Prepare your trip

1 - How to book your trip ?
Further details on that page >
 

2– Does the trip includes the flying ticket ?

No. Your international flying ticket has to be purchased separatly from your trip. However, we assist you in booking your flight at all times. I recommend our Airline partner, Qatar Airways. They provide excellent services, comprehensive departure and arrival hours to reduce jetlag and tiredness. While booking through us you benefit from a Burgundy card for free kilos allowances at the check-in desk. .
 

3 – Do i need a insurance coverage ?

Yes. We recommend you Personal | Travel | Cancellation | Repatriation insurance for all trips. You must have a full coverage personal insurance as well as a repatriation insurance. The proof of subscription to these insurances will be asked when booking your trip. Your trip will be cancelled if formalities are not completed. Your travel insurance policy should include covering for trekking, climbing and also for helicopter rescue and repatriation. Please take sufficient cash for any helicopter rescue.

 

< Important > An additional cover may include all outbound missed departure, provide valuable cover for internal flight departures missed due to international flight delays or vice versa.

4 –How do i get my visa ?

In most of our trips, you can get your visa directly at destination airport.

However, if you wish to leave with your visa in hands, you will have to go to the destination country embassies with :
- check or cash to acquit taxes
- 2 identity photos
- your flying ticket

 

For some countries, we entirely take in charge the formalities to obtain your visa ; e.g if you land in Nepal and your trek occurs in Tibet, we take care of your Tibetan visa.

 

< Advice > It's not necessary to take a Chinese visa from your home country for Tibet. A chinese visa will be delivered, but will automatically be cancelled for a specific visa for Tibet.

5 – How to prepare my bag ?

For you trip, bring your daypack (30-40 liters) and a Duffel bag (70-100 liters) with a strong padlock to be carried by porters or sherpas.

Add in your rucksack :
- Long sleeves Tshirts
- Middle size daypack (maximum 50 liters)
- Samll Lamp and headTorch, batteries (bring them back them when worn-out)
- Light and adjustable walking-poles
- Fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Sun Hat, bandana, warm hat ...

 

As you sign up, you receive a comprehensive dossier about :
- what gear to bring on trek or expedition
- technical specifications to help you make your choice when buying
- Medical recommandations

 

Trek, safari or climbing trips

 

1 – Do you accept small groups ?

Yes. We welcome small groups from 2 person with equal enthusiasm as larger groups. You wish to travel with friends only, members of your family, colleagues ... you will not be included in any other group. We also design trips for special occasions : honey moon, birthday trip, raising funds expeditions. We provide the staff you need for your well-being and safety.

 

2 – Is someone picking me up at the airport ?

Yes. A member of staff welcomes you at the airport and drive to your hotel. Transfers from airports to you hotel are included into our trip. We drive you back to the airport at the end of your trip.

 

3 – Will I carry a heavy bag ?

No. You will only have to carry your daypack (about 30/40 liters) with spare clothes, water bottles or gourds, energy bars and some personal effects. Main gear and belongings will be carried either by porters or animals like Yaks.

 

I recommend :
- your bags should be waterproof (or with raincover) and padlocked.
- you write your name on waterproof luggage tags
- don't weight your bag over 15/18 kgs

If your bag weight is 18 kg and +, thank you to split your personal gear into 2 bags.
 

4 – Do i have to bring a matress to sleep in my tent ?

No. On all expeditions, we provide comfortable moos or inflatable matress to sleep.

Yes. If you need more comfort, you can bring your own matress.

 

< Advice > In mountaineering trips, we do not recommend self-inflating mats as they can be easely punctured by crampons, ice axe or sharp rocks.

 

5 – Can i rent some gears ?

Yes. we are pleased to provide a significant list of technical gear at very affordable price.

 

# In Africa, we provide all major equipement as :
- Goretex | Vibram trekking shoes - or similar - EU 36 to 45 sizes
- Waterproof and breathable jackets
- Down sleeping bag - or equivalent -
- All useful small gear as headtorch, walking poles, gaiters ...

 

# In Asia, we help you to purchase the appropriate gear in Kathmandu at very good price - apply for the extra service "Shopping gear tour" upon booking -. I recommend you buy your main gear (shoes, jacket, sleeping bag ... ) in trekking shops in your home country. Please,allow you some spare time to make some shopping in the country your are visiting.

 

< Advice > for all altitude trek or climb, we recommend you purchase boots and sleeping back from your home country.

 

6 – Who are the staff on my trip ?

Leaders are professional guides or passionate climbers or trekkers. All staff is very committed to make your trek or expedition safe, enjoyable and successful. Assistant-guide, cooks, kitchen-assistants and porters are experienced local staff with significant trekking and expedition experience. We work alongside local teams born in the region and who know perfectly the culture and the trails.

 

Cooks are chosen with very close attention. They must have a background experience in standard hotels or have been trained to provide tasty and varied menus. They also have a long experience in cooking on treks in tented kitchens. They are very concerned by hygiene and will always provide meals according to your food request.

 

You also climb with certified guides or highly experienced leaders who will  lead your  group and ensure the well-being of the whole team. 

 

A minimum staff group includes :

- your guide and the assistant-guide

- your cook and his helpers

- 2/3 porters per trekker

 

< note > Please, bring sufficient cash to tip the crew.

 

7 – How many porters is there in the trip ?

For all your trips we provide sufficient number of porters. We also pay extra attention they don't carry too heavy loads for the trip they are involved in. Your Duffle-bag should not exceed 18 kgs. Depending the size of your group, we usually provide 2/3 porters per person. Extra staff can also be added on some part of the itinerary to help the carriage of group equipment. The staff is reliable, experienced, strong and very friendly.

 

< note > We value all our staff and they are very comitted to provide a high standard of service. 3 porters / client is what we add to your group. It allows : 

- sufficient staff to carry group loads as well as your bags

- the shift of loads every 3/4 hours between porters to provide enough rest

- enough staff to take care of you on the mountain
- porters to come down when suffering from altitude sickness

 

 

8 – Do i need to tip the crew ?

Yes, we strongly recommend that you tip your guide and any staff member that have provided good service during your trip. You can pay in Dollar, Euro or Local currency. Dollar is the most popular and appreciated currency to tip the staff. About USD 5$ to 15$ per day / porter is the average amount to be paid for each staff member you wish to tip. Although it is not compulsory, if you feel your guide or any staff member has done a good job, please allow extra cash to your usual tip - approx. USD 20$ / pers. You can also leave some gear or gifts as in some countries, mountain gear are rare or very expensive. Don't forget to bring enough cash to tip your staff - you can also use local ATMs or cash points to withdraw local currencies - Thank you.

 

 

 

1 – Will I have enough water to drink ?

Yes. We provide enough water during your trip. The water will always be boiled to reduce stomack problems. Nevertheless, you can add purification pills in your bottles. A SteriPen is also very efficient to clean water in seconds.

 

We recommend that you drink at least 4/5 liter of liquid a day. A Nalgene Bottle is very easy to use and unbreakable. A steel bottle for hot tea while trekking at night or in very cold weather provides extra warmth. While walking, a 3L bladder stuffed in your pack help to drink throughout the day.

 

 < Advice > In altitude, bladder may froze. Prefer a steel bottle for your summit bid.

 

 

1 – Gamow bag, Oxygen bottle, Helicopter rescue, Flying Doctor ? what about it ...

As your security is our prime concern we provide a large range of safety equipment included or on demand for your trip.

 

# gamow-bag : we provide one included in the price in all 8000m climbing expeditions. Available on demand on Kilimanjaro climb.

 

# Oxygen bottle : On climbing expeditions in Himalayas, we are able to provide sufficent number of oxygen bottle included in your itinerary. Nevertheless, if you need more, you can hire extra ones. We can provide as many bottle as you think you need. We help you to hire the number of bottle we think is good for your safety on your expedition. On Kilimanjaro, our team also provide oxygen bottles on demand (€ 85 euro / trip / bottle with porter charge included.). Please, inform Reach Summit before departure so that we can arrange extra porters to carry bottles for you.

 

# Flying doctors of Africa : the long-lasting good relationship we share with tanzanian people allow us to provide an unique service of air ambulance rescue with medical aircraft. You can benefit from evacuation on aircraft from Kilimanjaro. In case of collapsed person or heart attack or similar, an aircraft can come and evacuate the patient to Nairobi hospitals. The service is fully chargeable if used. It also does not cover medical cares at hospital or extra expenses. The service can be used with an affordable but non-refundable fare you have to pay individually before departure (€50 euros). You can choose not to use it. Nevertheless, if the service has to be provided (if available), you are responsible to bear all costs and to pay all applicable fares from AMREF (from $7000 USD) and Reach Summit (from €235 euros) before the end of your trip. Please, take enough cash to pay to bear the cost of  your rescue and medical expenses. Client must have suitable insurance coverage to bear all costs for the use of this service.

 

# Helicopter rescue : In Himalaya a service of helicopter rescue can be provided. Nevertheless, it remains a very expensive service (+/- $6,000 USD). Your travel insurance have to cover the costs of helicopter rescue BEFOREHAND as the service is provided ONLY when paid. Please, bring sufficient cash and inform a mumber of your relatives to organise bank transfer in a very short time to organise helicopter rescue. 

 

< NOTE > this service can not be provided in all region or country. Tibet does not organise helicopter rescue service. 

 

< Important : for all trips > Please arrange rescue payment details with your insurance or bring enough cash as all rescue has to be paid BEFOREHAND. Reach Summit will NOT bear the cost of it. Thank you.
 

2 – What vaccines do i need ?

Thank you to consult your doctor to check your vaccines and recalls to do.

 

# For all trips
- DTP and BCG are to re-actualize
- Hepathite A and B are recommended

 

# In Tanzania
- Yellow fever is obligatory and the vaccination notebook will be verified at the border. Forth, this vaccine is recommended.
- Anti-malaria treatment is highly requiered. East-Africa regions are endemic zones where the mosquitos transmit the illness. No vaccine exists to treat malaria.

 

# In Nepal | Tibet
- No specific vaccine is require. Neverthless, we do recommend a very strong attention to hygiene. Please do not drink tap water or put ice-cubes in your drinks. Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before every meal. Do not eat ice-cream or raw vegetables.

< Advice > you can eat fruits like bananas, orange, mandarin, ananas as you have to peal the outer skin. Take with you a strong insect repellent and a mosquito net.
 

3 – Do i have to train before my trip ?

Yes. You must be fit, healthy and well-trained on EVERY trip.You have to do some sport several times a week.

 

# On treks : you must train several times per week during at least 1h00 on each session. Jogging, cycling and all other cardio activities are highly recommanded.

 

# On expeditions trips : you must train several times per week during at least 1h30 on each session. Climbing and trekking with a loaded rucksack is recommanded. Jogging, cycling and all other cardio activities are indispensable.

 

# On high altitude expeditions trips : you must be extremely physically and mentally fit. You should train everyday and have outdoor activities regularly. A medical certificate will be asked that allows you to take part of the trip.

 

< note > If you suffer from illnesses or have particular indispositions, you must inform Reach Summit before departure in order to take the necessary dipositions.
 

4 – Do i need any skills for my trip ?

Yes. To apply to ALL our trips, you must be in good physical and mental condition and have the sufficient experience required.

 

# On treks : you must be able to walk for several hours per day in strenuous environments, remote regions and with, sometimes, harsh and unforeseen weather or climatic conditions.

 

#On climbing expedtions : you must have climbed other mountains or have taken part in other expedition. You must know how to walk with crampons, use your ice axe and fixed ropes.

 

# On high altitude expeditions : you will be asked a summary of your previous climbing experience and a resume of your technical knowledge (recognition of High Altitude Sickness Symptoms and how to treat them, walking with crampons, getting out of a crevasse...).

 

< note > We urge you to participate beforehand to our training session in Chamonix with our profesionnal guide.
 

5 – Can I benefit from a tailor-made trip ?

Yes. We can propose trips "a la carte" that fully fits your desires. Tell us about the trip you need. We will always endeavor to satisfy you in the designing of your projects. The answering delays are longer because the trip will be fully designed to respect your wills.

 

Yes. If the trip informations foresee the use of oxygen, you will be bound to use it. We don't accept any person wishing to climb without oxygen. We pay high attention to provide a sufficient number of bottles for your safety. On Everest oxygen bottles are included in your price. On other trips, oxygen bottles can be chargeable.

 

 

1 – Can I pay with paypal ?

Yes. Most of our trips have a paypal button where you can pay your deposit and your final installment.

 

 

No. The e-card delivers a random number that will not be recognize by the paypal system. The card used to pay your deposit must be the same for your final installment. Nonetheless, Paypal accepts most of debit cards to pay via its secured system (visa & mastercard included).

 

 

On most of our trips, there is a Paypal button named "Final Installment" from where you can finalize the payment of your trip. Click on the "Pay now" button to get access to the Paypal information page.Then, you can proceed payments.

 

 

Please check the following procedure :

 

A - Ensure that the address you registered on your Paypal information page is identical to the one mentionned to your bank to create your debit card.

 

B - When paying for the second time, please log to the "Log in to Paypal" section on the right-hand side of your screen. Please, do not register to Paypal a second time as a new member.

 

C - Make sure that you are using the same card you used to pay your deposit.

 

D - Verify that the password used to log in is the right one. This would be the one chosen when you registered upon deposit payment.

 

 

 

1 – Is it possible to meet Caroline Letrange ?

Yes. I am always pleased to share my passion of mountaineering and trekking with other adventure seekers.

 

I accompany your group to organise a porfolio of your holidays, welcome you at the airport or answer your questions via telephone, email and Skype. If you come to London, please give a call at +44(0)7903 749 740 to talk about your next trip.

 

2 – Can my friends or family follow my expedition on internet ?

Yes. You can follow your friends, colleagues and relatives on our BLOG. A dispatch is made as often as possible. www.reachsummit.blogspot.com

 

3 – Can I benefit from a satellite phone ?

Yes. You can use  satellite phone on high altitude expedition (7000m & 8000m). The service is chargeable. In Africa, satellite phones are not used because mobile phones generally operate well if they are unlocked. You can also rent your own satellite communication set in your country before departure.
 

4 – Can I order a photographic report of my trip ?

Yes. Caroline Letrange follows your group to take photos on yourself while on trek. Visit her website at www.carolineletrange.net

 
 

Do you have more questions ? Please, send an email >

All advice above mentioned are given as guideline ; please, refer to all documentation that would complete the information disclosed on this website.