baggage charges
• Airport taxes and Nepal entry visas and re-entry fees
• Support Staff Tip Pool (we suggest $500 per person)
• Tips for RMI Guides
• Rescue costs or costs associated with early departure from the expedition
• Personal communications expenses (Satellite phone, phone, fax, email)
• Personal expenses, room charges and laundry
• Personal drinks and beverages
• International departure taxes
• Nepal Custom Duties / Chinese Custom Duties
• Additional personal Sherpa support is available, but must be arranged before the expedition
• Medical, hospitalization and evacuation costs (by any means)
• The cost of delays due to weather, road or trail conditions, flight delays, government intervention, illness, medical issues hospitalization, evacuation costs (by helicopter or any other means), or any other contingency which we or our agents cannot control are not included.

* Accommodations are based on double occupancy.  A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those occupying single accommodations by choice or circumstance. The single supplement is not available in huts, tents, or in all hotels.

Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. reserves the right to modify the land cost of a trip at any time before departure.

Risk Management

Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently hazardous. Managing risk is RMI’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering, but they cannot eliminate them.  Objective hazards include rockfall, icefall, avalanches, slides or falls by individuals and rope teams on steeper slopes, weather-related problems including cold, heat, high winds, and other unnamed dangers that can occur while climbing.

You are choosing to engage in an activity in which guided and non-guided climbers have been injured or killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risks and hazards of mountaineering and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity. 

PARTICIPANT Responsibilities

Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Each Participant is required to share in the responsibility of the safety and success of the team. For this reason, we ask that each Participant:

• Possess the climbing prerequisites required for this program.
• Possess the necessary physical and mental fitness required for this program.
• Be responsible for knowing all pre-departure information.
• Provide a signed Physician’s Certificate stating that the Participant is medically qualified to join this program.
• Update the RMI Office if there are any changes to your health or medical information before departure.
• Be properly attired and equipped as outlined in the Equipment List.
• Act in a considerate manner toward all team members and show respect for local customs, values, and traditions in the areas we travel.
• Help minimize our impact on the environment and follow appropriate Leave No Trace practices.
• Describe yourself, honestly and accurately, in terms of fitness, health, skills, abilities, and your equipment to your guide staff.
• Communicate with your guide staff on the mountain if there are any changes in your medications or health.
• Adhere to the advice of your guide staff.
• Continue to self-assess throughout the program, measuring your fitness, health, skills, and abilities against the demands required of the program.

RMI reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a program or to send the Participant to a lower altitude at any time if the RMI Guide Staff determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for, or capable of participating in the program, or for any other reason that may compromise the safety, health or well-being of the Participant or the entire group. If this decision is made, the Participant will not receive any refunds or credits and will be financially responsible for any additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to, evacuation, transportation, hotel reservationss, meals, etc.

Zero Tolerance Harassment Policy

Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) does not tolerate harassment or mistreatment of our participants or employees. Inappropriate conduct under this policy may include conduct that creates a disrespectful, intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for a participant or employee. Engaging in such conduct is a violation of this policy.

RMI may consider conduct to violate the policy even if it falls short of unlawful harassment under applicable law. When determining whether conduct violates this policy, we will consider whether a reasonable person could conclude that the conduct created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or demeaning environment.

Violation of this policy may result in removal from a program, as well as refusal to provide services indefinitely. We place the utmost value on the safety of our participants and employees. Please report any incidents to RMI management.

Age requirements

All participants must be 18 years old at the time of registration.

Photo Release

RMI’s Photo Release outlines the terms and conditions for using your likeness in photographs, videos, or other digital media. 

I hereby grant Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) or its affiliates permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in any and all of its publications, including web-based publications. By granting permission, you allow RMI to utilize these media for lawful purposes. 

Here are the key points:

1. Authorization: You authorize RMI to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute the photos.
2. Ownership: All photos become the property of RMI and will not be returned.
3. Compensation: You will not be compensated for these uses.
4. Rights: RMI exclusively owns all rights to the images, videos, and recordings and to any derivative works created from them. 
5. Waiver: You waive the right to inspect or approve printed or electronic copies.
6. Release: You release Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. and its assigns and licensees from any claims arising from these uses, including defamation, invasion of privacy, rights of publicity, or copyright.
7. Hold Harmless: You hold harmless, release, and forever discharge RMI or its affiliates from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization.

Summit Attempt

RMI cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire group may have to turnaround without reaching the summit.

Failure to reach the summit due to a person’s own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route conditions, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.’s responsibility and will not result in a refund, credit, or reschedule.

General Policies

RMI’s program schedule and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, group strength, terrain, other environmental factors, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including but not limited to increases in program fees, changes to program schedule or itinerary, and changes to guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. Once the program has started, the Lead Guide will decide on any changes to the itinerary, including ending the program early if the continuation of the program may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the group.

We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather, route conditions, or for any other reason. In such a case, we will make every effort to reschedule the Participant on a different program date. If rescheduling is not possible, we will issue the Participant a refund for all program fees paid to RMI, less any non-refundable payments made on behalf of the Participant to secure any of the included land costs provided for this program, including but not limited to, hotel accommodations, transportation, transfers, tours, group equipment and food, permits, and local outfitter services, prior to the cancellation of the program. Additionally, RMI cannot be responsible for any non-refundable expenses the Participant incurred in preparation for the program (i.e., airline tickets, hotel reservations, rental cars, equipment purchases or rentals, etc.).

Once a program begins, there are no refunds or credits for weather-related cancellations or for a program that may end early due to weather, route conditions, or any other circumstances that may compromise the health, safety, or well-being of the group. Furthermore, if the Participant decides for any reason not to begin a program or to discontinue a program at any time, no refunds or credits will be issued. The Participant will be responsible for all additional costs associated with an early departure, including, but not limited to evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, meals, etc.

The Participant is responsible for any costs due to COVID-19, including but not limited to, any testing fees to enter another country, tests required to return to the US, and/or costs associated with medical care and/or quarantine such as hotel accommodations, meals, separate transportation, etc.

Land Costs are provided as a package, and refunds or credits will not be issued for any unused meals, accommodations, group transportation, or other unused costs. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those Participants occupying single accommodations either by choice or circumstance. If you are willing to share a room, we will make every effort to pair you with another same-gender team member. We will match willing same-gender team members based on the order of registration date. If we are unable to match you with another same-gender team member, a single supplement fee will be charged. The availability of single accommodations is limited in most of the hotels where we stay, and single accommodations are not available while in the mountains.

The Participant understands and agrees that RMI assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality services provided to the Participant by other companies in connection with the program, including but not limited to, the services provided by airlines, hotels, rental cars, and transportation companies and that RMI is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the Participant in connection with the RMI program. The Participant will be responsible for all costs associated with any travel delays, missed connections, or missing baggage that requires additional arrangements (separate transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, etc.) to be made on your behalf for you or your baggage to rejoin the program.