• Duration:54 Nights 55 Days
  • Max. Altitude: 8516m
  • Group Size: 1-8
  • Activity: Trekking and Expedition
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Lhotse Expedition

Lhotse, the 4th highest mountain in the world, stands at 8516m, immediately south of Mount Everest; the summits of Everest and Lhotse are connected by the South Col, a vertical ridge that never drops below 8000m. The long east-west crest of Lhotse has three summits: Lhotse Main 8516m, Lhotse East (Middle), 8413m, and Lhotse Shar 8383m.

The standard climbing route for Lhotse follows the Everest South Col route up to the famous Yellow Band just beyond Everest's Camp III, 7300m, on the Lhotse Face.

The West Face of Lhotse is marked by a deep scar, an icy gully known as the Lhotse Couloir; the couloir is the crucial test to the Lhotse climb, mainly because the climbing conditions of the couloir are affected by weather and seasonal snowfall.

This Lhotse Expedition demands advanced skill climbing on steep, exposed and technical skill and altitude experience is mandatory. It is an ideal climb designed for previous Everest climbers or those who have proved confident on 7000-meter climbs.

The itinerary allows a caution acclimatization period at Base Camp where we spend time training, reviewing safety protocol and getting familiar with the terrain on the ice columns found at the lower edge of the Khumbu Icefall. We will practice secure movement using ladders and fixed rope as it is important to be able to move fairly quickly through the icefall. We can hone our mountaineering skills nearby objectives that are less dangerous than the icefall.

The Lhotse Expedition 2023 and 2024 itinerary coordinates with the Everest South Col expedition.Climbers should arrive in Kathmandu no later than April 05th 2023.
 

Getting to Base Camp:

While we shake off our jet-lag in Kathmandu, we make sure all our official work is complete, get a briefing from the Ministry of Tourism, and finalize our supplies. There is a good selection of local and international mountaineering equipment and clothing, so its a good chance to do some last minute shopping.

Our Lhotse Expedition begins in Lukla, a 40-minute flight from Kathmandu. Our expedition supplies will be carried to base camp by yaks, zokyos (yak hybrids) and porters, while we set off up the Khumbu Valley at a more leisurely pace, which allows our bodies to acclimatize. This gives us a chance to savour the natural wonder of the Khumbu, and the cultural beauty of the local Sherpa inhabitants.

On the way to EBC, we will stop at Tengboche Monastery to request a special blessing of the lama, who will perform a puja to implore the deities to bless our expedition members and equipment. We accept a scarf, or khata, with the eight lucky Buddhist signs, as a symbol of the lamas blessing.

By the time we arrive in Everest Base Camp about 8 days later, the Sherpas will have our camp all set up.
 

Lhotse Expedition Route Description:

Base Camp, 5400m to Camp I, 5900m

On the first rotation we climb through the Khumbu Icefall to Camp I, 5900m, starting out before daybreak to maximize the hours before the sun starts heating the glacier. The Khumbu Icefall is a moving glacier, heavy with huge seracs and crevasses. A team of Sherpas called the Icefall Doctors continually maintain a path through this dangerous area with rope and ladders. To minimize the time spent on the Icefall, we avoid any unnecessary stops. The terrain levels out just before Camp I. We will likely pass by Camp I on successive climbs.

Camp I, 5900m to Camp II, 6500m

The following day we walk up the Western Cwm, a broad valley formed by the Khumbu Glacier, to Camp II, 6500m. There are deep crevasses, some marked with fixed ladders and some hidden by snow bridges. The sun is blinding here, as it reflects off the snow on every side of the valley. If there are no clouds it can be very warm here. We are surrounded by the towering flanks of Nuptse, Lhotse and Everests South West face. Here we spend two nights adjusting to the altitude and then move further up the Lhotse Face to Camp III, 7300m.

Camp II, 6500m to Camp III, 7300m

From Camp II, we start climbing the Lhotse Face. It can be a challenge to get a foothold with our crampons in this wall of rock hard blue ice and packed snow. There are lines fixed into the face with screws and anchors, but since there is just one line for ascending and one for descending, there can be a traffic jam on this section. We keep clipped into fixed line all the way to Camp III which is on a ledge about halfway up the Lhotse face.

Well spend one night here before descending back to Camp II then the next day back to Base Camp. We recover and prepare ourselves for the summit attempt while our Sherpa support team is preparing the high camps.

When a window of good weather appears we are ready to make a direct climb from Base Camp to Camp II and the next day to Camp III. The following day we make an early start to try and reach Camp IV, 7900m. We can use the remaining hours of the day to rest, as we need to depart around midnight for our summit push.

Camp III, 7300m to Camp IV, 7900m

A steep climb from Camp III takes us up to the Yellow Band, a layer of limestone that cuts through these mountains. There are fixed ropes to help us climb the Yellow Band; it is not so difficult, but at this altitude nothing is easy. Most climbers are using oxygen by this point. It can be extremely cold before the sun reaches, especially if there is a wind, but once the sun climbs over Lhotse, it burns through the thin atmosphere.

The Yellow Band is the landmark where we separate from the expeditions to Everest and veer to the right towards some rock shelves, which are known as the turtle shell. This rocky outcropping is where we establish Lhotse Camp IV, 7900m.

Camp IV, 7900m to Lhotse Summit, 8516m

Just above Camp IV we enter the 500-meter high gully of ice leading onto the final summit ridge. Narrow and as steep as 60 degrees in places, the Lhotse Couloir is the passage leads to the summit ridge. Once on the knife edge ridge, some tricky scrambling leads to the summit.

After reaching the summit climbers will descend to Camp II and the following day descend to Base Camp.
 

A Typical Lhotse Expedition

There is no fixed plan that works for all climbers and all seasons. Often, climbers will do two acclimatization rotations prior to the summit bid. That said, the final rotation schedule will be decided by factors such as the weather and the health of our expedition team members. It is crucial that everyone works as a team and communicates clearly.

The first rotation will begin after a week acclimatizing at Base Camp. We usually go to Camp I, 5950m, for a night, then to Camp II, 6400m for a couple nights, and spend one night in Camp III, 7470m before returning to Camp II for a night and finally back to EBC.


Guests at Base Camp

Except for Everest expedition members, no one is allowed to stay overnight in Base Camp. However, we want to inform you that we welcome family or friends of climbers who are interested in joining your expedition as far as Base Camp. Some of them may even be interested in one of the many treks in Everest Region, or a less challenging peak.
 

Consider Climbing Lobuche for Extra Acclimatization

For people with a sufficient time-frame, an excursion to nearby Lobuche Peak, 6119m, is a great way to ensure you are well acclimatized before you start the Lhotse Expedition.

Highlights of Lhotse Expedition

  • shares much of the route with Everest and similar in technicality
  • veteran Sherpa Guides have summited Everest and Lhotse many times and are highly experienced in 8000-meter mountains
  • high quality equipment and services, well-stocked base camp, excellent food and one tent per team member
  • our Sherpas will go ahead to prepare the camps allowing you to take the time you need, and focus on climbing rather than logistics
  • having your own veteran Sherpa climbing guide allows maximum flexibility of pace and summit attempt

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast and Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House / Lodge
  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • All related airport / hotel / airport transfers
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on B&B basis
  • Kathmandu / Lukla / Kathmandu airfare both for expeditioner and staff
  • Cargo clearance
  • Full board service except in Kathmandu
  • All transport of necessary expedition supplies: Lukla / EBC / Lukla (by yaks / porters)
  • Dining tent with Dining table and chairs in EBC and Camp II
  • Kitchen tent and 2 high altitude cooks for EBC and Camp II including equipment, wages and insurance
  • EPI Gas with burner and cooking pot set
  • Gas heaters in the dining tent & solar panel power available at BC
  • First-rate high altitude food
  • One experienced Sherpa climbing guide per climber, including equipment, wages and insurance
  • Climbing Permit and all necessary permits
  • Garbage deposit
  • Icefall route maintenance fee
  • Radio walkie-talkie set for climber/Sherpa team, including permit charge
  • Single sleeping tents with closed cell pads for entire expedition
  • 5 cylinders of oxygen per climber with mask and regulator set
  • 3 cylinders of oxygen per climbing Sherpa with mask and regulator set
  • Cost of transporting oxygen to Camp III and IV by Sherpa porter
  • Liaison Officer charges including airfare and insurance
  • Shower tent at EBC
  • Toilet tent at EBC & Camp II
  • Annapurna foothills Tshirt
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • Gear tent for storage at EBC & Camp II
  • Gamow Bag up to Camp II
  • Satellite telephone (per minute rates apply)

What’s Excluded

  • Your travel insurance (Should include helicopter evacuation as well)
  • Nepal entry visa ($100)
  • Lunches & dinners in Kathmandu
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Two sleeping bags, one for Base Camp and one for the higher camps
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Tips for climbing support staff

Advice for tipping and bonuses for Sherpa staff

  • USD 300-400 for each assistant level staff at base camp
  • USD 1000-1400 for Sherpa guide who accompanies you up to the summit
  • Option for Climbers Using our Base Camp Service: While you may not require a climbing guide, you may require a Personal Sherpa to help carry your gear and to help on an everyday basis. A Personal Sherpa assistant can be arranged for $5000.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date10 Apr, 2024End Date03 Jun, 2024AvailableUS$ 25500

Departure Note:

Guaranteed- We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.
 

The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.


We have set dates for departure to the Lhotse Expedition. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

If the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to 08 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 08 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Lhotse Expedition is possible. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

Solo Trips: Single trekkers are always welcome to join the climb. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll have a single room in Kathmandu Hotel as per your requirement and have to share a room at the local teahouses during the trekking.

Useful Info

Why Climb Mt. Lhotse with Annapurna Foothills?

  • Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions a Nepal-based owner operated company who can make your Lhotse Summit a reality for a reasonable price
  • It is the perfect option for experienced, confident climbers want high quality services without the pricey sophisticated and nonessentials offered by international operators
  • Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions does not compromise safety
  • We use only the best quality equipment in the market
  • We take care of details which will help you keep both comfortable and healthy your expedition so that every aspect of your expedition will be a pleasant memory.
  • One veteran Sherpa climbing guide accompanies each climber to allow maximum flexibility. Each climber can take advantage of a window of good weather and personal climbing pace
  • Our Sherpa Climbing Guides are veterans of multiple Everest summits.
  • Our Sherpas will go ahead to prepare the camps allowing you to take the time you need, and focus on climbing rather than logistics
     

Return from Expedition

The schedule allows three days for our hike from EBC back to Lukla. We are accompanied by porters carrying our gear. It is also possible to leave EBC one day earlier for a slower 4 day trek.
 

Return to Kathmandu by Helicopter:

At the end of a long expedition, a quick flight by helicopter from Base Camp to Lukla or Kathmandu is quite appealing. You could also trek to Pheriche and fly from there.

Helicopter flights are available at the climbers own expense. The cost depends upon passenger load and whether the helicopter is already in the Khumbu area or has to come from Kathmandu.
 

If Luggage Gets Left Behind:

It may not be possible to take all your gear in the helicopter, depending on the number of passengers and weight restrictions.

Besides the fact that at the end of the Everest Expedition, flights out of Lukla are heavily booked, unpredictable weather at the onset of monsoon can result in flights being cancelled. If this happens, priority will be given to passengers rather than their baggage.

If for any reason you get separated from your bags, Annapurna Treks and Expeditions will make every effort to get them to Kathmandu before your departure flight.

If you depart from Nepal before your bags arrive back in Kathmandu, we can get them shipped to you, but this will be at your expense.
 

Oxygen

Oxygen cylinders hold 1800 liters, which at 3 liters/minute lasts 10 hours. One bottle and regulator weighs about 7.3kg total. You will not carry more than one bottle at a time. Most climbers use oxygen from Camps III, at 1 liter/min. for sleeping and 3 liter/min climbing. This means a total of 7200 liters (4 cylinders) are needed for the summit and descent back to Camp III. As a safety precaution, Annapurna Treks and Expedition provides each climber 5 bottles of oxygen for the expedition.

Extra oxygen bottles are available for $600 each. They must be ordered at the time of booking.
 

Camp Information

Sherpas will do all of the cooking/melting at Camp I, II, III, and IV.
 

Personal Gear

For the most part, you will only need to carry the items which you require during the day while climbing. Your Sherpa guide will carry loads (including your sleeping bag and a reasonable amount of your personal gear) between the camps.
 

Communication

Each climber/Sherpa team is issued a VHF hand held radio and satellite phone.
 

Cell phones and Internet

The GSM cell phone network reaches to Everest Base Camp, although in places it may have poor reception. Reasonably priced GSM phones, SIM cards and prepaid calling cards are available in Kathmandu. There are internet cafes along the way and even at Base Camp.