Everest Base Camp Trek

Day 1: TRAVEL DAY
Most climbers and trekkers fly to Kathmandu (KTM) via Thailand with a possible overnight in Bangkok. During your flight you will cross the International Date Line and travel time is approximately three days.

Day 2: TRAVEL DAY

Day 3: KATHMANDU  •  4,383'
Arrive in Kathmandu. We are transferred to our hotel for some rest and recovery before our evening reception and welcome dinner. Overnight at Yak and Yeti Hotel. (D)

Day 4: KATHMANDU  •  4,383'
Situated in a bowl shaped valley in central Nepal, Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal and the cosmopolitan heart of the Himalayan Region. Today is our first chance to explore Kathmandu's rich and diverse culture with a city tour including the Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, and Swayambunath - the Monkey Temple. The rest of the day is spent enjoying the city and local cuisine. Overnight at Yak and Yeti Hotel. (B)

Day 5: PHAKDING • 8,700'
Lukla (9,350') to Phakding (8,700'). Trekking time is approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Today we fly to Lukla, the village where our trek to Everest Base Camp begins. The airport in Lukla is the Tenzing Norgay Airport, and landing on the STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) runway is an experience in itself. It is usually very busy in Lukla as different expeditions are getting everything organized for the trek. From here on out, there are no more vehicles or roads, just a network of villages connected by footpaths. After we meet our Sherpa team we start trekking along the Dudh Kosi River as we travel to Phakding. We spend the night at a small teahouse on the bank of the milky-blue Dudh Kosi. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 6: NAMCHE BAZAAR  • 11,300'
Phakding (8,700') to Namche Bazaar (11,300'). Trekking time is 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
Hike to historic Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the high Himalayas and the Sherpa community's central meeting place. Namche is where lowland porters bearing supplies meet the highland Sherpa and Tibetan people who have journeyed over high passes from many miles away to trade food and supplies for their home or village. Namche's busy shops, delicious bakeries, and jovial feel are a welcome sight after making the long climb up from the valley floor below. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 7: NAMCHE BAZAAR  • 11,300'
Today is an acclimatization day in Namche. We wander the narrow, stone-lined streets of Namche, visiting the village's small museums, monastery, stupas, and stop in for a treat at one of the cafes (known locally as bakeries). There are also well-stocked shops to meet any last minute needs. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 8: NAMCHE BAZAAR  • 11,300'
We build upon our acclimatization by going for a short hike to the surrounding villages of Khunde and Khumjung to visit the historic Hillary School and Hillary Hospital. Our hike takes us along the more remote paths between the villages, offering glimpses of the peaks higher up the valley, before returning us to Namche for the evening. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 9: DEBOCHE • 12,325'
Namche Bazaar (11,300') to Deboche (12,325'). Trekking time is approximately 4 to 5 hours.
We leave Namche and climb up the valley to Tengboche, the largest Sherpa monastery in the Khumbu area. From the monastery's front steps we have excellent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. We descend from the ridge where the monastery is located into the quiet forest of fir and rhododendron below that surround our teahouse at Deboche. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 10: DEBOCHE • 12,325'
This is an acclimatization day and an opportunity to explore the Deboche area. We make the short walk back to the Tengboche Monastery to wander its grounds and sit in on the monks' daily prayers. There are many cozy spots amongst the trees to relax in the sun and read, making Deboche a favorite resting place for climbers preparing for their summit bids later in the spring. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 11: PHERICHE • 13,950'
Deboche (12,325') to Pheriche (13,950'). Trekking time is approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
We hike to Pheriche via the small village of Pangboche. We follow the Imja River which flows directly east of the village to Pangboche, a large Sherpa village at the foot of Ama Dablam. In Pangboche we visit Lama Geshe, a renowned spiritual leader of the area, to receive a blessing for our travels in the mountains before continuing along the river to Pheriche. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 12: PHERICHE • 13,950'
We stay another night in Pheriche to continue our acclimatization. We will visit the clinic of the Himalayan Rescue Association and take a day hike up the Imja Khola valley toward Chukkung, offering spectacular views of Ama Dablam's seldom seen north side. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 13: LOBUCHE  •  16,175'
Pheriche (13,950') to Lobuche (16,175'). Trekking time is approximately 4 to 5 hours.
We ascend to the village of Lobuche, tucked below Lobuche Peak. Our trail takes us past the memorials for climbers made up of dozens of large rock stupas and strings of prayer flags at the top of Thokla Pass. Along the way we leave the last of the large vegetation and enter into the alpine zone and our trail may have a covering of snow from here. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 14: LOBUCHE  •  16,175'
During our acclimatization day we take a short walk to visit the Italian Research Pyramid that conducts titleitude research and helps track the current weather conditions on Mt. Everest. There is ample time to play cards, read, and take it easy - a little rest and relaxation before moving up to 17,000'. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 15: EVEREST BASECAMP  •  17,575'
Lobuche (16,175') to Everest BC (17,575'). Trekking time is approximately 5 to 6 hours.
We complete the last stretch of our trek, leaving the dirt and grasses of the mountainous valley and setting out across the ice and rock of the Khumbu Glacier into Everest Base Camp. We move into our tents and home for the upcoming weeks at the RMI Everest Expedition's Camp, admiring the stunning panorama of peaks surrounding us. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)

Day 16: EVEREST BASECAMP  •  17,575'
After enjoying hot tea in our tents, we eat a late breakfast and soak in the morning sun, experiencing "base camp life" that is such a large part of any Everest expedition. In the afternoon we can hike to the base of the Icefall to get a closer view of the climbing route that weaves its way through enormous towers of ice and across gaping crevasses. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)

Day 17: PHERICHE  •  13,950'
Everest Basecamp (17,775') to Pheriche (13,950'). Trekking time is approximately 5 to 6 hours.
We make an early departure from Basecamp, leaving the Khumbu Glacier and climbing to the summit Kala Patar, a small peak across on the valley from Everest on the lower slopes of Pumori. Upon reaching our trek's highest point, we soak in the stunning views of Everest bathed in morning light. From Kala Patar we descend back down the valley to Pheriche for some "thick" air and a good night's sleep. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 18: NAMCHE BAZAAR  •  11,300'
Pheriche (13,950') to Namche Bazaar (11,300'). Trekking time is approximately 6 to 8 hours.
The downhill trek along the river allows for breathtaking photos of Ama Dablam as it towers ominously above us. As we descend the smells of the pine forests and blooming rhododendrons overwhelm the senses after so many days up high. In Namche we treat ourselves to much deserved yak steaks, beer, and pastries. After Everest Basecamp, the narrow streets of Namche feel like a big city! Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 19: LUKLA  •  9,350'
Namche Bazaar (11,300') to Lukla (9,350'). Trekking time is approximately 5 - 7 hours.
Our last day on the trail. We hike down from Namche to Lukla, crossing the eleven swaying suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi and re-entering the fertile valleys of the lower Khumbu. Overnight in lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 20: KATHMANDU  •  4,383'
The scenic morning flight back to Kathmandu gives us one last chance to say farewell to the mountains. The afternoon in Kathmandu is open for exploring or just relaxing. (B)

Day 21: CONTINGENCY DAY
This day is available in case of delayed flights in or out of Lukla or if weather postpones our trip at any point.

Day 22: TRAVEL DAY
Depart Kathmandu. Most climbers fly from Kathmandu to Bangkok, and then onto the United States. An overnight in Bangkok is standard for most flights.

Day Twenty-three: TRAVEL DAY
Arrive home.

Key: B, L, D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.

Pack & Bag Guides' Pick

Technical Gear Guides' Pick

Head Guides' Pick

Hands Guides' Pick

Upper Body Guides' Pick

Lower Body Guides' Pick

Feet Guides' Pick

Miscellaneous Items Guides' Pick

Travel Clothes

Toilet Articles

Personal First Aid Kit

Personal Medications

Utensils Guides' Pick

Travel Documents

Optional Items

Provided Equipment

Pre-Trip Checklist

Meals

All meals and an assortment of snacks are provided during the expedition. The high quality of food that we eat in the mountains is often surprising for first time visitors to the Khumbu and it is rare to not look forward to a meal.

Please list any special dietary needs on the Participant Information Form. The form must be completed and returned to the RMI Office 60 days prior to the program departure date.

Snacks

While the food in the mountains is excellent, it is nice to bring along a few of your favorite snacks and drink mixes to enjoy after a long day. We recommend that climbers bring 2 - 3 lbs. of their absolute favorite snacks and comfort foods to have throughout the expedition.

On the trek, our lunches vary depending on the day. Some days we may stop at a teahouse and have a proper sit down lunch before continuing on to our lodge for the evening. On other days we may walk directly to our destination and have a late lunch there. As a result, you will want to have a few snack items with you everyday to fuel you up the trail.

The importance of having snacks 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, Lunch and Dinner

The quality of food that we eat in the mountains is often surprising for first time visitors. It is rare to not look forward to a meal. Breakfast during the trek consists of most typical breakfast items. Eggs, toast, hash browns, corn flakes, muesli, oatmeal, pancakes and the local specialties of chapatti and Tibetan bread are all common menu items. Breakfast meats like sausage are also sometimes found. Breakfast is accompanied by juice, coffee, tea, cocoa and other hot drinks.

Lunch and dinner options in the teahouses include a variety of choices. Soups (commonly tomato, vegetable, noodle, or hearty "sherpa stew") and momos (Nepali dumplings) are excellent starters. Main courses like chicken and yak dishes, pastas, pizzas, and even fries are served alongside vegetable fried rice or noodles and Nepali specialties such as dal bhat (rice and lentils). Be sure to save room for a dessert such as apple pie, chocolate cake, or "snickers pie"! Soft drinks, beer, and wine are also widely available, although they are priced at a premium the higher you trek.

Qualifications

The Everest Base Camp Trek is open to all individuals in good physical condition.

Mountaineering is a tough endurance sport, and the importance of good conditioning cannot be overstated. In training, we want to mirror, as best we can, the physical activities that we will be performing in the mountains. Your primary focus should be gaining the necessary strength and stamina needed to go up and down steep slopes with a backpack.

It is imperative that you undertake a rigorous conditioning program prior to your trip and arrive in top physical shape. Here are some proven suggestions to get you ready for the physical challenge.

• Start training immediately. The more time you have to get in shape, the better.
• Cardiovascular training (such as running and cycling) and strength and endurance training (such as weight training and stair climbing) should both be included in your program.
• Start cardiovascular training by running, biking, hill climbing, or using step machines. Try exercising for an hour or more per session, and keep your heart rate and respirations at a reasonably high level, without over doing it. Three to four long training sessions per week are going to be more beneficial than short daily workouts. The intensity of your workout should reflect the level of effort we anticipate needing to climb the last 1,000' to the summit.
• Begin your strength training by working on muscle groups used in mountaineering. Specifically, you want to target your quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, back and shoulder muscles.
• There is no better training for mountaineering than up and downhill hiking. Get outside and go on extended hikes with a weighted backpack 2 - 3 times per week. Try hiking for 60 to 90 minutes at a time with a 10 - 15 minute break after each segment. Begin your training program with a 20 - 25 pound pack and work up gradually to the approximate weight expected to be carried on the climb. If there are no hills nearby, stairs work fine for training, especially if you can find a taller multiple storied buildings or stadium steps. When working out in a gym, use stair stepping machines and treadmills with a weighted pack. Additionally, treadmills raised up to the full 15 degrees will be more beneficial than running on relatively flat terrain.
• Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life!

This sounds like a lot of work... and it is. With our daily schedules busy with family, work, and other important commitments, it can be difficult to set aside time for training. But being physically prepared for your climb is the single most important thing you can do to increase your chances of standing on the summit. It's also more enjoyable.

For more detailed information regarding conditioning, please see the Fitness for Mountaineering document.

Travel Consultant

RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide our clients with comprehensive travel support. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure travelers across the globe. We have been working with Erin for the last 8 years, and she is very knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. Please call (208) 788-2870 or email at etravel@cox.net.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program.

For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your local travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree

Personal Medical Insurance

We recommend that you purchase medical insurance for your expedition as most standard insurance does not cover mountaineering. International Health Insurance (IHI) provides coverage for annual travel or a single trip. For additional information including coverage, benefits and premiums or to book online visit International Health Insurance.

Getting There

Most climbers and trekkers fly to Kathmandu (KTM) via Thailand, with an overnight in Bangkok. During your flight 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.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin requiring airlines to collect additional passenger information. This effort is part of the Secure Flight pre-screening program. TSA will require you to provide your full name, date of birth and gender as it is shown on the identification document that you plan to present at airport security check-points. You must begin making your reservations using your full name, matching exactly the ID you plan to present at the airport. Collection of your date of birth and gender will be mandatory beginning August 15th, 2009. If you submit that information at time of booking your reservation you can avoid delays at check-in. Finally, verify your name on your frequent traveler profiles. If you signed up using a name other than your name as shown on your identification, you should contact each frequent traveler program to update your name to match Secure Flight's full name requirement.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required for entering Nepal. 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 back up. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.

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

Visas and Airport Arrival

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).

When you arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport go to the visa counter for visitors without a visa. Debarkation forms and visa application forms are both available in the arrivals hall as well as upon your incoming flight. You will need 1 passport photo for your visa application.

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.

Immuniziations / Travel Medicine

Before travel, be sure you are up to date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP). Some schedules can be accelerated for travel.

See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. If it is less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

CDC recommended vaccinations and preventive medications:

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
• Hepatitis B
• Malaria only if you plan on traveling to lower elevations
• Rabies
• Typhoid vaccine
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles

This information is accurate at the time of writing, but may change with little or no notice.

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

Departure Tax

Current airport tax is Nepalese Rupees 1,695 per person when flying back to Thailand or other non SAARC Countries (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). The departure tax in Kathmandu is to be paid at a special bank counter located inside the airport terminal and prior to checking in to the flight. The tax is dependent on your out-bound flight's destination and may change.

Country Facts

Nepal: Nepal is one of the world's richest countries in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meter above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mount Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 km resulting into climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic.

Capital: Kathmandu.

Population: 23.1 Million.'

Altitude: 60 meters from sea level to highest 8,848 meters.

Language: Nepali is the national language. English is widely understood and spoken within the tourism industry as well.

Political System: Multi-party Democracy.

Etiquette

Although it is not expected that American tourists dress formally in Nepal, it is expected that they dress modestly. Casual and comfortable clothing is suggested along with comfortable shoes.

Money

Nepal: The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). A recent exchange rate was about 76 NPR to the U.S. Dollar. In Nepal you are almost always required to pay for goods or services with the Nepalese Rupee. It is recommended that you change to Nepalese Rupees only as much money as you think you may spend as local currencies cannot be removed from the country or reconverted easily.

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 a far easier method of obtaining cash. Traveler's checks are a good backup and the safest way to carry money, but are not easily cashed and usually have a much lower exchange rate. If you are planning to use traveler's checks, we recommend that you buy America Express as they are most widely recognized and accepted.

While a few teahouses and bakeries in the Khumbu do accept credit cards, they charge a very high commission. Plan on bringing cash for any purchases you will make while in the mountains.

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.

Tipping

Local waiters, drivers, and other service personnel expect to be tipped. Ten to fifteen percent is standard. Restaurants and hotels add a 10% service fee to bills in which case no further tip is required. It is customary to tip guides and porters on treks and climbs. Elsewhere it is not customary to tip, but gratuities are always appreciated.

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.

Health

Travelers often suffer from upset stomachs when in Nepal. 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 any bathroom. 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 dry excess moisture in 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 you can cook it, boil it, or peel it; 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.

Photography

Nepal is very photogenic and the photos you take will be priceless. Ask for permission before photographing individuals, particularly indigenous people. Many of the locals are used to posing for photographs. If in doubt, either ask or refrain. Don't photograph any government or military property or persons; this includes the airport.

Electricity

Domestic consumption of electricity in Kathmandu normally comes to 220 Volts/50 cycles. It is advisable to carry voltage converters and plug adapters with you while traveling. Voltage converters and plug adapters are easily accessible at shopping malls in the cities of Nepal and the U.S.

Most teahouses and lodges will charge your electronics for a small fee. Remember to bring any necessary adapters on the trek with you if you plan on needing to recharge any batteries. At Basecamp RMI is equipped with a solar electricity system that can be used to charge batteries, however most climbers bring their own personal solar panel or charging system to the mountain as sunlight can be unreliable and other electronics may occupy the chargers.

Travel Advisories / Warnings

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

Resources

There are a number of books on travel health including: Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa and Latin America by Dirk Schroeder. Lonely Planet, Let's Go, Fodor's and Frommers are all good travel guides. Information and updates can be found on the website for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, which provides medical information for travelers as well as the consular information.

Payments

A deposit of $1,500 per person secures your reservation. Deposit payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, or check. Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start of your program, and we will send you a payment reminder approximately three weeks before your payment is due. Balance payments may be made via check or wire transfer only. If your final payment is not received within 90 days of the program your reservation will be cancelled and all fees forfeited. Trips departing within 120 days from the reservation date must be paid in full at the time of reservation.

Cancellations

Once we receive written notification (mail, e-mail, or fax) that you are canceling an individual participant or your entire reservation the following fees will apply. A fee of $750 per person will be charged for cancellations made more than 90 days before departure. There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than 90 days before your program. Unfortunately, due to the time-sensitive nature of our business, and the difficulty in re-booking a trip close to departure, we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program. For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree

Land Cost

Included are the following:

• Transportation to and from the airport in Kathmandu
• Hotels with breakfast in Kathmandu for stated itinerary at beginning of expedition
• Welcome dinner
• Round-trip flight to Lukla
• All group camping supplies such as tents, stoves, etc.
• All meals while trekking
• Park fees and permit fees
• Liaison officers
• Sherpas
• Camp staff
• Radio communications
• Power supply at Base Camp for charging electronics
• Yaks and porters
• Hyperbaric bag and emergency medical oxygen
• Unlimited medical consultation at the BC Medical clinic.

Not included are the following:

• International round-trip air fare and travel expenses to/from Kathmandu
• Meals in Kathmandu
• Hotels in Kathmandu after the trek
• Personal gear
• Excess baggage charges
• Airport departure taxes and Nepal entry visas
• Customary guide gratuities
• Porter tip pool (we suggest $200 per person)
• Satellite telephone, air charges and internet use
• Personal expenses, room charges and beverages
• Recommended insurance policies (medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, etc.)

* Single Travelers: If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate.  If you wish to stay alone, a supplemental fee will be charged for a single room.  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

Safety is RMI's number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering such as avalanches, ice fall, rock fall, inclement weather, and high winds, but they cannot eliminate them. RMI guides draw from their wealth of experience and training to make sound decisions that improve your chance of reaching the summit without compromising the necessary margin of safety.

Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently a hazardous sport. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and 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 risk and hazards of mountaineering, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity. 

Trekker's Responsibilities

Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Some of the responsibility for the team is carried by the individual climbers. For this reason, we ask that each participant:

• is physically and mentally fit, properly attired and equipped, and continues to self assess throughout the program to ensure as safe a climb as possible. If a climber's own physical fitness limits his or her ability to safely continue upward, that can have a negative impact on the summit experience or opportunity of other climb participants.
• honestly and accurately describe themselves, in terms of fitness, health and skills, and their equipment to their guides, and that they adhere to the advice of their professional mountain guide.

Age-Appropriate Guidelines & Restrictions

In the interest of the safety and well-being of all participants, RMI adheres to the following age-appropriate guidelines and restrictions on all climbing programs, domestic and international. An individual’s birthday must precede the departure date of the program. For example: a 15 year old who turns 16 on July 1 may participate on a program beginning July 2.

• Ages 15 & under: No participants age 15 & under
• Ages 16 & 17: Accompanied by parent or legal guardian
• Ages 18 & above: No restrictions 

Participants on Private Climb programs are assessed on an individual basis.

General Policies

RMI's program plans and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, terrain, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including discretion to change program schedule or itinerary, and change guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program.

We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather or route conditions. In such a case, a full refund is given; however, RMI cannot be responsible for any additional expenses incurred in preparing for the program (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or rental, hotel reservations).

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 party may have to turn around 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, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.'s responsibility and will not result in refund or reschedule.

If the Participant decides to leave a trip at any time after the start of the trip and prior to its conclusion, he or she will not be entitled to a refund.

RMI reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a trip or to send the Participant to a lower altitude at any time if RMI determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating in the program.