The 14 EightThousanders

Lhotse

Mount Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world at 8,516 m above sea level; the main summit is located on the border between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and the Khumbu region of Nepal.

Country

Nepal

Peak name

Mt. Lhotse

Duration

60 days

Route

S COL; W-Face

Range

4

Coordinates

27°57'42"N 86°56'00"E

Weather reports

Live weather report

Range

Mahalangur Range

Trip summary

Lhotse, It is the fourth highest mountain in the world, with an altitude of 8,516 meters (27,940 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Its long ridge, which runs east to west, lies immediately south of Mount Everest, and the South Col, a vertical ridge that never dips below 8,000 meters, connects the summits of both mountains. Lhotse has three summits: Main Lhotse (8,516 m), Lhotse Shar (8,383 m), and Middle Lhotse (8,413 m). A deep scar, an icy gully known as the Lhotse Couloir, marks the west face of Lhotse; this couloir is the crucial test for climbing Lhotse, primarily because climbing conditions are affected by the weather and seasonal snowfall. Lhotse was first summited on May 18, 1956, by a Swiss team consisting of Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger. They climbed the mountain via the West Ridge, the same route used for the first ascent of Everest in 1953. Since then, there have been numerous successful ascents of Lhotse, with most climbers using the South Col route, the same route used to climb Everest. Lhotse’s south face is known for being steep and technically challenging, and has only been successfully climbed a few times.

There are many reasons why people choose to climb mountains, and Lhotse is no exception. Climbing Lhotse is a significant challenge and requires a high level of physical fitness, technical climbing skills, and mental fortitude. The mountain is known for its steep and challenging south face, and the thin air and extreme altitude make it a demanding climb.

The Lhotse Seven Summits expedition begins the first week of April from Kathmandu. You will have a couple of days to prepare your equipment and paperwork. Afterward, you will fly to Lukla, from where the actual trek to base camp begins, taking approximately seven days on foot, depending on the itinerary. This trip is ideal for those with prior experience on peaks of 7,000 meters or higher. The route traverses the Khumbu Icefall. Continuing on, we will reach Camp 1, located at the top of the Khumbu Icefall, surrounded by crevasses. From Camp 1, we will cross the lateral moraine to the west ridge, which will give us a close-up view of Lhotse. This is the perfect location for Camp 2. Leaving Camp 2, we will reach the face of Lhotse, crossing glaciers and ice cliffs, where we will establish Camp 3. Camp 4 is located near the South Col. From Camp 4, we will advance through steep rocky sections to the summit.

WHY CLIMB MOUNT LHOTSE WITH SEVEN SUMMIT TREKS?

  • Highly qualified, professional, friendly, and experienced Sherpa climbing guide, kitchen staff, and base camp manager.
  • Well equipped with climbing gear and logistical support for base camp and higher camps.
  • Safety is our top priority, and we take all necessary measures to minimize risks and ensure the well-being of our clients.
  • We offer a variety of itineraries to suit different abilities and interests, so you can choose the option that best meets your needs.
  • Advanced weather forecasting and communication technology.
  • Easy helicopter charter service when required (additional charges apply).
  • 1 climbing Sherpa per member.

“We look forward to serving you and sharing our experience with you”

More Information

Base Camp (5,400 m/17,717 ft)

A scenic flight to Lukla and an additional trek will take you to Lhotse Base Camp (5,400 m). The trek to Base Camp offers magnificent views of the Himalayan range, including Everest, Mount Pumori, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Icefall. Enjoy a warm morning and a lovely, light-filled afternoon, where our best Sherpa team will be waiting for you. At EBC, there will be a large number of groups; however, Seven Summit boasts the best Base Camp. You will spend approximately 45 days at Base Camp. Each member will have an individual tent, and there are shared dining tents, kitchens, showers, communication facilities, and toilets. Before ascending the mountain, we will perform a large ceromantic puja at base camp for good luck and a safe climb. Seven Summits will offer frequent helicopter charter flights to EBC, and each charter flight will bring plenty of fresh vegetables, fresh meat, and drinks.

Camp I (6,065 m/19,898 ft)

Once you arrive at Lhotse Base Camp, your personal climbing sherpa or team leader will receive a base check and advanced training at base camp. You will then cross the Khumbu Icefall. This icefall is 600 meters of moving ice. For better acclimatization, once the Sherpa team has fixed the rope, you will ascend to Camp I, located at an altitude of 6,065 m. In this climbing section, you will encounter mixed terrain with a few crevasses and ice on the glacier section. This will take you 4 to 5 hours of climbing. We will make frequent rotations at Camp I and back to Base Camp.

Camp II (6,750 m/22,146 ft)

Camp II is located at an altitude of 6,500 m. The climb from Camp I to Camp II consists of an intermediate ice section with some mixed sections. In this section, the climb includes sections of rock and glaciers, and in the middle of the glacier, the difficulty is somewhat technical, but there will be a fixed rope. At Camp II, you’ll find the SST fixed mess hall with a kitchen, so this will be the night where we spend the most time after Base Camp. Camp III (7,300 m/23,950 ft) Climbing from Camp II to Camp III is equivalent to climbing from the face of Lhotse to Camp III. The face of Lhotse is steep, and the ice section is harder, but the route is fixed with ropes, and the angles can vary from 30 to 45 degrees. It’s a long climb, and a Sherpa with a fixed rope will be present for safe climbing. You will spend two nights at Camp III before the summit attempt for better acclimatization. Note: Up to Camp III and the rocky section of the Yellow Band, all Everest and Lhotse climbers climb together. Before reaching Camp IV/South Col, the team splits up.

Camp IV (7,900 m/25,919 ft)

From Camp IV, you will have a magnificent view of Mount Everest to the north and Mount Lhotse to the south, covered in loose rock. This is the last camp. The climb to Camp IV is short, but there are some rocky sections, and you should be careful when ascending to Camp IV due to the altitude, as oxygen levels are low. There will be a fixed rope to ensure safe climbing.

Summit (8,516 m/27,940 ft)

The most important day is summit day. It is the main goal of all climbers. It is a day that climbers dream of. Therefore, most climbers begin their ascent to the summit late at night and will hike to the top for approximately 7 to 8 hours, reaching the summit around 6 or 7 am. There is a rocky section called the Yellow Band that leads to the main summit of Mount Lhotse. The summit of Mount Lhotse is breathtaking. You will be mesmerized by the beautiful view of different 8,000 m peaks. On the same day, after taking some photos, you will hike to Camp III or Camp II, which will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. Descending from the summit is also a challenging part of this expedition, so safe descent training is an important part of summit day. Seven Summit Treks will have a Sherpa climber with a member of Camp IV until summit day.

Maximum elevation:

8.516 m / 27.940ft

Walking per day:

5-6 hours

Accommodation:

Hotel + Lodge + Tent

Best season:

Spring

Group size:

2 - 15 PEOPLE

Itinerary

Expedition Log

EVEREST 2026

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel by our team.
Hotel
Rest day in Kathmandu. Expedition briefing and final preparation of technical equipment.
B / L / D Hotel
Domestic flight to Bhadrapur and continuation by road to Phidim.
B / L / D Lodge
Trek following the Dudh Koshi River and a steep ascent to the Sherpa capital, Namche Bazaar.
B / L / D Lodge
Rest day for acclimatization. Optional short hikes to Everest View Hotel.
B / L / D Lodge
Trekking with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam to Dibuche.
B / L / D Lodge
Uphill trek through the Imja Valley to reach the settlement of Dingboche.
B / L / D Lodge
Ascent to Thukla Pass and continuation along the Khumbu Glacier moraine to Lobuche.
B / L / D Lodge
Trek alongside the glacier to Gorak Shep and arrival at the iconic Everest Base Camp.
B / L / D Tent
Technical acclimatization period: [Base Camp – Rotations (Camp I, Camp II, and Camp III) – Base Camp].
Full Board High-Altitude Camps
Climbing period subject to the optimal weather window: [Base Camp – C2 – C3 – C4 – Summit – Return to Base Camp].
Full Board Summit
Dismantling of the camp and organizing gear for the return.
B / L / D Tent
Start of the trek descent from Base Camp towards Pheriche.
B / L / D Lodge
Continuation of the descent through the valley to Namche Bazaar.
B / L / D Lodge
Last day of trekking returning to Lukla.
B / L / D Lodge
Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Breakfast Hotel
Free day for leisure and shopping before international departure.
Breakfast Hotel
Transfer to the International Airport according to your flight schedule. End of our services.
Breakfast

Included

Cost Includes

Accommodation & Welcome

  • Kathmandu: 4 nights in a 4-star hotel (Single room, with breakfast).
  • Welcome Dinner: One welcome dinner at a standard tourist restaurant with office staff.
  • Customs Assistance: Support for cargo customs clearance in Nepal (clearance costs subject to charges).
  • Maps & Equipment: Trekking/climbing map and one official Seven Summit Treks duffle bag.

Permits & Official Fees

  • Lhotse Permit: Government of Nepal royalties and permits to climb Mt. Lhotse, Sagarmatha National Park entry, and Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
  • Icefall Fee: Khumbu Icefall climbing fee paid to SPCC.
  • Liaison Officer: 1 Government Liaison Officer (equipment, salary, and accommodation).
  • Waste Management: Human waste disposal fees and garbage deposits.
  • Certificate: Summit certificate from MoCTCA after a successful ascent.

Transportation & Luggage

  • Transfers: Airport – Hotel – Airport transfers by private vehicle.
  • Domestic Flight: Kathmandu – Lukla round trip as per itinerary.
  • Expedition Cargo: Transportation of expedition equipment Kathmandu – Lukla (by air) and onward to Base Camp (Porters / Yaks). Return included.
  • Member Baggage: Up to 70 kg per person for personal luggage during the trek (Porters / Yaks).

Meals & Base Camp Logistics

  • Full Board: 3 meals daily (including tea and coffee) and accommodation in hotels/lodges during the trek and at Base Camp.
  • Fresh Supplies: Fresh vegetables, meat, fruits, soft drinks, and juices served regularly (supplied by helicopter flights).
  • Base Camp Infrastructure: Individual “Box” tent per member with mattress and pillow. Dining, kitchen, communication, toilet, shower, storage tents, tables, chairs, and full kitchenware.
  • SST Exclusives: Bakery service and Bar available for members at Base Camp.
  • Power: Solar panels and generator for lighting and device charging (laptops, cameras, etc.). Heaters in common areas.

Mountain Support & Staff

  • Personal Sherpa: 1 licensed, veteran climbing Sherpa (1:1) from Base Camp to summit and during each rotation.
  • Assistance: Sherpa assistance carrying personal equipment to high camps.
  • Route Fixing: Experienced Sherpa team will fix the rope up to the summit of Lhotse (no extra charge).
  • Base Camp Staff: Head cook and assistants. Includes salaries, load bonuses, equipment, food, clothing, and insurance for all Nepalese staff.
  • Training & Health: Base Camp training (oxygen use, ice walls, ladders) by a UIAGM guide and two medical check-ups before summit push.

Oxygen & High Altitude Support

  • Oxygen Bottles: 3 oxygen cylinders (4L) for the member and 2 cylinders for the high-altitude Sherpa.
  • Oxygen System: 1 “Summit” mask and regulator set per person (must be returned).
  • High Camp Logistics: Shared tents (2:1), EPI gas, stoves, cookware, and high-altitude meals (C1 to C4).
  • High Camp Kitchen: SST will provide a cook, kitchen tent, and dining tent at Camp I and Camp II.
  • Reserve: Backup oxygen, masks, and regulators available (subject to charges).

Communications & Safety

  • Safety: Satellite phone (emergencies), walkie-talkie radios (Base–Mountain), and required permits.
  • Weather: Regular weather forecasts from Meteotest (Switzerland).
  • Internet: Internet access (1 Mbps) at Base Camp (subject to charges).
  • Medical: Comprehensive medical kit for members and staff.

Not Included

Cost Excludes

International Flights

Airfare to and from Kathmandu.

Nepal Visa

Visa fee: USD $125 for 90 days.

Meals in Kathmandu

Lunches and dinners during the stay in the city (or in case of early return).

Extra Nights

Additional accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or changes in domestic flights.

Travel Insurance

Mandatory: Medical coverage, high-altitude rescue, air evacuation, and repatriation.

Personal Expenses

Calls, internet, laundry, hot showers, and all types of alcoholic or bottled beverages.

Personal Equipment

Technical clothing, personal climbing gear, personal first-aid kit, and toiletries.

Filming Permits

Special fees for professional cameras and drones.

Summit Bonus

Bonus for the climbing Sherpa: Minimum USD $1,500.

Gratuities (Tips)

For Base Camp and High Camp staff: Minimum USD $400.

Dates

CONFIRMED DATES 2027
DURATION
STATUS
GROUP
ACTION
12 APR – 10 JUN 2027
60 DAYS
Applications Open
15 PAX Maximum Group

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