Before you pick a peak

A trekking peak is not a trek. Island Peak and Mera are within reach of a fit walker with no previous ice experience, but they still involve crampons, a harness, a fixed line and a summit day that starts in the dark at altitude.

Each itinerary below includes a training day where you learn or refresh the skills on real ice with your climbing sherpa before summit day. If you have never worn crampons, say so, and we will build in more time rather than less.

What a climbing trip includes that a trek does not

• A climbing permit. Issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association for trekking peaks, and included in the price.
• A climbing sherpa. Separate from your trekking guide, on a ratio stated in each itinerary.
• Group climbing equipment. Ropes, ice screws and snow bars. Personal equipment such as boots, crampons and harness can be hired in Kathmandu; the itinerary says which items you need.
• Insurance that covers climbing. Standard trekking cover is often not enough. The policy must name mountaineering or peak climbing to the altitude of your peak.