Ice Climbing Is An Unreal Ice Trekking Trip

Ice climbing can make for an adventure trek that you will never forget. Many people who are into rock climbing make the transition into ice climbing because the two are very similar. However, there are major differences in them and even a good climber will need to familiarize themselves with ice climbing techniques before going on a trek.

Rock Climbing vs Ice Climbing

Rock climbing and ice climbing both require balance and moving up a vertical area. They are both done in the same environment and produce a similar adventure for the climber. Both also require basic mountaineering skills.

Of course the obvious difference is in the fact that rock climbing generally takes place in warmer periods and ice climbing takes place in frozen terrain. Anyone who has done both also know the change in terrain makes for differences in technique.

Ice climbing create their own balance based upon how they situate themselves on the ice. Ice climbing is also more challenging. Ice is ever changing so you do not ever know exactly what you are getting in a trek. Even if you have climbed an area before you may not know exactly what it will be like this time around. This adds a bit of spice to ice climbing that rock climbing does not have.

Skills for Ice Climbing

The skills needed for ice climbing include the basic skills of mountaineering. Most ice climber’s actual start with doing rock climbing to learn the basics. It is important to get proper instruction because this will let you learn safely and correctly how to climb. A wrong move in climbing, especially ice climbing, can be very dangerous.

There are many ways to learn ice climbing skills. You can take a class, guided tour or get one on one instruction. No matter what method you choose your instruction should revolve around basic climbing skills and learning how to use ice climbing equipment. Ice climbing equipment is sharp and pointy for getting a good grip on the ice and it is dangerous to not use it correctly.

Who Can Ice Climb

Anyone can enjoy ice climbing. It is something that you can do if you are willing to learn and practice your skills. You do not have to be a certain size or weight. It is all about your abilities and that makes it a great option for anyone for an adventure trek.

Ice climbing does require good upper body strength. You may have to put in some time to build up your upper body strength before going on a trek. Ice climbing also requires that you can stand winter weather. You have to be willing to trek in the cold temperatures and sometimes harsh conditions of the icy environment.

Where to Go Ice Climbing

Some people will know right away where they want to go ice climbing. The destinations for ice climbing are limited because it has to be a cold, icy environment. There are top spots for ice climbing all over the world.
In the United States the north western part of the US, like Oregon and Montana are great places for finding ice trekking spots. Mount Hood is Oregon is especially popular with ice climbers. Of course outside the continental United States there is Alaska which offers many challenging areas in which to go ice climbing.

Challenges of Ice Climbing

Ice climbing in its own right it a challenge. It is an adventure into the unknown. Many people choose to go ice climbing because there are no guarantees and you never really know what you are getting into until you into the climb. This sort of thrill is something you can not get with any other climbing trek. It is the unknown adventure that draws people to ice climbing.

There are other challenges, too. One of the biggest challenges with ice climbing is that it is expensive. The equipment alone will cost quite a bit of money. You have to buy all the special winter clothing, tools and safety devices. Even if you already rock climb you will need the special equipment made for ice climbing. It can be as much as $1000 just to get started in ice climbing and that is for just equipment.

Trekking In Nepal and Conquering The Everest Trek

Standing at a towering and gigantic 8848 mm, equivalent to a whopping 29029 ft, Mount Everest, part of the Himalayan range in High Asia proudly stands as the highest mountain in the world, attracting an incessant stream of trekkers in the climbing season.

Possessing such a glorious landmark makes Nepal one of the most frequently visited destination for treks from enthusiasts across the world, ranging from amateurs and going up to professionals of various age groups.

The Experience

The trip for trekking at Mount Everest offers the climbers a real measure of thrill and excitement. Also known as ‘Sagarmatha’ in Nepalese, implying the goddess mother of the world, the area is protected by the Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976 with an area of 1148 square kilometers.

The entire experience of trekking at Himalayas and Mount Everest is flooded with breathtaking views of gigantic peaks, Buddhist monasteries and amiable Sherpas. One of the main routes of the trekking trips at Mt. Everest follows through the Khumbu Region from the Sherpa town of Namche Bazar, giving you a stunning and picturesque view as you go along.

Read on as we give you an insight into the real experience of conquering the Mt Everest, the trekking experience in Nepal and the major treks you can undertake.

The Everest Trek – Key Route

There are a vast number of variations to the routes you can take in your trekking trip to Mt. Everest and Nepal trekking on a whole. Once you’ve arrived in Kathmandu, you can then plan your itinerary according to the amount of time you have and the extent of recreation you are looking for in your trip.

Experts suggest the easiest way to begin is to take a flight to Lukla, at 2860m from Kathmandu to start your expedition. The Solukhumbu region is lined up with a ravishing view of the sweeping glaciers, magnificent mountains, forests, animals, birds, monasteries and is also home to the world famous sherpa population. From here, you will be required to start a trek to the region of Phakding, at the level of 2622m. After you’ve spent a day here, the trip then begins to trek to the famous Namche Bazar, at a moderate 3340m, all along offering you spectacular views of the scenic environs and snow-capped peaks along the way.

Moving on, the next step in your trek to Mt. Everest would be to trek to Khumjing at a level of 3790m. This particular region is also called as the Green Valley owing to its historical background. From here, on the next day you will be required to begin a trek to the famous Tengboche Monastery and the then to Dingboche. Once you’ve reached the next destination at Lobuche, at 5380m, it is ideally required that you take a day off from the trek to get acclimatized to the climate and environment, after which you will be required to begin your trek to the Everest base camp, at the measure of 5380m. The next set of days, which could vary in number shall be exclusively devoted to your trek to the Mount Everest, after which you will be required to trek to Pheriche and back to Namche Bazar.

Other Treks

There are various others treks in the Himalayan region which you can take up when on your expedition to Mount Everest. To begin with, the Annapurna trek is the most famous trekking area in Nepal. Most of the treks in this region begin at Pokhara, which is a lakeside city with a fabulous mountain backdrop. There are a number of attractions worth a visit in his region, including Devi Falls, caves, plunging gorges and museums.

Langtang trek is another famous trekking option in this area, which involves an extremely pleasant eight hours drive past Trishuli Bazaar, which takes you to Dhunche, which is also the starting point of this trek. The attractions worth a visit in this region include Buddhist monasteries, a cheese factor factory, yaks, glaciers and mounting lakes.

Adding on, the Dhaulagiri trek, world’s sixth highest mountain peak, also provides for a wonderful trekking experience in this region. Other famous trekking routes and options include the Manaslu trek, Mustang trek and the Dolpo trek, each of them being at varied heights and having a vast number of attractions as you go along on your trekking trips.

Next Page »