# 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 facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 55 days - **Difficulty:** Very strenuous, technical - **Activity:** Mountaineering expedition - **Max altitude:** 8,516 m (summit of Lhotse) - **Best season:** Spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) - **Group size:** 1–12 climbers - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, lodges on the approach, tents at base camp and high camps - **Meals:** All meals during the expedition; breakfast in Kathmandu - **Price:** from US$24,900 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/lhotse-expedition - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=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](/category/expeditions-in-nepal) for requirements, permits and how to prepare. ### At a glance FactDetailsSummit8,516 mRoutewest face and Lhotse couloirDuration55 days from KathmanduBase campEverest Base Camp, about 5,364 mHigh campsCamp 1 (about 6,065 m), Camp 2 (about 6,400 m), Camp 3 (about 7,100 m), Camp 4 (about 7,800 m)RoyaltyIncludedCostFrom US$24,900 per climber ## 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 ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner with the expedition team. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2–3: Preparation, gear check and permits Equipment check, expedition briefing at the Ministry of Tourism and final shopping in Thamel. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 4: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding Flight to Lukla and walk to Phakding. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,610 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_ ### Day 5–6: Trek to Namche Bazaar and acclimatise Climb to Namche and spend a day acclimatising. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_ ### Day 7–11: Trek to base camp Via Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche to Everest Base Camp. _Walking: 5–6 hours a day · Altitude: 5,364 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge, then tent_ ### Day 12–49: Climbing period Icefall training, rotations to Camps 1–3 on the Lhotse Face, and the summit push through the Lhotse couloir. _Altitude: 8,516 m · Meals: All meals · Overnight: Tents_ ### Day 50–52: Trek out to Lukla Trek down via Pheriche and Namche. _Walking: 6–7 hours a day · Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_ ### Day 53: Fly to Kathmandu Flight back to Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 54: Reserve days in Kathmandu Contingency days for weather or flight delays; otherwise free time and a celebration dinner. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 55: Departure Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is 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 information ### 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 ## Frequently asked questions ### How high is Lhotse? **8,516 m**. ### How long is the Lhotse expedition? **55 days** from Kathmandu. ### How much does it cost? From **US$24,900 per climber**, including the permit and royalty. ### What experience do I need? At least one 7,000 m peak or several high 6,000 m peaks, and solid technical skills. ### Can I combine Lhotse with Everest? Yes, experienced climbers sometimes attempt both on one permit season; ask us.