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Everest Skydive
By arrna Published: 09/16/2010
HIGHLIGHTS of Skydive Everest:
• The World's most Elite Skydiving Adventure to date
• Skydiving in front of Mount Everest (29,035ft - 8848m)
• World Heritage area national park trekking and skydiving
• Freefalling past some of the world's highest mountain peaks
• Landing on the highest Drop Zone in the world
• Experience the Himalayas from above and below
• Visit Kathmandu and the Sherpas lands of the Everest region
• Experience the Himalayan environment of vast altitudes and acclimatization
• Experience a High Altitude jump, with supplementary Oxygen
• Air to air video on each jump
• Professional photography available with your jump
• Be part of an Elite club of International skydivers
• Jump aircraft: Turbine Pilatus Porter P.C 6 from Switzerland
• Drop zone vehicles: Squirrel B3 helicopter, local yaks, pony's and porters
• One of the adventure world's top unique experiences
• Be a part of the international record books & history
Skydive next to the worlds highest mountain
Nepalese call her Sagarmatha, Goddess of the sky, in Tibet, she is Chomolungma, Goddess Mother of the Earth. But to climbers, she is simply Mount Everest, tallest mountain in the world, and symbol of both the heights and depths of our aspirations.
If mythology is to be believed, ten centuries ago a Wind Horse flew the Pangcheng Llama over the summit of Everest and landed at Pangboche Monastry.
Skydive Mount Everest is the closest you will come to re-enacting this folklore from the past.
The opportunity to skydive alongside the highest and most famous bit of mountain real estate on the planet, Sagamatha, Chomolungma or as Brits named her Mount Everest. Without question, this is the single best opportunity for adrenalin fuelled adventure ever.
You’ll be landing on the highest drop zone in the world at almost 17,000ft and a mere 5 horizontal miles from the very summit of the mountain – but because you’re so close and Everest is so big, the mountain will appear enormous, it is!
Above is a photomontage by Leo Dickinson and Ben Wood – the skydivers were snapped at 25,000ft – the backdrop of Mount Everest was taken above our Drop Zone at 18,000ft. Imagine the panorama awaiting you as you exit the aircraft at 26,000ft.
Almost 6000 people have stood on the summit of Mount Everest, nobody has skydived this close to the mountain before from such extreme altitudes.
EVEREST SKYDIVE ADVENTURE 2010
Everest Skydive is entering its third year of extreme aerial adventure. Everest Skydive in 2010 will be made from Tara Air's Pilatus Porter aircraft at Syangboche and Fishtail Air’s AS 350 B3 chopper at the world's highest drop zone at Gorak Shep, Kala Patthar Plateau. The aircrafts will be flown by experienced pilots having skydiving ratings.
The test flights for Everest Skydive operation performed on October 2009 at Syangboche and Gorak Shep concluded successfully.
Everest Skydive 2010 continues to lead the way in High altitude Skydiving Adventures. Our experience gained in 2008 & 2009, combined with an elite team of experts from around the globe, highly specialized in all aspects of parachuting activities, positions us as an experienced world leader in extreme adventure.
Wendy Smith, as Chief Co-ordinator for the Everest Skydive, brings a life time of experience to our team and once again will be our Director of aerial cinematography once again.[www.wendysmithaerial.com]
Omar Alhegelan - World champion and pioneer of freefly skydiving will also rejoin our aerial camera team for 2009.
Doctor Ryan Jackson, who lead the medical team in 2008, has a few thousand skydives, holds qualifications in parachuting, experience in mountaineering and loves sailing.
Tom Noonan, Tandem Master for the 2008 Everest Skydive, brings with him many years as a master, and is highly qualified in Tandem and parachuting equipment instruction.
We are excited about our partnership with charity, Global Angels. We will be bringing back Founder, Molly Bedingfield, to Tandem Skydive with us again and we will be launching the Global Angels Flying Academy to raise funds for educational support of vulnerable children and environmental sustainability projects in Nepal and Asia. Each skydiver will "earn their wings" as they jump. [www.globalangels.org]
THE WORLD'S HIGHEST DROP ZONE SKYDIVING AT KALAPATTHAR - 17192 ft!
This is good news for all of you that have had discussions about operating Skydiving over the highest drop zone at Kalapatthar 17192 ft (5542 m) where Wendy Smith and Tom Noonan made successful landings last year using Fishtail Air's AS 350 B3 Helicopter.
This landing location is approximately two miles from the Climbing Base Camp of Mt. Everest. It is now also complimented for hosting the historic Cabinet meeting held by the Nepal Government to draw attention of the world for climate change towards rapid melting of the Himalayan Glaciers.
Since Wendy and Tom have had first hand experience of this Jump, thorough considerations have been made to run the jumps in the safest manner, we have decided to allow this Jump to people with a minimum of 750 Jumps and holding a D licence in skydiving. To make jumpers familiar in the Himalayan Environment, a test Jump shall be performed from low level, 20000-22000 ft over Syangboche Airport, landing at 12500 feet, as a preparation before the Jump over Kalapatthar.
We have prepared and trained ground Crew, mountain guides and safety officers, who will be waiting to receive and co-ordinate jumpers back to a lower altitude by Helicopter after there skydive and landing at kalapatther. Information gained by our 2009 Expedition concluded that the Kalapatthar Jump can be done by Helicopter from the height of 23000ft and not allow high altitude drift in this extremely dangerous location. Tandem Jumping will not be carried out here on grounds of safety.
So, the Worlds highest jump location shall be serviced by Fishtail Air's AS 350 B3 Helicopter - available for Solo skydiving with experienced jump masters. Parachute federation procedures, Jump licence's and logbooks will be checked and cleared by our Chief safety officer. Everest Skydive supplies all equipment for the adventure.
Everest Skydive Clients Schedule - Syangboche DropZone
Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu/ Transfer to Hotel Malla
You are greeted on your arrival at Kathmandu international airport and transferred to Hotel Malla.
We wish you time to relax and revive from your flights.
Afternoon briefing and meeting with the others before taking peddle rickshaws to the famous Rum Doodle Restaurant for Dinner.
Day 2
Sightseeing and familiarization in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors.
The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley.
Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.
We can prepare our soft mountain bags and are welcome to leave hard cases and excess materials at the Hotel until we return from our expedition.
Day 3
Fly to Lukla / Trek to Phakding
The flight to Lukla in Solu Khumbu (the main gateway to Mt Everest-29,035ft) takes about 45 minutes.
In Lukla, you will meet your trek support team, your porters and the yaks.
Once all the large kit packs and equipment are allocated to porters and yaks, you take the downhill trail into the floor of the Dhud Khosi Valley close to the river, and slowly meander up and down well constructed paths through the villages to Phakding where you will stay overnight in a Sherpa lodge.
Day 4
Trek to Namche
After an early call and “bed tea”, instant coffee or hot chocolate, a bowl of warm washing water will be brought to your room. Once dressed, we recommend you pack before breakfast so that the porters can get under way as soon as they are ready.
After breakfast we start trekking very slowly.
From Phakding, you cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges to Monjo.
Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park.
You then take a steep long trek to Namche Bazaar (11,320ft).Namche Bazaar is the main trading village in Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La. Overnight in a sherpa lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5
Rest day in Namche
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook that seems to meet western standards, even at this remote mountain outpost.
The amazing Sherpa folks down here have learnt a lot from the big expeditions that have passed this way. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Tengboche.
Options for acclimatization walks include a visit to Khunde hospital which was set-up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to the Everest view hotel above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. There are also good views from the national park centre and museum just above the town.
We have a nice time at Namche and then settle in for the night.
Day 6
Trek to Thame
From Namche the route turns west and the trail is almost level as we head up the Bhote Kosi Valley, once a popular trading route into Tibet.
Along the way we pass many prayer flags and mani stones, all indicative of the Tibetan Buddhist culture of this area. After descending to the Bhote Kosi the trail climbs steeply to Thame.
From here there are good views of the peaks of Teng Kangpoche and Kwangde. To the north is the Nangpa La, the pass leading to Tibet. Thame Gompa is situated above the village overlooking the valley and is the site for the spring celebrations of the Mani Rimdu festival.
Day 7
Rest day in Thame / acclimatization
Day 8
Trek to Syangboche
Today, as part of the acclimatization program me, you will visit the Drop Zone.
You will meet the 'advance party' of management staff and crew, who may well have left Katmandu to trek before you.
They will meet and brief you and familiarize you on the equipment and routines that will apply to the Drop Zone during the parachuting program me.
Day 9
Test Jump
Excitement will mount with a full day on the Drop Zone.
There will be familiarization and briefings for solo and tandem jumpers.
This is a strict alcohol free zone for all, including observers, at all times.
Familiarization jump from the Pilatus Porter P6 turbine for solo jumpers.
Day 10 – 13
Jump days
Everest Skydive in front of Mt. Everest from 29,500ft. You will exit with your Tandem Instructor and Aerial cameraman or Jump master / Aerial cameraman.
Jump Days planned by the Director of Parachuting Operations with consideration for weather watch and safety.
On Day 13 after the completion of the last jump we will transfer by helicopter to Lukla airstrip where flights to Kathmandu operate from.
The evening brings the Everest Skydive diner party compliments of Everest Skydive Explore Himalaya travel and Adventure.
Day 14
Depart Kathmandu
Transfer with Everest Skydive local support staff to International airport for flights home.
*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners are catered for during Everest Skydive.
(The mountain restaurant and hotel menus hold a wide variety of choice for you to choose from)
*You will need to settle your own drinks and alcoholic beverage bills please.
General Information For Skydive
Here are a few notes that will be useful for you during your time in Nepal.
The skydive over Gorak Shep, Kala Patthar Plateau is extreme high altitude skydiving adventure. To take the jumps, one should take into consideration , the complexity and seriousness of the terrain. For this reason, the jumps over Gorak Shep is only opened for qualified skydivers with enough knowledge about the Himalayan environment. We advise you to consult with our chief Co-ordinator Wendy Smith before making your final booking.
Arriving in Nepal
When you arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport there are two separate visa counters, one for visitors with a visa, and another for those without. You will need to go to the counter labelled for visitors without a visa.
Debarkation forms and visa application forms are both available in the arrivals hall.
You will need 1 passport photo for your visa application. It is best that you have a few $10 notes and give the correct amount, rather than pass over $100 as the officials sometimes do not have the correct change.
Your hand baggage will be checked through an x-ray machine upon arrival into the baggage claim area. Sometimes your hold baggage will also be put through an x-ray machine as you leave the baggage claim area, but normally not. Do not line up to do this unless you are instructed to do so.
Upon your arrival at the hotel you may be required to give your passport and air tickets to one of our office representative. This is so that we can process any necessary paper work.
We can reconfirm your flights, if you hand over your tickets to us.
Contacts - Nepal
Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure
Mr. Suman Pandey
Amrit Marg,
Bhagwan Bahal Thamel,
Kathmandu
Tel: +977 1 4418 100 or 4418 400
Fax: +977 1 4412 888
The Malla Hotel
Lekhnath Marg, Lainchaur
Kathamndu
TEL: +977 1 4418380 or 4410966
Emergency Mobile
+33 6 34 26 70 97
Wendy Smith (Europe)
Email: jump@everest-skydive.com
UK & Eire Embassy – Nepal
British Embassy
Lainchaur, Kathmandu
(P O Box 106)
Tel: (+977) (1) 4410583 or 4411281
Insurance
Travel and medical insurance is compulsory for this trip, and it is highly recommended to include emergency air evacuation as standard. Travelling without insurance can result in extremely high medical or repatriation charges in the event of an accident; check your policy inclusions and exclusions carefully. We will require proof of insurance before you travel. It is also very useful to keep this information on our files in the unlikely case of an emergency during your trip, where we may be required to provide administrative assistance. Please send us a copy of your insurance cover before you travel. It is highly advised you obtain your insurance at least 30 days before the event with cover for cancellation and curtailment, accident, search & rescue evacuation, third party liability, Investigation, etc.
Insurer’s name and 24hr contact no:_____________________________
Policy number: _____________________________________________
Passport and Visa Information
It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity at the date of your return from travel and that your visa requirements are met. Please see further information in the Joining Information section. If you are unsure of the Visa entry requirement please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be able to point you in the right direction.
Vaccination & Health
Required vaccinations and health risks can vary greatly from country to country and region to region. It is strongly recommended that you arrange a visit to your GP, or ideally a specialist travel clinic, prior to your trip. Although staff may point you in the right direction for your inoculations, we are unfortunately not qualified to advise you on specific medical requirements. Taking along a copy of your itinerary can be helpful for doctors to identify the areas you may visit.
Geography
Located between India and China at latitudes 26 and 30 degrees North and longitudes 80 and 88 degree East. Nepal is topographically divided into 3 regions; the Himalayas (mountains), the Pahad (middle hills) and the Terai (plains).
Hospitals/ Pharmacies
In Kathmandu there are major government-run and private hospitals. Pharmacies are widely available in all places in big town & cities. Health Posts are found in major villages like Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Khunde and Pheriche. You will be flying into Lukla to start the trek.
Culture
At the mention of Nepal, most people will conjure up images of the Himalayan Mountains, trekking and little more. But, Nepal is also the confluence of two great religions – Hinduism and Buddhism. This is the land where Lord Buddha was born more than 2,500 years ago and it is also the birthplace of Sita, consort of God, Lord Ram. While eight of the world’s 10 tallest peaks are here in this tiny nation, wedged between Tibet to the North, and India on the other three sides, the country should not be solely judged for its high mountains but also for its unique cultural and spiritual heritage, artistic monuments and exotic wildlife, which are reflected in the country’s 102 different ethnic groups and 93 dialects.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do try to learn a little of the language. The formal greeting in Nepal is "Namaste", performed by joining the palms of the hand together in front of the face; it's usually over-formal for chance encounters on trails - try a hearty "oho!” Equally, "dhanyebaad" is too formal for most thank you’s - you can use an English "thank you" instead, or just smile. With its diverse ethnic groups and traditional beliefs Nepal has numerous cultural practices. The best advice is to watch what other people do, and even if you get it wrong, most Nepalese are very understanding.
Do be aware of local customs. Hindus consider certain objects as ritually impure: shoes (remove them when entering homes or religious places, and avoid touching anyone with your feet, or stretching your legs out showing the soles); eating utensils (avoid sharing food with Hindus, or any utensil or water bottle that you've touched with your lips); and the left hand (avoid pointing at or touching people with it, especially on the head).
Do seek permission before entering temples and note that walking around temples and monasteries is traditionally done clockwise. Don’t make a display of affection in public - affection should be kept private. Don’t get involved with drugs. Drugs are illegal and frowned on by most Nepalese. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment. Don’t overstay your visa. If you do, you may be heavily fined and can even get you in jail.
Climate
The cold, dry, clear winter season runs from October to March, and the warm, dry spring season from March to June. The wet season, or monsoon, lasts from roughly June to September, depending on the year. Mid-September to mid-October is the start of the dry season.
Temperature
Highly dependent on altitude and season, so charts are little use. Kathmandu temperatures can drop to a few degrees centigrade on winter nights, and reach about 30 degrees centigrade shortly before the monsoon. In the mountain temperatures rarely exceed 25 degrees, but can plummet far below zero. Plain areas are roughly 5-10 degrees centigrade hotter than Kathmandu.
Electricity – 220 volts AC, 50Hz
Country dialling code – 977
Mobile phones
From our experience, the most reliable provider in the Kathmandu Valley is Vodaphone, but other providers do work such as O2.
Time Zone
GMT +5 hours 45 minutes (SMT +4 hours 45 minutes from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Population – 24 Million
Religion – 90% Hindu, 5% Buddhist, 3% Muslim, 2% other
Currency – Nepalese Rupees
There are plenty of ATMs in Kathmandu (locally called “any time money”)
Credit Cards
Accepted in all major hotels, banks and stores in Kathmandu. Make sure you know your pin number before leaving home.
Local spending money
You will need money to pay for meals not included in the itinerary (approx £10 in a small café or restaurant, any extra sightseeing, souvenirs, tips, any items of a personal nature, such as Internet café use etc.
There are now several ATM machines in Kathmandu but it is best to have a back up in case you are unlucky and do not find an ATM which is working. We suggest US$ or GBP. Traveller’s cheques are only accepted in Kathmandu.
Tipping
In Nepal, tipping is expected in restaurants and on trek.
Drinking water
It is not advisable to drink the tap water. It is easier to buy bottled water whilst in Kathmandu, which can be bought cheaply at approximately 50 pence. Whilst on trek you will be given drinking water each day. When ordering bottled water in a restaurant, be careful to check the cap is sealed.
Personal Security
Avoid walking alone, especially in isolated areas and at night. Keep jewellery and expensive equipment such as cameras hidden.
Lukla Airfield
It should be noted that Lukla Airfield is a STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) airfield in the mountains at 2743m. Flights can sometimes be disrupted due to inclement weather patterns.
What To Expect On Trek
A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset, rather than any Western time schedule. The day starts with an early wake-up call.
You then pack up your gear and enjoy breakfast before starting your morning walk. The Sirdar will already be organised and have assigned loads to porters and/or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore.
The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and you will arrive at the destination in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings.
Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.
The Trek
Trekking for the skydivers will run around Namche which is fairly moderate and is objected towards providing enough acclimatization to the jumpers before the real skydiving takes place. Average day walk will be 4-6 hours up to Namche and 2-4 hours after that.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation and food shall be provided in the best hotels and tea houses on the way having bathroom with hot and cold shower inside the hotel.
General information on the Trek
TRIP GRADE - Moderate to fairly challenging:
Physically quite tiring, involves approx 4-6 hours trekking along the main Everest Trail. You Trek on the First day is fairly gradual along the Dudhkoshi River, Second day steep climb up to Namche and then after, you shall have adopted with the Himalayan Landscape, we believe
TREK TYPE
Trekking for the Skydivers will be organized on Lodge/Teahouse based. You shall be staying overnight in the Hotels/Teahouses catering to Tourists going on Everest Trek. Dinner shall be served at the same place whereas, Lunch place shall be picked somewhere on the way in one of the Tea Houses.
ACCOMMODATION
Trekking in the Everest region does not need tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Facilities in tea houses are limited but good enough to offer you a comfortable stay and hygienic meals. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot be booked in advance). Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.
MEALS & DRINKING WATER
On this trek we provide standard breakfast, lunch and three course dinner, tea or coffee will also be included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodge and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.
LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter or yaks. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 to 15 kgs. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel's safekeeping.
TREKKING CREW
On the trek you will be accompanied by a team of local crew whose aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. The crew consists of a local leader (Sirdar or Headman) and a team of porters to carry all your gear. On average, there will be a ratio of one porter to every two trekkers. Sirdar speaks reasonable amount of English, good enough to explain you about the places, local culture or any sight that catches your eyes.
PERSONAL EXPENSES
Everest region is more expensive than the other regions in Nepal, as most of the goods have to be shipped by airplane and then carried to their final destination by porters.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. We suggest you to allocate 5 - 10% of the total tour cost as tips.
COMMUNICATION
There are a couple of telephone facilities in the Everest region up to Namche Bazaar. Cell phones work fine up to Tengboche.
If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, we can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).
TREKKING / CLIMBING EQUIPMENT
For trekking in the Everest region, you will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun cream and day pack. For climbing: down-jacket, plastic boots, crampons, ice-axe, headlight, harness, jumar, carabineers, belay device, prussiks.
A comprehensive list of equipments will be provided once you book your trip.
TYPICAL DAY ON TREK
Each morning after a hearty breakfast, we pack our bags and set off on the day's walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
MEETING AND GREETING IN KATHMANDU
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a 'meeting and greeting' service at the Airport. You just pass through the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard that states either 'Explore Himalaya' or your own name.
CLIMATE
Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Sherpas live in the upper regions of Solu Khumbu. They emigrated from Tibet about 600 years ago. The Khumbu region has provided a strong group of able bodied, hardy and fearless Sherpa porters and guides. Sherpas practice Tibetan Buddhism which is also known as Lama Buddhism.
ITINERARY CHANGES
Depending on the prevailing situation, itinerary can be modified to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
Responsible travel – Minimizing Impact
Responsible Travel
The following are guidelines for the team to follow where possible in order to minimise the impact of Everest Skydive. This list is not prescriptive or exhaustive and we would welcome any further points that you feel could be incorporated.
As a team member of the expedition, we expect you to take every reasonable precaution to minimize or avoid any negative impact the expedition may cause – from the environment to the people, places and communities that you will encounter. We also expect you to share this exercise with each and every one of the expedition team, and possibly the local population, educating them where necessary to some of the following points.
Cultural Impact
• Ask permission for photographs of individuals or sensitive areas
• Respect holy shrines and places of worship
• Don’t encourage beggars
• Respect local customs
• Don’t flaunt wealth
• Don’t make promises you cannot keep
• Learn about local culture and get involved
• Dress conservatively
Economic Impact
• Ensure money is put back into the local economy as much as possible
• Buy provisions in country where possible
• Don’t pay too little
• Don’t pay too much
• Maintain good business-like relations at all times
Environmental Impacts
Waste Management
• Educate others
• Remove excess packaging
• Don’t ignore others waste • Minimize use of potentially damaging materials
• Use local disposal facilities if suitable
Limit Deforestation
• Don’t make open fires unless in an emergency or you are using dead wood
Water
• Don’t waste water unnecessarily
• Use biodegradable soaps and shampoos if possible
• Don’t pollute water supplies with human waste
Physical Damage
• Don’t trample flowers or vegetation
• Don’t take cuttings
• Stay on main tracks to prevent erosion
• Don’t collect rock samples
Remember, observe and teach the saying: “Leave only footprints, take only photos”
Altitude and Acclimatising
It is hard to describe fully the pleasures of trekking in the world's highest mountain range, but not respecting the potential dangers of this environment can be the undoing of those who choose to forget the realities of where they are. Altitude sickness is rare below 8,000 feet, and serious symptoms do not usually occur until over 12,000 feet. Even then it is not the height that is important, rather the speed in which you ascended to that altitude.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is actually more common in fit young men because they are more likely to attempt a rapid ascent by racing up the mountain like some indestructible super hero! Your itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization to the altitude as you ascend, (you can run back down as fast if you want!).
It is difficult to determine who may be affected by altitude sickness since there are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility.
Some people get it and some people don't because some people are more susceptible than others. The only good predictor of problems at altitude is previous such problems, so we ask that you bring any bad experiences in the past to our attention.
Most people can ascend to 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) with little or no effect. If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can probably return to that altitude quite easily.
If you haven't been to altitude before, you need to listen to your body a little more than usual, but do bear in mind that because of the structure of your trek and the altitudes you are going to over measured timings, the various serious conditions of altitude sickness are extremely unlikely.
The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly. Given a sensible amount of time, your body will adapt to the decrease in oxygen at a specific altitude.
Several changes take place in the body, which enable it to cope with decreased oxygen:
• The depth of respiration increases.
• The body produces more red blood cells to carry oxygen.
• Blood flow through the lung changes, to optimize oxygen absorption.
• The body produces more of a particular enzyme that causes the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the body tissues.
Many people experience a variety of mild symptoms without developing acute mountain sickness requiring descent (or any treatment whatsoever).
These can include:
1 Mild headache, feeling a little “hung over”.
2 Persistent cough
3 Disturbed sleep (and snoring!). This leads to daytime tiredness.
The usual course is for these symptoms to fade as your body acclimatises, which is exactly why we will be trekking slowly to the Drop Zone.
By the time we are at Syangboche for jumping we expect you all to be feeling ready to Skydive Everest!
The equipment that is carried within your group is designed to instantly deal with high altitude conditions should they occur in any member of the party.
You will all be made familiar with this equipment and the simplicity of using it.
PACKING
General
You need to pack everything you need for the trip in a suitable piece of luggage normally a hold all not a suitcase. You will use this piece of luggage to leave anything you do not require on the trek in Kathmandu, which will be stored at the hotel. All the kit you take to the mountains will be packed in your Large Pack and Day Pack. Daypack – Small Ruck Sack This should be comfortable with a good waistband that transfers some of the weight to the hips. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends. You pack your daypack in the morning and give the rest of your baggage to the porters. You should have everything you need trough the day with you, since it is likely that we don’t see the porters again before we stop for the night in a tea house.
Large pack – Kit Bag This should be big enough to carry all your trek kit, which will be carried by the porters, and we recommend a soft hold all for this or barrel draw string kit bag.
CLOTHING
Polyprop Shirt: This is a thermal item worn close to the skin and as an alternative could be wool. Good thermals are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort.
Lightweight Shirt: It’s advisable to have a cotton shirt with colour to help with sun protection.
Heavyweight Shirt: This is to provide extra warmth at higher altitude and whilst at tea houses and on the drop zone.
Fleece jacket: If you do not already own one it is possible to buy these in Kathmandu.
Wind/rain jacket: Waterproof and breathable. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable.
Down jacket: This is something you need to have for those cool evenings. If you don't already have a down jacket they can easily be rented in Kathmandu.
Lightweight Trousers: You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-coloured is best. You can survive with only one pair. For example Ron Hills.
Heavyweight Trousers: Heavier weight, loose fitting trekking trousers for higher altitude and around the drop zone.
Wind pants: If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have gore-tex or similar, non-waterproof is quite OK.
Polyprop Long Johns: This is a thermal item worn close to the skin and as an alternative could be wool. Good thermals are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort.
Underwear: This is not something people tend to forget, but anyway bring 4 to 7 pairs.
SLEEPING
Sleeping bag
Down-filled bags are the best to bring. Beg, borrow or steal a good one (i.e. 4-5 season) because high altitude nights will be cool, and there is nothing worse than being cold at night. If you have a 3-4-season bag then you can get a fleece sleeping bag liner in Kathmandu, they are cheap and reasonable priced. Quite good sleeping bags are inexpensively available for rent in Kathmandu.
Sleeping bag liner: Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Kathmandu but are more easily bought from home. Fleece ones are readily available in Kathmandu.
Inflatable sleeping pad: You will be sleeping on Beds/mattress in the tea houses but if you do have your own Thermarest or similar, then bring it. It will be useful for sitting on whilst on the drop zone.
FOOTWEAR
Trekking Boots
For a comfortable trek you need comfortable feet. Good boots have: good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and are light because with every step you lift your boot up. Look at the inner lining - leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Good lightweight trekking boots or light all leather boots are perfect. Boots must be lightly worn in before trekking and this should include some steep hills to show up trouble spots. The longer the trek, the better the boots you need.
Evening shoes: At the end of the day your feet need some air, so bring some sandals or running shoes.
EQUIPMENT
Sunglasses: These need to have a high UPV protection.
Water bottle: Should be one litre or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof.
PERSONAL
Reading Material : One or two with high swap ability. Kathmandu has some great second-hand bookshops. We can recommend Pilgrims bookshop in Thamel.
Toiletries and odds and ends: There are a surprising number of showers or buckets of hot water available. The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. We provide toilet paper. Bring a small lightweight trekking towel, or even better a sarong. In Kathmandu the hotel supplies towels.
Sun screen and lip care with sun protection: The sun is strong at altitude, especially after snow, so go for one with a high sun protection factor
First aid kit: You should bring any personal medicines that you need.
EXTRAS
Snacks and nutrition: You will feel your best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food and the water. The last two ingredients are wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Chocolate and chocolate bars are readily available in Kathmandu. Bring vitamin tablets from home.
Price 2010 - Syangboche DropZone
Solo Skydivers: £14750
Tandem Skydivers: £19,750
As above, with inclusion of tandem master briefings, training and tandem skydive.
Support Trek members: £4,250
Support Trek member or Skydiver Companions.
As above, with the exclusion of all, skydiving briefings, relevant permits, training and equipment or souvenirs. Includes special observer’s jacket made to measure.
Price 2010 - Kalapatthar DropZone
Solo Jump: £19550Skydiving in Everest region.
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