Funding

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Although we intend to be unsupported once we are in the Kunlun Shan, a project of this calibre will not be possible without some financial and technical support from outside. Despite the diverse experience of the expedition group, none of the team members is a professional climber or mountaineer. Our professional backgrounds range from science to finance to engineering, and we will capitalize on this diversity to research available funding opportunities which will help make this trip a success.

Cost estimates currently are close to $50,000 depending on the final number of expedition members and the final details of the scientific research to be performed. For nine team members, budget estimates come out to the following:

Budget (in US$): $48,800

Item	Description	Estimate
International Airfares:	9 flights to Beijing from Anchorage, Boston, Los Angeles, and London	$15,000
Local Airfares:	Domestic flights from Beijing to Kashgar, most likely to be arranged through local agent	$5,000
Ground Transport:	Kashgar to Base Camp: 3 4WD vehicles, 4000km each; Spare parts (wheels, tires, suspension)	$6,950
Liaison Officer / Interpreter:	L.O. required by law, to be combined with Interpreter role for 5 week contract	$1,500
Necessary Permits:	Officially nearly $10,000 for a virgin peak, negotiated down by local agent.	$3,500
Accommodation:	Total of four nights in Kashgar, two in Yecheng, two in Dahongliutan (see itinerary)	$800
Local Logistics / Equipment:	Local agent had estimated 72 hours of preparation, plus rental of kitchen tent, base camp equipment, etc.	$2,510
Local Guides:	Assistance in Kashgar, Yecheng & Dahongliutan. Route finding for last 100k	$2,680
New Equipment:	Mostly group gear: Tents, ropes, climbing hardware, down bags, outerwear	$9,200
Foodstuffs:	Calculated on 35 days, 1.5 kg per person per day, with two weeks of dehydrated rations for higher elevations	$1,160
Total Expedition Costs:	Equipment will depend on sponsorship. Flights are estimates; all other costs to be confirmed by agent	$48,800

We are seeking to raise funds to defray these expenditures, with a significant amount from a single, primary sponsor, however all levels of support are welcome.