Fixed departure: January 15th 2010 through 28th 2010
When is the best climbing season?
The best time of the year to climb the mountain is during the austral summer from December until early March. One can expect more snow and higher rivers early in the season, followed by increasingly drier conditions as the season progresses. While Aconcagua is entirely within the Republic of Argentina, the Pacific Ocean is only 150 kilometers to the west. The mountain receives almost all of its bad weather during the austral summer from the moist, humid winds that blow from the west off the Pacific Ocean. A typical scenario is that these winds are driven upwards by the western slope of the Andes, where the air cools, condenses, and forms the lenticular cloud that covers the summit: the famous viento blanco or white wind, a sign of snow and high winds at altitude. These westerly winds can also generate fierce electrical storms during the summer. But summer storms are relatively rare on Aconcagua, and the sun shines for most of the climbing season for days on end. The peak climbing month seems to be February, and climbing conditions are reported to be the best then. However, more and more climbers seem to be on the mountain during Christmas. The rivers are much higher during this period, but there is also more snow on Aconcagua.
- Arrive in Mendoza, Argentina. Stay in hotel. (We will meet your flight.)
- Rest, shop and sight-seeing. Stay in hotel.
- Bus to Puente del Inca, Argentina (2720 meters). Complete registration formalities. Stay in hotel.
- Drive to Punta de Vacas. Walk 8 kilometers to Las Lenas (2700m). Easy trail walking; mules carry baggage. Camping.
- Walk 18 kilometers to Casa de Piedra (3200m). Easy trail walking; mules carry baggage, Camping.
- Walk 15 kilometers to base camp, "Plaza Argentina" (4200m). Steep trail walking; mules carry baggage, Camping.
- Rest in base camp.
- Carry loads for acclimatization safety to Camp 1 (5000m). Walking on scree and through melted ice mixed with rocks. 4-6 hour hike. Return to base camp.
- Walk to Camp 1 and sleep there.
- Carry loads for acclimatization safety to Camp 2 (5900m). Walking on scree and through melted ice mixed with rocks. 6-7 hour hike. Return to Camp 1.
- Walk to Camp 2 and sleep there.
- Hike for acclimatization safety to Campo Berlin on the Normal Route. 4-6 hour hike. Return to Camp 2.
- Rest in camp 2, prepare for summit attempt.
- Climb Polish Glacier to Summit (6962m). Descend via Normal Route and traverse back to Camp 2.
- These extra days are allowed for inclement weather and perfect acclimatization, as well as for multiple ascents of the mountain.
- These extra days are allowed for inclement weather and perfect acclimatization, as well as for multiple ascents of the mountain.
- Descend to Plaza Argentina.
- Descend to Casa de Piedras.
- Descend to Punta de Vacas. Drive up to Puente del Inca.
- Drive to Mendoza
- Rest in Mendoza
- Fly Home
Land Costs
6 Climber Teams - $4,500.00 (Per Person) $1000.00 (Additional for Polish Direct Route)
Payments
$1000.00 deposit, due with application. balance due 120 days prior to departure.
Land Cost Include - All land transportation in Argentina.
- Hotel accommodations in Mendoza for one night before and one night after climb.
- Hotel accommodations in Penitentes, Argentina (dormitory style).
- Meals: Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition pays for all meals from the first night’s dinner (on scheduled date) until departure from the mountain. Climbers pay for own meals upon return to Mendoza at the end of the expedition. (Breakfast is included as part of the lodging).
- All group climbing gear.
- All group supplies, such as tents, stoves etc.
- Mules.
- Guides.
Land Costs Excludes - $25 Wire Transfer Fee (If Applicable).
- International round-trip airfare USA - Santiago - Mendoza.
- Climbing Permit Fee ($330 - $500, Depending on Season).
- Single Room Supplement.
- Additional hotels, meals & transportation should the climb end early.
- Excess baggage charges and airport taxes.
- All fees for early departure from team (such as non-scheduled mule transport).
- Personal gear.
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition.
- Trip cancellation insurance.
Aconcagua Cancellation Refund Policy
Note: Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions. Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition must adhere to a stringent refund policy.
Each deposit, regardless of amount, includes a $200.00 non-refundable registration fee. Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 120-days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
No refunds will be provided.
All refund requests must be made in writing and be received in our office within the 90-day period, as stated above.
All balances are due 90 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.
Participants whose balances are not received by the 90-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the expedition.
Note: Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition offers a plan in conjunction with Travelex. If you are signing up online or over the phone, please contact us for detail policy number and information we will be sent upon receipt of your completed application. When you book please provide our reference this number #47-0110 through Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition LLC. |
