Himalayan Sherpa - Sixth Summit

Sixth Summit - Mt. Kosciuszko

Mt. Kosciuszko Expedition 2,228m
Fixed departure: Oct 16th through Oct 25th, 2009

At 2228 meter, Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain on mainland Australia. It may not be the highest mountain in the world but it is one of the oldest. The Aboriginals called the mountain Tar-Gan-Gil. They visited the area for ceremony, socializing, sharing and trading. The mountain received its present name in 1840 when Polish geologist and explorer Count Paul de Strzelecki named it in honor of General Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a Polish patriot and freedom fighter. Strzelecki said the name occurred to him because he was "amongst a free people who appreciate freedom".

Some 30,000 people make the trek to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko each year. Until 1974 it was possible to drive a car up there, today the only way to reach the top is to walk, or in winter, to ski. Most people walk from either Charlotte Pass on the Summit Walk or from Thredbo on the Kosciuszko Walk, which links up via a chairlift ride from Thredbo.

The hardest hike is the 21.5km circuit which combines the Main Range Walk and the Summit Walk. You will cross the famous Snowy River literally and take in all four glacial lakes. There are dramatic views of Mount Sentinel and Watsons Crags. The crags, formed from an outcrop of metamorphosed sedimentary rock dating back 450 million years, plummet off the western face of Mount Twynam. They present a jagged contrast to the rounded granite peaks that dominate the range.

Depending on the weather, the gorgeous alpine wildflowers burst into colour in December, January and February. With wonderful names such as: Alpine Stackhousia, Hoary Sunray and Snow Beard Heath the delicate shades of white, yellow, purple and orange scatter the rugged landscape.

The walk to Mount Kosciuszko is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Guided tours are available from Thredbo and private operators from a one day hike to an overnight trek. If you are traveling alone just ensure you prepare properly as the mountains 'make their own weather'. Take plenty of water and waterproof clothing... and your camera!

To learn more about Mount Kosciuszko and the Kosciuszko National Park contact Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition LLC.

Cost: $3,500

February 7 - 27, 2009
6 Climber Minimum
Cost $15,000.00
Deposit $5,000.00

Payments: $5000.00 deposit, due with application. Balance due 120 days prior to departure.
$5,000.00 deposit, due with application. Balance due 120 days prior to departure.

Please note if you would like to pay the balance with a credit card a .027% surcharge will be added to your balance.

Please note that climbing permits on Carstensz Pyramid are subject to change at any time. This can result in the cancelling of an expedition and climbers may incur a full loss of payment. Permit situations and control thereof can change quickly. Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition will only operate fully legal, permitted expeditions and given our successful history in the mountain, we firmly believe that our chance of success is excellent. Please contact our offices with any further questions.

Further, please note that schedules are subject to change. This may mean change of internal flights, and using jeeps instead of helicopters for portions of the trip as well as additional trekking.

Land Costs Include

Hotel accommodation twin sharing on bed as per itinerary. (Manado onwards and upon return to Manado)
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner following the itinerary.
Permit fee.
Guides & Porters.
Equipment allowance/wages, insurance for Guide & Staff.
20 kgs allowed for personal equipment.
All Base Camp food, fuel accommodation for members and staff.
Environmental Clean up fee.
Complete Base camp equipment.
Group Equipment.
All land transportation.
Local Air transportation. (Manado onwards)
Helicopter transfer.
Custom clearance assistance.
Welcome Dinner and Farewell dinner in Manado.

Land Costs Do Not Include

$25 Wire Transfer Fee (If Applicable).
International Air travel to/from Manado-Indonesia.
Alcoholic beverages and items of a purely personal nature.
Indonesia re-entry visa fee (US $25/pax, upon arrival Manado for specific country),
Manado International Airport Tax (US $15).
Medical & Personal Insurance.
Personal climbing equipments.
Evacuation for early departure from the expedition due to sickness or other problems (US $7,500).
Tips for Guide, Porter & Staff, In the end of expedition.
Force majeure.
Charges Incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition

Carstensz Pyramid Cancellation/Regfund Policy

Each deposit, regardless of amount, includes a $200.00 non-refundable registration fee.
All balances are due 120 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.
Full refunds, less deposit, will be provided 120 days prior to the expedition date.
50% refunds will be provided 60-120 days prior to expedition date.
No refunds will be provided 59-days prior to the expedition date.
All refund requests must be made in writing.
Participants whose balances are not received by the 120th day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the expedition.

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 120-day period, as stated above.
All balances are due 120 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.
Participants whose balances are not received by the 120-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the expedition.

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.

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.

Testimonial

A. C. Sherpa provided an inside journey of his homeland and took us to places like Namche Bazar, the Tengpoche monastery, KallaPattar near the Everest basecamp and many other wonderful sites culminating in a 3 day climb up Island Peak at over 20,000 feet. This was without doubt a great adventure and spiritual pilgrimage for me and unforgetable memories to behold. ~ Otto Sperka Manager - The Harbor Club Seattle/Bellevu