Tibet Trek with International Mountain Guides

IMG was one of the very first companies to run a commercial trek to Everest ABC in Tibet (back in 1991) and we have conducted this program successfully many times since then. Our experience from running this program, along with several dozen climbing expeditions to Cho Oyu, Everest, and Shishapangma makes us one of the very most experienced outfitters for taking customers to high altitude in Tibet. IMG's programs in Tibet are recognized worldwide as simply outstanding, with a reputation for our highly professional staff of leaders, climbers and Sherpas, first-rate logistics and our resulting safety and success record on the mountain.

For 2009 IMG will again run the Tibet ABC trek, this time under the under the leadership of IMG partner Phil Ershler. Phil was the first American to climb the North Face of Everest (1984) and this will be the 25th anniversary of his ascent! Joining Phil on the trek will be his wife Susan. Phil and Susan were the first couple to do the Seven Summits and this will make it a special trip!

This is the most physically challenging non-technical program that IMG offers. It is more strenuous than Kilimanjaro, Rainier, or Everest Base Camp (Nepal Side). Tibet ABC is arguably the highest point on earth that can be attained without mountaineering skills. To successfully reach this point requires some serious acclimatization. You will spend over two weeks in excess of 14,000 feet. It is important to be in good physical condition. This trip is "do-able" if you are in good shape, enjoy hiking and traveling, and don’t have any underlying health issues that might be worsened by the amount of time spent up high.

Please contact me personally if I can be of further assistance.

—Eric Simonson, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need javascript enabled to view it
IMG Himalayan Programs director

Tibet Trek to Everest Advanced Bace Camp

April 3–29, 2009

This is the most physically challenging non-technical program that IMG offers. It is more strenuous than Kilimanjaro, Rainier, or Everest Base Camp (Nepal Side). Tibet ABC is arguably the highest point on earth that can be attained without mountaineering skills. You will spend over two weeks in excess of 14,000 feet.

It is important to be in good physical condition. Having said that, we should note that on the 2004 ABC trek we had three participants in their 50's and two in their 60's (one 68 year old) that all successfully made it to ABC! This trip is "do-able" if you are in good shape, enjoy hiking and traveling, and don’t have any underlying health issues that might be worsened by the amount of time spent up high.

Our Philosophy

Our goal is to safely help as many team members as possible reach their goal, and we invest in the people and equipment that will make this happen. We value our reputation as the premiere international climbing company and we only put programs in place that measure up to our own high standards. If you would like to join a world-class team on Everest, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your goals and qualifications and secure an exciting role for yourself on our team!

Expedition Organization and Leadership

International Mountain Guides ("IMG")
IMG is the oldest and most respected high-altitude climbing service in the world, and its three principals, Eric Simonson, Phil Ershler, and George Dunn, have led and organized over 300 expeditions worldwide since 1975. Each is an AMGA Certified Alpine Guide with Himalayan expedition experience including Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Shishapangma, and Cho Oyu. IMG's Himalayan mountaineering programs are organized and directed by Eric Simonson, one of the world's premiere expedition organizers. Under his direction, IMG has conducted over forty Himalayan expeditions. His teams include a group of professionals and Sherpas who are the best in the business. Since 1990, over 300 IMG team members have summited the world's classic 8,000-meter peaks, including Everest, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma.

Phil Ershler
Phil is one of the most experienced guides in the world. A founding partner of IMG, Phil was one of the first climbers to travel to Tibet in the early 1980's and was the first to ascend the North Face of Everest in 1984. In his career, he has led more than one hundred treks and expeditions to every continent and has done the Seven Summits twice (the second time with his wife Susan).

Ang Jangbu and the IMG Sherpa Team
A veteran of dozens of expeditions and an Everest summiter, Ang Jangbu has worked with Eric Simonson on every IMG Himalayan program since 1991 and is a very popular leader. Ang Jangbu Sherpa and his staff put together one of the very best Sherpa teams for IMG. We are proud to have a group of Sherpas working for us who are among the best paid, best led, best equipped, and best trained in the business.

References

Joining a high-altitude trek or expedition is a serious decision. You should be completely confident in the organization and leadership before you make that decision. Many of you have climbed with us before, and because your experience with us was good, you're considering another climb with us. For those of you who haven't climbed with us before, we strongly encourage you to interview us thoroughly and also talk to our past clients. When you're ready to make the decision, we'll be happy to provide you with a complete list of references. Please also browse comments online from our trekkers and climbers.