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Climb Carstesz Pyramid with Berg Adventures!

Tuesday, November 5th, 2013

In March 2014, Berg Adventures will embark on a unique journey to Indonesian New Guinea to climb the highest peak in Oceania – Carstensz Pyramid. This is not like any of the other Seven Summit climbs. We will trek for days through virtually trackless forests, finally reaching the equatorial alpine terrain of Base Camp. It is also the only of the Seven Summits climbs to include a classic rock climbing ascent.

Join us on a climb that is truly a wild adventure!

Contact our office today to find out how you can become a part of the 2014 Carstensz Pyramid Team!

Climbing to the summit of Carstensz Pyramid

Climbing to the summit of Carstensz Pyramid

Bali is a beautiful place to begin and end our journey!

Bali is a beautiful place to begin and end our journey!

While trekking in the jungle we will pass remote villages.

While trekking in the jungle we will pass remote villages.

Breathtaking views from the summit ridge

Breathtaking views from the summit ridge

A joyful Dani man of West Papua

A joyful Dani man of West Papua

Berg Adventures Showers on Kilimanjaro

Friday, October 11th, 2013

We are happy to report that Berg Adventures officially has the first shower facility on Kilimanjaro. Ask around and you will not find anyone who can tell you they have had showers on Kilimanjaro…until now!

Berg Adventures showers on Kilimanjaro

Berg Adventures showers on Kilimanjaro

The showers are provided exclusively to BAI climbers who have chosen to climb the mountain via the Umbwe Route, where we spend three nights at Barranco Camp. Click here to find out which route is best for you!

After a long beautiful day of hiking on Kilimanjaro it feels so great to step into a nice hot shower!

After a long beautiful day of hiking on Kilimanjaro it feels so great to step into a nice hot shower!

First shared shower on Kilimanjaro!

First shared shower on Kilimanjaro!

Experience one of Berg Adventures finest treks and be the cleanest climbers on the mountain. Contact us today about joining a Kilimanjaro Expedition!

Berg Adventures on the Streets of St. Petersburg for the 2014 International Ergo White Nights Marathon

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

Our 2014 Berg Adventures Mount Elbrus Team will be in St. Petersburg during the International Ergo White Nights Marathon on June 29th. This 10km run or marathon takes place once a year and Berg Adventures has been on the streets of St. Petersburg to cheer on the athletes taking part in this race to promote healthy lifestyles and strong international connections in tourism and sports for many years. If you are interested in taking part of this White Nights Marathon, by participating or simply cheering along from the beautiful streets of St. Petersburg, then contact us today about signing up for the 2014 Elbrus Expedition and we can give you more information and help you register.

St. Petersburg White Nights Marathon poster

St. Petersburg White Nights Marathon poster

Running through the streets of St. Petersburg with The Hermitage and other iconic buildings in the background

Running through the streets of St. Petersburg with The Hermitage and other iconic buildings in the background

The famous St. Petersburg White Nights Marathon is a great way to tour the city and take part in a local event!

The famous St. Petersburg White Nights Marathon is a great way to tour the city and take part in a local event!

2013 Ararat Expedition Recap

Friday, September 13th, 2013

After three successful climbs on Mount Ararat this summer, the season has come to an end. Congratulations to the entire Berg Adventures team as they accomplished their goals while experiencing the challenges a great mountain like Ararat has to offer. With great teamwork and superb leadership all three of our teams gained some worthy mountaineering experience while making lasting memories and friendships! Enjoy some of the great photo highlights from these three trips.

Join us for our next Turkey adventure and sign up for the 2014 Ararat Expedition.

Our friends from the Netherlands started our Ararat 2013 season off with a beautiful rooftop dinner at their hotel overlooking Istanbul

Our friends from the Netherlands started our Ararat 2013 season off with a beautiful rooftop dinner at their hotel overlooking Istanbul

There is so much to learn about Cappadocia, the region is full of great history and culture and this group was ready to learn!

There is so much to learn about Cappadocia, the region is full of great history and culture and this group was ready to learn!

And explore!

And explore!

Jan, with his unmistakable orange umbrella, taking in the beauty of Cappadocia

Jan, with his unmistakable orange umbrella, taking in the beauty of Cappadocia

While the team waits for their flight to Van they take a minute to enjoy the Berg Adventures dispatches of their trip so far.

While the team waits for their flight to Van they take a minute to enjoy the Berg Adventures dispatches of their trip so far.

The team ready to take on Mount Ararat.

The team ready to take on Mount Ararat.

Every night on the mountain the team would get together in the dinning tent to play bridge.

Every night on the mountain the team would get together in the dinning tent to play bridge.

On our way to the summit

On our way to the summit

Our friends from the Netherlands on the summit of Ararat

Our friends from the Netherlands on the summit of Ararat

“To earn, to learn and to return” is a theme that Alfons Driessen came up with at the beginning of the trip and it really represents well our expeditions on Turkey this year. Here Jan Dekker and Leila Berg look proud to stand on the summit of Ararat. Great Job Team!

“To earn, to learn and to return” is a theme that Alfons Driessen came up with at the beginning of the trip and it really represents well our expeditions on Turkey this year. Here Jan Dekker and Leila Berg look proud to stand on the summit of Ararat. Great Job Team!

Our great team leader Wally Berg!

Our great team leader Wally Berg!

The Sibley’s and Vaughan’s arrive in Istanbul!

The Sibley’s and Vaughan’s arrive in Istanbul!

The Hagia Sofia is a structure of architectural wonder in Istanbul and one of our favorites to visit.

The Hagia Sofia is a structure of architectural wonder in Istanbul and one of our favorites to visit.

The Sibley family stopping for a photo in front of the iconic Blue Mosque

The Sibley family stopping for a photo in front of the iconic Blue Mosque

Beautiful Cappadocia

Beautiful Cappadocia

The team crouching for a photo in the Kaymakli underground city

The team crouching for a photo in the Kaymakli underground city

Posing for a photo with the main goal, Ararat, in the background

Posing for a photo with the main goal, Ararat, in the background

Our home during our time on Ararat

Our home during our time on Ararat

This Summit group walked arm in arm for the last bit of the climb and they all stepped on to the top together. Congratulations team!

This Summit group walked arm in arm for the last bit of the climb and they all stepped on to the top together. Congratulations team!

We have never seen anything like this. Jake’s legs were incredible sore when he got back to High Camp from the summit and we witnessed him walk backwards the whole way from High Camp to Camp 1. Incredible!

We have never seen anything like this. Jake’s legs were incredible sore when he got back to High Camp from the summit and we witnessed him walk backwards the whole way from High Camp to Camp 1. Incredible!

We are back in Istanbul with the third and final group of our 2013 season in Turkey.

We are back in Istanbul with the third and final group of our 2013 season in Turkey.

Longtime friends stop for a photo in the streets of Istanbul.

Longtime friends stop for a photo in the streets of Istanbul.

The group could not wait to arrive in Cappadocia .

The group could not wait to arrive in Cappadocia .

What better way to explore Cappadocia then from high above the region in a Balloon.

What better way to explore Cappadocia then from high above the region in a Balloon.

The best part about arriving early in the morning is taking off into beautiful pink skies.

The best part about arriving early in the morning is taking off into beautiful pink skies.

The climb begins!

The climb begins!

Valentine decided it was best for her to support the team from Camp I. Since she spent her time on the mountain there and loved it so much we named it Camp Valentine!

Charles at his high point on Mount Ararat proudly holding a sign for his surgeons that made climbing this high possible for him

Charles at his high point on Mount Ararat proudly holding a sign for his surgeons that made climbing this high possible for him

Carolyn at the high point in her life 16,200ft. Well done Carolyn!

Carolyn at the high point in her life 16,200ft. Well done Carolyn!

Our third and final Summit team of the 2013 season. Great job to all our climbers!

Our third and final Summit team of the 2013 season. Great job to all our climbers!

After a great climb on Ararat it’s so nice to soak our feet in the crystal waters of Lake Van.

After a great climb on Ararat it’s so nice to soak our feet in the crystal waters of Lake Van.

Valentine with our amazing guides Duygu, Jamal and Mehmet. Thank you for helping us achieve our goals!

Valentine with our amazing guides Duygu, Jamal and Mehmet. Thank you for helping us achieve our goals!

Farewell Turkey, see you next year!

Farewell Turkey, see you next year!

Climb Kilimanjaro by the Light of the Supermoon

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Celestial Phenomenon to Look for in 2014

On August 10, 2014 the full moon will be closer to Earth than usual causing a phenomenon known as a “Supermoon”. This event occurs approximately every 14 full-moon cycles and results in the moon appearing larger and brighter than normal. Climbers on the August 2014 Kilimanjaro expedition will get to experience the supermoon from the comfort of our camp high on the mountain. The dramatic moon will rise shortly after 6pm just as the sun is setting over the shoulder of Kilimanjaro.

But the magnificence in the sky doesn’t end there. The climb also falls during the Perseids Meteor Shower which occurs from July 17 to August 24 peaking on the night of August 12 and early morning of August 13. This shower produces about 60 meteors per hour at its peak and is famous for being particularly bright. Don’t miss it! Join us on Kilimanjaro August 2 – 15, 2014.

A starry night in the Caucasus Mountains (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

A starry night in the Caucasus Mountains (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

The full moon on Mount Elbrus summit day, Russia (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

The full moon on Mount Elbrus summit day, Russia (Photo Credit: Vladimir Kopylov)

Other Noteworthy Celestial Events of 2014 and Where to See Them

January 1-5: Quadrantids Meteor Shower – This meteor shower peaks at up to 40 meteors per hour and this year it will be particularly bright thanks to an early setting of a small crescent moon. Watch the celestial show at its peak on January 2 from the comfort of your safari lodge in Tarangire National Park.

Kilimanjaro Climb with 6-day Safari: December 21, 2013 – January 7, 2014

The first light of the day shines on the glaciers of Kilimanjaro

The first light of the day shines on the glaciers of Kilimanjaro

April 19 – May 28: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower – Prepare to be awed by one of the more active meteor showers of the year capable of exhibiting up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. This show is most pronounced in Southern Hemisphere, but those in the Northern Hemisphere will still be able to enjoy the show. When the show reaches its peak on May 5, the moon will be in its first quarter and will set early in the evening in Nepal. Everest Base Camp trekkers will be in the remote Khumbu Valley where the sky is dark and viewing is ideal.

Everest Base Camp Trek: April 19 – May 12, 2014

The moon rises dramatically over the snowy peaks of the Himalaya

The moon rises dramatically over the snowy peaks of the Himalaya

December 7-17: Geminids Meteor Shower – Many consider this to be the “king” of meteor showers producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. The waning moon will potentially block some meteors from view this year, but the Geminids are so bright and numerous that it will still be a spectacular show. The meteor action reaches its peak on December 13 where you can view it from the comfort of your safari lodge in the Ngorongoro Crater. No light pollution here!

Kilimanjaro Climb with 6-day Safari: November 29 – December 16, 2014

Sunset in Ngorongoro Crater

Sunset in Ngorongoro Crater

Customized Trips are Always Available

Is there an astrological event you would like to see next year that either isn’t listed here? Or would you like to see an event from a different location? Contact us. We’re always happy to accommodate your travel requests for dates and destinations that work for you!

Travel Brings Family Together – Plan a Family Trip with Berg Adventures

Wednesday, August 7th, 2013

Nothing brings people together like shared experiences. Think outside the box and plan your next family reunion abroad for an epic experience you will never forget! Many of our adventure destinations are great for families, but we have a few that are particularly suitable for groups with a range in physical fitness levels, stamina, outdoor prowess and age.

Tanzania

Tanzania is a perfect destination for families. Those members looking for a physical challenge can climb Kilimanjaro and after the climb everyone can join together for an exciting wildlife safari through the Serengeti. Those wishing to forego the climb can simply arrive in Tanzania later or we can help them arrange alternate activities. Zanzibar is a great place for those family members who prefer beach to mountain and a cultural tour of the Kilimanjaro region is perfect for the more adventurous.

Families on top of Kilimanjaro

Families on top of Kilimanjaro

Close to the summit with a BAI guide

Close to the summit with a BAI guide

Fresh off the mountain after a successful climb

Fresh off the mountain after a successful climb

On safari post-climb

On safari post-climb

Patagonia

Patagonia is the region Chile and Argentina that makes up the southern tip of South America. This region offers some of the world’s finest trekking opportunities with a variety of options in intensity. On the Torres del Paine trek, we stay in comfortable mountain lodges instead of tents which will satisfy the family members who are not keen on camping. Furthermore, each day there are easy and extended hiking options so everyone gets the level of physical activity that they desire. Some days we even offer the option to travel by boat instead of by foot!

Trekking lakeside in Patagonia

Trekking lakeside in Patagonia

Looking back on the Torres del Paine

Looking back on the Torres del Paine

Loading into a boat in Patagonia

Loading into a boat in Patagonia

Turkey

Berg Adventures Turkey itinerary is another that is well-suited to families. Our first two destinations of Istanbul and Cappadoccia are accessible to everyone. We will tour these two beautiful places to soak in the culture and the scenery. We will do some day hikes in the Cappadocia region, but there are always other alternatives such as a hot air balloon ride or a spa day. Finally we travel to Mount Ararat to climb Turkey’s highest peak. Not interested in the climb? The Turkish Riviera is a great place to relax while other family members sweat it out on the mountain!

Enjoying a rooftop dinner in Istanbul

Enjoying a rooftop dinner in Istanbul

Taking a break on Mount Ararat

Taking a break on Mount Ararat

Exploring in Cappadoccia

Exploring in Cappadoccia

Nepal

Nepal is a fantastic family destination for those families keen on trekking. What makes trekking in Nepal different from climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking in Patagonia is that you are actually trekking from village to village so you will meet local families, visit schools, shop at a local market and even receive a blessing from a local monk. If you are concerned about the hiking abilities of all of your family members, we offer modified itineraries with shortened days and more down time. We crafted our Christmas Trek in Nepal with families in mind and have designed the trip to work with school schedules. December is a great time to visit Nepal because it is the sunniest and driest month in the Everest region!

Grandfather with granddaughter in Nepal

Grandfather with granddaughter in Nepal

Trekking to Base Camp

Trekking to Base Camp

A Note about Kids and Altitude

We are frequently asked about children at altitude and from our experience children are not affected any differently than adults. If anything children and young adults do better at altitude! On both Kilimanjaro and at Everest Base Camp we have had kids as young as 11 and adults as old as 75+ complete the climb/trek. If you’re not interested in an altitude climb, Patagonia is a good option for you as the highest point on the trek is only at about 3,000ft/915m.

Start Planning Today!

As is the case with all of our trips, if you do not see dates that fit your schedules we are happy to create or alter trip dates to better suit your family. Contact our office to start planning your family trip today!

2013 Elbrus Expedition Recap

Friday, July 26th, 2013

The 2013 Elbrus Expedition has come to an end after a successful climb! A big thanks to all of our team members for making this trip one to remember! Enjoy some of the great photo highlights from the trip.

Start planning your own Russian adventure and sign up for the 2014 Elbrus Expedition.

Trip dates: June 27 – July 11

Check out this awesome video from Berg Adventures climber Rafael Etges. He captured some beautiful footage that will make you want to strap on your boots and go for a climb!

Acclimatizing in style – Tim enjoying a gondola ride

Acclimatizing in style – Tim enjoying a gondola ride

The Twin Summits of Elbrus

The Twin Summits of Elbrus

At our comfortable high camp – who needs a tent when you can stay in the “Barrels”

At our comfortable high camp – who needs a tent when you can stay in the “Barrels”

Terri and Margaret hamming it up for the camera

Terri and Margaret hamming it up for the camera

Rafael getting some awesome footage on his GoPro

Rafael getting some awesome footage on his GoPro

Our guide Vladimir pulled out his saxophone and serenaded us during the climb

Our guide Vladimir pulled out his saxophone and serenaded us during the climb

Up we climb!

Up we climb!

Taking a breather on the mountain

Taking a breather on the mountain

Almost there!

Almost there!

The Summit of Mount Elbrus – the highest point on continental Europe

The Summit of Mount Elbrus – the highest point on continental Europe

The team on the summit!

The team on the summit!

Having a blast

Having a blast

Rob, Gordon and Chuck know how to unwind after a long day

Rob, Gordon and Chuck know how to unwind after a long day

Bolivia 2013 – Everest Prep Climb

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

Prepare to Reach Your Goal

Pequeno Alpamayo

Join us in Bolivia from August 16 to September 3 for an awesome mountaineering challenge! Whether Everest is an immediate goal or something far on the horizon, this trip will allow you to hone your skills and test your body’s ability to acclimatize in an effort to give you a taste of what Everest will be like. But you don’t need to be an Everest climber to join us. All are welcome. See the detailed itinerary here. Contact our office for details.

2013 Everest Expedition Recap

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

Our 2013 Everest Expedition has come to an end. We once again want to congratulate our team members Steve Whittington, Todd Pendleton and Daniel Branham. These men were away from home for two months for this expedition, they were a great team throughout and the experiences we shared will live in our memories forever.

The organization of an Everest expedition involves the efforts of a lot of talented and hard working people. We want to thank everyone who helped to make this year’s expedition a success.

Interested in climbing Everest? We’ve already begun planning Spring 2014 expedition – contact our office for details!

Enjoy this awesome recap of the Everest summit day from Steve Whittington. Read the entire recap on his blog. Also, check out the trip dispatches for more photos and details from the expedition.

Everest summit day – by Steve Whittington

It is Sunday May 26th as I write this. It has been nine days since 7:00 am May 17th when I stood on top of the world. It is a nice morning in Kathmandu. The sun is hidden by a grey featureless sky, but the air is warm and humid and my body after all these days still just wants to bathe in thick, moist air. There remain whispers of frost bite scabs on my face and my finger tips are numb, but that day seems so long ago.

Camp on a sunny day

Camp on a sunny day

The first night at the col is lost to me. We tried to rest, we tried to talk but mostly we just lay there lost in our own thoughts, listening to the roar of the wind. We hydrated and waited for the warming sun.

The next day passed quickly, we made our summit climb plan with Dawa the lead Sherpa. Daniel who had struggled between Camp III and IV was now ready to give the summit a go. Todd had been ready since the night before. I did not know. I had not been able to eat since Camp II. While I had rested for over 24 hours I knew having lost over 20 pounds to reach the South Col my reserves were growing thin…or not there at all. I never thought of not going and I was not worried about dying but I knew the risk was out there, between the South Col and the summit.

Dawa Nuru on summit day

Dawa Nuru on summit day

An hour prior to leaving we sat in our tent in a triangle facing each other with all our gear on. No one spoke, we were hollowed out, our faces were pale, grim but set with resolve. This was the final push. We sat and were rocked by the wind buffeting the tent until the final appointed departure time of 7:00 pm.

Todd and Daniel at the South Col

Daniel testing his gear

Daniel testing his gear

I remember the motions, one step in front of another, the stunted vision in the darkness and the blowing snow; the continual struggle for air and energy with every action. At first Dawa led, but about an hour into the climb Tashi and Todd sped past us. I watched their lights grow distant up high above as the storm wrapped us in a tighter embrace. I kept checking Daniel’s progress and his light faded as well into the gloom. At times Dawa and I could see no lights, at times we were alone on the mountain.

We had expected to be slow but we had not expected a storm. The weather was supposed to improve and the winds were forecast to drop. Now many hours later high on the mountain just below the Balcony I struggled to pick myself up. A powerful gust of wind had knocked Dawa and I flat. I pulled out my ice axe and switched to the lead. Rime ice coated us head to toe.

The Balcony is an aptly named flat spot on the route. Sometimes a turn around point depending on how you are feeling. If it has taken everything you got just to reach here, the rule is turn around. Teams stop, hydrate, change oxygen bottles and access whether to continue or not. Dawa and I had struggled hard just to get here. The storm did not seem to be going away or getting better. I thought for sure I had sucked back too much O2 but surprisingly I had a fair bit left. I pulled my nalgene bottle out of my suit, lifted my mask and gulped down some hot orange.

The ridge is not very steep at this point so I walked forward along it, planting my axe and breaking trail in the fresh snow. Dawa pulled the line and I continued to slide my useless ascender along it subconsciously…and then it hit me. I got mad.

Approaching the Hillary Steps

After 56 days on this mountain I was not going to let a storm turn me around. I was breathing well, moving well and I was firmly planting my axe in every step. At this point I knew Daniel and a lot of teams had turned around, I also knew I now wanted carry the torch and summit for Daniel. I wanted to summit from my friend Warren Thompson. I knew my wife believed in me. This wasn’t just about me anymore, I now climbed with renewed strength for them. Energy surged through me as I pushed back against the wind and climbed up the steeping ridge.

It did not take long for Dawa and I to reach Tashi and Todd. I asked Todd what was going on. He did not really know what to say other than Tashi thinks it is too dangerous. It was dangerous, with the storm blowing visibility was low and with everyone turning around you begin to question why you are still climbing. I kept looking ahead into the darkness. Todd asked how my eyes were. I said “fine”…”it is bad up ahead” he commented. We stood there for a few minutes, over the storm we did not really discuss anything. No one talked or wanted to make a decision. Another team came up behind us. Dawa talked to their lead Sherpa. Everyone stood still. I turned and yelled over the wind to Dawa ”We can still turn around ahead?” an unfinished what if scenario question. He understood “Ya”…”Well let’s go” I finished.

While the final sections are considered the most technical, I traversed the corniced ridge line and stemmed up the Hillary Step quickly. Soon it was a victory march on the last broad ridge to the prayer flag adorned summit. Every step was emotional and purposeful. They will stay with me forever. I reached the summit and stared at the world below. It was clear, it was bright, it was beautiful. I burned the moment into my soul.

Steve at the summit

Steve at the summit

Todd on top of the world

Todd on top of the world

Looking down from the summit

Looking down from the summit

View from the summit

View from the summit

While tiring, the way down was uneventful. I took my time and rappelled where I needed to. The weather had cleared and the day had turned out to be a perfect summit day. I stopped at the balcony, it was out of the wind so I did a dispatch call dedicating the summit success to my friend Warren Thompson. I still had a way to go to the South Col, but I knew another mask and more oxygen was waiting for me down there. When I reached the South Col I was quite hypoxic. I could not find the spare mask or additional oxygen. I admit for a while I grew quite frantic and only after finding them and a sat phone call to Wally Berg our expedition leader at base camp did I begin to settle down. Todd made it down shortly after I did. We were both exhausted and had frostbite on our faces which were also swollen from the beating the wind had handed out. Todd had also incurred frost bite on a finger and several toes. The summit had taken it’s toll. Considering the shape we were in we decided we needed to rest the night before heading down. The next day I reached Camp II and the day after base camp. After 58 days the climb was over. I could go home.

Wally Berg Reflects at Base Camp

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

Some things about climbing Everest change; some do not. Fifty years ago, the American Mount Everest Expedition met a Reuters correspondent named Elizabeth Hawley in Kathmandu. Throughout their expedition Miss Hawley tracked the news that the team sent out via shortwave radio – the messages were often sent in code and relayed by ham radio operators to a Father Moran who was monitoring on his HF radio in K’du.

By the time I got to Nepal to climb in the 1980’s Liz Hawley was already a legend. I was honored and somewhat awed the first time that I met her. Soon I was among those climbers who knew that every time I arrived at my hotel in Kathmandu for a new expedition the phone would ring – often as I was still checking in. Miss Hawley would want to know when we could meet so that she could gather information about team members and our objective. We quickly learned that Elizabeth Hawley just wanted the facts. Those of us who learned to set our egos aside for our Liz Hawley interviews, and get the spelling of team members’ names straight, became very fond of Liz and I can say that her consistent presence in Katmandu over the years since I first met her has meant much to me. I always look forward to those calls.

Steve Whittington, Daniel Branham, Elizabeth Hawley and Billi Bierling at the Yak and Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu, March 2013

Steve Whittington, Daniel Branham, Elizabeth Hawley and Billi Bierling at the Yak and Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu, March 2013

I am happy to report that Liz keeps up with the times. Within in 24 hours of Berg Adventures climbers reaching the summit on May 17, my Nepalese NCELL mobile phone rang at Base Camp. Miss Hawley was on the line to say, “Congratulations and when will you be in Kathmandu and when can we meet?” Don’t worry, Liz. We will make sure that you can find us. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.