SWS Mountain Guides
"Real Adventure Travel"

Our tours, Expeditions, Treks, and Adventures, are designed for “Real Adventure Travel”; groups are
kept small, from 4-6 clients so we can experience the local culture and explore unusual places and areas
of interest to the group. Each expedition, trek or adventure tour is lead by an Experienced American SWS
Mountain Guide who works with the local guides and services to provide the best and safest adventure
trip possible. While physically active, some physically demanding, we do allow for time to enjoy the
culture, explore the sights and sounds of each country we visit.  We strive to show you the best each country
has to offer, no canned tours in air conditioned buses, we interact with the local population, culture, and explore opportunities and celebrations when they occur. Whether we are finding a great out of the way restaurant,
joining a local celebration, watching the parade, or hiking to an out of the way spot, it will always be fun
and exciting. Having a great time and meeting our goals is a top priority! Small groups give us the ability to
make changes to the itinerary to take advantage of special events while pursuing our goals.
Come join your personal experienced SWS Mountain guide on an ecologically sound “real” travel adventure!

International Trekking, Climbing, and Adventure Travel Prices include: Quality hotels accommodations, ground transportation, permits, hut  fees, entrance fees, group camping equipment, Base camp equipment, equipment transportation via porter or pack animals (as needed), review of climbing or trekking techniques, local guides, meals while hiking, climbing, or trekking,  some meals in cities depending on the tour, an experienced SWS American Guide(s), full informational support  from the SWS team.
Additional Costs can Include: Visas, immunizations, Airport entrance & exit taxes, International Airfare, immunizations, internal airfares (depending on the tour), Laundry, extra beverages (sodas, alcohol), meals while in cities,
Contact SWS Mountain Guides: For a expedition itinerary and information package, which outlines all fees, payments, physical conditioning requirements, immunization requirements, visa applications, and additional costs, and/or fees require (if any).
Custom Expedition Design Services Available: SWS Mountain Guides has established relationships with local guides and outfitters in various counties. These are trusted and reliable service providers we have used over the years. If you are interested in having us design an exceptional custom expedition, trek or adventure trip for you with or without an SWS Mountain Guide … give us a call 888.797.6867

General Expedition Information (pdf)

Expedition Application (pdf)

Mexico / Ecuador / Bolivia / Peru/ Aconcagua / Mt. Elbrus-Russia / Kilimanjaro / Nepal

Cho Oyo Expedition
High Altitude Expedition
Nepal & China

Join SWS Mountain Guides for an expedition to Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world, at 8188 meters ( 26,901 ft.). It is located on the border of Tibet (China) and Nepal about 20 km to the west of Mount Everest.

Just west of Cho Oyo, at about the location of ABC (advanced base camp), is the Nangpa La, a 5500 meter glacier pass which is a major trade route between the Khumbu Sherpas and Tibet. Long caravans with yaks can be seen here at all times of the year.

Some climbers claim that Cho Oyu is the easiest 8000 meter peak, if any 8000 meter peak can be called easy! There are limited technical sections presenting challenges to some climbers: a short ice wall and the Yellow Band at 24,600'. Both are not huge issues but at this high altitude any technical climbing takes its toll on the body. Objective dangers are limited as well, but climbing at this altitude can always be dangerous.

Its relatively easy access makes it an attractive 8,000 meter expedition for someone with limited time, as it can be attempted in roughly 6 weeks round trip. Give us a call for all the details and experience needed to climb sixth highest peak in the world!

Interesting Fact:
Cho Oyu is translated in Tibetan as "the Turquoise Goddess", from chomo=godess and yu=turquoise. This derivation of the name is not certain and other "translations" of the name includes "Mighty Head" (Tichy) and "God's Head" (Harrer). Another alternative translation of the name is "bald god". This makes sense looking at a Tibetan legend, where Cho Oyu, the bald god, has his back turned to Chomolongma, the mother godess, because she refused to marry him.

Cho Oyu 26,901 ft.

Dates 2010:NEW DATE
September/October 2011

Duration: 38+ days (approx 6 weeks)

Departure City: Katamandu, Nepal
International Airport Code: KTM

Group Size:
Limited to 6 climbers /3 space left

Experience Level: Climbers in excellent physical condition with mountaineering experience at altitude

Cost: $16,950.00

Cho Oyu Expedition Itinerary & Expedition information -Give us a call at 888.797.6867

Cho Oyu from the Tibetian Plains

Mexico Volcanoes Expedition
Introduction to High Altitude Mountaineering
Iztaccihauatl 17,342 ft.
Pico de Orizaba 18,851 ft.

Our expedition to Mexico is an exciting mix of sightseeing, climbing, traveling and enjoying the Mexican culture. Pico de Orizaba (18,851 ft.) and Iztaccihauatl (17,342 ft.) are both excellent introductions to high altitude climbing and a good step toward advancing your climbing skills and high altitude experience. From Mexico City, we first climb Iztaccihuatl which lies directly across the valley from the very active Volcano Popocateptl. Our program includes several days of acclimatization, along with climbing instruction, and explorations of various markets during our travels. We then travel farther east to Mexico's highest summit, Pico de Orizaba, the main objective of our expedition south of the border. Orizaba is a moderate snow and ice climb with a high camp at 16,000 ft. Come join us for a short, fun expedition exploring the high peaks of Mexico!

Dates 2009:
November 6-15, 2009 -Confirmed Departure -come join us!
January 20-29, 2010

Duration: 10 days

Departure City: Puebla, Mexico
International Airport Code: PBC

Group Size:Limited to 6 climbers with 2 instructors/guides

Experience Level: Anyone in good to excellent physical condition with basic mountaineering experience at altitude

Cost: $2,295.00*
*Price subject to change until booking due to international exchange rates.

Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition
High Altitude Mountaineering Course
Cayambe 18,997 ft., Cotopaxi 19,348 ft.
with Chimborazo 20,703 ft. Expedition Option

Our 14-day High Altitude Mountaineering course allows for the for the opportunity to learning high altitude mountaineering techniques while experiencing great climbing, high mountain huts, big mountains, cloud forests, Andean villages, and the South American culture. We spend two days exploring Quito, the capital at over 9,200 ft., as we begin the acclimatization process. After a climb through the protected cloud forest preserve of Pasachoa, we head to our first Ecuador Volcano, Cayambe, at 18,997 ft. for a three days of glacier travel and crevasse instruction before attempting the summit.

After a day of rest and re supply, we then travel south of Quito and continue our expedition by climbing Volcan' Cotopaxi at 19,348 ft. Our journey continues farther south, feeling fit and acclimatized, for our attempt of Chimborazo 20,703 ft. This expedition is true adventure travel, with big time mountaineering, hiking, exploring,and a great time enjoying the culture. Limited to 6 climbers.

Dates 2010:
Nov. 1-14, 2010
Nov. 28- Dec. 11, 2010

Chimborazo Option:
November 15-20, 2010
December 12-17, 2010

Duration: 14 days
with Chimborazo option: 20 day

Departure City: Quito, Ecuador
International Airport Code: UIO

Experience Level: Anyone in excellent physical condition with basic mountaineering experience at altitude to 13,000 ft or better.

Cost: $2,995.00*
with option add: $975.00*

*Price subject to change until booking due to international exchange rates.

Additional dates maybe available by arrangement with 4 or more

Cayambe 18,997 ft. , Ecuador

Ecuador Expedition Course Outline & Itinerary

Ecuador Equipment List

Expedition Application

Bolivia Mountaineering Expedition
High Altitude Mountaineering Course
with Sajama (21,463 ft.) or Illimani (21,318 ft.) Expedition Option

This High Altitude Mountaineering course is designed to give you the skills to climb high altitude peaks and prepare you for climbing on technical terrain at these altitudes. We will be instructing and reviewing the following climbing techniques: glacier travel, ice/snow climbing techniques, crevasse rescue, multi-pitch climbing, snow climbing, short roping, ice/snow anchors, belay techniques, rappelling, glacier navigation, route finding, and decision making. Additional topics to be covered or experienced: proper acclimatization, pace, knowing when to turn back, weather considerations, alpine starts, mountain medicine, judgment, and hazard evaluation.
We will attempt 2-3 peaks between 18,000 ft. and 20,000 ft. in the Bolivian Andes depending on local conditions, group skill level, and as our time allows. Possible options to be attempted: Pequnio Alpamayo, Condorri, Other peaks and climbs may be substituted due to climbing conditions.
While an excellent pre-course for the Sajama Expedition (21,463 ft.) this is a great introduction to climbing in the Bolivian Andes with ascents of peaks over 18,000 ft., all the while learning advanced climbing techniques and how to be safe at higher altitudes.

NEW! Expedition Option: The summit of Sajama (21,463 ft.) is the highest peak in Bolivia and objective of this week-long expedition option.

Dates 2010:
September 1-12, 2010

Illmani or Sajama Option:
September 13-18, 2010

Duration: 12 days
with option: 18 days

Departure City: La Paz, Bolivia
International Airport Code: LPB

Experience Level: Anyone in excellent physical condition with basic mountaineering experience at altitude to 13,000 ft or better.

Cost: $2,995.00*
option add: $975.00

*Price subject to change until booking due to international exchange rates.

Additional dates maybe available by arrangement with 4 or more

Sajama 21,463 ft. Bolivia

Bolivia Expedition Course Outline & Itinerary

Bolivia Equipment List

Expedition Application

Peru Mountaineering Expedition
High Altitude Mountaineering Course
Pisco 18,866 ft., Huandoy Este 19,909 ft.
with Huascaran 22,205 ft. Expedition Option

This High Altitude Mountaineering course is designed to give you the skills to climb high altitude peaks and prepare you for climbing on technical terrain at these altitudes. We will be instructing and reviewing the following climbing techniques: glacier travel, ice/snow climbing techniques, crevasse rescue, multi-pitch climbing, snow climbing, short roping, ice/snow anchors, belay techniques, rappelling, glacier navigation, route finding, and decision making. Additional topics to be covered or experienced: proper acclimatization, pace, knowing when to turn back, weather considerations, alpine starts, mountain medicine, judgment, and hazard evaluation.
We will attempt 2-3 peaks between 18,000 ft. and 21,000 ft. in the Blancas depending on local conditions, group skill level, and as our time allows. Possible options to be attempted: Pisco (18,866 ft.), Huandoy Este (19,909 ft.), Chipicalqui (20,841 ft.). Other peaks and climbs may be substituted due to climbing conditions.
While an excellent pre-course for the Huascaran Expedition (22,205 ft.) this is a great introduction to climbing in the Peruvian Andes with ascents of peaks over 18,000 ft., all the while learning advanced climbing techniques and how to be safe at high altitude.

Expedition Option: The summit of Huascaran Sur (22,205 ft.) is the objective of this week-long expedition option. It is the highest peak in the Peruvian Andes

Dates 2010:
July 11-22, 2010

Huascaran Option:
July 23-28, 2010

Duration: 12 days
with option: 18 days

Departure City: Lima, Peru
International Airport Code: LIM

Experience Level: Anyone in excellent physical condition with basic mountaineering experience at altitude to 13,000 ft or better.

Cost: $2,995.00*
option add: $975.00

*Price subject to change until booking due to international exchange rates.

Additional dates maybe available by arrangement with 4 or more

Cordillera Blanca - Peruvian Andes
Alpamayo, one of the worlds most beautiful mountains	Huascaran Norte, 22,205 ft.

Peru Expedition Course Outline & Itinerary

Peru Equipment List

Expedition Application

Aconcagua Expedition
Mt. Aconcagua 22,834 ft. Highest Peak in South America

The summit of Aconcagua (22,834 ft.) is the main objective of this 3-week expedition to the southern hemisphere.We will be attempting the regular route which, while not requiring a high degree of technical expertise, does require a relatively high level of commitment and conditioning due to the nature of the weather and high altitude involved. It is strenuous and reaching the summit requires a sustained effort that can only be realized through proper training and conditioning.

What to Expect: We will be climbing to high elevations (over 20,000 ft.). Your physical conditioning, mental attitude, and flexibility will all be factors in making an exciting, fun, and successful trip. You will be required to carry your share of the group equipment and food while climbing to our high camps. We try to keep this weight to a minimum with the use of burros/horses up to basecamp. We are traveling and climbing in a foreign country, and while Sierra Wilderness Seminars Inc. makes the best possible plans and tries to account for all possibilities, this is adventure travel and part of the adventure is being flexible, and making changes to the itinerary as needed to account for local conditions. If you keep this in mind you will have an exciting and fun-filled adventure!

Dates 2010:
January 15th - February 4th

Dates 2011:
January 15th - February 4th

Duration: 21 days

Departure City: Mendoza, Argentina
International Airport Code: MDZ


Experience Level: Anyone in excellent physical condition with a desire to reach the summit of Aconcagua, Give us a call for complete experience information and physical requirements.

Normal Route Expedition
Cost: $4,100.00*
based on 8 clients
Cost: $4,400.00*
based on 6 clients
Cost: $4,800.00*
based on 4 clients

Polish Route Expedition
Cost: $5,900.00*
based on 4 clients
Cost: $5,795.00*
based on 6 clients

*Price subject to change until booking due to international exchange rates.

Additional dates maybe available by arrangement with 4 or more

South Face of Aconcagau from the Summit Ridge, Argentina

Aconcagua Expedition Course Outline & Itinerary

Aconcagua Equipment List

Expedition Application

Mt Elbrus Mountaineering Expedition
Mt. Elbrus 18,587 ft. Highest Peak in Europe

The expedition begins in Moscow with a short city tour the next day. We then we fly to Mineralnye Vody and drive to the base hotel in the Baksan Valley. From the hotel we make several trips following forested valleys, walking through alpine meadows, crossing glaciated mountain passes and climbing some easy summits which provide superb vistas of the Caucasus Range. These initial trips will be porter supported and will involve backcountry trekking and basic climbing instruction, this will allow us the time needed for proper acclimatization for the ascent of Mt. Elbrus.
With opportunities to ascend various easy summits for exceptional views of Mt. Elbrus and the Caucausus range. The Caucausus Mountains which form a chain of high alpine mountains separating the Republic of Georgia from that of Russia. For the ascent of Mt. Elbrus we use a cable car system to take us to the height of 12,350 ft. and a hike to the Garabashi Huts at 13,800 ft. From this location we will spend time on the lower slopes practicing the skills we will need to ascend Mt. Elbrus
An alpine start begins our ascent of the twin summits of Mt. Elbrus via the standard route, which requires use of ice ax, crampon, and rope team travel. We will then descend to the Garabashi Hut for the night. Returning to our hotel in the Baksan Valley the next day with flights to St. Petersburg and a tour to this fantastic and historical city before heading back home the States.

Dates 2010:
August 1-15, 2010

Mt. Elbrus Ski Expedition:
April 15-30, 2010 -- Give us a call

Duration: 15 days

Departure City: Mineralnyo Vody, Russia
International Airport Code: MRV

Experience Level: Relatively high level of commitment and conditioning. Reaching the summit requires a sustained effort that can only be realized through proper training and conditioning.

Cost: $3,995.00*

Note: We can accommodate non-climbing participants who have the desire to explore Russia, but do not have the desire to attempt the summits.

*Price subject to change until booking due to international exchange rates.

Additional dates maybe available by arrangement with 4 or more

Mt. Elbrus, 18,587 ft. Caucasus Mountain, Russia

Elbrus Expedition Course Outline & Itinerary

Ebrus Equipment List

Expedition Application

Kilimanjaro with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is the the largest stratovolcanoes in the world. Located in north-eastern Tanzania rising 4,600 m (15,100 ft) from its base (and approximately 5,100 m (16,700 ft) from the plains near Moshi), and is additionally the highest mountain in Africa at 5,891.8 metres (19,330 ft), providing a dramatic view of the surrounding plains.

SWS Mountain Guides Kilimanjaro Expeditions are guided by our professionally trained American senior staff with local Tanzanian porter and guides. Providing the best of American Guiding and local expertise and flavor for you ascent of Kilimanajaro.

Each Kilimanjaro Expedition is 14 full days on the ground and includes 1 rest day, a 7-day summit ascent via the Rongai Route and a 6-day wildlife safari to the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater. Lodging before and after your climb is at a private hotel in Moshi, Tanzania. Expedition is fully inclusive, all you pay for is your drinks and food in Moshi and your airfare to the Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania (about 30 minutes from our hotel in Moshi). Call SWS Mountain Guides for full details and an expeditions application. Climb Kilimanjaro with SWS Mountain Guides offering the same fantastic expertise and expedition logistics in Africa as will all our professionally organized courses and trips. Give us a call to "Experience the Adventure" in Africa!

Dates 2010 & 2011:
September 4-18, 2010 Rongai Route
January 3-16, 2011 Rongai Route

Duration: 16 days / 2 travel days and 14 days on the ground

Departure City: Moshi, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Airport Code: JRO

Experience Level: Anyone in good to excellent physical condition with a desire to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Hiking and or Backpacking experience required

Cost: $3,995.00*

*Price subject to change until booking due to international exchange rates.

Additional dates maybe available by arrangement with 4 or more

Kilimanjaro 19,340 ft., Rongia Route, Tanzania

Lake Manyara	Ngorongoro Crater	The Serengeti

Kilimanjaro Expedition Outline & Itinerary

Kilimanjaro Equipment List Rongia Route Map

Expedition Application