Everest South Frequently Asked Questions

This information should answer many of your initial questions and also guide you through the next stages of preparing for the expedition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need javascript enabled to view it

Why should I climb Everest with IMG?

We know we're not the cheapest deal around, and we don't want to be. We spend more providing the best personnel, equipment, logistics and safety measures — things that many lower-cost programs cannot afford and do not have. We don't cut corners. As you shop around, consider the following:

• IMG guides are professionals and are great teachers as well as strong climbers. All have done numerous high-altitude expeditions, including the Himalaya. Our clients enjoy the immense benefit of a core group that has climbed together extensively, producing a team that knows how to work well together. We do not think you will find any other Everest climbing or trekking programs that will be led or staffed by persons of the caliber we field. We challenge you to try!


• IMG always complies with all local, state, federal, and international regulations for the countries in which we climb. This includes proper visas and climbing permits, full insurance and equipment for our guides and Sherpa support teams, and complete adherence to all environmental regulations. Our clean business record allows us to operate with full liability insurance. All client funds are deposited in a regulated trust account. We take our business seriously!


• IMG Sherpas are top-notch. We hire the same great Sherpas every year, we treat them with respect, we pay them well and they like working with our teams. Most of them have been on many climbs with us over the years and many of them have multiple Everest summits. Our enthusiastic cooks do a great job and our menus are well considered. It makes a difference!


• IMG trek itineraries are longer than most others offered on the market. We know how to acclimatize properly and we don't rush. Unlike most other teams, we actually take our trekkers to Base Camp and invite them to stay there for several days as members of an expedition team. If you want to trek to Everest Base Camp, go with a team that actually gives you a real chance to fully experience it!


• IMG brings advanced technology to the mountain. Solar power at Base Camp quietly supports our satellite communications, allowing us to maintain excellent emergency contact capabilities and keep friends and family informed of our progress during the long weeks away from home. IMG will post regular internet dispatches from all of our teams at www.MountainGuides.com during.

How do I get there?

International Mountain Guides has worked for many years with the staff at CTT Destinations to provide professional travel service for participants in our programs. For help with your plans, we urge you to contact Pirjo at CTT Destinations: 800-909-6647 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need javascript enabled to view it

For our trips to Kathmandu, CTT Destinations reserves group space on Thai Airlines from Los Angeles via Bangkok. You can apply your Thai mileage to United Airlines Mileage Plus or other members of the Star Alliance.

What kind of insurance do I need?

We invest in insurance coverage for commercial liability and medical and disability insurance for our guides and Sherpas while participating on our programs. We cannot insure you for your personal needs, but we do expect you to be as fiscally responsible as we are. We strongly recommend that you insure yourself against potentially expensive difficulties that may arise. First, trip cancellation insurance may provide financial relief should you be forced to withdraw from the climb before it even happens. Next, make sure you have adequate traveler's medical and evacuation insurance for coverage should you have a problem during the trip. Medical care and evacuation from Everest can be expensive. CTT Destinations can assist you with these needs.

What's included in the expedition fee?

• Transportation to and from airport in Kathmandu
• hotels with breakfast in Kathmandu for stated itinerary at beginning of expedition
• welcome and farewell dinner
• round-trip flight to Lukla (Nepal groups) or Lhasa (Tibet groups)
• Tibet visa fees
• all group camping supplies such as tents, stoves, etc., all meals while trekking/climbing
• Park fees and climbing permits
• liaison officers
• Sherpas, camp staff
• radio comms and satellite telephone equipment at Base Camp
• yaks and porters
For summit climbers, also included are

• handheld radios
• high-altitude camp equipment and supplies
• sherpa support on summit day
• Climbing Sherpas will establish camps, carry group equipment (including sleeping bags and pads,) establish the route, etc.
• Additional personal Sherpa support is available, but must be arranged before the expedition
• Climbing oxygen will be provided as follows: 1800L at C3, 3600L at Col, 1800L at Balcony. We will also supply a limited amount of "extra" oxygen at Camp 3, for "practice" during the C3 acclimatization cycle, prior to the summit bids

• International round-trip air fare and travel expenses USA-Nepal/KTM
• meals in Kathmandu
• hotels in Kathmandu after the trek/climb
• personal gear
• excess baggage charges, airport taxes and Nepal entry visas
• Sherpa and driver tip pool (we suggest $200 per person)
• satellite telephone air charges
• personal sundries and beverages
• costs incurred as a result of delays or events beyond the control of IMG
• recommended insurance policies (medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, etc.)
• and customary but optional tips for IMG guides

What immunizations will I need?

• Tetanus/Diphtheria: You should already have. Do you need a booster? There is no natural immunity to the tetanus toxin and since it is found throughout the world, immunization is a universal recommendation regardless of age. A combined tetanus/diphtheria booster is available, good for ten years.
• Polio: You should already have. Do you need a booster?
• MMR: You should already have. Do you need a booster?
• Meningitis: Recommended. Consult your physician.
• Hepatitis A: Recommended. Consult your physician.
• Hepatitis B: Not a bad idea. Ask your physician.
• Cholera: Ask your physician.
• Typhoid: Not a bad idea to be safe. The tablet form, Vivotif Berna, is good for five years.
• Rabies: The new vaccine is easy. Kathmandu and Nepal have rabid animals.
• Malaria: We have never encountered a problem on the climb, since we are above the zone of malaria when we are on the mountain. If you plan on traveling to lower elevations in Nepal, malaria chemoprophylaxis is highly recommended.

We recommend that you visit the travel clinic at a major University Hospital or your local Public Health Department for the most up to date info on travel requirements, or check the Center for Disease Control Website at www.cdc.gov.