Mt. Lhotse 8,516m. South Face Expedition

Trip Overview

Departure Detail
Spring Season                                                                                Autumn Season
Kathmandu Arrival Date: April 02, 2026                        Kathmandu Arrival Date: September 25, 2026
Expedition Fixed Departure Date: April 05, 2026        Expedition Fixed Departure Date: October 28, 2026

Mt. Lhotse is best known for its proximity to Mt. Everest and at 8,516 meters 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. It was first climbed by Mr. Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger of Switzerland on May 18, 1956 via West Face route. Interestingly, the first successful ascent on Lhotse Middle was only in 2001.

Lhotse has three summits, of which the lowest is 8,383 meters high (Lhotse Shar). An impressive ring of three peaks makes up the Lhotse massif: Next in order of altitude is Lhotse East, also known as Middle, standing at the height of 8,413 meters. The highest peak at 8,516 meters is called Lhotse Main. The South Face of Lhotse is one of the largest mountain faces in the world. The South Face though attempted many times was successful climbed only in 1984 by Czech expeditions.

Climbing Route:
Leading the way to the summit is the Lhotse Couloir. It is located on the west face, or the Lhotse Face, of the mountain. The couloir is a massive ice gully, and presents the most challenging part of the climb for the expedition members. At certain points its rise is as steep as 80 degrees. It features two rocky areas – the Yellow Band and the already mentioned Geneva Spur. Apart from demanding terrain, climbers going through the gully have to be wary of periodic snowfall. The Lhotse expedition route progresses through the Khumbu icefall. It follows the same path as the standard Everest ascent, up to a point above the Yellow Band. Then, the routes diverge – Everest climbing parties head to the left of South Col, and Lhotse climbers turn right.

Base Camp - 5,200m./17,060ft.
Camp 01 - 5,943m./19,500ft.
Camp 02 - 6,400m./20,998ft.
Camp 03 - 7,200m./23,500ft.
Camp 04 - 7,850m./25,745ft.

Kathmandu is the starting and ending point of the whole journey. The trek we follow begins at Lukla (2850m.) and the initial days of the trek pass through the legendary Sherpa country up the spectacular high valley of the Khumbu Region. Along the way, you will visit the Namche Bazar, pulsing with local tradition, as well as the main Buddhist centre in the region – the Tengboche Monastery. From there, you will start the actual climb with high camps on the route. It takes 4 days to reach the foot of Mount Lhotse South Face Base Camp via Dingboche village. This expedition offers picturesque panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges and forests.

Note:
1. If you have your own private group or team, please e-mail us to know the price and details of expedition.
2. Looking to join a group? if so, feel free to contact us for more information.

Note for expedition participants:
Expedition service up to Base Camp: This applies to those who have booked the expedition service - up to Base Camp. The cost does not include the High Altitude (H. A.) Climbing Sherpa guide, food and fuel, tents, climbing gear, fixed ropes up to the summit, or the Sherpa’s bonus beyond Advance Base Camp.

Additional Cost for a High Altitude Climbing Sherpa: USD 4,500 (If required by client).

The additional cost for a High Altitude Climbing Sherpa (H. A.) includes: Expedition equipment allowance, Personal climbing gears, daily wages, food and fuel from base camp to summit, helicopter rescue coverage, medical expenses, accident insurance for the Sherpa, all ground transportation, domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu or Ramechhap–Lukla–Ramechhap), and a personal sleeping tent at base camp, among other essentials.

Summit Bonus for High Altitude Climbing Sherpa (H. A.): USD 500 for reaching Camp at 8,000m, plus USD 1000 for climbing from 8,000m to the summit - total USD 1500. This amount is payable on the spot (ABC) by the climbing member and applies only to those climber who purchase expedition services - up to summit.

We will provide the expedition cost based on your group size and specific service requirements. Please feel free to email us or use the 'Book Expedition' form to send us your inquiry.

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