Lhotse, Rising to 8,516 Meters – The Shadowed Giant of the Himalayas
Lhotse, the fourth-highest mountain in the world, stands as a majestic sentinel in the shadow of Mount Everest. Soaring to an elevation of 8,516 meters, Lhotse shares much of Everest's famed South Col route, diverging only near the final summit push. Its name, meaning “South Peak” in Tibetan, reflects its geographic connection to Everest, but Lhotse is far more than just Everest’s lesser-known neighbor. Towering above the Khumbu region, it commands awe with its steep faces, sharp ridges, and hauntingly beautiful isolation.
Unlike Everest’s rounded summit dome, Lhotse is known for its dramatic, icy pyramid shape and its infamous south face — one of the most technically demanding walls in the world. The mountain holds deep reverence in Sherpa and Himalayan culture, a symbol of strength, stillness, and silent challenge. Climbers often speak of Lhotse with quiet respect — it is a mountain that demands humility, precision, and resolve.
The first successful ascent of Lhotse was made on May 18, 1956, by Swiss climbers Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger. Since then, climbers from across the globe have been drawn to its slopes, either as a unique summit goal or in combination with Everest. The Lhotse route, accessed from the same base camp as Everest, offers an equally dramatic but less crowded alternative to the world’s highest peak.
The journey to Lhotse begins at Everest Base Camp on the Nepal side. Nestled in the mighty Khumbu Glacier, the base camp buzzes with the energy of trekkers and climbers. Dominated by views of Pumori, Nuptse, and Everest, it is also the launching point for Lhotse expeditions. Climbers use this site for acclimatization, planning, and bonding with fellow adventurers and Sherpa teams.
Camp I lies beyond the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, a chaotic maze of shifting ice towers, seracs, and deep crevasses. This stretch is shared with the Everest route and is considered one of the most dangerous parts of the climb. The Western Cwm, where Camp I is located, offers relatively flat terrain but is prone to avalanches and midday heat. It’s a surreal place — quiet, vast, and surreal beneath the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse.
Advanced Base Camp, or Camp II, rests beneath the ominous face of Lhotse itself. At this altitude, climbers begin to feel the full effects of the thin air. Facilities here are well-established, with communication systems and hot meals helping climbers maintain strength. From here, the route diverges toward Lhotse’s defining feature — the Lhotse Face, an imposing wall of blue ice that tests even the most experienced alpinists.
Camp III is perched precariously on the steep slope of the Lhotse Face, a sheer incline requiring ascension with fixed ropes. The face is a notorious mix of hard ice, exposure, and danger from falling rock and ice. Camp III is small and spartan, with just enough space for essential rest and oxygen acclimatization. Climbers spend limited time here, as conditions can deteriorate quickly.
Located just below the Yellow Band, this high camp is a staging ground for the final summit push. It is shared briefly with climbers heading to Everest’s South Col before branching right toward the Lhotse Couloir. The air is razor-thin, and supplemental oxygen is commonly used. At this point, every step is deliberate. The stars seem impossibly close, and the summit looms — just one final push away.
The final climb follows the Lhotse Couloir, a narrow gully flanked by towering rock walls. This stretch is steep, icy, and unforgiving. Fixed ropes assist climbers as they inch upward, exposed to wind, rockfall, and extreme cold. The summit is small but spectacular — a sharp, isolated perch with stunning views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Everest itself. For those guided by Kora Quest Adventure, the Lhotse summit is a triumph of precision, patience, and preparation. It is a quieter, more solitary victory than Everest, but one no less profound.
Airport Transfers: Pickup and drop-off at the airport by private car.
Permits: Government expedition Royality, Nation Park Permit, Khumbu Icefall fixing charge, Garbage management charge.
Climbing Supporting Team: 1 veterian climbing sherpa, 1:1 ratio starting from Base Camp to summit and Back to Base Camp.
Map & Duffel Bag: Trekking map for the Everest region and one waterproof duffel bag for trekking.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited tea during the trek.
Insurance: Insurance for guide and porter.
Baggage: Trekking gear and baggage allowance up to 20kg during the flight.
Kathmandu Accommodation: 3 nights in a Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast (BB) plan.
Transportation: Private vehicle transportation to and from Ramechhap.
Domestic Flights: Round-trip flight from Ramechhap to Lukla and back.
Trek Accommodation: Shared rooms in local lodges along the trekking route.
Emergency Support: Provision of oxygen cylinder and mask regulator in case of emergency.
Porter Service: porter will be provided per person from Lukla to the trekking destination and back for the personal baggage.
International Flight: Airfare to and from Nepal.
Visa Fee: $125 for a 90-day tourist visa (payable upon arrival).
Additional Accommodation: Extra nights in Kathmandu or early return from the Expedition.
Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, including helicopter evacuation in case of emergency, Medicial treatment.
Personal Equipment: Climbing Gears, personal First-Aid Kit, Trekking Clothing and Bags.
Tips: Summit Bonus for the Climbing Guide will be $1500 and calculate some tips for the Base Camp and High camp staff.
Join Kora Quest Adventure on an unforgettable journey to the summit of Mount Lhotse. With premium logistics, personal attention, and a strong focus on safety, we ensure your experience is both thrilling and well-supported.
With Kora Quest Adventure, each climber is paired with an experienced Sherpa guide in a 1:1 ratio. This ensures you receive personalized care, guidance, and attention throughout the climb. Your Sherpa will be with you every step of the way, making your ascent safer, more comfortable, and more successful.
Before your expedition begins, Enjoy 3 nights in a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu, arranged by Kora Quest Adventure. This stay includes daily breakfast and offers you the chance to relax, recover from travel, and prepare for your climb in comfort and style.
At Everest Base Camp, we provide spacious Box tents with foam mattresses for restful sleep. Our experienced cook will prepare delicious meals according to your preferences. The cook is highly skilled and ensures you stay well-nourished throughout the expedition. Base Camp also includes a variety of beverages and non-alcoholic drinks for your comfort. (Note: Drinks during the trek must be purchased by the climber.)
At the higher camps, you will share durable dome tents with fellow climbers. Your Sherpa guide will prepare nutritious high-altitude meals and take care of your needs at every stage, ensuring you're strong and well-supported for the final push to the summit.
Oxygen and Communication System
Each climber will be provided with 5 oxygen bottles, while each Sherpa will receive 4 bottles. Mask regulator sets are included for all. Extra oxygen cylinders and mask regulators will be kept in reserve for emergencies. For communication, each Sherpa will be equipped with radios at both base camp and higher camps. In addition, we will have other communication systems available, including internet access and phone services for efficient coordination.
Mount Lhotse – 8,516m
Embark on an elite Himalayan expedition to the world’s fourth highest mountain, Mount Lhotse. Sharing much of its route with Everest, Lhotse offers a challenging, rewarding ascent for experienced climbers seeking a serious high-altitude objective beyond the crowded peaks.
Shared Historic Route with Everest:
Climb via the legendary South Col route, following the iconic path through the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, and up the Lhotse Face. This route was part of the original Everest ascent by Hillary and Norgay, adding historic significance to the journey.
True Test of Skill & Endurance:
Summiting Lhotse demands outstanding physical fitness, prior high-altitude experience, and strong mental resilience. The final push includes steep, narrow couloirs and exposure to extreme conditions and low oxygen levels.
Strategic Acclimatization:
Our itinerary includes rotations through Camps I–III, along with rest at Everest Base Camp to ensure proper acclimatization. The summit push begins from Camp IV on the Lhotse Face, requiring careful timing and preparation.
Technical Climb with Steep Sections:
Lhotse’s upper section features a narrow, icy couloir requiring use of fixed lines, ice axes, crampons, and supplemental oxygen. Climbers must be equipped with full 8000m high-altitude gear, including down suits and triple-insulated boots.
A Unique and Powerful Experience:
Though it shares its early route with Everest, Lhotse’s summit is more remote and serene, offering a less crowded, equally dramatic experience. Combined with the classic trek through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and Himalayan panoramas, this expedition is both a technical achievement and a cultural journey.
Take a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter flight over the Everest region, flying past towering peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Land at Kalapatthar or Everest View Hotel for incredible panoramic photography and unforgettable high-altitude views.
Head south to Nepal’s subtropical plains for a wildlife adventure. Enjoy jeep safaris, canoe rides, and jungle walks while spotting rhinos, crocodiles, exotic birds, and possibly wild tigers inside Chitwan National Park’s protected area.
Satisfy your thirst for adrenaline with Nepal’s best adventure sports. Leap off suspension bridges with bungy jumps, rappel down waterfalls while canyoning, or try thrilling white-water rafting, ziplining, or mountain biking across rugged terrain.