Logistical Questions about Nepal

Hey MPers! Heading to Nepal in September/October and looking to climb some 6000 meter peaks/Trekking Peaks and I've got some logistical questions that I am hoping you all might be able to help me out with?
Question 1: If we're looking at ~6000 meter peaks what would be a good Down Jacket?
Question 2: How much does it cost on average for Porters per day? What are we responsible for providing for them? I've seen $10/day plus a tent for them as well as any technical equipment(ice axe, crampons, etc) if they ascend above base camp.
My partner and I are BUDGET conscious climbers so we are looking for any information that could help us offset the expenses of a multi-week expedition. Obviously we aren't stupid enough to skimp on essential, high-quality equipment because this is the Himalaya we're talking about and it deserves our respect but we are both looking to use our Peso's efficiently and effectively.
Thanks for any and all imput!

If you want to go real cheap: The first peak I did in Nepal I carried everything in on my back.

Pick the right peak, e.g. tent peak, and you can stay in tea houses except on the mountain.

Hey man...

Pretty much impossible to give you any advice unless....

1. You know where you are going! You might have roads, good local markets and lots of trekkers to piggy back upon OR you might be going into a remote valley from some bfe town and have to bring everything with you.

2. Whether you intend to hire a base camp/porters deal. Might sound expensive until you comsider the cost of flying heavy baggage (which gets way $$ if you have any layover at all from the US), the benefits of having someone to watch your stuff in camp and back you up if climbing goes poorly, and the benefits of having a restful base.

Definitely buy a trekking guide or two as these are really great for getting an idea of approaches and services.

Katmandu has modern western markets for staples, food wise just bring high camp and energy food and a few luxury items.

Kinda seems like you have not much of a clue so--especially if you all plan on more trips-/it is worth the $$ to hire a local agency on your first trip.

Have fun! Nepal is a rocking good time!

CF

Oh and bring a pressure cooker! Best way to ensure clean water!

coldfinger wrote:Hey man... Pretty much impossible to give you any advice unless.... 1. You know where you are going! You might have roads, good local markets and lots of trekkers to piggy back upon OR you might be going into a remote valley from some bfe town and have to bring everything with you. 2. Whether you intend to hire a base camp/porters deal. Might sound expensive until you comsider the cost of flying heavy baggage (which gets way $$ if you have any layover at all from the US), the benefits of having someone to watch your stuff in camp and back you up if climbing goes poorly, and the benefits of having a restful base. Definitely buy a trekking guide or two as these are really great for getting an idea of approaches and services. Katmandu has modern western markets for staples, food wise just bring high camp and energy food and a few luxury items. Kinda seems like you have not much of a clue so--especially if you all plan on more trips-/it is worth the $$ to hire a local agency on your first trip. Have fun! Nepal is a rocking good time! CF

Having Guided Rock/Ice/Alpine Climbing in everywhere from Alaska, California, Colorado, and China I kinda do have a clue Brochacho :) I just like to keep things chill and get different perspectives. Thanks for the Beta though, definitely some good nuggets in there that are helpful!

Just got back from that place. I think it would be hard to give you beta without knowing where you are going as mentioned before. So, where are you going?

My partner and I are still exploring our options. Why don't you fill me in on what beta you do have from the places that you went too?

FoamFinger wrote: Why don't you fill me in on what beta you do have from the places that you went too?

You know what, I think I'm going to go climbing in America somewhere. Can you just tell me everything you know about the place?

Mark E Dixon wrote: You know what, I think I'm going to go climbing in America somewhere. Can you just tell me everything you know about the place?

I can help you, Mark. America is the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. But "Free" does not mean "no cost." If you are going to the cities, you might have public transportation. You might not, though.

The water is fairly clean, but filter it, anyway.

There is a fair amount of crime, so always wear a money belt. Unless you go to Las Vegas, where a credit card is better.

The peaks are bigger in the west, than the east.

Don't bother with the porters, as they are usually on strike.

Johnny Cash died a while back, but not climbing.

Hope this helps.

One more thing, don't try to climb any 5000 meter peaks in California. They just passed a law taxing it too much.

FrankPS wrote: One more thing, don't try to climb any 5000 meter peaks in California. They just passed a law taxing it too much.

Thanks, that's a big help!

Just one more question- should I buy gear here or there?

Also, in case it isn't obvious, I'm going to carry in all my trash before carrying it out. I may even take extra trash just to make a point.

Mark, buy your ladders in Ohio. They are very sturdy there.

But to answer your question more directly, you should indeed buy your gear here or there.

Thanks for being so conscientious about your trash. One man's trash is another man's something. That's probably the most important thing you need to know about America.

Wow, I was really hoping this thread would not degenerate into negativity the way that so many other forum threads do. Thank you guys for your gracious input, you'll forgive me if I choose to overlook it in favor of more fruitful beta.

FoamFinger wrote:Wow, I was really hoping this thread would not degenerate into negativity the way that so many other forum threads do. Thank you guys for your gracious input, you'll forgive me if I choose to overlook it in favor of more fruitful beta.

Hmm, I don't consider humor to be negativity, but to each his own.

We were in Nepal last spring and I'll be happy to share what little knowledge I have. Nepal is wonderful and I hope you have a great time. But I don't think it's asking too much to expect you and Hannah to do a little research and make some decisions first.

As for your original question, I believe $10/day is about right for porters, plus a tip which amounts to one days pay for each week of work.

For a trekking peak you will need a permit obtained via a trekking agency and I believe also will need to hire a "guide" for about $25/day. Same tip deal.
The guide will carry his own personal gear, but probably not cooking gear, etc.

My wife and I made a very ineffectual attempt on Naya Kanga many years ago and hired one guide and two porters to carry our climbing gear and a limited amount of high camp food. Most of the trek was done by staying in teahouses, which kept the number of staff required significantly lower.

There should be ways to limit the amount of time you need the guide, the exact strategy will depend on where you are going.

As for a down parka, it depends when you are going, October and December are pretty different. I've only been in the spring and down is nice at camp at night, but not strictly necessary. Somebody who's been in the fall might want to chime in. Can definitely buy parkas in Katmandu, I think reasonable quality for a good price.