Mt Vinson Expedition 4,897m - Antarctica
Fixed departure: November 30 - December 20, 2009

Land Costs Subject to Change
Vinson Climb: $29,700.00
Vinson Climb & Ski the Last Degree: $51,900.00
Ski the Last Degree Only: $40,500 Payments
$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 .025% surcharge will be added to your balance.
$5,000 deposit, due with application. Balance due 120 days prior to departure.

November 17 - December 7, 2009
Arrive Punta Arenas on 11/18; depart Punta Arenas 12/7.

November 30 - December 20, 2009
Arrive Punta Arenas on 12/1; depart Punta Arenas 12/20.

December 13, 2009 - January 2, 2010
Arrive Punta Arenas on 12/14; depart Punta Arenas 1/2.

December 26, 2009 - January 14, 2010
Arrive Punta Arenas on 12/27; depart Punta Arenas 1/14.

January 7 - January 27, 2010
Arrive Punta Arenas on 1/8; depart Punta Arenas 1/27.

Mount Vinson lies in the southern portion of the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains in Antarctica. At nearly eighty degrees South, it is a mere eight hundred miles from the South Pole. Mount Vinson, at 16,067 feet, has the distinction of being the highest point in our planet's last great wilderness, as well as being in one of the most inaccessible ranges in the world. In fact, until recently, climbing Mount Vinson was logistically almost impossible.

It was not until 2007, when Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition started providing full logistical support for expeditions to the Antarctic interior, that Mt. Vinson was considered more accessible. Aventuras Patagonia Expeditions to Mt. Vinson will be supported by ANI aircrafts. We have been successfully guiding Mt Vinson since we began this program several seasons ago. Climbing Vinson is challenging! The expedition requires a sincere commitment, considering the remoteness of the region. The climate poses a great challenge as well. Mt. Vinson is located in one of the coldest climates on earth, with temperatures ranging from -30F and even -40F below zero. Participants must have experience with winter mountaineering and be in excellent physical condition.

Itinerary

Day 01: Group meets in Punta Arenas (Chile). We will pick you up at the airport. Briefing at the hotel, where we will be check your equipment. For dinner we will have the chance to taste the fine Chilean cuisine and wine.

Day 02: Meeting, weight gear and load Aircraft.

Day 03: Flight to Patriot Hills by C-130. We will fly with Adventure Network International, the only private organization in the world providing air support to the Antarctic interior.

Day 04: Orientation day at Patriot Hills.

Day 05: Flight by Cessna 185 or Twin Otter to Mt. Vinson Base Camp. Set up Base Camp at 7,000' on the west side of the Ellsworth Mountains.

Day 06: Carry a load to Camp I, at 9,100'. Climb the narrow valley of the Branscomb Glacier. The route ascends with a few crevasses to Camp I.

Day 07: Move to Camp I. Surrounded by the impressive Mounts Shinn and Gardner and a spectacular view of the summit of Vinson.

Day 08: Move to Camp II at 10,100'.

Day 09: Move to Camp III, at 12,000'. From Camp II the route ascends through the icefall to a broad col between Mt. Vinson and Mt. Shinn.

Day 10-11-12: SUMMIT! Weather permitting. We allow several days for our summit day which should give us plenty of time to accomplish our goal if the weather isn't cooperative.

Day 13: Return to Base Camp (at the latest).

Day 14: Fly back to Patriot Hills and back to Punta Arenas. End of the Expedition, Fly back home the next day or continue traveling in South America.

Note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only, weather days and rest days are always a possibility while on a climbing trip.

Land Costs Include

• All flights to and from the mountain from Punta Arenas.
• All flights to and from the South Pole (for the South Pole ski tour).
• Support services while in the Antarctic.
• All meals while in the Antarctic.
• Lodging in the Antarctic.
• All groups climbing gear.
• Guide services and fees.

Land Costs Do Not Include

• $25 Wire Transfer Fee (If Applicable).
• Meals and hotels in Punta Arenas.
• Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks.
• International round-trip airfare.
• Excess baggage charges and airport taxes.
• Personal items.
• Evacuation insurance (required by flight service - details in your confirmation package).
• All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evac fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc).
• Trip cancellation insurance.
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Himalayan Sherpa Trek & Expedition’s control.
• All prices and dates subject to change.

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 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.