Mount Lhotse Expedition

62 Days

Overview

The Mount Lhotse Expedition is a thrilling and challenging journey that attracts seasoned mountaineers and adventure seekers from around the world. Standing at a breathtaking height of 8,516 meters (27,940 feet), Mount Lhotse is the fourth highest peak in the world and is located in the iconic Khumbu region of Nepal, near Mount Everest.

The expedition typically begins in Kathmandu, where participants undergo thorough preparations and briefings by experienced guides and Sherpa climbers. Proper acclimatization is crucial due to the extreme altitude and harsh conditions awaiting them. From Kathmandu, the team embarks on a picturesque flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu Valley, and then starts the trek through stunning landscapes, crossing suspension bridges, and passing through traditional Sherpa villages.

Reaching Everest Base Camp marks, a significant milestone of the expedition. Here, climbers take a short break to acclimatize further while absorbing the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trail then diverges from the Everest route as climbers head towards the Lhotse Base Camp.

The ascent from Base Camp is challenging, requiring technical climbing skills and determination. The route involves navigating through treacherous icefalls, climbing steep faces, and crossing crevasses. Climbers will establish high camps along the way to facilitate the gradual ascent and descent process.

The summit day is the most demanding part of the journey, with climbers pushing their physical and mental limits. Weather conditions are unpredictable, and oxygen levels are significantly lower at these altitudes, adding to the difficulty. However, the reward is beyond words—the breathtaking view from the summit, the sense of accomplishment, and the feeling of being on top of the world.

The Mount Lhotse Expedition demands immense preparation, physical fitness, and mountaineering expertise. Climbers need to be self-reliant and work as a team, relying on the support of their Sherpa guides. Safety is of paramount importance, and the expedition organizers prioritize well-planned logistics and emergency protocols.

Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel Yak and Yeti or similar hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (1350M/4,430ft).
  • Day 02: Preparation and briefings at Departments of Tourism, last minute shopping.
  • Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla; Trek to Phakding (2650m/8,694ft) 4 hrs. Lodge accommodation.
  • Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar through colorful Khumbu villages (3440m/11,286ft) 6hrs.
  • Day 05: Rest day for acclimatization. You will be hike to famous Everest View Hotel (3800m/12,487ft) 3hrs.
  • Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3850m/12,631ft) 5-6 hrs.
  • Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dengboche (4350m/14,271ft) 4-5 hrs.
  • Day 08: Acclimatization in Dingboche(4350M/14,271ft)
  • Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (5018m/16,463ft) 4-5hrs
  • Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5170m/16,962ft) 3hrs
  • Day 11: Morning acclimatizes to Kalapther (5554m) after breakfast Trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base camp (5200m/17060ft) 2hrs.
  • Day12-55: Climbing period (8516m/27,940ft).
  • Day 56: Preparation for return, trek from Everest base camp to Dingboche (4350m/14,271ft)
  • Day 57: Trek from Dingboche to Tengboche (3860m/12,631ft) 4 hrs
  • Day 58: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,286ft, 4hrs)
  • Day 59: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla(2840m/9,317ft) 7hrs.
  • Day 60: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1350m/4,430ft)
  • Day 61: Leisure day & shopping in Kathmandu.
  • Day 62: Transfer to the airport for final departure.

Costs Included

  • Airport/Hotel/airport transfers
  • 5 nights’ accommodation at hotel Thamel Eco Resort in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with breakfast and all taxes
  • Fly from Kathmandu – Lukla– Kathmandu and all your luggage to Lhotse Base Camp and back to Lukla
  • Lhotse Expedition Government Royalty
  • All camping facilities and meals during the expedition including a tent (one member = one tent) at Base camp.
  • Kitchen and Dining equipment, Eating utensils, Shower Tents, Toilet Tent, Store Tent, etc
  • Twin sharing HA tents Mountain Hardware T3 on Camp 1, Camp 2 and Camp 3. Triple sharing HA tents Mountain Hardware T3 on Camp 4.
  • All porter wages costs from Lukla to Lhotse South Face Base camp and back to Lukla.
  • All porter wages costs from Lukla to Lhotse Base camp and back to Lukla.
  • All costs for support staff (guide, cook, kitchen helpers, and porters)
  • Liaison officer, his fee, daily wages, equipment, clothing, accommodation, flight, meals, and insurance
  • Expedition handling fees
  • Garbage deposit for Ministry of Tourism
  • HA food till Camp 4 and summit
  • EPI Gas and HA (High Altitude ) cooking stoves above Base Camp till Camp 4
  • Brand new Oxygen – 6 bottles per client, Mask and Regulator and extra Mask and Regulator for emergency
  • Oxygen bottles, Mask and Regulator for climbing Sherpa (per climbing Sherpa 4 bottles)
  • High altitude sleeping mat above Base Camp till Camp IV
  • SPCC(Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee) Garbage fee / Environmental Fee
  • All our base camp staffs, porters, Climbing Sherpas, and Camp II staff wages, insurance, and their daily wages, and their equipment allowance.
  • Heaters in the mess tent at BC.
  • All breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea, Coffee from Lukla to Lhotse Base Camp, till Camp 4, and till back to Lukla and Kathmandu.
  • Kathmandu to Lhotse Base camp and back (all luggage and extra baggage carrying wages for the clients)
  • Generator and Solar Panel at Base Camp
  • Sagarmatha National park fee. Khumbu Village Development Fee.
  • Climbing Sherpa, his daily wages, insurance, equipment allowance, meals, accommodation etc
  • Climbing Rope Fixing fee for Expedition operators Association of Nepal and Khumbu Icefall doctors fee.
  • Carrying wages for Climbing Sherpa above base camp (Camp 1, Camp 2, Camp 3 and Camp 4 and back to Base Camp)
  • One client one private climbing Sherpa
  • Satellite phone for Emergency use
  • Radio sets for members and climbing Sherpa
  • GAMO bag (Portable Altitude Chamber)
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea, Coffee, Hot water for shower from Lukla to Lhotse Base Camp, and while on the expedition and back to Lukla.

Costs Excluded

  • International flights and airport taxes.
  • Visa fees.
  • Bar bills and laundry.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  • Tips for driver, guide, porter, BC staff and climbing Sherpas
  • Any other expenses incurred except mentioned in the above ‘included’ items.
  • Ice axe, Crampons, and Climbing boots
  • Four season sleeping bag for base camp use and above
  • Harness
  • Jumar/ascender
  • 3 x tape slings
  • 2 x screw-gate karabiners
  • Descender/abseil device
  • Prussic loops
  • Plastic mountaineering boots and Neoprene over boots
  • Gloves, Sun glasses, Snow glass, Down suit or duvet/salopette combination, warm woolen socks, well broken in trekking shoes, trekking poles etc.
  • Successful Climbing Bonus for the Sherpa – (USD 1000 recommended)

Is there anything that I must know before getting to Nepal?

A few things, yes! Knowing these before getting to Nepal helps you:

Respect the Culture & Traditions – Nepali people are warm and welcoming but may not express emotions openly. Be respectful in conversations, and don’t take direct responses as rudeness.
Learn a Few Nepali Words – A simple “Namaste” (Hello) and “Dhanyabaad” (Thank you) go a long way in making local connections and you will enjoy the warmth Nepali people feel when you attempt these.
Dress Modestly in Religious Sites – Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothes when visiting temples and monasteries.

  • Always Walk Clockwise Around Stupas & Temples – It’s a sign of respect. Walk left to right around Buddhist stupas like Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and all religious shrines you encounter along the way.
  • Use Your Right Hand for Giving & Receiving – Whether handing money or food, use your right hand (or both hands for extra politeness). The left hand is considered less clean.
  • Toilets May Not Always Be Western Style – Be prepared for squat toilets in rural areas and carry toilet paper or wet wipes.
  • Power Outages Happen – Although less common now, Nepal sometimes experiences power cuts in some places. In higher altitudes, there might not be electric connections. Hotels and restaurants often have backup systems, but carrying a power bank is wise.
  • Traffic Can Be Chaotic – Roads in Kathmandu and other cities are busy and sometimes unorganized. Be cautious when crossing streets.

Equipment

Travel Documents: Valid Passport | Credit Cards | Pp Size Photo (4 Pieces) |Insurance Paper And Contact Address |Family Members|Company’s Contact Address

Foot Wear: Kailas | Lasportiva | Millet (Summit Shoe)| Normal Socks (5-6 Pairs) | Summit Socks (2 Pairs) | Trekking Shoes (1 Pair) |Camp Booties (1 Pair) | Basecamp Slipper (1 Pair)

Upper Body: Light Weight Top / Thermo Coat (2-3 Layers) | Mid Weight Top (2-3 Layers) | Heavy Weight Top (2 Layers) | Fleece Jacket (1) | Gore Text Jacket (1) | Down Jacket (1) | Wind Proof Jacket | Cotton T-Shirt For Base Camp. (2-3)

Lower Body : Light Weight Long Under Pants (2-3 Pairs) | Under Wear (5-7 Pairs) : Mid Weight Long Under Pants (2-3 Pairs) : Heavy Weight Long Under Wear : Gore Text Pant. (1) : Down Pants. (1) : Water Proof Pant. (1)

Head : Sun Cap | Desert Cap |Balaclava |Fleece Hat | Neck Gaiter (2-3)

Hands: Thin Fleece Gloves (2 Pairs) |Wind Stopper Fleece Gloves |Heavy Gloves (Mitten) |Summit Gloves

Sleeping Bags: Sleeping Bag – 20 Degree Celsius (For Base Camp) | Down Sleeping Bag – 20 To -40 Degree Celsius (Extreme Comfort) |Thermarest Mattress (Cell Foam) |Thermarest Mattress (Inflatable)

Climbing Equipment: Climbing Helmet |Down Suit (Kailas / Marmot / Mountain |Hardware / North Face / Millet ) |Crampons (Fit with Boot) |Ice Axe| Harness|Atc Guide |Jummer / Ascender |Lock Carabiner (3) |Unlock Carabiner (3) |Tape Slings (2) |Prusik Loops (1) |Snow Goggle |Head Light (4 Pairs Rechargeable Batteries Recommended) |Satellite Phone |Hand Warmer (If Possible)

Trip Information

Visa : Immigration Office, TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) under the Department of Immigration has been facilitating tourists flying to Nepal by providing visas on Arrival. Here’s how you can obtain it:

On Arrival: Fill out a visa application form available at the arrival hall or provided by some airlines during your flight. Electronic passport holders can use visa registration machines in the immigration hall, which automatically fill out the visa form after inserting their passport.
Required Documents: A completed application form and a passport copy with a validity of 6 months.
Alternative: You can get a visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed in your own country before your arrival.
Travel Insurance : You are traveling to one of the most intense adventure hubs in the world. Insurance is a MUST. Either for a cultural tour or an 8000-meter mountain expedition, travel insurance is mandatory for safe and stress-free travel. A foreigner can be insured on Nepali soil. Thus, one has to already purchase insurance before getting to Nepal. For any booking with Seven Summit Treks, a mandatory copy of your travel insurance has to be submitted to the company before or just as you arrive in Nepal. We will take care of the rest.

Getting to Nepal : Travelers can enter Nepal primarily via Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, which is the main international gateway arriving by flight offering visas on arrival. Additionally, there are several land entry points from India, including Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Mahendranagar, and from China through Rasuwagadhi-Kerung. While visas on arrival are available at these border crossings, it’s advisable to obtain one in advance from a Nepalese diplomatic mission. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months, carry extra passport photos, and consider travel insurance, especially for trekking or adventure activities.

Best Time to get to visit Nepal : Nepal is an all-season destination. You can pick out your preferred Nepal visit time based on your objective. E.g., Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) fit best for trekking and mountaineering. Monsoon (Jun-Aug) fits best for visits to rural areas, photographic expeditions, and engaging with local people in their livelihood and cultural practices and visits to the rain shadow area – Manang, Mustang, and Dolpo regions. Winter (Dec-Feb) fits best for low-altitude treks, peace and quiet experiences in the normally busiest routes and snow activities.

Domestic Flights : Domestic flights in Nepal are a crucial mode of transportation due to the country’s rugged terrain and limited road infrastructure. These flights connect major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bharatpur with remote regions, including popular trekking destinations such as Lukla for the Everest Region, Jomsom for the Annapurna Region, and Phaplu for the Solukhumbu region. Operated by local airlines, these flights are essential for reaching areas otherwise inaccessible by road. However, travelers should be prepared for potential weather-related delays and cancellations, as the mountainous landscapes can cause unpredictable flying conditions. Booking flights in advance and ensuring flexibility in travel plans are recommended to accommodate any unforeseen changes.

Money : There is good access to ATMs anywhere in most city areas. However, you will find it hard in rural areas. Different banks have their maximum withdrawal amount limit. Most hotels, restaurants, airlines, and travel agents accept cards as well. It is more important to have enough cash as there will be very limited or no ATM access in trekking areas and also some reserve cash for emergencies. USD is selectively acceptable in Nepal but still, you need to make sure you have Nepalese currency on hand during the expedition.

Internet and SIM Card : Most cities have extensive access to the internet, as well as hotels, restaurants, and cafes that offer free Wi-Fi. But outside the cities, in the remote trekking areas, it’s fair to non-existent. During the expedition, the internet is available at the base camp for a certain amount of cost. You can easily purchase a tourist SIM card at an affordable cost in most of the cities in Nepal. You can use the data package using the SIM card as well.

Altitude Sickness : Altitude Sickness is an effect of high-altitude atmospheric pressure that results in a quick change in oxygen level and air pressure of the human body. The symptoms will arise while walking at a high altitude without properly acclimatizing the body and can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It can happen to anyone even if they have great physical fitness if you climb faster at a higher altitude. It is better to ascend gradually to prevent altitude sickness.

 Tipping : There is no significant rule about tipping your guide or porter but it is quite common in Nepal. It is on you to decide whether to thank the guide and porter with tips or not. But in most cases, guides and porters expect tips from you though they don’t ask for tips verbally.

Drinking-Water : The water quality in Nepal isn’t the greatest so it is better to use a water filtration or purification tablet. You can also drink boiled water if you like. Make sure to drink a lot of water during the expedition as your body requires more at a higher altitude. The general rule of thumb says to drink at least 4 liters of water above the altitude of 3000 meters.

Safety : Nepal is an adventure and is comparatively a safe destination for those adventures. There are very low crime rates in most parts of Nepal. Still, it is wise to take safety measures. Keep an eye on pick-pocketers and snatchers in buses, crowded spaces, and tourist areas. You can avoid walking with a large amount of cash on your own. Always let your guide know if you’re going out during the trip.

Vaccinations & Immunization : Before traveling to Nepal, travelers need to ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations and consider additional immunizations recommended for travel. Common vaccinations include those for Chickenpox, Diphtheria-Tetanus, Polio, Shingles, COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Measles, and Influenza. Depending on the traveler’s itinerary and activities, other vaccines may be advised, such as Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria prophylaxis, Rabies, and Typhoid. Consulting with a travel clinic or healthcare provider several weeks before departure is crucial to receive personalized advice and necessary immunizations to ensure a safe and healthy trip to Nepal.