Mountain Expedition - Mountaineering Adventure

Nepal is synonymous with trekking & mountaineering. The difference in the two is that Mountaineering is much more challenging and specialized. In terms of technicality the Mountaineering in Nepal is on terrain that would be considered trekking peaks in the other Mountain ranges on the planet. The difference in Nepal is the altitude. When you add in the factor of altitude, easy terrain can feel laborious and difficult. Mountaineering in Nepal is above Tree line, in what’s called the Alpine Zone, this is an ecological zone composed of rock, snow and ice.

Mountaineering is an activity that has a heavy emphasis on teamwork, logistics, communication, time and physical stamina. Without these things present adventuring in Nepal becomes nearly impossible due to the scale of things. The minimum time required ranges typically from 28 to 65 days.

There are also several psychological challenges that stem from isolation, physical hardship, Adverse environment, confinement to a small group for weeks and the ability to use climbing equipment such as ice screws, crampons, ropes and ice axes in a proficient manner. Mountaineering in Nepal has a very serious side. There is a technical skill set and base of Experience that rival any craft or trade that makes one able and ready to take on the projects That are present here in the Himalaya. Clients need to be able to climb steep snow, technical ice and rock, set up fixed lines, recognize danger from hidden crevasses, unstable snow, Avalanches, fast changing weather conditions, cold, dehydration and high altitude conditions.

Mountaineering training is a continuous and ending process. It is a way of life and requires Constant practice. The tasks required of mountaineering have to become second nature. A small mistake or lapse of concentration can be deadly. The reward however is breathtaking views and the unforgettable feeling of life achievement that comes along with standing on top of an 8000m peak.

Whether you and taking on a technical ascent like Ama Dablam or a less technical but very high elevation ascent like Everest, the mountaineering in Nepal is the breathtaking adventure of a lifetime. For many the experiences our clients take away from these expeditions are defining moments in that forever shape their character and perception on the world. The experiences drawn from sub 7000m Himalayan expeditions such as Ama Dablam and 8000m expeditions such as Everest or Annapurna are related but yet so different. Sub 7000m expeditions physiologically are not as strenuous as 8000m expeditions. Hence one can afford a higher technical climbing challenge. For technical climbers these type of mountaineering expeditions are more attractive.

The 8000m expeditions, particularly Everest, is more of a managerial task and a hard slog. The psychological experience of fighting against the odds and pushing the body to the limit above 8500m,(where the body tissues and organs are physiologically decaying from severe oxygen depravation) is more for the calculated and chess like climber. This is a game of strategy, wits and experience. The Everest expedition is definitely a contest of mind, the contest of extremes: pain and pleasure, madness and sanity. It is important to understand that the Everest expedition is like a marathon run. It is a journey and along the way it is the experiences that count, not the final outcome.

The contrast of Himalayan expeditions is where climbers can experience the great dualities of life. Elation and pleasure, achievement and disappointment, despair and joy. Himalayan expeditions guarantee very little, but one thing you can be sure of is that the experiences you have on these expeditions regardless of the success or failure of the goal will leave you with unforgettable memories, you will take something with you forever from these mountains.

Satori Adventures understands that mountaineering in the Alps, Andes, or Rockies can be very challenging technically and by adding in the factor of high altitude (over 6500m) this multiplies the level of technical difficulty even in case of a simple high elevation summit. Comparatively a lot of the Himalayan summits that stand at 6500m would be classified as a difficult hike at low elevations.

In order to participate in a mountaineering expedition in Nepal safely, Satori requires that you have a high level of psychological and physical stamina. A level of prior experience is also a good asset and it is indispensable on more difficult and technical climbs. Satori recognizes the importance of this for safe and successful expeditions in the Himalaya. Satori can help you through this by supporting your expeditions logistically and with highly experienced guides, cooks, porters and underlying support staff.