Lhotse Expedition - 50 Days
50 Days
8,516m (27,940ft)
Khumbu region
Kathmandu
Challenging
Flight/ Vehicle
3-star hotel/ Teahouses/ Treks
Late spring
Everest, Makalu, Pumori, Amadablam and most of the Himalayan range
via Everest South Col
Lhotse is the closest mountain to Everest. It is the world’s 4th highest mountain and lies only 3km south of Everest, separated by the South Col. Lhotse shares the same base camp with Everest and also half the way up till Everest’s Geneva Spur. Lhotse massif comprises three peaks, namely: Lhotse Main (8516m), Lhotse Middle (8413m), and Lhotse Shar (8383m).
Lhotse has an impressive south face, which is one of its kind. It stretches vertically up to 3.2 km in just 2.25km of horizontal distance, making it the steepest face of this size. Another area with the highest risk is the Khumbu Icefall again shared by Lhotse and Everest.
Lhotse offers an excellent alternative for those who are looking for an affordable climb, unlike Everest. It offers a similar climb to Everest as it shares more than half of the body with Everest and is way cheaper than climbing Everest. For those climbing Everest, you can opt for the Lhotse expedition, too, as it saves a lot of time and money.
The expedition starts from Kathmandu, taking you to the Khumbu region. The trail follows the route to Everest base camp. Be prepared to walk through forests and rocky terrains overlooking the mighty Himalayas. You will surely be awestruck by the beauty of this region as you get higher.
The standard route to Lhotse progresses through the Khumbu Icefall, following the same path as standard Everest ascent till the point above the Yellow band. From here, Lhotse climbing parties head to the right of south col while the Everest climbing party heads on to the left of the south col.
For climbing Lhotse, you will use four camps above base camp at different altitudes:
- Camp I (6065m): Camp I, at the top of Khumbu Icefall, is a rest spot before heading on to the distant Camp II. Although exposed, Camp I is safer as it is after the Khumbu Icefall.
- Camp II (6750m): Camp II, placed at the bottom of the west ridge, is safe with a magnificent view of Lhotse. This camp serves as an acclimatization camp.
- Camp III (7100m): Camp III rests on a slight ledge on the popular Lhotse wall—one of the acclimatization camps, hence properly set up by our Sherpa friends handling the logistics.
- Camp IV (7920m): Camp IV, near the South Col., is easily accessible to most of the climbers without supplemental oxygen.
A brief history of the Lhotse expedition
Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger of a Swiss Everest/Lhotse expedition climbed Lhotse main for the first time on May 18, 1956. Likewise, an Austrian team of Sepp Mayerl and Rolf Walter climbed Lhotse Shar on May 12, 1970. Surprisingly, Lhotse Middle remained unclimbed for a long time until a Russian expedition by Eugeny Vinogradsky, Sergei Timofeev, Alexei Bolotov, and Petr Kuznetsov made the first ascent on May 23, 2001.
Is This Expedition Right For You?
- Lhotse is the 4th highest mountain in the world that shares proximity with Everest. So close that even the route to both mountains is the same till halfway.
- For the Lhotse expedition, you’ll need a permit from the Nepal government. For that, you need to have prior experience of climbing an over 8000m mountain.
- Lhotse costs a lot cheaper compared to Everest while offering similar experiences. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative mountain to climb, this one is perfect.
- Lhotse expedition takes you to the remote Khumbu region in Nepal. The facilities of food and accommodation here are basic as you go higher. Be prepared for that.
- Climbing Lhotse demands excellent physical and mental strength and the ability to make better decisions at the right time.
Lhotse Expedition - Outline Itinerary
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude (in meters) | Duration (in hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel | 1400m | - |
| Day 02 | Prepared Expedition, Hotel | 1400m | - |
| Day 03 | Expedition Briefing in Ministry of Tourism, Hotel | 1400m | - |
| Day 04 | Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding, Lodge | 2610m | 45 mins flight/ 4 hours hike |
| Day 05 | Trek to Namche, Lodge | 3440m | 7hrs |
| Day 06 | Rest day Namche Bazaar, Lodge | 3440m | |
| Day 07 | Trek to Thyangboche, lodge | 3860m | 5 hrs |
| Day 08 | Trek to Pheriche, Lodge | 4410m | 5 Hrs |
| Day 09 | Trek to Lobuche, Lodge | 4910m | 4hrs |
| Day 10 | Trek to Everest Base Camp | 5364m | 5-6 hours |
| Day 11-43 | Climbing Period of Mount Lhotse 8,516m, Camping | 8516m | - |
| Day 44 | Base Camp Preparation, Lodge | 5364m | |
| Day 45 | Trek to Pheriche, Lodge | 4410m | 6-7 hours |
| Day 46 | Trek to Namche, lodge | 3440 | 5-6 hours |
| Day 47 | Trek to Lukla, lodge | 2850m | 4-5 hours |
| Day 48 | Fly to back to Kathmandu & transfer to hotel | 1400m | 45 minutes |
| Day 49 | Free Day in Kathmandu, Hotel | 1400m | 45 minutes |
| Day 50 | Lhotse Expedition trip ends/Last departure | 1400m | - |
Why You Will Love This Lhotse Expedition?
- Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8516m and closest to Everest.
- You will trek to one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world, the Khumbu region.
- You will travel through hills, villages, dense forests, rivers, glaciers, and mountains to reach the Everest base camp.
- Explore and experience the culture and lifestyle of the Sherpa community first hand.
- You will climb with top-level mountaineers with years of experience in climbing and running expeditions.
- You will have time to see the unmatchable view of the Khumbu region from the top of Lhotse.
- Your expedition is very similar to Everest so much that the route to Everest is the same as the route to Lhotse till halfway.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel
Altitude: 1400m
As you arrive at Kathmandu airport, our representative will greet you at the airport and guide you to your hotel. The hotel will be a 3-star or 5-star hotel depending on your package. You can rest for the day or even explore a little. For the evening, we will have tasty, delicious Nepali cuisine for you. Enjoy your dinner.
Important notes
You will have traveled across multiple time zones by the time you reach Nepal. It is important you get proper rest and adjust yourself with the time here. Besides, problems with jetlag can also troublesome people. The best way to treat all of that is to get proper sleep and rest.
Highlights
- Accommodation at a 3-star hotel
- Authentic and tasty Nepali cuisine for dinner
Day 2: Rest And Preparation Day For Assignment & Briefing
We will spend the second day of your expedition in Kathmandu and see all the last-minute preparations. In the evening, there will be a briefing session with your guide to give you a clear picture of the itinerary.
The briefing will be helpful to clear all your doubts if there’s any. Since you will be together for the duration of the journey, it is an opportunity to get to know your guide and other team members better.
Highlights
- Introduction and briefing about the trip with the guide
- Last-minute preparation in Kathmandu
- Explore the traditional markets of Kathmandu
Special information
We will introduce you to your guide before dinner. Followed by the dinner is a brief briefing session where you can get complete insights to be clear about your queries. The session will last for about half an hour. Do not forget to attend the session.
Day 3: Expedition Briefing in Ministry of Tourism, Hotel
Altitude: 1400m
Duration: -
On this day, after breakfast, you will head towards the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry of Tourism office hosts a briefing session where you will get details on everything you want. The major focus of this session is understanding the do’s and don’ts of activities while you’re in the mountains. You should strictly adhere to the conditions mentioned there for a successful expedition. By the end of the session, we will hand you your permit. Keep it safe as you will need it repeatedly.
Highlights
- Receive permits for expedition
- Detailed briefing session explaining your roles and responsibility
Day 4: Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding
Altitude: 2610m
The third day marks the official start of the trek as you set out on the journey to summit the 4th highest mountain in the world. After early morning breakfast, you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The flight takes you over the Himalayas, offering magnificent views of the mountains.
A short and thrilling 45-minute flight takes you from 1400m Kathmandu to Lukla at 2840m, which is the gateway to Everest.
On landing in Lukla, you will walk further ahead to the village of Phakding. Walking for about 4 hours through dense rhododendron forest and some picturesque village, you will finally arrive in Phakding.
Highlights
- Exhilarating flight over the great Himalayan range
- Exquisite views of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest
- Short downhill walk through rhododendron forests
- Walkthrough traditional Sherpa villages
Day 5: Trek to Namche
Altitude: 3440m
The trek on this day starts after a quick breakfast in Phakding. Stretch and warm-up before you hit the trail. The trail on this day passes through the highest altitude national park, the Sagarmatha National Park. Here, you will encounter wildflowers, dense forests of pine trees and rhododendrons. If lucky, you may see some wildlife too.
Passing through small Sherpa villages that reflect the centuries-old tradition and culture, you’ll see beautiful, picturesque stone houses as you reach Namche. Namche Bazaar is the headquarter of the Khumbu region, and also our destination for the day.
Highlights
- Walkthrough one of the highest altitude national parks, the Sagarmatha National Park
- Witness the wilderness of Himalayas firsthand
- Immerse yourself into the traditional Sherpa culture
- Night at a well-facilitated lodge
Day 6: Rest day Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3440m
You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Namche. If you’re a sunrise person get up at around 5 am and hike to the Everest View Hotel. Here you’ll see spectacular views of the world’s tallest mountain. It takes 1-2 hours from Namche to reach there.
In Namche, you can visit the Hillary Museum named after Sir Edmund Hillary. This museum showcases the long-glorifying history of the mountaineering world. If you’re interested in exploring the local culture, there is a Sherpa museum too. There you will see a prototype of a typical Sherpa household.
For the evening, you can sit in a restaurant and enjoy quality food. You may as well take a stroll around the local market and collect souvenirs.
Highlights
- Early morning hike to the Everest View Hotel for unmatchable views of surrounding peaks
- Visit the Hilary Museum
- Get familiar with a traditional sherpa culture visiting the Sherpa Museum
- Explore the local market and enjoy your dinner in a quality restaurant
Important notes
Sleeping and drinking alcohol can have adverse effects while acclimating. It will not let your body adapt to change in the surroundings. Seeing all the fancy-looking bars and pubs sometimes can allure you for two drinks with friends. But you can do all the celebrations on the way back.
Day 7: Trek to Thyangboche, lodge
Altitude: 3860m
After a day of acclimatization, you continue your hike the next day. It is an easy day in terms of walking. The trails are easy and not too steep while the mountains appear around you. Be prepared to be awestruck with the beautiful mountain view all around.
Trekkers regard this day as one of the most rewarding ones. The beauty of the Himalayas comes to life on this day. The trail to Tengboche passes along tiny villages, forests, and rivers such as Imja Khola. Finally, you will arrive at the spiritual epicenter of the Khumbu region, the Tengboche Monastery.
Highlights
- Feel the spiritual energy of the mountains
- Visit the largest monastery of the region, Tengboche Monastery
- Walk alongside the Dudh Kunda River
- Exquisite view of mountains to motivate you
Day 8: Trek to Pheriche, Lodge
Altitude: 4410m
After delicious early morning breakfast in Tengboche, you will descend through a hillside towards the small village of Deboche—a secluded place with its own unique charm.
Soon after, you will leave Deboche, crossing multiple suspension bridges over the Imja Khola. For your lunch break, you’ll stop at Pangboche. Amadablam stands tall and keeps you company.
The trail moves uphill with prayer flags alongside mani walls until you reach Dingboche, known for its agricultural livelihood. Though it is above 4000m, it receives rainfall from the monsoon, making it favorable for food production. By the afternoon, you will be at Dingboche.
Highlights
- Cross multiple suspension bridges with prayer flags
- Mesmerizing views of Ama Dablam and several other peaks
- Pass through multiple settlements above 4000m
Day 9: Trek to Lobuche
Altitude: 4910m
The day starts with a brief climb up to the Pheriche valley. The landscape changes drastically on this day. Alpine shrubs disappear, and we frequently encounter yak pastures. Peaks of Tawoch, Cholotse, and Ama Dablam are an absolute delight to watch on this day.
By now, you will walk above the altitude of 4500m, so it's wise to trek slow. The trail continues to Thokla Pass. It may seem a little hard at this point. However, the views will make you forget about the difficulties. When you finally reach Lobuche, it rewards you with the panoramic views of Nuptse, Lhotse, and some other above 7000-meter peaks.
Highlights
- The surrounding rocky landscape with a few alpine shrubs
- Delightful panoramic views of Nuptse, Lhotse, and some other 7000 meter peaks
- An excellent day for photographers and videographers.
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp
Altitude: 5364m
On this day, after an early breakfast, you will head out for Gorakshep. The trail from Lobuche to Gorakshep is rough but short. It takes about 3 hours to reach.
The trail on this day follows through rocky terrain. The views on here and onwards are out of this world. Crossing a few streams, you will reach the Everest Base Camp. For a mountaineer, this feeling of standing at the bottom of a mountain you aim to summit is euphoric.
By the time you reach the base camp, our Sherpas will have everything set up and ready.
Day 11: Day 11-43: Climbing period
Altitude: 8516m
After properly acclimatizing to the altitude, the expedition starts from this day and onwards. You will train, learning, and preparing yourself for the climb. Before starting, there’s a small briefing session regarding the route to follow, and the approach used for climbing.
You will be continuously ascending and descending through different camps at different altitudes. The ascending and descending process lets you acclimatize properly with the altitude.
For the first part of the climb, the route to the Lhotse summit follows the same route as Everest. Khumbu Icefall is the most challenging part of all. Time to time, enormous ice blocks break out from the glacier. The size of the blocks can range from the size of a car to the size of a multi-storeyed building. It is crucial to take on the icefall early in the morning, as the sun’s heat during the day can cause the icefall to break down.
Your guide will be along with you to support and ensure your safety throughout the trek. Lhotse is not an easy climb and demands some experience of mountaineering. If you have the experience, it is not a difficult mountain either.
The view from the top is one of its kind. You will see Everest as your closest friend and other several 8000ers spread out as far as your eyes can see. A profound feeling of joy and accomplishment takes over while you’re at the top.
On the 50th day, you will be back at the base camp after a successful ascent of the Lhotse main peak. With a tired body and a heart full of joy, you finally get to rest properly in the well-managed camps at the base camp.
Highlights
- An extraordinary view of the surrounding mountains
- Climb with the best sherpas
- Climb the risky yet beautiful Khumbu Icefall
Day 12: Base Camp Preparation, Lodge
Altitude: 5364m
You are finally at the base camp after a successful ascent of Lhotse. The joy of a successful ascent will still linger on. You will get a day to spend at the base camp and cherish the feeling of a successful ascent well enough.
It is also the day for packing up all your belongings before leaving the base camp. Besides packing your belongings, this is also the day for you to clean up the base camp and do your part as a mountaineer. Get along with the team, decompose all the degradable, and collect the non-biodegradable and carry them back.
Important notes
At NST, we dedicate ourselves to keeping our mountains clean. That is why we encourage our clients to take part along with us for a cause to save these mountains.
Highlights
- Packing of belongings
- Soak in the sun and admire the surrounding mountains
- Engage in a clean-up program
Day 13: Trek to Pheriche, Lodge
Altitude: 4410
From this day, you will trace your steps back to get back to Kathmandu after a successful ascent. Walking back becomes a lot easier after climbing an 8000er and adjusting to the altitude for more than a month.
Follow the same trail through rocky moraine and streams flowing by the sides. In no time, you will reach Gorakshep, which is your lunch spot. After lunch, keep walking, enjoying the views of surrounding snow-capped mountains until you reach Lobuche.
Continue your walk through the comfortable trail, which is mostly downhill. Using your trekking pole will help you a lot while walking downhill. Finally, as you reach Pheriche, you call it a day off.
Highlights
- Captivating views throughout the trek
- Comfortable walk.
Day 14: Trek to Namche
Altitude: 3440m
This day is another day of comfortably trekking through the Himalayas. The trek begins from Pheriche after an early breakfast. Use your trekking poles, walk slowly through the rocky trails, and enjoy the majestic views of the surrounding mountains.
Walk a couple of hours, and you reach Tengboche. Do not forget to pay a quick visit to the monastery after the completion of the expedition. You will pass through some old Sherpa villages on the way. Do not forget to take plenty of pictures.
Towards the end of the trek, the walk is mostly along the natural stone-made stairs. Maintain balance and keep your legs safe from hurting by using the trekking poles appropriately.
Highlights
- Enjoy the traditional rural life of Sherpa people
- Visit the Tengboche monastery and pay your respects
- Evergreen view of the surrounding mountains.
Day 15: Trek to Lukla
Altitude: 2850m
This day marks the ending day of our trek. After a delicious breakfast, you will walk through the dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and fir trees. It is a comfortable walk through small settlements.
Once you arrive in Lukla, after a delicious lunch together, you can tip the staff members and bid farewell to them. Get packed for an early flight the next day.
Highlights
- Walk through dense forests of rhododendron, pine and fir trees
- Team lunch and farewell
Day 16: Fly to back to Kathmandu & transfer to hotel
Altitude: 1400m
A short and exhilarating flight will take you to Kathmandu on this day. After an early breakfast, you will head towards the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. In no time, you will fly over the Himalayas, enjoying the majestic view of the snow-capped mountains for the last time.
Highlights
- Exciting flight with an exotic view of mountains.
Day 17: Free Day in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m
This day is your last day in Kathmandu. On this day, you have the option to explore the city. There are many things you can do while you’re in Kathmandu. It is better to plan a day so you can manage your time effectively.
You can go for sightseeing as there are 7 world heritage sites in and around Kathmandu. Take a stroll around the traditional markets of Kathmandu and get a souvenir for family and friends. You may as well explore some local eateries and taste some delicious local food. Other than that, you can take a massage, go out for a drink and do almost anything that you wish and is legal.
Highlights
- Quality time on your own
- Explore world heritage sites
- Know about ancient art and architecture
- Taste delicious local food
Day 18: Lhotse Expedition trip ends/Final departure
Altitude: 1400m
This day is your last day in Kathmandu. After breakfast, our representative will guide you to the airport. Here, we’ll wave our goodbyes to each other and end our trip. We wish you a bright future ahead.
Highlights
- Quality time on your own
- Explore world heritage sites
- Learn about ancient art and architecture
- Taste delicious local food
Includes
- Arrival and departure cost on domestic and international flights
- Food and accommodation in Kathmandu on B/B plan
- All the meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast) during the Trekking and climbing of Lhotse Summit and back
- All the transportation services from initial and endpoints of Lhotse Expedition
- Climbing Sherpa guide for the expedition
- Lhotse Expedition Group climbing equipment like climbing rope, ice ax, ice screw, ice bar, etc.
- All the required permits for Lhotse Expedition
- High altitude meals
- All the insurance and expenses of the Liaison officer (Government of Nepal)
- All necessary camping and kitchen equipment provided including base camp tents, dining tent with table and backrest chair, kitchen with all utensils, toilet with commode, etc.
- High altitude tents and the crucial gadgets like EPI gas and burner for the high climb
- Warm clothes and trek gear for Nepali staffs, including porters
- Life and medical insurance of all the staff and porters
- Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) and Gamow Bag, along with the comprehensive first-aid kit
- Communication devices like a walkie talkie and satellite phone in case of emergency
- Emergency Oxygen with regulator and mask while climbing Lhotse
- Agency service charge
- Farewell dinner with Nepali song and dance
Excludes
- International airfare and airport tax
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Medical and personal high-risk insurance
- Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
- Bar and beverage bills
- Personal climbing gears and equipment
- Emergency rescue evacuation
- Climbing bonus and tips for Lhotse Base Camp staffs and personal expenses
- Permit fees and charge for satellite phone, communication gadget, and commercial filming while on Lhotse Expedition.
- Garbage deposit USD3k (sharing of the total person). The deposit fee won’t be refunded if the climbers don’t take back their garbage to Kathmandu.
Review
Nar phu valley trek with Kamal guide, perfect!
My partner and I went on a 9-day trek in the Nar and Phu Valley. Our Kamal guide was just perfect! Professional and very nice, he accompanied us along with the porter Prim throughout the itinerary, adapting it to our needs and desires. I don't think we could have fallen into better hands than Kamal, he promptly solved all the little problems we encountered, he was fantastic as was the porter Prim. Amazing experience thank you!
Nepal Social Treks Review
I’ve just completed the 15 day Everest Base Camp trek with Nepal Social Treks and can’t praise the company, guide & porter highly enough. My guide in particular, Lhakpa was an absolute star who could not do enough to make the time away as comfortable as possible. Considerate, knowledgeable, funny, kind & inspiring. I genuinely don’t think I could have completed the trek without their support! A lifetime ambition completed thanks :)
EBC by Gokyo
If you are planning to do the EBC, the Agency should be Nepal Social Trek and the Guide should be Santa Thabir Magar. Permanent communication during trekking and excellent coordination at all times. The alternative I recommend is Gokyo. Something heavier than the classic, but definitely extraordinary. Also the views of the great mountains during the circuit, are not to forget them
Ho prenotato il viaggio dall'italia. C'è stato qualche problema non dovuto all'agenzia perchè non sono partiti voli per giorni per l'everest e loro prontamente hanno sistemato tutto. Narayan, la mia guida e amrit il mio porter sono stati fantastici. Grazie grazie grazie
Great Anil Sherpa
FAQs
Where is Lhotse?
The Lhotse massif is just 3km south of the world’s highest mountain, Everest. It falls in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It is a high mountainous region in Nepal where some of the world’s highest mountains stand tall. Lhotse massif comprises three major peaks: Lhotse main (8516m), Lhotse Middle (8413m), and Lhotse Shar (8383m).
How long does the Lhotse expedition last?
The Lhotse expedition takes about 50 days in total after you arrive in Kathmandu. Your arrival marks the start of the expedition. It takes 6-7 days of hiking through the picturesque hills, forests, rivers, and villages to reach the Everest base camp, the starting point of the climb. Once you start climbing, it takes 32 days to climb the summit and return to the base camp.
How hard is Lhotse to climb?
Lhotse is a moderately hard mountain to climb. The route to Lhotse is the same as the route to Everest for almost halfway. As a result, there are tough sections like the Khumbu Icefall. As you go higher, the climb becomes easier comparatively.
How can I prepare for the Lhotse expedition?
Lhotse expedition demands excellent physical strength, mental stability, strong determination, and decision-making ability. With that said, to get the expedition’s permit, you should submit your health report of the last six months showing that you’re perfectly fine. Likewise, previous experience of climbing mountains of Nepal is a must. It gives you an idea about what to expect in the mountains. It makes you familiar with the extreme weather that changes quickly.
How much does it cost for the Lhotse expedition?
Expedition cost for Lhotse is a lot lesser compared to the cost for the Everest expedition. The permit fees for the Lhotse expedition costs USD 1800 in spring, USD 900 in autumn, and USD 450 in winter/summer. However, remember that this is not the overall cost but the permit fees you need to pay to the government. For all the logistics, the costs depend according to the company that you’re involved with.