Climbing Expeditions for Charity

Giving to charity can come in lots of forms. Cash, clothes donation, volunteerism, but how about mountain climbing? Yes, you can climb a mountain for charity. These charity trips are becoming more popular as it lets people do some good, but have an adventure at the same time. With these trips one agrees to do fundraising on behalf of a charity in exchange for the cost of the expedition.

Here's an overview of the top climbs, known as the Seven Summits, to get you thinking about a climbing adventure.

Mt. Kilimanjaror
This is the easiest climb of the bunch. Located in Tanzania, the weather is rarely an issue and just about anyone with a good pair of hiking shoes can reach the top. Only the most basic equipment is needed; a good sleeping bag and appropriate clothing and you're all set. The summit temperature is generally in the -10C range, but can also reach near zero on nicer days. Success rate for Kilimanjaro is about 90% for those who prepare correctly.

Mt. Elbrusr
Elbrus is also a fairly easy climb, but the weather, generally snowy and icy, make it more challenging. Located in southern Russia near Georgia, the cold weather requires more sophisticated mountaineering equipment. Be prepared to put on crampons for ice climbing. Even with the relatively easy climbing, some underestimate the challenge which lowers the success rate to about 80%.

Cerro Aconcaguar
Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside of Asia and is a significant step up in climbing. Located in Argentina, this climb is a major expedition and summiting not only requires good physical condition, but specialty training. The altitude jump is significant and one must dedicate a few weeks to the expedition. Only 30% of climbers make the summit.

Denali
Denali is brutal. This is one of the coldest climbs and its location away from the equator makes altitude sickness more likely. Located in the United States in the state of Alaska, the temperatures regularly get down to-40C. To make this climb one has to pass a screening process and take a number of specialty training courses. Only about 50% of those who attempt the mountain succeed.

Carstensz Pyramidr
Of only 4884 meters in height, this climb is still a challenge. Located in Indonesia, this is a tough expedition. It is a very technical climb and it also requires a long trek to get to the mountain itself. The route takes a week through a muddy rain forest. The country is also dangerous so some choose to helicopter in and summit the same day. Given the difficulty of getting to the mountain, only those serious about getting to the top even attempt it so the success rate is 99%.

Mt. Vinson Massifr
This is another cold climb – Vinson is the highest point in Antarctica – but at just over 4800 meters climbers have a shorter expedition time and the climb itself is not particularly difficult. The bigger issue is the expense of getting to the mountain. Similar to Carstensz, people who make the financial commitment train hard and take preparation seriously leading to a success rate of 99%.

Mt. Everest
This of course is the grand prize and has the mystique of being the world's highest peak. Everest puts all the challenges of other climbs into a single expedition. It takes over two months to summit and even the most thorough preparation does not assure success. Only those who are completely dedicated tackle the mountain and despite this, the success rate is only 20%.

For those interested in climbing, the Seven Summits is the ultimate challenge. These are the highest peaks on each continent and range in difficulty from a simple hike to the highest technical difficulty.