Island Peak/EBC
Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 3:35 pm
Hey Ya'll,
I've been an avid reader over the past couple of years, and thought now would be a good opportunity to make my grand entrance in the forum! I'm currently set to graduate med school next May (2012) and thought a great way to reward myself is to plan out a trekking expedition in the Himalayas. For the past couple of months I've weighed my options and looked at several possibilities (kili, elbrus, etc..) but in the end felt like a trip to Nepal would put me in the best position to immerse myself in the local culture and to see some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.
For a little background, yes I'm from the southeast (hence, the "ya'll") and yes I have climbing experience. I've done several 14ers (in both whiteout blizzard conditions, and on picture perfect days) as well as some smaller hikes/climbs in the Rockies. I'm also moving to Steamboat for 4 months this fall for one of my rotations and plan on hitting as many summits as possible. With this being said, I have this nagging desire to challenge myself beyond the realm of 14,400 ft. I just want to get out and explore while I still have time. While the likes of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu are nowhere near realistic for my skill set, I feel like the Everest base camp and Island Peak trek are just what the doctor ordered (pun intended). I've gone through countless websites trying to figure out which guide company would be best for me to use. I've also come here and looked at the handful suggested in a previous thread. So far, Himalayan Glacier Trekking is the company sticking out the most to me at this time. Is there anyone here who has had any experience with this group?? Also, between all the companies, I've seen prices (minus flights) anywhere from $1500 - $4500+. It seems they all offer the same/similar things, so why is there such a large discrepancy (I'm assuming company location plays a large role)? I'm definitely on a budget, but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice quality/safety just to save a few bucks. Anyway, any feedback is greatly appreciated!
I've been an avid reader over the past couple of years, and thought now would be a good opportunity to make my grand entrance in the forum! I'm currently set to graduate med school next May (2012) and thought a great way to reward myself is to plan out a trekking expedition in the Himalayas. For the past couple of months I've weighed my options and looked at several possibilities (kili, elbrus, etc..) but in the end felt like a trip to Nepal would put me in the best position to immerse myself in the local culture and to see some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.
For a little background, yes I'm from the southeast (hence, the "ya'll") and yes I have climbing experience. I've done several 14ers (in both whiteout blizzard conditions, and on picture perfect days) as well as some smaller hikes/climbs in the Rockies. I'm also moving to Steamboat for 4 months this fall for one of my rotations and plan on hitting as many summits as possible. With this being said, I have this nagging desire to challenge myself beyond the realm of 14,400 ft. I just want to get out and explore while I still have time. While the likes of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu are nowhere near realistic for my skill set, I feel like the Everest base camp and Island Peak trek are just what the doctor ordered (pun intended). I've gone through countless websites trying to figure out which guide company would be best for me to use. I've also come here and looked at the handful suggested in a previous thread. So far, Himalayan Glacier Trekking is the company sticking out the most to me at this time. Is there anyone here who has had any experience with this group?? Also, between all the companies, I've seen prices (minus flights) anywhere from $1500 - $4500+. It seems they all offer the same/similar things, so why is there such a large discrepancy (I'm assuming company location plays a large role)? I'm definitely on a budget, but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice quality/safety just to save a few bucks. Anyway, any feedback is greatly appreciated!