OVERVIEW

Mount Vinson

• Region - Antarctica

• Duration - 15 Days 

• Grade - Challenging

• Max Altitude - 4892 m / 16,050 ft

• Best Season - Apr-May

The Seven Summits are the highest mountains on each of the seven continents of the Earth – Mount Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, Carstensz Pyramid. Climbing to the summit of all of them is regarded as a mountaineering challenge, first achieved on 30 April 1985 by Richard Bass.

Standing at the height of 4897m, Vinson Massif is the highest mountain in the vast continent of Antarctica. It is the coldest of the Seven Summits and has the polar climate with low snowfall but high winds and severely low temperatures. The wind coupled with cold air temperatures results in brutally low wind-chill temperatures, forming the greatest threat to climbers.

Just like with a number of other peaks in our seven-summit selection, the mountain is not a difficult peak to climb, being more a snow trudge than a technical climb, but the combination of its remoteness, high winds, and extremely low temperatures make Vinson a tough climb. However, that isn’t enough to stop a true adventurer! The toughness is nothing compared to the memorable experience and the chance to capture once in a lifetime image.

The sheer isolation of the mountain and the extraordinary views from its summit is what separates Vinson from the other Seven Summits. As you approach the top, you can't help but intimate yourself with thousands of square miles of ice caps and glaciers that fade into a distinctly curved horizon. The pristine place will leave any climber feeling surreal and amazed.

Mount Vinson Climbing itinerary

Day 01 - Arrive at Punta Arenas, Chile, and Transfer to Hotel

Day 02 - Chile – Official procedures and Expedition Arrangements

Day 03 - Fly from Chile to Union Glacier Camp (700m/2300ft)

Day 04 - Fly from Union Glacier to Vinson Base Camp (2135m/7000ft)

Day 05 - Load Ferry from Base Camp to Camp 1

Day 06 - Trek from Base Camp to Camp 1 and occupied Camp 1

Day 07 - Camp 1 – Acclimatization and Check all the necessary Technically Climbing Gears

Day 08 - Load Ferry from Camp 1 to Camp 2 (Summit Camp)

Day 09 - Trek from Camp 1 to Summit Camp (Camp 2)

Day 10 - Summit day – Mount Vinson (4892m/16,050ft)

Day 11 - Contingency day for Summit

Day 12 - Trek from Camp 2 to Vinson Base Camp

Day 13 - Fly from Vinson from Base Camp to Union Glacier Camp

Day 14 - Fly from Union Glacier Camp to Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 15 - Depart from Punta Arenas, Chile

Day 16 - Reserved Day. In the case of Bad Weather or Flight delay

Mount Vinson Climbing

Cost Inclusions

• Round-trip Airfare between Punta Arenas, Chile – Union Glacier Camp – Vinson Base Camp – Punta Arenas, Chile

• All Airport transfers during the trip as per Itinerary (Punta Arenas, Chile International Airport) Pick up and Drop

• All hotel accommodation in Chile as per the Itinerary on twin sharing basis (Bed and Breakfast)

• All meals during the expedition (while on the mountains)

• High altitude food in all higher camps for members, guides and the entire crew

• The permit fee for Vinson

• Experienced and professional climbing Guide

• A technical team of well-experienced guides for opening the route

• High-quality tents for all the climbers and group cooking equipment

• All group camp supplies and necessary items

• Group Climbing Gears, Fixed and Dynamic ropes, snow bar, all group climbing/mountaineering equipment supplies

• First aid medical kits

• PTA Staff costs including their salary, insurance, airfare, equipment, food, and accommodation

• Achievement Certificate after successfully Climbing Vinson

Cost Exclusions

• International Airfare to and from Punta Arenas, Chile International Airport

• Visa fees 

• Personal Expenses – Telephone Calls, Internet, Laundry, Personal clothing, trekking and climbing gears, Camera and Drone Permit Fee

• Any Meals in Chile

• Additional Hotel stays in case of early arrivals or departures

• Medical insurance, Accident cover, Emergency evacuation, high altitude rescue, other medical emergency expenses

• All expenses incurred from in the event of early departure (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc.)

• Tips and Gratitude for Base Camp Staff and support staff

• Any other items not mentioned under the head ‘Cost Inclusions’

Registering for Mount Vinson Expedition

Eligibility: Is this Expedition suitable for me?

Mount Vinson Expedition is graded as a challenging climb. This expedition helps climbers to test their skills and improve their endurance. Such high-altitude climbs should not be underestimated, and climbers should approach the trek with proper training. We highly suggest that you start working on your fitness two months before the climb. Previous trekking experience is mandatory to sign up for the Mount Vinson Expedition. Excellent physical endurance, focus, and determination are required to complete the mount Vinson Expedition successfully. Happy Climbing!

Expedition Booking and Payment

Advance Booking Amount 30%

We suggest that you book your Mount Vinson expedition at the earliest and confirm your slot. This also enables you to get a good deal on your to and fro flight tickets and organizing your trip efficiently. A booking confirmation will be sent by e-mail along with the payment instructions and other trip details. All payments have to be made through an online transfer/ cheque deposit/ demand draft. After the payment for the booking is done, please mail us your transfer details at [email protected] so that we can follow up efficiently.

COVID-19 Full Travel Credits

After confirmation of the trip, if you cannot travel on the booked dates due to the COVID-19 travel restriction, you can postpone the trip to a future date whichever seems safe and suitable for you. You can choose any departure date that is convenient for you and we will offer a Full Travel Credit without applying any charge. Travel Credits can be redeemed on any trip which departs within 1 year of the original departure date. It cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Travel credit can be transferred once to a friend or family member to be used against a new booking. The transfer is subject to our approval prior to the creation of the new booking.

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel your Mount Vinson expedition booking, please e-mail us at [email protected] 

Cancellations are processed only by e-mail and refunds for the same are as follows:

Cancellations before 30 days from the start date of the trek

— 90% refund

Cancellation between 30 days & 20 days to the start date of the trek

— 50% refund

Cancellation less than 20 days to the start date of the trek

— no cash refund

Mount Vinson, Chile

Chile is a long, narrow country stretching along South America's western edge, with more than 6,000km of Pacific Ocean coastline. Santiago, its capital, sits in a valley surrounded by the Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains. The city's palm-lined Plaza de Armas contains the neoclassical cathedral and the National History Museum. The massive Parque Metropolitano offers swimming pools, a botanical garden, and a zoo.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile

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