Climb Mt. Denali - Mt. Denali Mountaineering Expedition itinerary
Day 1
TRAVEL • 348' | 106M
1:30 p.m.: Gather with the guides at Anchorage International Airport (Domestic Terminal), carousel 1, located within the Alaska Airlines baggage claim area.
As part of the program, shuttle transportation to Talkeetna is provided. The shuttle departs at 2:00 p.m. and the journey takes approximately three hours to reach Talkeetna. During the trip, there will be a stop at a grocery store in Wasilla, offering you the opportunity to purchase any fresh food items you may wish to bring along for the mountain expedition. The team is expected to arrive in Talkeetna at approximately 5:00 p.m. where we will spend the night.
Day 2
PRE-EXPEDITION PREPARATION AND TRAINING • 348' | 106M
7:00 a.m.: Team Breakfast Meeting
Our primary objective for the day is to ensure the team is well-prepared for the upcoming flight to the mountain. Following our breakfast meeting, the team will participate in a presentation by the National Park Service, which will cover expedition climbing and specific considerations related to Denali National Park & Preserve. We will then shift our focus to equipment, conducting a comprehensive personal gear check and providing recommendations on what to bring for the ascent to Base Camp, along with guidance on how to pack efficiently for the flight. Finally, we will organize the group's food and equipment, putting the finishing touches on our packing for the flight. We will enjoy a final meal in town before embarking on our expedition. Overnight in Talkeetna.
Day 3
AIR JOURNEY TO KAHILTNA BASE CAMP • 7,300' | 2,225M
Following breakfast, we assemble at K2 Aviation for our bush plane flight to Kahiltna Base Camp, weather permitting. This thrilling scenic flight typically lasts about 45 minutes. Kahiltna Base Camp is situated at an elevation of 7,300' on the southeastern branch of the Kahiltna Glacier, approximately 20 miles away and 13,000' below the South Peak of Denali, which stands at 20,310'. Upon arrival at Base Camp, we prepare our sleds and conduct a review of the essential mountaineering skills necessary for our ascent.
NOTE : Denali expeditions are highly flexible, lasting around 18 days on average. We prioritize adaptability to account for weather, route conditions, acclimatization, and team strength. Our experienced guides make daily adjustments to optimize our summit chances. We carry 22 days of food, extendable in bad weather, with emergency rations at Kahiltna Base Camp. The provided itinerary outlines camps and route details but doesn't consider potential delays.
Day 4
JOURNEY FROM KAHILTNA BASE CAMP TO THE BASE OF SKI HILL • 7,800' | 2,377M
Departing from Kahiltna Base Camp, we descend approximately 400 feet down Heart Break Hill to reach the primary expanse of the Kahiltna Glacier. From there, we set our course towards Denali, covering a distance of 5.5 miles over the gradually ascending glacial terrain. Our camp is established at the foot of Ski Hill, positioned at an elevation of 7,800 feet.
Day 5
SKI HILL CAMP TO 10,200' CACHE • 9,600' | 2,926M
Ski Hill marks our initial significant elevation gain on this journey. As we traverse a series of glacial rolls, the Kahiltna Glacier ascends from our camp at the base of Ski Hill toward Kahiltna Pass at 10,000'. We depart from our camp and ascend the glacier to create a food and fuel cache near Kahiltna Pass. Afterwards, we return to the base of Ski Hill for the night.
Day 6
SKI HILL CAMP TO 11K CAMP • 11,200' | 3,414M
We retrace our path from the previous day, passing by our cache, and continue our ascent up a glacial valley to reach our camp located within a basin at the base of Motorcycle Hill.
Day 7
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT 11K CAMP • 11,200' | 3,414M
Today is dedicated to rest and acclimatization. We take the opportunity to review crampon and self-arrest techniques and organize supplies in preparation for our forthcoming carry day.
Acclimatization Day At Camp 3
Day 8
11K CAMP TO CACHE (13,500') • 11,200' | 3,414M
Our journey from 11K Camp begins with a climb up Motorcycle Hill, where we reach a plateau offering breathtaking vistas of the Father and Sons Wall and the Peters Glacier. Continuing our ascent, we navigate Squirrel Hill, ultimately arriving at the expansive Polo Field, a wide glacial bench at the base of the West Buttress. Progressing further, we circumvent Windy Corner at 13,300', reaching our cache location at 13,500'. Here, we deposit our group's food, fuel, and personal items before descending back to our tents at 11K Camp.
Day 9
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT 11K CAMP • 11,200' | 3,414M
Today is a pivotal acclimatization day, crucial for our impending move to 14K Camp. We dedicate the day to rest, hydration, nourishment, and organizing our supplies in preparation for our transition day.
Day 10
11K CAMP TO 14K CAMP • 14,200' | 4,328M
As we break camp, we proceed toward our new destination at 14K Camp. We retrace our path around Windy Corner, passing our cache site, and continue the climb to 14,200' in Genet Basin, where we will establish our camp for the next few days.
Day 11
14K CAMP TO CACHE (13,500') • 14,200' | 4,328M
We retrace our previous steps, descending to our cache site at 13,500'. After retrieving our equipment, we return to 14K Camp, dedicating the afternoon to camp improvement and relaxation.
Day 12
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT 14K CAMP • 14,200' | 4,328M
Today's focus is on rest, hydration, and acclimatizing to the higher altitude. We practice fixed line travel and running belays, while also organizing another load of gear, all in preparation for our carry onto the West Buttress.
Day 13
14K CAMP TO CACHE (16,200' - 17,200') • 14,200' | 4,328M
We commence our ascent from the northern side of Genet Basin, gaining access to the fixed lines at approximately 15,200'. These lines lead us to the ridge line of the West Buttress at 16,200'. Depending on various factors such as time, weather, route conditions, and our energy levels, we may choose to establish our cache at the top of the fixed lines or continue higher along the West Buttress towards 17K Camp before depositing our loads. Following the cache, we return to 14K Camp for the night.
Day 14
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT 14K CAMP • 14,200' | 4,328M
With a relaxed start to the day, our priority is to stay well-hydrated and nourished in preparation for our move to High Camp and the subsequent summit attempt. Depending on weather conditions, we may take a short walk across Genet Basin to the Edge of the World. From this vantage point, we can gaze down nearly 7,000' to the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna, catch a glimpse of our initial camp at the Base of Ski Hill, and enjoy breathtaking views of 17,402' Mt. Foraker.
Day 15
14K CAMP TO 17K CAMP • 17,200' | 5,243M
We once again ascend the northern side of Genet Basin, reaching the fixed lines that lead to the ridge crest of the West Buttress at 16,200'. Continuing along the ridge crest, we retrieve any necessary supplies from our cache before proceeding to our High Camp at 17,200'.
Day 16
SUMMIT DAY! (20,310') • 17,200' | 5,243M
Our summit attempt begins with an extended traverse along the Autobahn, eventually reaching Denali Pass at 18,200'. Beyond Denali Pass, we follow the ridge line, passing notable landmarks such as the Zebra Rocks and the Archdeacon’s Tower, until we reach the Football Field at 19,200'. From here, we ascend 600 vertical feet to reach the summit ridge, culminating in the airy summit ridge walk to the South Peak. Following a celebratory moment on the summit, we trace our route back to High Camp. Summit day can be lengthy, requiring preparation for a 12 to 14-hour round trip.
Day 17
17K CAMP TO 11K CAMP • 11,200' | 3,414M
After a well-earned rest, we dismantle our camp and initiate our descent down the West Buttress. We pause briefly at 14K Camp to collect any cached items before continuing our descent to 11K Camp, where we will spend the night.
Day 18
11K CAMP TO KAHILTNA BASE CAMP • 7,300' | 2,225M
Equipped with our reconfigured sleds and snowshoes, we commence our descent along the main Kahiltna Glacier, heading toward the base of Heartbreak Hill. From there, we prepare for the uphill trek to Kahiltna Base on the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna.
Day 19
BASE CAMP TO TALKEETNA (FLY-OFF) • 348' | 106M
Talkeetna is just a 45-minute flight away from Kahiltna Base Camp, weather permitting. Weather conditions may sometimes necessitate waiting for a break. At this stage of the expedition, our team is in the capable hands of the professional bush pilots of K2 Aviation. When the weather cooperates, we will load onto the planes and return to Talkeetna, where we can enjoy a hot shower and celebrate with a team meal. Overnight in Talkeetna.
Day 20
TRAVEL
At 9:00 a.m., we'll arrange for transportation to Anchorage International Airport (ANC) for our respective outbound flights.
Day - 21
Reserve day, kept flexible for any unforeseen needs or adjustments.
Included in the package:
1. Ground transportation between Anchorage and Talkeetna as outlined in the itinerary.
2. Hotel accommodations in Talkeetna, covering two nights at the beginning of the trip and one night at the conclusion of the trip.*
3. National Park Service Mountaineering Permit Fee.
4. Denali National Park Entrance Fee.
5. Breakfast and dinner while on the mountain.
6. Group equipment, including tents, ropes, stoves, fuel, sleds, and more.
7. Bush pilot service between Talkeetna and Kahiltna Base Camp, following the itinerary.
Not included in the package:
1. Airfare to Anchorage International Airport (ANC).
2. Hotel accommodations in Talkeetna that are not covered in the specified inclusions.
3. Travel insurance.
4. Meals while not on the mountain.
5. Mountain lunches during the climb.
6. Customary guide gratuities.
7. Bush pilot fees if returning from the mountain early.
8. Hotel accommodations if returning from the mountain early.
9. Ground transportation if returning from the mountain early.
PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a collective endeavor. Each participant is essential to the safety and success of the team. To ensure a harmonious and secure experience, we kindly request that every participant:
1. Possess the requisite climbing qualifications necessary for this program.
2. Maintain the necessary physical and mental fitness required for this program.
3. Be diligent in acquiring and understanding all pre-departure information.
4. Furnish a signed Physician's Certificate affirming the participant's medical suitability for this program.
5. Keep the Shikhar informed of any alterations to your health or medical information before the departure date.
6. Arrive appropriately dressed and equipped in accordance with the Equipment List.
7. Exhibit considerate behavior toward all team members and demonstrate respect for local customs, values, and traditions in the regions we traverse.
8. Display reverence for the environment and adhere to responsible Leave No Trace principles.
9. Provide accurate and honest descriptions of your fitness level, health, skills, capabilities, and equipment to the guide staff.
10. Maintain open communication with the guide staff on the mountain if there are any changes in your medication or health status.
11. Follow the guidance and recommendations of the guide staff.
12. Continuously self-assess throughout the program, evaluating your fitness, health, skills, and capabilities against the program's requirements.
* Accommodations are based on double occupancy.
Cancellation Policy and Terms & Condition:- https://www.shikhar.com/terms-and-conditions
