I Recommend …

Berg Adventures International - http://www.bergadventures.com/

About Berg Adventures International :

Challenge, personal achievement, cultural learning and our unsurpassed dedication to your adventure travel experience — that’s the Berg Adventures promise.

Founded by world-class guide, educator and expedition leader Wally Berg, Berg Adventures International (BAI) is committed to travel, adventure, and learning.

Wherever we go, our goals for each adventure are the same:

Personal Achievement:

Adventure travel is always humbling. The accomplishments of exploring the far-off places and climbing high peaks can enrich lives far beyond the excitement of reaching a summit or the end of a magnificent journey. The preparation, training and dreaming that precede a great adventure are important parts of the total package. From a Galapagos exploration to the top of Mount Everest, from Marco Polo’s Silk Road to your quest to climb the Seven Summits, we will be with you every step of the way to help you realize your goals.

Cultural Tourism:

A deeply rewarding part of every BAI trip is connecting with the good friends we have made during our decades of trips on every continent. Your BAI adventure will be led by top guides who will help you immerse yourself in the culture around you, not stay apart from it.

Cultural interaction is a big part of a BAI trip.

Solid, Fun Group travel:

Years of expedition life have shown us the value of teamwork while exploring new terrain of the earth and the spirit. Through the intensity of your efforts in wild, demanding places, and the laughter shared along the way, expect to build strong bonds with your teammates.

We also realize that your journey may be intensely personal. With our high ratio of BAI guides and support staff, you can move at your own pace and still be fully engaged in the social framework of the team.

Communication:

We pride ourselves on having seamless communications. Wherever we are in the world, guides are in direct contact with BAI’s home office. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures clear communications among all team members, too.

The Internet expedition dispatches we’ve pioneered since 1997 are perfect for sharing your personal odyssey. Family, friends, and associates back home can check the BAI web site each day for the latest updates and photographs of your travels. You can access all the reports and pictures from your travels whenever you want by clicking on our permanent archives. Check the Dispatches section of our site for archived dispatches from recent BAI adventures.

Unique Adventure Travel Itineraries:

The highest peak on every continent. The snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro. Everest Base Camp. The vast wilderness of Antarctica. The Galapagos Islands. The summit of Mount Everest. Whatever your chosen destination, Berg Adventures goes where few others venture. Our personalized, uncompromising dedication to quality sets us apart from all the rest.

We tailor every journey to meet your expectations. Friends and family members sharing a travel adventure will find every aspect of the trip perfectly matched to their individual abilities and interests. Whether it’s group travel, corporate adventures, or charity and fund-raising climbs, we bring uncompromising standards of service and quality to helping you turn your dreams into success.

BAI trips are unique, too, because of what happens before and after our major treks and climbs. Our ascent of Mount Elbrus begins and ends in the captivating Russian city of St. Petersburg. We climb Lobuche Peak before attempting the summit of Ama Dablam. And a Berg Adventures safari is worth the trip to Africa on its own, and a great adventure to share with family and friends after a Kilimanjaro summit climb.

Berg Adventures Knows the Value of Teamwork

Responsible Travel:

In an age of ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, we continue our long-standing commitment to ecologically sensitive, low-impact adventures.

Through cultural awareness and personal connections in the communities we visit, we have established goodwill and long-term relationships with many people around the globe. BAI’s staff members on every continent are well-paid, care about your experience, and are eager to share their cultures with you and draw you into their world.

We hope you’ll make Berg Adventures a part of your next great adventure!

** Previous story : - Guides

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

I Recommend …

International Mountain Guides - http://www.mountainguides.com/index.shtml

About International Mountain Guides :

International Mountain Guides directors Phil Ershler, George Dunn, Eric Simonson and Paul Baugher organize and lead climbing, trekking and mountaineering expeditions around the world, from the classic climbs of the Alps and Andes to the 8,000m peaks of the Himalayas. We continue to be one of the most respected and active guiding companies in the world. Since 1986 we have conducted hundreds of expeditions to destinations around the globe, and the fact that most of our customers climb with us again and again tells us we’re doing things right!

Everest South Side Summit Climb with International Mountain Guides.

IMG’s Everest programs are recognized worldwide as simply outstanding, with a reputation for our highly professional staff of leaders, climbers and Sherpas, first-rate logistics and our resulting safety and success record on the mountain. Since 1991 we have conducted over forty 8000-meter expeditions and have seen over 300 climbers reach the summit of these peaks, including 179 on Everest.

For 2009 we are proud to announce an exciting array of Everest options with the IMG All-Stars, under the direction of legendary climber and expedition leader Eric Simonson. We offer something for everyone… from treks to summit climbs, and we have designed our programs to be truly unique and special.

.. more : - http://www.mountainguides.com/everest-south.shtml

** Previous story : - Guides

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

Climbing Magazine’s Guide Zone

	Adventure Consultants and THE ENVIRONMENT As people who live very close to the natural world we are genuinely proactive in minimizing our impacts by educating our staff and guests in appropriate techniques to preserve the environment. With our roots in the New Zealand outdoors we have always been conscious of the need to ‘leave only footprints’ and we apply this philosophy to every venture we embark upon. Be it a weekend in the hills or a major expedition, we are particular about leaving the area cleaner than we found it.Adventure Consultants was the first expedition company to operate clean-up expeditions to Mt Everest and we were removing abandoned oxygen bottles from Mt Everest before well-funded ‘clean up’ expeditions became fashionable. In addition to our existing high standards, we practice ‘Leave no Trace’ ™ principles to minimize our environmental footprint. www.adventureconsultants.co.nz
	American Alpine InstituteThe American Alpine Institute was founded in 1975 and since then has been dedicated to helping climbers raise their skills, protect the environments in which they climb, develop good judgment, and safely gain access to the great mountains of the world. Though the Institute is especially well known for its advanced training and expeditions, its international reputation is based on its dedication to teaching (at all skill levels from beginners’ to masters’ levels), its high level of customer service, the outstanding skills of its staff, and its public service in the areas of environmental protection and public lands policy. www.aai.cc
	“7 Summits Club” is the Alpine Club for those wishing to climb all Seven Summits. We have already carried out several successful expeditions during the year 2003-2006: 16 times within the last 3 years “7 Summits Club” organized Elbrus 5642m expeditions 4 out of them in winter. 135 members successfully reached the Top of Elbrus. 14 times within the last 3 years “7 Summits Club” organized Kilimanjaro 5895m expeditions. 105 members successfully reached the Top of Kilimanjaro 2 times within the last 3 years “7 Summits Club” organized unguided McKinley 6194 expeditions. 22 members successfully reached the Top of McKinley 5 times within the last 3 years “7 Summits Club” organized Aconcagua 6960 expeditions. 41 members successfully reached the Top of Aconcagua 3 times within the last 3 years “7 Summits Club” organized Everest 8848m expeditions. 31 members successfully reached the Top of Everest In 2004 and “7 Summits Club” organized Kosciuszko 2228m expedition. 14 members successfully reached the Top of Kosciuszko 13 members of our expedion in the season 2005/2006 successfully climbed Vinson Massif 4897m 7 members of “7 Summits Club”out of them finished “7 Summits” project – climbed all highest mountains on all continents. 7summitsclub.com
	Talkeetna Air Taxi Talkeetna Air Taxi (TAT) specializes in glacier landings and air transport to various peaks in the Alaska Range for climbers and back-country skiers. Climbers are our primary concern and focus. Paul Roderick (owner), is a climber with experience on Denali and other peaks in the area. He offers first hand knowledge of route information, keeps an eye on current conditions and climbers, and adds insight into what it takes to climb in Alaska. We feel that our climbing services go beyond what you might expect, since we are climbers, back country skiers and outdoor enthusiasts just like you. Paul Roderick, the owner, is the only climber/glacier pilot in Talkeetna and knows what it takes to climb in Alaska. The adventure possibilities in this area are endless, and we would be happy to give you some ideas and/or help you plan your excursion. www.talkeetnaair.com (live web cam) (907)733-2218 (800)533-2219 Click here for a photo gallery by Paul Roderick — The Mountains of Alaska by Air
	Mountain Professionals In a market where companies are offering non-guided basement prices and delivering the equivalent in quality and safety, Mountain Professionals offers mid-range prices with high-end program delivery. We offer professional guides, the highest quality gear, the smoothest logistical delivery and we have no hidden fees. As a small high quality owner operated company, we offer personalized, small group programs in climbing, trekking and adventure travel. Our commitment to quality and safety, our high end delivery and our competitive pricing makes us not only competitive but a down right better deal than the more expensive company’s…check it out! www.mtnprofessionals.com
	Alpenglow Expeditions Alpenglow Expeditions was founded by Adrian Ballinger in 2004 after he worked for nearly a decade as head guide and director of one of the largest international guide services in the USA. Alpenglow Expeditions was created to combine our guides’ passion for climbing big mountains with their desire to teach others. We focus on high altitude expeditions, technical rock and ice climbing, and ski mountaineering on five continents. Our expeditions challenge climbers to become more efficient and competent in the mountains. Every one of these expeditions is run as a partnership between an AMGA certified guide and the team members, ensuring maximum learning, enjoyment and safety. www.alpenglowexpeditions.com
	Alpine Endeavors Alpine Endeavors operates year-round for rock climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering. We also offer specialty courses to help round out your outdoors skills in fly-fishing, canoeing, wilderness medicine, and Leave No Trace. Alpine Endeavors will provide experienced guides who are concerned with making your outing as safe as possible. We regularly participate in a variety of different climbing sub-specialties including rock climbing, ice climbing, aid climbing, mountaineering, and extended winter outings. Alpine Endeavors has the highest qualifications for guiding. We are Accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association, our senior guides are certified by the American Mountain Guides Association; trained in first aid, either as Wilderness First Responders or as Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians; and Licensed to Guide in New York State for Rock, Ice, Camping, Canoeing, Hiking, and/or Fishing. www.alpineendeavors.com
	Chockstone Climbing Guides Chockstone Climbing Guides offers the widest range of climbing services available at Smith Rock State Park. We are a guide owned and guide managed American Mountain Guides Association Accredited Guide Service. Our staff provides personal, professional and customized rock climbing instruction and guiding services for all ages and abilities. From the first time rock climber to those breaking into advanced rock climbing skills or professional instructor training, Chockstone Guides provide the highest quality service for their clients. We maintain low client/guide ratios to maximize the attention that each individual deserves. Our rock-climbing instructors and guides hold personal certification or training through the AMGA and all have wilderness medical training and certification. As teachers, our guides are committed professionals. Through our instructional expertise, dedication to your safety and enthusiasm for climbing, Chockstone Climbing Guides can help you reach new heights. www.chockstoneclimbing.com
	International Mountain Climbing School The winter season of 2008/2009 marks the thirty-fifth year that IME and IMCS have offered comprehensive climbing instruction and retail services for climbers from New England and around the country. Our climbing programs are open to people of “All ages, All abilities, All the time”. Our mission is to provide every climber with a safe, enjoyable and worthwhile climbing experience. Our long-term goal is to run a friendly, personal guide service that you will return to year after year. It’s a job and a passion that allows us to share the excitement of climbing and the mountain environment with you. Along the way we will help you build skills and gain experiences that will make you a better climber and mountaineer. www.ime-usa.com
	San Juan Mountain Guides San Juan Mountain Guides is dedicated to offering professional instruction and guiding that will contribute to a lifetime of safe and successful climbing. Our guides not only help you get to the top of your next big climb, they also share their methods and decision making processes so you can benefit from their years of experience. During our courses and climbs, we also seek to build and maintain friendships, and we pride ourselves on securing partnerships that last for many years. This educational approach and supportive atmosphere is the foundation of all our programs. Our school is based in Ouray, Colorado located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. We offer both open registration courses and custom programs designed to fit individual goals. Custom programs allow us the flexibility to structure the curriculum to meet each person or self-organized group’s specific needs and objectives. Either way, your outdoor experience will be not only instructional, but also personalized and fun. www.ourayclimbing.com
	Summit Climb Our climbing expeditions maximize many years of accumulated wisdom leading trips to the highest mountains on the planet, a strong record of reaching the top of 8000ers: Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Shishapangma and many other high altitude summits in all safety, along with an intimate knowledge of the officials who regulate the permit system. We have conducted countless 8000, 7000 and 6000 metre peak expeditions, and consider ourselves specialists in identifying, organizing expeditions to, and getting teams safely to the summit and back down. We have been running expeditions for over 17 years and we know all of the bureaucratic officials, liaison officers, yak drivers, and hoteliers/restaurateurs personally in the countries we visit. We must also give credit to our polite and highly experienced, hard-working climbing sherpas, high altitude guides, cooking, and office staff. The goal of SummitClimb is to lead expeditions stressing 3 goals in the following order: Safety at all times Having fun, being part of a good team, making new friends Success in reaching the summit and descending safely www.summitclimb.com
	Southwest Adventure Guides Southwest Adventure Guides LLC (formerly Southwest Adventures) has been conducting domestic and international trips and courses since 1989. We are not a travel agent. We guide our own trips with our own staff and support networks. Our courses and trips run throughout the year. In the spring and summer months we conduct rock climbing, mountaineering and mountain biking trips and courses in Southwest Colorado and Southeast Utah, as well as high altitude mountaineering expeditions and courses in Peru, Bolivia, and Alaska. In the winter months we conduct avalanche courses, backcountry skiing, ice climbing and winter mountaineering trips in Southwest Colorado, as well as international high altitude climbing and trekking expeditions in Mexico, Ecuador, and Argentina. All of our guides undergo extensive training and have many years experience in the discipline in which they work. Additionally, all of our Senior Guides are either American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certified or Trained. www.mtnguide.net

Find more guides with Climbing Magazine’s CLASSIFIEDS – Guides and Travel Section HERE

Check out links to guides, schools, travel information, and other climbing related services HERE

To get your company listed in the GUIDE ZONE
Contact Kevin Riley

Ph: 212-691-2921 Ext. 107
kevin.riley@skrammedia.com

* Source : – http://www.climbing.com/shop/guidezone/

** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

Jun 26, 2009
(MountEverest.net/Reported by Ang Karma Sherpa) A historic meet of Sherpa climbers was convened at the National Academy Hall in Kathmandu on 21 June 2009 to address the woes and difficulties of Nepali climbers and current mountaineering related issues in Nepal.

This first ever meet of Nepali climbers in the history of Nepali mountaineering was organized by the task force committee formed by the government to steer the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).

600 Nepali climbers

The meet was attended by 34 regional mountaineers clubs, mountaineering related association/agencies and approximately 600 Nepali climbers and 100 expedition operator representatives.

Over 30 speakers, majority of them comprised of Nepali climbers, spoke on various issues relating to the state of Nepali climbers, Himalayan environment and special provisions to be incorporated in the drafting of the new constitution to address concern of Nepali mountaineers.

“Nepali mountaineers have come of age to lead their own destiny”

In his welcome address, Nima Nuru Sherpa, member of the NMA task force committee & convener of the Meet highlighted the special role and contribution of Nepali climbers towards the development mountaineering activities in particular and tourism in general in Nepal.

He said, “We Sherpas of younger generation are indebted to our forefathers for their hard work and integrity for the glory they brought in the community and nationwide.”

He added, “Mountaineering trends and scenes have changed and our generation needs to be prepared to accept new challenges both on the mountains and policy making level to give new direction to mountaineering activities for the benefit of all. I believe Nepali mountaineers have come of age to lead their own destiny and this meet is to set the first milestone in this regard.”

Pemba Gyalje Sherpa, “does the state know the plight of Nepali climbers when they get old?”

Recipient of National Geographic award of “Adventurer of Year in Heroism in 2008″ the savior in the storm on K2, Pemba Gyalje Sherpa – co-convener of the meet – highlighted problems of the Sherpas in the following words, “Although small in numbers we have made a huge contribution to bring glory to the nation. It is time the Nepali state recognized the contribution made by us and this can be done by making special provision in the drafting of the new constitution.”

He added, “Does the state know the plight of Nepali climbers when they get old and can work for expeditions no more? Many of them have to walk bare feet, their children receive no quality education and when they get seriously injured in the mountains they get no prompt rescue and good treatment afterwards.”

Highlighting the issue further he added, “when they become old or permanently injured from accidents they are left to die on their own – not to mention their widows and children who have no one to support them…”

“Even renowned Nepali climbers are fleeing the country for employment elsewhere because of the state’s neglect. This is going to cost Nepal heavily in the long run, as it will create a void of experienced Nepali mountaineers for future expeditions.”

Pemba also expressed his concern that such a situation is emerging because the Nepal Mountaineering Association, founded to safe-guard the interest and welfare of Nepali mountaineers, has long been run by non-mountaineers.

Mountaineering related agencies to be restructured; guides to obtain international certificates

Nawang Nima Sherpa, member of Nepali Mountaineers’ Welfare & Rights Committee spoke about the need of restructuring mountaineering related agencies in order to recognize and evaluate full potentialities of Nepali climbers in tune with the changing times.

He also mentioned the government and concerned parties have neglected important issues relating to mountaineering and Nepali climbers such as:

- proper regulations to direct mountaineers conduct during expeditions,
- timely reform in the role of liaison officers,
- adequate insurance,
- prompt rescue and evacuation of Nepali climbers during accidents,
- pension and welfare of retired Nepali climbers.

In view of the changing mountaineering trends and scenario in the Himalaya mountains, he also spoke about further upgrading mountaineering skills of Nepali climbers and need for mountaineering schools to produce professional Nepali mountain guides with international diplomas.

Lhakpa, “foreign climbers talk more about their yaks than their Sherpas” – Junila, “parts of royalty fees should cover help to injured Sherpas and their relatives”

Lhakpa Phuti Sherpa, president of Nepal Women Mountaineering Association spoke about the decimation practiced by foreign climbers and mountaineering associations. Quoting from her experience of attending a mountain film festival in Switzerland, she said, “Foreign climbers talk tirelessly about our yaks but hardly mention a word about their expedition Sherpas – who is going to speak about this double standard?”

Usha Bista, Everest summiteer and member of the 2008 Nepal Women expedition to Everest said, “handing out certificates and medals to mountaineers is no longer enough; has the Nepali government done anything for Dharma Raj Rai, who helped Nepali climber and oldest Everest summiteer Min Bahadur Sherchan, 77, to reach Everest summit and lost fingers on both hands in the process?”

Junila Subba, another woman Everest summiteer from the same expedition spoke about the need of inclusion of Sherpa climbers in the policy making body of the government and launch welfare programs to support climbers and their family in such need from the money raised from expedition royalty fees.

Rescue resources, social security, climate change

President of TAAN, Jyoti Adhikari urged the government to make arrangement for education and health and special privileges in transportation and employment for Nepali mountaineers and their families. He also requested the government to take immediate initiatives in developing an effective mechanism for the rescue of mountaineers, both foreigners and Nepali, in case of accidents and selection of liaison officers from Nepali climbers. He demanded social security for climbers and their family after they retire.

Parliamentarian and Constituent Assembly members Ms. Shanta Chaudari and Pasang Sherpa pledged their support to have the interest and rights of Nepali mountaineers addressed in the drafting of new constitution.

They also spoke about the need to save Himalaya from climate change and revenues from mountaineering ploughed back for the betterment of mountain people.

Policies are enough; implementation is what matters

Former Secretary of Nepali Tourism Ministry Dipendra Purush Dhakal said, “Pressuring the government to make policies to address the woes and difficulties of Nepali climbers is a work of a special nature. Drafting policies and regulations alone is not enough; what is important is the implementation and execution part.”

Mr. Dhakal will help prepare a work paper on the meet to present to the government and other concerned agencies.

Ranjan Krishna Aryal, concluded the Meet with the following remarks: “I believe the issues raised in this Meet will affect the government to amend the current mountaineering rules and regulation for the overall benefit of mountaineering activities in our country. I as a legal person in the Ministry of Tourism will offer my best support in this regard.”

Ranjan Krishna Aryal, joint secretary at the Nepali’s tourism ministry and the convener of NMA task force chaired the meet with veteran Sherpa Ang Rita gracing the meet as the guest of honor.

Other prominent invitees included former secretary at the Ministry of Tourism Dipendra Purush Dhakla; parliamentarian and constituent assembly members Pasang Sherpa and Ms. Shanta Chaudary; former NMA president Tek Chandra Pokharel; Trekking Agent’s Association Nepal (TAAN) president Jyoti Adhikari and first Nepali teenager Everest summiteer Shambu Tamang.

Citing complaints of monopoly and irregularities from Nepali mountaineers and mountaineering professionals, last year, Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism directed the last elected committee of NMA to resign en masse and consequently a 5 member task force committee was formed in replacement.

However in defiance to the formation of task force by the government and in a rushed election a new NMA executive committee was elected. This committee has so far failed to receive approval from the Ministry of Tourism, hence forced to work in ‘exile’.

The Ministry of Tourism is the co-coordinating agency of NMA for government related matters. An attempt by the task force, with support from the majority of Nepali climbers, to elect a new executive committee is on hold due to legal/political wrangling.

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* Read these stories – and more! – at ExplorersWeb.com

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** zapraszam na relacje z wypraw polskich himalaistów.

1. Ryszard Pawłowski (24 June 1950) Polish alpine and high-altitude climber and photographer. Member of The Explorers Club.

Ryszard Pawlowski in the founder and co-owner of Patagonia Mountain Agency. He has been climbing since 1970 and is an alpinism instructor and guide. He has climbed the mountains of North and South America, the Himalayas, Alps, Caucasus, Pamirs and Tien Shain.

He has summitted Everest three times 5/13/94, 5/12/95, and 5/18/99.

… more : - Ryszard Pawłowski the famous Polish climber. /Version english and polish/

2. Krzysztof Wielicki

Krzysztof Wielicki the famous Polish climber.

One of the most outstanding himalaists of the world.

He is the fifth man to climb all fourteen - eight-thousanders.

On three of them: Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga and Lhotse, he climbed as the first man ever to do it in winter.

Member of The Explorers Club.

.. more : - Krzysztof Wielicki one of the famous Polish climber./ Version polish and english /

* see : – Polish winter expedition to K2, 2002/3 /Version polish and english/

3.Maciej Berbeka

-the Tatra Mountain guide IVBV/UIAGM, the member of Mountain Rescue Service TOPR, the climber, participant and expeditions leader to Himalaya and Karakorum. Graduated Fine Art Academy in Cracow.

Przewodnik tatrzański i międzynarodowy IVBV/UIAGM, ratownik TOPR, taternik, himalaista, uczestnik i kierownik wypraw w Himalaje i Karakorum.

Studia ukończył na krakowskiej Akademii Sztuk Pięknych.

Maciek Berbeka has so far conquered 5 of 14 - 8000m. peaks:
1981 - Annapurna - south face of Annapurna, new route
1984 - Manaslu - first ascent in winter
1985 - Cho - Oyu - first ascent in winter
1988 - Broad Peak - first ascent in winter
1993 - Mt.Everest

… more : - http://www.mrtravel.pl/

* see - Maciej Berbeka the famous Polish climber. /Version english and polish/

4. International Mountain Guides.

.. one of the best mountaineering agency :

- http://www.mountainguides.com/index.shtml

* see :

- International Mountain Guides - one of the best mountaineering agency.

5. Berg Adventures International.

.. one of the best mountaineering agency :

** see :

- Berg Adventures International - one of the best mountaineering agency.

6. Climbing Magazine’s Guide Zone.