Satellite Phone

I''m considering the rental of a satellite phone for limited personal use during our trip.  It will likely be an Iridium 9555 that has the capacity to text (with a limit of 160 characters per text).  The phone rents for about $225 per month (covers the activation fee), calls are billed at $1.49 per minute, incoming texts are free, and outgoing texts are $0.50 each.  Supposedly, rental cell phones are available in Kathmandu that work in the Khumbu, but I like the freedom of not having to deal with searching for one during the limited time we have there.  The other benefit is that satellite phones work on Island Peak.  Is there any interest in sharing the $225 rental fee?  The per minute fees are adjustable, based on higher up front fees.  I don't think I have a need for the phone other than occasional brief use - I'm just seeing if there is any interest.  There are many other phones available, but I've used this one extensively.  Thoughts? Mark

Link to the phone . . . 

Weight Reduction Questions

Several questions on reducing the weight of our gear for travel to Lukla. First of all, I'm assuming our outfitter will be supplying tents and that we won't need to be bringing them on flight. Correct? Also, are the restrictions on what we bring to Lukla strictly to do with weight (50 pounds?) For my Ecuador climbing trip, in addition to my pack, I brought a large Northface duffel. I had trouble fitting everything in the duffel that I wasn't carrying in pack though. I also have an XL Northface duffel. That's what I used on my previous Nepal trek but didn't know if I'd have problems with its dimensions on Lukla flight.

Recent Imja Tse Information

Click on this link, then select view/download the proper document . . .
Notes from a conversation with an RMI guide about his recent trip to Imja Tse
M Koss

A photo of Mt. Everest from Jronn

Passport Photos

How many extra passport photos do we need to bring?  Mark