Lhotse Expedition
The Lhotse expedition is a full-service climb of the 8,516 m peak by the west face and Lhotse couloir. The world's fourth-highest mountain shares the route with Everest as far as the Lhotse Face, then climbs the steep Lhotse couloir to the summit. A Swiss team made the first ascent in 1956.
Our 55-day expedition includes the climbing permit and royalty, an experienced climbing Sherpa for every climber on summit day, base camp and high camp services, supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator, and all logistics from Kathmandu.
Trip highlights
- Summit of Lhotse, 8,516 m
- The west face and Lhotse couloir
- Experienced climbing Sherpas
- Full base camp and high camp services
- Permits, royalty and logistics handled
Short itinerary
View detailed itinerary- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) 1,400 m
- Day 2–3 Preparation, gear check and permits 1,400 m
- Day 4 Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding 2,610 m
- Day 5–6 Trek to Namche Bazaar and acclimatise 3,440 m
- Day 7–11 Trek to base camp 5,364 m
- Day 12–49 Climbing period 8,516 m
- Day 50–52 Trek out to Lukla 2,860 m
- Day 53 Fly to Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 54 Reserve days in Kathmandu 1,400 m
- Day 55 Departure 1,400 m
Lhotse Expedition overview
Quick answer: a 55-day Lhotse expedition by the west face and Lhotse couloir, from US$24,900 per climber, including the permit and royalty, climbing Sherpa support, base camp and high camp services and supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator.
This expedition is for experienced mountaineers. See our guide to expeditions in Nepal for requirements, permits and how to prepare.
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Summit | 8,516 m |
| Route | west face and Lhotse couloir |
| Duration | 55 days from Kathmandu |
| Base camp | Everest Base Camp, about 5,364 m |
| High camps | Camp 1 (about 6,065 m), Camp 2 (about 6,400 m), Camp 3 (about 7,100 m), Camp 4 (about 7,800 m) |
| Royalty | Included |
| Cost | From US$24,900 per climber |
Day-by-day itinerary
What’s included
Included
- Airport transfers and hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Expedition permit and government royalty
- Liaison officer, garbage deposit and national park or conservation fees
- Domestic flights or road transport to and from the mountain
- Lodges and meals on the approach trek
- Base camp: individual tent, dining and kitchen tents, cook and kitchen team, all meals
- Experienced climbing Sherpa (1:1 on summit day)
- High-altitude tents, food and fuel at high camps
- Supplemental oxygen, mask and regulator
- Contribution to fixed ropes on the route
- Satellite phone and radios for communication
- Insurance for Nepali staff
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Personal climbing equipment
- Climbing and travel insurance including helicopter evacuation (mandatory)
- Summit bonus for climbing Sherpas
- Extra oxygen beyond the allowance
- Helicopter flights unless stated
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses and tips
Useful info
Experience
You should have climbed at least one 7,000 m peak, or several high 6,000 m peaks, and be confident with crampons, ice axe, fixed ropes, jumar and abseiling. Send us your climbing CV when you enquire.
Fitness
Train for 6–12 months with long days carrying a pack, uphill endurance work and strength training.
Insurance
Insurance covering climbing to the summit altitude and helicopter evacuation is mandatory.
Rules
Since September 2025, Nepal does not allow solo expeditions on peaks over 8,000 m; every climber is accompanied by a licensed guide or climbing Sherpa.
Packing list
- Down climbing suit and expedition down jacket
- High-altitude double boots
- Crampons, ice axe, harness, jumar and descender
- Expedition sleeping bag rated to about –35°C
- Expedition mitts and gloves
- Glacier glasses and goggles
- Helmet
Add-ons & trip options
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
- Private expedition with your own Sherpa team.
- Extra oxygen and a personal oxygen plan.
- Helicopter return from base camp.
Frequently asked questions
8,516 m.
55 days from Kathmandu.
From US$24,900 per climber, including the permit and royalty.
At least one 7,000 m peak or several high 6,000 m peaks, and solid technical skills.
Yes, experienced climbers sometimes attempt both on one permit season; ask us.