Expert in high-mountain expeditions up to very high altitude

© Paulo Grobel on the slopes of Putha Hiunchuli

From committed high-mountain trekking, in the Himalaya or the Andes, to very-high-altitude expeditions beyond 8,000 metres, Tamera and its sister activity Expeditions Unlimited have long guided travellers towards demanding, progressive and closely supervised objectives.

High altitude cannot be improvised: it calls for experience, good acclimatisation, knowledge of the terrain and suitable preparation. For the most committed projects, the expertise of Expeditions Unlimited, a specialist in high-mountain, very-high-altitude and extreme-environment expeditions, naturally complements Tamera's approach, combining progression, safety and support from experienced professionals.

High-mountain expeditions below 6,000 metres

Tamera offers expeditions crossing high passes or aiming at the ascent of summits below 6,000 metres. These itineraries already require real physical commitment and a good ability to adapt to altitude, terrain and mountain conditions.

Led by high-mountain guides, these expeditions may call, depending on the project, for a more or less extensive command of mountaineering techniques: glacier travel, movement on rock or mixed terrain, use of crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet and carabiners, as well as roped progression. They often constitute a first step towards higher objectives, while allowing participants to acquire solid foundations.
 

© Romain Laffitte at the summit of Elbrus

High-mountain expeditions above 6,000 metres

Beyond 6,000 metres, the level of commitment changes in scale. The expeditions offered by Tamera then aim at summits or high-altitude passages requiring prior experience of high mountains, good physical condition and a real ability to operate in a more demanding environment.

Depending on the itinerary, these climbs may call for a more thorough command of mountaineering techniques: glacier travel, movement on mixed terrain, management of technical equipment and roped progression. At this altitude, acclimatisation becomes a central element of the journey. Round-the-clock medical assistance with Ifremmont is offered to participants, in order to reinforce monitoring and safety on these committed projects.

© Jérôme Brisebourg at the summit of Denali

High-mountain expeditions above 7,000 metres

Summits above 7,000 metres require significant physical commitment and solid high-mountain experience. Tamera and Expeditions Unlimited support these projects with French high-mountain guides, in environments where altitude, isolation, weather and the duration of effort become decisive.

The hypoxia associated with high altitude imposes a rigorous acclimatisation strategy. Most of these expeditions require a good knowledge of mountaineering and roped-progression techniques. A weather router and round-the-clock medical assistance with Ifremmont complete the set-up, in order to provide decision-making support and suitable monitoring. For participants who wish to consolidate their level before departure, refresher and advanced mountaineering courses are organised as part of the School of Adventure.
 

© Nicolas Salvi at the summit of Himlung Himal

High-mountain expeditions above 8,000 metres

With Expeditions Unlimited, expeditions above 8,000 metres represent the pinnacle of commitment at very high altitude: Everest, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma… These ascents all require extreme physical commitment, solid high-mountain experience and meticulous preparation.

At these altitudes, the acclimatisation strategy becomes one of the keys to success. Progression demands a good command of mountaineering techniques, an ability to manage effort over time, and resistance to cold, wind, isolation and the effects of hypoxia. These expeditions are led by French high-mountain guides, with the support of a weather router and round-the-clock medical assistance with Ifremmont. The preparation and advanced courses allow participants to strengthen their self-sufficiency and confidence before taking on this type of objective.

© Jean-Marc Porte at the summit of Everest

The Seven Summits, an iconic challenge

Tamera and Expeditions Unlimited also offer the ascent of the Seven Summits, the challenge of climbing the highest summit of each of the seven continents: Everest in Nepal or China, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in Alaska, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Elbrus in Russia, Mount Vinson in Antarctica and the Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesian Papua.

Conceived by Dick Bass and Frank Wells in 1985, this challenge has become one of the great symbolic objectives of expedition mountaineering. We have chosen Messner's list, which favours Elbrus over Mont Blanc and the Carstensz Pyramid over Kosciuszko. By adding the North Pole and the South Pole, the challenge then becomes the "Grand Slam". Tamera and Expeditions Unlimited can support this progression as a whole, step by step.

The School of Adventure, to progress and gain self-sufficiency

To make participants more self-sufficient, more responsible and more confident before an expedition, Tamera and Expeditions Unlimited created the School of Adventure. These courses make it possible to assess your level, acquire technical skills, build a coherent progression and prepare a personal objective in high mountains, at very high altitude or in other committed environments.

The courses are organised around three main strands: knowledge of environments; high altitude, the polar world, oceans; command of techniques; mountaineering, climbing, ski-kite, kayak; and a practical approach to safety, with themes such as travel photography, first aid or high-altitude medicine. Held in France, Switzerland or Belgium, from half a day to several days, they are led by recognised, experienced and skilled instructors who share their field expertise.