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Khumbu, Nepal / Expedition

Lhotse Expedition

Climb from Everest Base Camp towards Lhotse, combining a Khumbu approach with a sustained expedition on the Everest massif.

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Lhotse seen from Chukhung Ri
Lhotse seen from Chukhung Ri.
Duration
55 daysOutline programme
Summit objective
8,516 mRoute objective
Season
SpringAsk for current dates
Experience
High-altitude expeditionExpedition

A closer look at the journey.

Lhotse rises beside Everest, with its climbing approach sharing the expedition corridor above the Khumbu Glacier. The trek passes through Namche and Khumjung before reaching Everest Base Camp. The objective is Lhotse itself, requiring efficient movement on steep snow and ice and enough reserve for a demanding descent from extreme altitude.

The approach and climbing phases form one extended mountain journey. Time above base camp is used for acclimatization, carrying equipment, rest and a summit attempt when conditions allow. Discuss your climbing history with us so that the route, team support and equipment plan suit the objective and your experience.

  • Acclimatization stops in Namche and Khumjung
  • Expedition base beside the Khumbu Glacier
  • A distinct summit objective on the Everest massif

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1-3Kathmandu preparation

Arrive and complete equipment checks, briefings and expedition arrangements.

Day 4Lukla to Phakding

Fly to Lukla and begin the trek along the Dudh Koshi.

Day 5-7Namche and Khumjung

Trek through Namche to Khumjung and include an acclimatization day.

Day 8-10Tengboche to Lobuche

Continue through Tengboche and Dingboche to Lobuche.

Day 11Everest Base Camp

Reach the base used for the Lhotse expedition.

Day 12-47Lhotse climbing period

Complete acclimatization rotations and higher-camp work before a summit attempt when conditions allow.

Day 48Pack down base camp

Clear camp and prepare equipment for the return journey.

Day 49-52Descent to Lukla

Return through Dingboche, Khumjung and Phakding to Lukla.

Day 53Fly to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu when flights operate.

Day 54Kathmandu reserve day

Rest and complete the expedition debriefing.

Day 55Departure

Transfer for your onward flight.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Agree the permit arrangements and in-country transport in your quotation.
  • Agree the guiding, porter support and responsibilities on the mountain.
  • Agree accommodation, camp facilities and the meals provided at each stage.
  • Agree shared climbing equipment, communications and emergency arrangements.

Budget separately

  • International travel, entry documents and costs outside the agreed programme.
  • Personal climbing equipment and insurance appropriate to the itinerary.
  • Personal spending, tips and any separately agreed climbing staff bonuses.
  • Additional accommodation, transport or evacuation costs if plans change.

Before you set out.

Strong previous high-altitude expedition experience and confident fixed-rope ascent and descent skills are required.

Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu, trekking lodges or approach camps, and tented climbing camps.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Is the summit attempt on a fixed day?

The itinerary gives a climbing window. Your guide will adjust the attempt, rest days and descent to the conditions and the team. Reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed.

What experience should I discuss before booking?

Strong previous high-altitude expedition experience and confident fixed-rope ascent and descent skills are required. Share details of your recent climbs, altitude experience and rope skills so that we can assess the preparation and support required.

Other journeys to explore.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

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Bhim PaudelExecutive Director

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Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.