Lhotse South face Expedition is best known for its proximity to Mount Everest and at 8,516 metres it is the 4th highest Peak in the world. The climbing route for the Lhotse Expedition follows the same route as the climb on Everest, including the aptly named Lhotse face almost all the way till Everest’s Geneva Spur from where it follows a steep climb through a long couloir to the summit.
Lhotse has three summits, of which the lowest is 8,383 metres high (Lhotse Shar). Next in order of altitude is Lhotse East, also known as Middle, standing at the height of 8,413 metres. The highest peak at 8,516 metres is called Lhotse Main. It was reached for the first time in 1956. Interestingly, the first successful ascent on Lhotse Middle was only in 2001.
Overview
Lhotse South Face expedition involves climbing the Lhotse mountain, the fourth-highest peak in the world, via the South Face, a challenging route that includes the Lhotse Couloir and requires significant technical skills and acclimatization.
Trip Highlights
- Mt Lhotse is an eight-thousander, and ranks as the fourth highest in the world.
- culture of remote traditional villages similar to Tibet.
- Beat team support regarding oxygen, first aid, meals, accommodations, and other logistics.
- Trekking through the lush natural trails to arrive at the base camp.
- Trek and climb with our experienced Sherpa Climbing Guides.
- Exploring the serene landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park.
- The support of the best and most experienced Sherpa guides.
- Test your high altitude climbing skills on this mountain.
- Observing the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
- Exploring the cultural and religious heritage of the region.
- Training with veteran climbers and mountaineers.
- Climbing the Island peak for acclimatization.
- Practice ground for other climbs above 8000m.
- well set up camps and logistics in the mountain.
- Incredible hospitality and warm welcome along the trails.
Itinerary
Cost Includes
- Arrival and departure transfer services to Domestic flight as per itinerary.
- Assistance at the International airport by Everest Alpine Trekking while arriving and departing in Kathmandu.
- 4 Nights 4-star category hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on B/B basis.
- Experienced and government licensed high altitude trekking and climbing guide during the trekking and climbing period.
- Schedule Flight Tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu sector to all climbing members, Sherpa guide, liaison officer, and kitchen staff.
- All trekking and mountaineering equipment like; kitchen tent, store tent, dining tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils for advance Base Camp and camp two.
- Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bar etc)
- Services of cook and kitchen boy at Base Camp and cook at Camp 2
- 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinners with tea/ coffee) in available tea house/hotel/lodge during the trekking
- 3 fresh meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinners) will be served at base camp, and camp two.
- All food and fuel for Base Camp and higher camps during the expedition for both members and crews.
- Per person 60kg baggage allowance during trekking-up carrying by porter or Yak to climbing the Base Camp
- Daily Weather Report Services from Seattle based
- Trekking Permit (Everest National Park entry fee)
- TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System).
- Expedition Royalty and climbing permit of Nepal Government to climb Lhoste
- Nepalese Government Royalty and fees;
- One Experienced, Trained, Government Licensed, and 03 Times Everest Summiteers Climbing/expedition Guide (Sherpa) per client.
- All wages, equipment, medical and accidental Insurances for all involved staffs in trekking and expedition.
- Medical consultation services at the base camp with the HRA clinic at the base camp.
- Equipment allowances and wages for Climbing Sherpa’s, cooks, kitchen boys.
- Equipment allowances and wages for Government Liaison Officer.
- First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.
- Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication and available for members with the cost of US$ 3 per minute call.
- Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required.
- Required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period.
- The heater will be provided at base camp for heating the dining room.
- Emergency Oxygen, mask, and regulator provided on requirement of guest with appropriate charge
- Each expedition member will have an individual tent available in the E.B.C.
- Solar panel for light and battery charger.
- All tents for camp 1, 2, 3, and 4 for members and staff.
- Icefall charges by Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee.
Cost Excludes
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except for the farewell dinner)
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars during the trekking.
- Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips.
- Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc.
- Extra transportation then displays in the itinerary program.
- Any additional staff other than specified.
- Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization expenses.
- Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue.
- Wallie-talkies & Filming permit (if the special camera or walkies-talkies).
- Personal climbing gears.
- Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phone And Internet expenses.
- Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Camera/Video Fees or Trekking Gears.
- Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods.
- Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa Guides as per Mountaineering Association rules. Minimum US$ 1500.00 per climbing Sherpa guide.
- Tips and gifts for base camp and high altitude trekking and climbing staff are mandatory.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Any extra services or products or offers or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any other item not included in the cost includes section.
FAQS
Yes, it is possible to climb Lhotse without climbing Mount Everest. However, many climbers choose to attempt both mountains during the same expedition due to their proximity and shared climbing routes.
There are no specific age restrictions for climbing Lhotse. However, climbers are required to be in excellent physical condition and have the necessary mountaineering experience.
Yes, prior mountaineering experience is essential to climb Lhotse. It is recommended to have experience in high-altitude climbing, technical ice and rock climbing, and be comfortable with long-duration expeditions.
Climbing Lhotse, like any high-altitude mountaineering, carries inherent risks. The extreme altitude, harsh weather conditions, avalanches, and technical difficulties make it a challenging and potentially dangerous expedition. It is crucial to have proper training, experience, and safety measures in place.
The duration to summit Lhotse can vary depending on the climbing route, weather conditions, and individual climber’s fitness level. On average, it takes around 2-3 weeks from base camp to reach the summit and return.
One of the curiosity remains fresh in the minds of many, is Lhotse easier or harder than Everest? Well, the answer is not so simple, but since Everest is taller at a height of 8848m in comparison to Lhotse, which stands at a height of 8516m, the former is a bit tougher to expedite in comparison to the latter.
In case of illness or injury during the expedition, it is crucial to have a well-prepared evacuation plan in place. Helicopter rescue services are available in the Everest region, but it is recommended to have appropriate travel insurance that covers high-altitude rescues.
The cost of a Lhotse expedition can vary depending on several factors, including the climbing route, duration, support services, and logistical arrangements. On average, the cost can range from $35,000 to $45,000 or more.
The best time to climb Lhotse is during the pre-monsoon season (April-May) and post-monsoon season (September-October). These periods typically have more stable weather conditions and lower chances of avalanches.
Lhotse is considered to be slightly less difficult to climbing than Mount Everest, but it still presents significant challenges. The technical difficulty and steepness of certain sections of Lhotse make it a demanding climbing.
Lhotse is 610 meters (2,000 feet) above the lowest point on the South Col—just enough for it to be considered an independent mountain. If Lhotse’s topographic prominence were less than 500 meters, it would be considered a subsidiary peak of Everest. Still, climbers often clump the two together.
An Everest-Lhotse double expedition is the ultimate prize of the Khumbu Valley for those who want to take on the feat of climbing two 8,000m peaks within a single 24-hour period.
