Frequently Asked Questions About Our Guided Expeditions

There’s a lot to cover when it comes to preparing for a big expedition. This FAQ is a consolidated list of the most common questions we receive.

If you need more detail, or if your situation is unique, just let us know. We’re always happy to provide personalized answers and walk you through the specifics of your trip.

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Private & Customization

  • Yes. Most itineraries are private.  We also build custom routes, dates, and objectives worldwide to whatever degree of service you request.

  • Absolutely! Common extensions include Tanzania safaris, Zanzibar, Kathmandu/Cusco cultural days, and Patagonia add-ons.  If you want to do something while you’re in a certain corner of the globe, we’ll make it happen!

  • We offer leadership and resilience programs available for organizations.  The mountain brings back everyone with stronger bonds through adversity and success.

Expedition Logistics

  • By default, we keep groups private for most expeditions.  However, there will always be other people in the expedition locations.  Upon request, we can add you to a small group if budget is a constraint.

  • We pride ourselves in always using vetted local guides everywhere we operate. They know their mountain better than most international guides.

  • Quality lodges/teahouses in towns and clean expedition camps on the mountain. Upgrades available on some itineraries.

  • Hearty, high-calorie meals appropriate for altitude. We accommodate dietary needs with advance notice.  We only use freeze-dried meals for more extreme summits.

  • Boiled/filtered water is provided.

  • This is very itinerary dependent.  Itineraries like Kilimanjaro can accommodate private toilets, whereas a climb like Mount Hood may require the use of “wag bags”.

  • Service is spotty at best. We recommend coming prepared for limited connectivity. Satellite communicators are carried by guides for emergencies.

  • On select trips we offer periodic check-ins.

Booking & Payments

  • These all vary by trip but typically guiding, permits/park fees, in-country logistics (transfers per itinerary), accommodations, most meals, and group equipment are included. Exclusions typically include international flights, personal gear, tips, visas, medical care, and travel insurance.

  • Submit an inquiry/form; we’ll confirm availability, send a quote and invoice, then collect a deposit to hold your spot.

  • Deposit
    A deposit of 25% is required to book. Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred once to another expedition within 12 months if you cancel more than 90 days before departure.

    Final Balance
    Due 60 days before departure.

    Cancellations

    • 91+ days: deposit may be transferred once (all other payments refunded)

    • 31–60 days: 50% of the trip cost forfeited

    • 0–30 days: 100% forfeited

    Force Majeure
    If High Ground Expeditions must cancel for reasons outside our control, you may choose a full credit or refund.

  • All major credit/debit cards and ACH/bank transfers. We also accept Google Pay and Apple Pay.

  • Cancellations follow the terms on your invoice/waiver. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover unforeseen events and will do our best to get refunds from local vendors due to force majeure.

  • Usually yes, if done before the balance-due date and subject to any vendor/permit rules.

  • We’ll do our best, changes are subject to availability and any third-party fees.

  • We’ll offer a deferral/credit per the terms in your booking documents.

Preparation & Training

  • Many itineraries (e.g., Kilimanjaro/Everest Base Camp) are non-technical and suited to motivated beginners. Technical peaks (e.g., Rainier, Hood, Denali) require prior training. We’ll guide you.

  • You should comfortably hike multiple days in a row with a pack. We provide a general training plan, but can also personally tailor plans for an additional fee.

  • Yes, training guidance is included, and optional 1-on-1 coaching is available for an additional fee.

  • Talk with your physician before booking. Share relevant information with us so we can advise on suitability and pacing.

Documents & Insurance

  • Some destinations do (e.g., Tanzania, Nepal do for certain passports). We’ll send current guidance; always verify with official sources.

  • Requirements vary by country/season. Consult a travel clinic; we’ll provide destination notes during prep.

  • Yes, comprehensive insurance with medical, evacuation, and trip-cancellation coverage is required.

Weather & Seasonality

  • Varies by destination (e.g., Kili has two primary seasons; EBC has spring/fall). We advise on the best window for your goals.

  • Safety first. We may adjust the itinerary, pace, or summit plan. Flexibility increases success.  But unfortunately, we can never guarantee the summit.

Gear & Rentals

  • We’ll send a trip-specific packing list. Group gear (tents, cooking, safety) is provided on supported itineraries.  Upon request, our Gear Concierge service handles your packing list. We’ll source the right kit, deliver to your door, and ensure you’re summit-ready from day one.

  • You can rent hear through us or easily source from many U.S. retailers.

  • Yes, on supported treks like Kilimanjaro and EBC, porter support is included.

Safety & Medical

  • Gradual ascent profiles, daily health checks, and conservative decision-making. We brief you on prevention and recognition of AMS/HACE/HAPE. We recommend discussing the use of Diamox with your physician to help with acclimatization for our higher peaks.

  • Yes. Leaders carry appropriate first-aid and communication devices. Local teams are briefed on emergency protocols.

  • Each route has a documented emergency and evacuation protocol, including communication, descent options, and local rescue coordination.

Veteran impact

  • Purpose-driven expeditions that support Veterans through movement, mission, and community.

  • A portion of proceeds supports Veteran participation. You can optionally contribute more through our Pay It Forward program (100% of those contributions reduce Veteran trip costs).

  • Only if processed through a qualifying nonprofit partner. We’ll note when a departure includes such an option.

Tipping & Local Teams

  • No. Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by local teams.

  • We’ll send route-specific guidance before departure. As a ballpark:

    • Kilimanjaro (per climber): often ~$250–$350 total across crew.

    • EBC-style treks: ~$8–$12/day for guides; ~$5–$8/day for porters (per traveler).

    U.S. technical climbs: guide gratuity ~10–20% of trip price.

After You Book

  • You’ll receive a detailed prep guide and packing list upon booking. We also offer further customized training, coaching, or check-ins before departure.

  • Absolutely! Common extensions include Tanzania safaris, Zanzibar, Kathmandu/Cusco cultural days, and Patagonia add-ons.  If you want to do something while you’re in a certain corner of the globe, we’ll make it happen!