Mt. Vinson Expedition
TRIP LENGTH
18 Days
GROUP SIZE
04 - 12
RISING
4892m
Enquire Now for Upcoming Expedition Dates!
Antarctica – the land of the unexplored and home of the South Pole.
For centuries, the land was the ultimate destination to explorers from all over the world. Truly a stuff of legends, only a few dared to sail across the freezing waters of the Antarctic Ocean; to set foot on ice-capped continent. And as nature always has it way of surprising the human kind, it had something in store for the incoming explorers. Among the vast ice shelves and gigantic ice bergs, one feature stood nearly 5000m (16000ft) above the sea level: Mt Vinson!
Mount Vinson is the Highest mountain of Antarctica continent standing with an altitude of 4,892mtr.
Who Can Climb?
Climbing Mt.Vinson is a challenge of a different kind. Apart from the requirement of having prior experience of climbing high mountains, it also requires a lot of mental endurance to survive the arctic conditions. This involves excellent physical fitness, technical proficiency, perseverance to endure harsh weather conditions (-60 C), and the ability to stay away from home for extended periods of time.
To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of pre-requisites that are required to climb Mt.Vinson:
Physical Fitness:
This forms the most important aspect of climbing Mt.Vinson. Climbers are expected to have an exceptional level of physical fitness. Consistent, structured training specific to mountaineering over a period of 8-12 months will be a good requirement for anyone looking to climb Mt.Vinson.
Mountaineering Experience:
Climbers must have a substantial amount of mountaineering experience to take part in this climb. We prefer climbers who have already climbed a few peaks in the 5000m-6000m range. Having a winter climb (or our winter training program) under your belt will be an added advantage. This ensures that the climber is well experienced and aware of all the finer aspects of mountaineering like the technical know-how (Rock, Snow & Ice), camping proficiency, and ability to stay & perform for weeks together in a polar environment environment.
Please check out our ‘Training’ page for custom programs for your climbs.
Tentative Climbing Itinerary
Depart From Your Country of Origin.
You may arrive on this day, to avoid the inconvenience of delayed flights or lost luggage.
You may arrive on this day, to avoid the inconvenience of delayed flights or lost luggage.
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile.
From the airport in Punta Arenas, you’ll be escorted to your hotel. Please arrive early in the day if possible as we try to complete gear check on this day, by early afternoon.
From the airport in Punta Arenas, you’ll be escorted to your hotel. Please arrive early in the day if possible as we try to complete gear check on this day, by early afternoon.
Gear Check, Final Prep; Slide Show, Gear Weighing, City Exploration.
After final gear preparations; we usually have time to explore the city. Late in the afternoon, we will have an Antarctica slide show and lecture conducted by ALE.
After final gear preparations; we usually have time to explore the city. Late in the afternoon, we will have an Antarctica slide show and lecture conducted by ALE.
Depart Punta Arenas, Chile. Fly to Antarctica.
Fly 4.25 hours to Antarctica by private transport jet. Transfer to ski aircraft and continue to Vinson Base Camp at 6,900 ft. (2,100 m) on the Branscomb Glacier.
Fly 4.25 hours to Antarctica by private transport jet. Transfer to ski aircraft and continue to Vinson Base Camp at 6,900 ft. (2,100 m) on the Branscomb Glacier.
Vinson Base Camp: Acclimatization and Preparations.
This is a day to relax and recover after several days of travel. In the quiet surroundings of Vinson Base Camp, we can appreciate the beauty of Antarctica while preparing for our climb.
This is a day to relax and recover after several days of travel. In the quiet surroundings of Vinson Base Camp, we can appreciate the beauty of Antarctica while preparing for our climb.
Vinson Base Camp to Low Camp.
From Vinson Base Camp to Low Camp we follow the gradual rise of the Branscomb Glacier. The gentle climb is ideal for pulling sleds allowing us to lighten the loads in our packs. Due to crevasse hazard, we will travel roped together today and throughout our time on the mountain.
From Vinson Base Camp to Low Camp we follow the gradual rise of the Branscomb Glacier. The gentle climb is ideal for pulling sleds allowing us to lighten the loads in our packs. Due to crevasse hazard, we will travel roped together today and throughout our time on the mountain.
Low to High Camp (this includes some extra days).
We ascend to High Camp (12,400 ft./3,770 m) when conditions are suitable and the forecast indicates stable weather ahead. We may carry all of our equipment in one push, or we may choose a “load carry,”
We ascend to High Camp (12,400 ft./3,770 m) when conditions are suitable and the forecast indicates stable weather ahead. We may carry all of our equipment in one push, or we may choose a “load carry,”
High Camp to Vinson Summit.
We make our summit attempt on the best weather day possible as the route is exposed and subject to high winds. The majority of the route is along the Vinson summit valley, with a short, steeper snow and ice slope leading to the spectacular, rocky, summit ridge. We’ll take time to savour the experience and take photos before retracing our steps to High Camp.
We make our summit attempt on the best weather day possible as the route is exposed and subject to high winds. The majority of the route is along the Vinson summit valley, with a short, steeper snow and ice slope leading to the spectacular, rocky, summit ridge. We’ll take time to savour the experience and take photos before retracing our steps to High Camp.
Descent to Vinson Base Camp.
The descent to Vinson Base Camp is usually achieved in one day from High Camp, retracing our route down the fixed ropes and along the Branscomb Glacier. At Vinson Base Camp, we celebrate our summit with a hearty meal and a toast to our team.
The descent to Vinson Base Camp is usually achieved in one day from High Camp, retracing our route down the fixed ropes and along the Branscomb Glacier. At Vinson Base Camp, we celebrate our summit with a hearty meal and a toast to our team.
Return to Union Glacier by Ski Aircraft.
Once we’re back in Base Camp and a full aircraft load is ready, There will be opportunities to meet and trade stories with other adventurers and, if conditions allow, we may explore the scenic peaks nearby camp (these can also be used as extra climbing days as needed).
Return to Punta Arenas, Chile.
Weather permitting, the aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive with a new collection of avid explorers and you depart for the final leg of your Antarctic experience. Our staff will meet you at Punta Arenas airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Weather permitting, the aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive with a new collection of avid explorers and you depart for the final leg of your Antarctic experience. Our staff will meet you at Punta Arenas airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Depart Punta Arenas.
Free day
Free day
Enquire Here!
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
Cost Includes
- All flights to and from Punta Arenas to Union Glacier
- All flights to and from Union Glacier to Mt. Vinson Base Camp
- Complete Support Services while in the Antarctic
- All meals while in the Antarctic
- Lodging in the Antarctic
- All group climbing gear
- Guide services and fees
- Pre-Climb Guidance: Training and preparation
- Phone/Email Consultation: Trip-related preparation
Cost Excludes
- Meals and hotels in Punta Arenas
- Personal Items: Beverages and bottled drinks
- International Round-Trip Airfare
- Excess Baggage Charges and Airport Taxes
- Evacuation Insurance: Required by flight service – details in confirmation package
- Early Departure Expenses: All expenses incurred (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc.)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Delays Beyond Our Control: Charges incurred as a result of delays
- Subject to Change: All prices and dates subject to change
Preparation
Equipment
Additional Info
Policies
Preparation
Climbing Mt.Vinson requires a detailed level of preparation. The ideal approach is to condition oneself by climbing at least 1-2 peaks in the 5000m-6000m range. Climbing any one of the peaks like Mt.Elbrus (5642 m) in Russia, Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895 m) in Tanzania along with our annual Winter Training Program (Ladakh, India) will help the climber to be at the top of his form physically, mentally, and technically at high altitude.
We take great pride in sharing our knowledge and experience to train any person for climbing Mt.Vinson. Our decades of experience in the mountains have helped us prepare the perfect training programs for people of diverse backgrounds. For tailor-made training plans for your ascent of Mt.Vinson, head to our ‘Training’ page.
We take great pride in sharing our knowledge and experience to train any person for climbing Mt.Vinson. Our decades of experience in the mountains have helped us prepare the perfect training programs for people of diverse backgrounds. For tailor-made training plans for your ascent of Mt.Vinson, head to our ‘Training’ page.
Equipment
The equipment required to climb Mt.Vinson slightly differs from the usual list of climbing other ice-capped peaks. The polar environment of Antarctica needs some specific clothing and gear, which is not used elsewhere. Through our extensive experience, we have compiled the following list that is suitable for this climb. We just like to add one golden rule in the aspect of purchasing equipment/gear i.e., “Try before you buy.”
Additional Info
Schedule
No two Antarctic experiences are exactly the same. This is part of the excitement and adventure of Antarctic travel. The itinerary above highlights typical activities and experiences. The exact timeline and details will vary from trip to trip. Trip length may vary by departure. Please anticipate delays and do not plan anything for at least a week after your scheduled return. Allow yourself to enjoy this unique experience without the stress of pending commitments.
Travel Details
Climbers are suggested to arrive 2-3 days before the start date of the expedition. This allows ample time to recover from any jetlag and settle in Punta Arenas, Chile. The return ticket may be an ‘open ticket’ or 3-5 days after the last day of the expedition.
Insurance
It is mandatory for every climber to have an insurance that covers medical emergency & evacuation during the full duration of the expedition. Along with that, we also highly recommend a ‘trip cancellation’ insurance for any eventuality. Having such an insurance will ensure that you as a climber are covered from all aspects.
Currency
Chilean Peso will be used for doing all the local transactions throughout Punta Arenas. One can withdraw the same from the ATMs/Banks. And alternatively, carrying USD will be of great value, as pretty much everyone accepts them without any hesitation.
Visa
We provide full support in the form of supporting documentation and all the necessary communication required for the processing of your visa.
No two Antarctic experiences are exactly the same. This is part of the excitement and adventure of Antarctic travel. The itinerary above highlights typical activities and experiences. The exact timeline and details will vary from trip to trip. Trip length may vary by departure. Please anticipate delays and do not plan anything for at least a week after your scheduled return. Allow yourself to enjoy this unique experience without the stress of pending commitments.
Travel Details
Climbers are suggested to arrive 2-3 days before the start date of the expedition. This allows ample time to recover from any jetlag and settle in Punta Arenas, Chile. The return ticket may be an ‘open ticket’ or 3-5 days after the last day of the expedition.
Insurance
It is mandatory for every climber to have an insurance that covers medical emergency & evacuation during the full duration of the expedition. Along with that, we also highly recommend a ‘trip cancellation’ insurance for any eventuality. Having such an insurance will ensure that you as a climber are covered from all aspects.
Currency
Chilean Peso will be used for doing all the local transactions throughout Punta Arenas. One can withdraw the same from the ATMs/Banks. And alternatively, carrying USD will be of great value, as pretty much everyone accepts them without any hesitation.
Visa
We provide full support in the form of supporting documentation and all the necessary communication required for the processing of your visa.
Policies
Booking Policy
A booking fee of USD $10000 will be required to confirm your trip for an upcoming season. This fee is non-refundable but transferable. Please refer to our detailed booking policy sent to you on request.
Payment Policy
Convenient part payment options are available for this trip. However, the complete payment has to be made on or before 10 days before the start of the itinerary.
Transfer Policy
In case for any reason your trip has to be transferred to the next season, the same can be done within the ‘Transfer period’ for each trip.
Cancellation Policy Our cancellation policies are customer-friendly and can be easily availed within the ‘cancellation period’ of each trip. Please note that the cancellation will be subject to prevalent conditions.
For a detailed list of all the policies, please write to us at info@gotarc.in
A booking fee of USD $10000 will be required to confirm your trip for an upcoming season. This fee is non-refundable but transferable. Please refer to our detailed booking policy sent to you on request.
Payment Policy
Convenient part payment options are available for this trip. However, the complete payment has to be made on or before 10 days before the start of the itinerary.
Transfer Policy
In case for any reason your trip has to be transferred to the next season, the same can be done within the ‘Transfer period’ for each trip.
Cancellation Policy Our cancellation policies are customer-friendly and can be easily availed within the ‘cancellation period’ of each trip. Please note that the cancellation will be subject to prevalent conditions.
For a detailed list of all the policies, please write to us at info@gotarc.in
FAQs
NO, Mt. Vinson peak is a challenging mountaineering objective and requires extensive amount of preparation for attempting the summit.
It totally depends on the availability of various resources required for the preparation of climbing Mt.Vinson. Practically for an absolute novice, if one is opting for a fully guided climb, a minimum of 1-1.5 years of continuous preparation is required. This preparation involves making himself/herself physically ready, learning the fundamentals of mountaineering and climbing progressively higher peaks. Visit our ‘Training’ page for more info
For Mt. Vinson, the Guides to clients ratio will be 3:1. All our Guides are highly experienced with multiple ascents of Mt.Vinson. All of our guides are English speaking and highly hospitable.
All team meals will be served during the designated meal times. However, our dining tent will always be well stocked with MRE packets, ready to eat food items (Chocolates/savories) during the entire duration of the climb
No, there will be no mobile network once you land in Antarctica. However, a satellite phone will be available, with a strict pay-per-use policy.