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Lhotse Expedition – 55 Days

Lhotse Expedition – 55 Days

Climb the world’s fourth-highest mountain, next door to Everest

5.0/5 · 6 reviews From $24,000 per person
Duration
55 Days / 54 Nights
Max altitude
8,516 m (Lhotse summit)
Difficulty
Strenuous
Best season
Apr, May
Group size
Up to 8

Overview

A journey through the Himalayas

Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain on Earth and shares Everest’s route as far as Camp 3. The final climb goes up a narrow, steep couloir to a summit with a close view of Everest’s South Face.

Fly to Lukla and trek through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m. Climb through the Khumbu Icefall to Camp 1 (6,065 m) and Camp 2 (6,400 m), up the Lhotse Face to Camp 3 (7,100 m) and Camp 4 (7,950 m), then the couloir to the summit. Trek out to Lukla.

Climbers who have summited a 7,000–8,000 m peak and are confident on ladders, fixed ropes and steep ice. It is a two-month commitment.

Why book with us: A 1:1 climbing Sherpa, supplemental oxygen, a Spanish-speaking guide on the approach, and a gradual trek-in for acclimatisation.

Difficulty & fitness Strenuous

Remote, very high terrain. For fit and experienced trekkers.

Day By Day

Your itinerary

Altitude profile Highest point: 8,516 m
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 Day 1: 1,400 m 1 Day 2: 1,400 m Day 3: 2,860 m 3 Day 4: 3,440 m Day 5: 3,880 m 5 Day 6: 3,860 m Day 7: 4,410 m 7 Day 8: 5,083 m Day 9: 4,940 m 9 Day 10: 5,364 m Day 11: 5,364 m 11 Day 14: 8,516 m 14 Day 49: 4,240 m 49 Day 50: 3,440 m Day 51: 2,860 m 51 Day 52: 1,400 m Day 53: 1,400 m 53 Day 55: 1,400 m 8,516 m

Highest point reached each day, taken from the itinerary. Gradual gains give your body time to acclimatize.

Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel in Thamel.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel

Expedition briefing at the Department of Tourism, oxygen mask fitting and a full gear check.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel
  • B

Early flight to Lukla (2,860 m), then 3–4 hours down the Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

  • 2,860 m
  • Teahouse in Phakding
  • B, L, D

Cross the suspension bridges and climb steeply to Namche. 6–7 hours.

  • 3,440 m
  • Teahouse in Namche
  • B, L, D

Hike to the Everest View Hotel and Khumjung, then back to Namche. 4–5 hours.

  • 3,880 m
  • Teahouse in Namche
  • B, L, D

Balcony trail with Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam ahead, then a climb to Tengboche Monastery. 5–6 hours.

  • 3,860 m
  • Teahouse in Tengboche
  • B, L, D

Pass Pangboche and climb into the Imja valley to Dingboche. 5–6 hours.

  • 4,410 m
  • Teahouse in Dingboche
  • B, L, D

Hike up Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) for views of Makalu and Lhotse, then back down. 4–5 hours.

  • 5,083 m
  • Teahouse in Dingboche
  • B, L, D

Climb past the climbers’ memorials at Thukla Pass to Lobuche. 5–6 hours.

  • 4,940 m
  • Teahouse in Lobuche
  • B, L, D

Walk via Gorak Shep along the Khumbu glacier to base camp, home for the next five weeks. 6–7 hours.

  • 5,364 m
  • Tent at base camp
  • B, L, D

Puja ceremony, rest and training on ladders and fixed ropes at the foot of the Icefall.

  • 5,364 m
  • Tent at base camp
  • B, L, D

Two or three rotations through the Icefall to Camps 1, 2 and 3, then the summit push via Camp 4 (7,950 m) and the Lhotse couloir to 8,516 m, using oxygen above Camp 3. Spare days are kept for weather.

  • 8,516 m
  • Tents at base camp and high camps
  • B, L, D

Leave base camp and walk down to Pheriche. 6–7 hours.

  • 4,240 m
  • Teahouse in Pheriche
  • B, L, D

Descend past Tengboche to Namche. 6–7 hours.

  • 3,440 m
  • Teahouse in Namche
  • B, L, D

Last day on the trail along the Dudh Koshi to Lukla. 6–7 hours.

  • 2,860 m
  • Teahouse in Lukla
  • B, L, D

Morning flight to Kathmandu. Afternoon free.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel
  • B

Kept free for Lukla flight delays. Collect your summit certificate from the Department of Tourism and join the farewell dinner.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel
  • B, D

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

  • 1,400 m
  • B

Good To Know

What's included

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Kathmandu hotel nights with breakfast, as listed in the itinerary
  • All transport and domestic flights in the itinerary
  • Climbing permit (royalty) and liaison officer fees
  • Licensed trekking guide (English or Spanish) on the approach
  • Experienced climbing Sherpa on the mountain
  • Porters or yaks to carry expedition loads to base camp
  • Teahouse rooms and all meals on the approach trek
  • Base camp: tents, dining tent, toilet tent, cook and kitchen team, all meals
  • High-altitude tents, stoves, fuel and food
  • Fixed ropes and group climbing equipment
  • Satellite phone and radios
  • First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and Gamow bag
  • Garbage deposit and waste removal
  • Staff wages, food, gear and insurance
  • Lhotse climbing permit, Khumbu Icefall route fee, Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permits
  • Supplemental oxygen with mask and regulator
  • 1:1 climbing Sherpa

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa
  • Insurance with helicopter rescue and cover for climbing to the summit altitude (required)
  • Personal climbing gear (boots, harness, crampons, ice axe, down suit)
  • Summit bonus for climbing Sherpas
  • Tips for trek and base camp staff
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging on the approach
  • Extra nights from flight delays, weather or early return
  • Extra oxygen bottles beyond those included in the package

Best Time To Go

When to trek

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
  • Best
  • Possible
  • Monsoon, not ideal

Recommended: Apr, May. We run this trek on the dates you choose. Tell us when you would like to go and we will check conditions for you.

Make It Yours

Tailor this trek to you

This itinerary is a starting point. Tell us what matters to you and we will shape the trip around it.

  • Private departure on the dates you choose
  • Extra rest or acclimatization days
  • Your choice of hotel level in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • A guide who speaks Spanish or English
Customize this trek

Questions

Before you go

The route is the same up to Camp 3. Lhotse then goes up a steep, narrow couloir instead of the South Col, so there is less traffic but more rockfall risk near the top.
Yes, as a combined expedition of about 65 days with a second permit and extra oxygen. Ask us for a separate quote.
It is the most hazardous part of the route because of moving ice. We cross it early in the morning, keep rotations to a minimum and follow the Icefall Doctors’ route.
At least one 7,000 m summit, ideally an 8,000 m one, and comfort on ladders and steep ice. We ask for your climbing history before confirming.

Reviews

What our travellers say

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 6 travellers

My trekking experience in Nepal was absolutely incredible. From arriving in Kathmandu to the mountains of the Himalaya, everything was perfectly organised. The guides were professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the region. I felt safe at all times, even travelling alone. Without a doubt, I recommend this...
C Carlos Martínez Spain
I went on a solo trekking adventure to the Everest region with Unique Nepal Treks and Expedition, and it was life-changing! The itinerary was perfectly planned, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. From arranging flights and hotels to transportation and trekking support, everything was seamless. I felt safe...
R Rohan Sharma Delhi, India · Everest Region
From the moment I landed in Nepal, everything was taken care of with professionalism and warmth. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trek. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the experience was life-changing. I highly recommend this agency — they are truly the best in Nepal...
Sophie Laurent Sophie Laurent France
Read all reviews →

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