TRIPS FACT

LHOTSE EXPEDITION-8516M

THE 4TH HIGHEST

The expedition to Mount Lhotse can be done either from Everest Base Camp or nearby Chhukung. Being an 8,000er, the Lhotse Expedition encounters many obstacles, including high altitudes, harsh weather conditions, and even sheer exhaustion. We believe our planning, logistics, staffing, and experience, coupled with your enthusiasm, patience, and perseverance, would help you achieve your lifetime dream. We strive hard to conduct the best expedition program at a fair price.

At a height of 8,516m, Mt. Lhotse is the fourth highest peak in the world, situated just 3 km south of the Majestic Mt. Everest.

In the expedition, both Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse share the same base camp as well.

This beautiful Lhotse holds immense promise as it is little developed and offers fascinating opportunities. It’s embedded in a region of great natural scenery and dotted with monuments and villages representing the cultural diversity of Nepal.

The spring season of March to May is considered the best time for the Lhotse expedition. Spring is also the most popular season for the expedition. The months of April and May, and then again in October and November, are the classic climbing period. The summer months of monsoon rains and the winter months from December to February are the most unfavorable times for the Lhotse Expedition. The temperatures can vary from 27 °C to -7 °C at lower elevations, and at higher elevations, it can vary from 16c to -23c. 

By the time we reach Lhotse/everest base camp, our climbing leaders and Sherpa will be well on the way to having the lower part of the mountain (the Khumbu Ice Fall) already fixed with ropes and ladders. We will establish four camps on the mountain. The first, at 19,500ft, is situated at the top of the icefall. This camp functions as an intermediate camp until Camp II (advanced base camp) is established at 21,000ft. Camp II will consist of large tents for cooking and dining and several smaller tents for sleeping. Camp II will be our base during Camp III and Camp IV (23,500 feet and 25,912 feet, respectively). Camp III, which stands at the head of the cirque on the Lhotse face, will consist of three and four-man tents. This camp serves as an intermediate camp that climbers will use to reach Camp IV (high camp). Most of our sherpas are able to carry gear directly from Camp II to Camp IV, so large amounts of gear are not needed at Camp III to establish Camp IV. Oxygen will be used above Camp III to help climbers reach high camp before attempting the summit. From Camp IV, we travel along the South East Ridge to the South Summit of Mount Everest. From here, we traverse for a few hundred meters before reaching the Hillary Step and then onto the main summit.

CAMP I – 5,945 m

After the Icefall, the climbers arrive at Camp I, which is located at 19,500 feet. Depending on the type of expedition, Camp I will either be stocked by the climbers as they ascend and descend the Icefall or by Sherpas in advance. The area between Camp I and Camp II is known as the Western Cwm. As the climbers reach Camp II at 21,000 feet, they may be temporarily out of sight of their support at Base camp. Nonetheless, modern communication devices permit the parties to stay in contact.

CAMP II – 5,945 m

After the Icefall, the climbers arrive at Camp I, which is located at 19,500 feet. Depending on the type of expedition, Camp I will either be stocked by the climbers as they ascend and descend the Icefall or by Sherpas in advance. The area between Camp I and Camp II is known as the Western Cwm. As the climbers reach Camp II at 21,000 feet, they may be temporarily out of sight of their support at Base camp. Nonetheless, modern communication devices permit the parties to stay in contact.

CAMP III – 7,164 m

To reach Camp III, climbers must negotiate the Lhotse Face. Climbing a sheer wall of ice demands skill, strength and stamina. It is so steep and treacherous that many Sherpas move directly from Camp II to Camp IV on the South Col, refusing to stay on the Lhotse Face.

CAMP IV – 7900 m

As you’re leaving C4, the route becomes very difficult and the wind makes it trickier. There’s a little short slope on reliable snow which leads to the top of the Geneva Spur, and the wind pressure gradient across the spur can increase there as you’re getting set up for the rappel. Camp IV, which is at 26,300 on the Lhotse face, is typically the climbers’ first overnight stay in the Death Zone. The Death Zone is above 26,000 feet. Though there is nothing magical about that altitude, it is at this altitude that most human bodies lose all ability to acclimate. Accordingly, the body slowly begins to deteriorate and die – thus, the name “Death Zone.” The longer a climber stays at this altitude, the more likely illness (HACE – high altitude cerebral edema – or HAPE – high altitude pulmonary edema) or death will occur. Most climbers will use oxygen to climb and sleep at this altitude and above. This is the final major camp for the summit push. It is at this point that the climbers make their final preparations.

MT. lHOTSE SUMMIT- 8516 M

From Camp IV, climbers will push through the Colour, at 27,500 feet. , they slowly and laboriously proceed to the summit at 29,028 feet. The summit sits at the top of the world. Though not the closest place to the sun due to the earth’s curve. Due to the decreased air pressure, the summit contains less than one-third of the oxygen as at sea level a person would die within minutes. Typically, climbers achieving the great summit will take pictures, gain their composure, briefly enjoy the view, and then return to Camp IV as quickly as possible. The risk of staying at the summit and the exhaustion from achieving the summit is too great to permit climbers to fully enjoy the great accomplishment at that moment.

  • Day 01 | Arrive Kathmandu

    Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will be required to complete official procedures to obtain the Nepal Entry Visa at the Immigration counter. A representative from Expedition Himalaya will be present to welcome you at the Arrivals. Following the meet and greet, you will be transferred to the pre-booked hotel for relaxation. Take this opportunity to freshen up and rest.

  • Days 02 & 03 | Rest/preparation​

    On the second day, we will complete all official procedures, including necessary documentation, obtaining permits, and other formalities essential for our expedition. This will be followed by a day of sightseeing around the city.The next phase involves preparing for our expedition. Activities include packing our bags, necessary shopping, rechecking all essential items, especially medicines, and conducting briefings on various aspects of the expedition. This is an opportune time for communication and introductions among fellow climbers and teammates.

  • Day 04 | Direct Heli flight from Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar (3420m)

    Following a delightful breakfast, we will embark on a thrilling helicopter flight to Lukla Airport and to Namche. The flight offers breathtaking views of valleys, rivers, hills, and mountain ranges.

  • Day 05 & 06 | Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3420m)

    Namche Bazaar, which is the commercial point of the Khumbu region. As we reach Namche, we rest at our hotel and enjoy our dinner. The next day, we hike up to Everest View Point (3900m) & decend back to our Hotel to acclimatize where we can also go around the village area and experience some local sherpa culture. We can also visit the Everest Photo Gallery and the Sherpa Museum while in Namche.After a day of rest and acclimatization in Namche, we proceed to Tengboche Monastery, a serene location offering spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega. We participate in prayer ceremonies and take a day to rest.

  • Day 07 | Trek Tengboche (3870m)

    After a day of rest and acclimatization in Namche, we proceed to Tengboche Monastery, a serene location offering spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega. We participate in prayer ceremonies and take a day to rest.

  • Day 08 | Trek Dingboche (4360m)

    Continuing our journey, we trek to Dingboche, taking a day to acclimate ourselves. The trail passes through Lower Pangboche, providing stunning views of Ama Dablam. After acclimatization, we move to Lobuche, the last village with lodges on the trail to Everest.

  • Day 09 | Rest/acclimatization

    The following day is dedicated to acclimatization, during which we embark on short hikes to marvel at the majestic mountain vistas at an altitude of around 5500m.

  • Day 10 | Trek Lobuche (4930m)

    After rest and acclimatization at dingbuche we will trek towards lobuche -4930m

  • Day 12-20 | Trek Everest Base Camp (5364m) and preparation

    The next leg of the journey takes us to Everest Base Camp, offering panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and more. We spend several days at the base camp, training, acclimatizing, and preparing for the summit. Training includes ladder practice, using climbing gear, and traversing the Khumbu Icefall.

  • Days 20-55 | Climbing Period (8516m)

    At Base Camp, our comprehensive full-board service includes delectable meals prepared by seasoned chefs, cozy dining tents, and amenities like solar lights, Internet, and Satellite Phones. The expedition involves multiple rotations to upper camps for ice, rock, and snow climbing practice, along with ridge-walking using fixed ropes. When the summit push is scheduled, an early start ensures reaching the peak in time for a breathtaking sunrise. The calm morning weather, marked by minimal wind and heat, provides ideal conditions for a successful ascent. After conquering Lhotse Peak and capturing memorable moments, a gradual descent back to the lower camps, possibly Base Camp, follows.

  • Day 56 | Flight to Kathmandu from Base Camp via Helicopter

    The last day will be packing up all your personal gears and then ready to fly back to kathmandu from Base camp.

  • Day 57 | Depart Kathmandu

    International departure

INCLUDES

EXCLUDES

ROUTE MAP TO THE LHOTSE

OUR GEAR LIST FOR LHOTSE

Preparing for a challenging expedition requires assembling a comprehensive array of essential gear, encompassing a durable backpack, weather-resistant tent, cozy sleeping bag with an insulated sleeping pad, and a reliable stove for cooking sustenance on the go; navigation tools like a map, compass, and GPS device ensure a safe journey, while a well-stocked first aid kit, emergency shelter, and multi-tool provide security in unforeseen circumstances; carefully chosen clothing layers, including waterproof rain jackets, trekking socks, and sturdy hiking boots, offer protection from the elements, complemented by trekking poles, a backpack rain cover, and dry bags for added resilience against inclement weather.

CLICK THE PICTURE FOR MORE INFORMATION

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAYS ABOUT US

Mark Synnott
Mark Synnott
Jackson, New Hampshire, United States
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Top Notch!
We had a lot of choices when it came to selecting an outfitter for our National Geographic-sponsored 2019 expedition to the north side of Mount Everest, and after careful consideration we settled on using Expedition Himalaya. We based the decision in large part on several strong recommendations we received from friends who have worked with them in the past. And I am happy to report that EH did a fabulous job for us, and I can strongly recommend them to anyone looking to hire an outfitter for anything from a simple trek to a full blown Everest expedition. Thanks to the great work done by Navin, Dawa and all of our camp staff and climbing sheras, led by Lhakpa Tenje, our team was able to summit on May 30, 2019. (You can learn more about our trip through the two documentary films we produced - Lost on Everest [available on Disney+] and The Ghosts Above [available on Vimeo). As a testament to how strongly I believe in and trust Expedition Himalaya, I am planning to hire them again to lead a trek to Everest south side base camp for my family.
6thSymphony
6thSymphony
Colorado, USA
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Excellent Expedition Logistics
Expedition Himalaya is the company my regular US-based expedition operator has been working with for years. Over the last 10 years, Nabin and his team have also organized several mountaineering expeditions for me personally, including ones to Ganchenpo, Cholatse and Pumori. I have been happy with his and his team's work every time. I have found Expedition Himalaya to be professional and well-connected in the industry. They have excellent staff across the board, and can make things (like sending helicopters, arranging PCR tests or booking accommodation) happen quickly, efficiently and at a reasonable price. I highly recommend Expedition Himalaya as a reliable expedition outfitter and expedition logistics partner in Nepal, and look forward to working with them in the future.
ArneH89
ArneH89
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Great expedition without worries!
The company helped us a lot in the organisation of the trip and helped us with getting into Nepal during the Covid-19 periode. It was easy getting into contact and the information they gave was very useful. The trip itself was great! From pickup from the airport, hotel, flight to Lukla, expedition, flight back, help with PCR test and transfer back to the airport was arranged perfectly!
Scott C
Scott C
USA
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Expedition Himalaya excels across the board
Expedition Himalaya exceeds all expectations. Amazing people, superb logistical planning, and excellent quality. Expedition Himalaya excels at expediting resources when needed to make it happen. EH arranged helicopter’s and much more when extreme limited availability. Expedition Himalaya operates in a safe and effective manner. Climb team comes with many years of knowledge and experience. Younger team members are being mentored properly. Chefs and Cooks were top quality and shocking what they can make at high altitudes. I highly recommend Expedition Himalaya for your Nepal, China and more expeditions.
Fischer Hazen
Fischer Hazen
USA,Alaska
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Very professional and organized
I have nothing but good things to say about Expedition Himalaya. They are a professional and well-run organization. We worked with Expedition Himalaya for the 2021 Everest season. From the onset, they provided reliable and timely information with regards to entering the country and initiating our trek into basecamp. Once on the mountain, the basecamp was fantastic. Very organized, amazing food and very nice tents. Dawa, Nabin, Sarki and the rest of the crew were very receptive to any requests, they were always thinking ahead and they organized a very successful trip. I would 100% work with them the next time I go back to Nepal, be it for climbing or treking. They are the best of the best.
 @tolivetotravel
@tolivetotravelUSA,Alaska
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Everest expedition 2021
Apr 2021 I climbed Everest with Expedition Himalaya. Despite us not being able to make it to the top due to Covid, It's been an amazing experience, great Sherpas, very dedicated, friendly and professional, great chef and kitchen stuff, amazing food, and very well connected agent back in Kathmandu that helped us a lot with the tough times during Covid lockdown. This certainly has been an experience of a lifetime.
 Elsie Bezuidenhout
Elsie Bezuidenhout
Centurion, South Africa
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Everest 2021 expedition
Apr 2021 The services of Expedition Himalaya is exceptional. They are professional, extremely efficient, give attention to detail and go out of their way to ensure every aspect of your expedition is covered. No task is too big or too small for Nabin (managing everything in Kathmandu) and Dawa (managing everything in basecamp). The Sherpa team has an outstanding summit resume, they are very professional, highly technically skilled, super human strong, friendly, patient and treat everyone with the utmost respect. Sarki, the basecamp cook, and his cook team, provides world class meals from their cook tent domain. I can highly recommend Nabin, Dawa and their amazing team!!
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REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Peak fitness is essential. Train with hikes, carrying gear. Personal Sherpas are optional; porters handle group equipment. Individualized advice for mental and physical preparation is available.

HEALTH

Pre-expedition medical examination is recommended. Dental checks are crucial due to pressure changes at higher altitudes.

EXPERINCE

Prior high-altitude and mountaineering experience is required for eight-thousander expeditions. Training programs for newcomers are offered. For seven-and six-thousander expeditions, experience on four-thousander peaks is advisable.

PREPERATION FOR EVEREST

Months of physical and mental preparation are necessary. Exercise, diet, and rest are key. Free world-class training programs for Everest climbers are available, along with exclusive discounts.

TECHNICAL TRAINING

Months of training are required for fitness and technical climbing experience. Climbing lower peaks familiarizes climbers with equipment and terrain. Expedition training programs are offered in Europe and the US.

HIGH ALTITUDE EXPERIENCE

Climb lower peaks for altitude adaptation. Tailor-made programs prepare climbers for 8000er expeditions.

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