Mt. Lhotse (8,516m) peak is a part of the Everest Massif. The first attempt of Mt. Lhotse was made by an international team in the year 1955. The first successful ascent of this mountain was in 1956 by F. Luchsinger & E. Reiss of Swiss from the West Face. The primary route on Mt. Lhotse is via Everest's South Col. It is an independent mountain, but the group of three peaks make up the Lhotse massif: Lhotse East or Middle, Lhotse & Lhotse Shar. The South Face of Lhotse is one of the largest mountain faces in the world. Our route to climb this mountain is via the normal route or South Face of Lhotse.
Dream Himalaya Adventures has been running successful Himalayan mountaineering expeditions since more than decades now. We support full board expedition services up to the summit of the peak and as well as the basic services for base camp. We are committed to providing the highest quality service and experience to help you reach your goal. However, all climbing members are required to have considerable climbing experience at higher altitudes, preferably in the Himalaya.
Our Sherpa are highly qualified, experienced and several times summits of Mt. Everest and other 8000m peaks. All of our Sherpa are proficient mountaineers with excellent success rates, and are always focussed on the safety of clients as their number one priority. All Climbers will be assisted by our well experienced Sherpas at the ratio of 1:1 and there will be a manager at base camp to assist the team members and the Sherpas.
Climbing Routes and High Camps
After final preparations in Kathmandu, we'll fly to Lukla and begins our 8 days teahouse trek in the Khumbu Valley to Everest base camp. We will ascend the peak via the normal route, the south face route. We will establish four different camps on the mountain. The first, at 19,500ft, is situated at the top of the icefall. This camp functions as an intermediate camp until CampII (advanced base camp) is established at 21,000ft. CampII will consist of large tents for cooking and dining and several smaller tents for sleeping. Camp II will be our base during the placements of Camp III and Camp IV (23,500ft and 25,912ft) respectively. Camp III, which stands at the head of the cirque on the Lhotse face, will consist of two and three men tents. This camp serves as an intermediate camp, which climbers will use to reach Camp IV. Most of our Sherpas are able to load ferry directly from Camp II to Camp IV. A large number of gears are not needed at Camp III to establish Camp IV. Oxygen will be used above Camp III to aid climbers in reaching high camp before attempting the summit. From Camp IV, we travel along the west ridge to the Summit. From here we traverse for a few hundred meters before reaching the main summit.
Our approach to base camp trekking begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla (gateway of Everest region). Once we reach there, it takes us couple hours to arrange porters and then starts walking along the Milk River (Dudh Koshi) for 2-3 hours and we'll reach a small village called Phaking (2,625m), where you are going to spend your first night in Everest area. The next day, trek to Namche Bazar(3,440m), which lies at the base of the Khumbu Himal. The trek will take approximately 10 days and travels from the Dudh Kosi valley up through the Imja valley and finally onto the Khumbu glacier. Along the way, we will visit Namche, Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gorekshep, all of which are fascinating and richly cultured villages, which provide spectacular views of the Himalayas. For acclimatization purposes, this trek is longer than usual. This also gives us the chance to explore the many different areas and take the time to visit local monasteries with Nepali Sherpa friends. Now you will have the option of a sunset or sunrise climb to the 5,550m' summit of Kala Pattar for a panoramic view of some of the world's highest mountains including Everest at 29,028ft. We'll make the 3-hour trek from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and continue our activities as per our expedition day-to-day plans.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
: Arrival in KTM, transfer to hotel& briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
: Half day sightseeing and afternoon equipment checking and fitting
In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, equipment checking and getting ready for the trip.
Day 3
: Kathmandu; final preparation and packing
This is the preparation day. Expedition is a long and challenging activity. We need to get well prepared and equip ourselves with all necessary equipment and accessories for successful and enjoyable expedition.
Day 4
: Fly to Lukla (2840m), Trek to Phakding (2610m) 40min flight, 3-4hrs trek
We will drive to domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport early in the morning and catch a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. We will follow one of the most scenic air routes in the world with panoramic views of glistening mountains to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. Lukla allows access to Everest Khumbu region. We will assemble the crew and take breakfast before start of Everest3 Passes Trek and Island Peak. Following the stone path through Ghat village, we will reach Phakding village. Visit local monastery. Stay overnight in Phakding.
Day 5
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 5-6hrs
Leaving Phakding, we will walk along Dudhkoshi River and enter the dense pine forest. We will cross suspension bridges and walk through dispersed houses of Zapute, Benkar and Chumoa to reach Monjo. Monjo allows an entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We need to go through required national park formalities before we can enter the park. The park is rich in Himalayan herbs, plants, mammals and birds. We will descend to Hillary Bridge existing at the base of hill. After crossing the bridge, we will follow the escalating path towards Namche Bazaar. The path rewards us with views of Thamserku Mountain, Everest, Lhotse and other mountains and peaks. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 6
: Day hikes - Khumjung, Khunde (3840m
Namche Bazaar acts as the major trade centre to conduct trade in between locals and neighbouring Tibetans. Namche is also popular as the capital of Sherpa land. It is wise to take rest at Namche on this day. For proper acclimatization with the changing altitude, we can arrange day hike to small Khumjung and Khunde villages. Visit the local monastery and observe the local lifestyle. Head office of National Park, Museum and monasteries are interesting places near Namche. We can get most of the modern facilities including hospital and post office at Namche. Stay overnight in Namche.
Day 7
: Day hike to Thame (3,800m) 4-5hrs
Moving through the western Khumbu region, we will follow the scenic path that allows views of Himalayan wildlife. Thame is located at bit higher altitude than from Namche. It is a brief walk from Namche to Thame. Enjoy walking along yak caravans to and from Thame. This pretty village is popular among mountain climbers. We will visit Thame School in the afternoon. Explore around Thame and stay overnight.
Day 8
: Trek Tengboche (3,860m) visit monastery 5hrs
The trail continues along glaciated DudhKoshi River from Namche. We will follow the scenic route with views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and other peaks and mountains and enter the forest area. Walking through the colourful rhododendron forest, we can get opportunity to view musk deer and colourful Himalayn birds like Danphe and Munal. We will move further to Sanasa village. The trail branches at Sanasa. We will follow the main trail towards Everest Base Camp. Following the escalating path from Sanasa, we will reach Tengboche. Gate of Tengboche Monastery is open after 3pm. We will visit Tengboche Monastery which is the largest monastery in the region.
Day 9
Trek Dengboche (4,410m) inChhukungValley 5hrs
Leaving Tengboche, we will enter the birch and rhododendron forest. In couple of hours, we will reach Debuche from where we will lower down to beautiful Chhukung Valley. We will descend to Imja River and follow the raised path to Pangboche. Monastery is Pangboche is believed to be the oldest Monastery in the region. Walking along the Mani walls, we will climb to Pheriche. Walking along Lobuche River, we will reach Dengboche village. Stay overnight in Dengboche.
Day 10
Day hikes to NagarjunPeak (52,000m) 5hrs
Taking rest from trek at Dengboche helps to break the stress. It also helps in proper acclimatization. We will take short walk to Nagarjuna View Point located at Nagarjuna Peak. Enjoy the 360 degree mountain views of Makalu, Lhotse, Amadablam, Island Peak and other mountains. We will return to Dengboche for staying overnight.
Day 11
Trek to Lobuche (4,910m) 4hrs
From Dengboche, we will return to Pheriche. The trail continues through Dugla to the steep moraine of Khumbu glacier. We will head towards ChupkiLhara which is the memorial site for renowned climber BabuChhiri Sherpa. ChupkiLhara is decorated with prayer flags. Walking through the Khumbu glacier moraine, we will reach Lobuche. Enjoy the panoramic views of Pumori Peak, Khumbutse Peak and other peaks and mountains. Stay overnight in Lobuche.
Day 12
Trek to Gorakshep (5,150m) 3hrs
From Lobuche, we will follow short and easy path to Gorakshep. Once vast, the lake has shrunk significantly lately. Stay overnight at the bank of GorakShep Lake.
Day 13
Trek to Lhotse Base Camp(5200m) 2-3hrs
On this day, we will trek from Gorakshep to LhotseBase Camp. Once we reach the base camp, we will set up tents and stay overnight at base camp of Lhotse which exists beside Khumbu glacier.
Day 14-16
Acclimatization and preparations at base camp
First couple of days are dedicated for preparation to climb Lhotse. Guide will share Lhotse climbing strategy with team. He will also provide you with necessary instructions and teach you what to do and how should you call for help if in case of emergency. For proper acclimatization, we can make a side trip to nearby places.
Day 17-39
: Acclimatization, load ferries and route opening
During these days, we will make necessary arrangement for successful climbing of Lhotse Mountain. Sherpas will make way and fix cables wherever necessary and set up High camps. You can explore base camp for proper acclimatization.
Day 40-45
: Rest at the lower villages, Debouche
During these days, we will practice rotation of High Camps. This will help us to get acclimatized with sharply increasing altitude. We will climb to High Camp1 and return to Base Camp. Similarly, we will practice climbing to High Camp2 and then lower down further to Debouche. It is never wise to hurry to reach to the summit. Climbing should be slow and gradual.
Day 46-56
: Climbing up to campIV and summit push
After several days of preparation and acclimatization, we are finally ready to conquer Lhotse Mountain. We will choose the commercial route to climb Lhotse which starts from the north side of Lhotse. We need to walk through Khumbu icefall area. South face of Lhotse was climbed successfully for the first time on 1990. The western flank of Lhotse which is known as Lhotse Face rises at 40 and 50 degree pitches.
Base Camp to Camp 1(6065m)
Camp1 is perched at the top of Khumbu icefall. This Camp serves the purpose of transition from Base Camp to Camp2. There are crevasses near to Camp1. We will cross these crevasses with help of ladders.
Camp1 to Camp2 (6750m)
Camp2 exists in a lateral moraine at the base of west ridge. It is a safe place to prepare our camp and offers enchanting views of surrounding mountains. High altitude food will be served at this camp.
Camp2 to Camp3 (7100m)
We will set our Camp3 on ledge on Lhotse wall. Crossing glacier, we will make 40 degree climb and reach snowfield with help of fixed ropes.
Camp3 to Camp4 (7920m)
Camp4 is prepared near South Col. We need to cross two rock sections including Yellow Bands and Geneva Spur with help of fixed ropes before we can reach Camp4.
Camp4 to Summit (8516m) to Camp4
Finally, the wait is over. We will climb 40 degree slope and move through snow and ice to reach to the summit. We will enjoy the breath-taking views of summit and lower down to Camp4.
Day 57-58
Descent to base camp
We will return to Base Camp of Lhotse by passing through High Camp 3, High Camp 2 and High Camp1. Descending trail is bit easier. We will celebrate the successful ascend of Lhotse Mountain at Base Camp.
Day 59
: Trek to Pheriche 6hrs
Early in the morning after tea, we will clear the Base Camp and then head towards Pheriche where we will stay overnight.
Day 60
Trek to Namche 5hrs
After following the easy descending trail through rhododendron forest to Dudhkoshi River, we will walk past tapered gorges and once again follow the trail through forest area that is rich in Himalayan wildlife. Once we arrive at Sanasa, we will enjoy the view of Amadablam Mountain. Walking through the forested edge beyond Kyangjuma, we will reach Namche. Enjoy the views of Everest, Tengboche and other peaks and mountains. Stay overnight at Namche.
Day 61
Trek to Lukla 6hrs
From Namche, we will lower down to rhododendron forest and walk along Dudhkoshi River to Phakding. Walking past the walled road of Ghat, we will reach Lukla. Stay overnight in Lukla.
Day 62
: Fly back to Kathmandu
We will catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums and jot down memories in your journal. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 63-64
Free day in Kathmandu
Spend the days as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums and jot down memories in your journal.
Day 65
: Depart for Int’l flight to home
You will be transferred to the Airport as per your schedule flight for international departure. Safe journey. W
e hope to see you soon.
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