Why climb Everest? – “Because It’s there.” – George Mallory
The most daring choice among mountaineers is the Everest Expedition from the South Side, Nepal. The world’s highest mountain stands at an elevation of 8,848 meters above sea level in the Mahalangur Himal. Climbing Mount Everest offers the ultimate climbing adventure and unique experiences from the southeast ridge, of Nepal. Mount Everest was first summited by two legendary mountaineers, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, and Sir Edmund Hillary via the Southside, Nepal on May 29, 1953. Since then, every year thousands of attempts have been made to climb to the summit. Standing at the top of the world is one of life’s great and incomparable achievements! Climb Mt. Everest as a team at your own pace and carefully! Real Sherpa Adventures heartily welcomes enthusiastic mountaineers to climb the highest mountain on Earth.
Is Prior Climbing Experience and Physical Fitness Required?
Having prior experience with rock and ice climbing, especially over 7000 meters of elevation, and in top physical and mental strength is an essential factor for the Everest Expedition from South Side, Nepal. Nevertheless, while climbing over 8,848 meters, one will encounter variously anticipated, and unanticipated obstacles such as rock fall, avalanches, high altitude sickness, sheer exhaustion, scarcity of oxygen, and dramatic change in weather conditions. A healthy cardiovascular system and good muscular strength are essential. Before climbing Everest, prepare yourself mentally for facing various unexpected or unknown difficulties. The oxygen level drops by 60-70 percent from sea level as you go over 7,000 to 8,000 meters of elevation.
How Do You Prepare to Climb Mount Everest?
For a successful Everest expedition from the South Side, Nepal, you need to train yourself for climbing at higher elevations, carrying loads and cylinders of oxygen on your back. The trails up to the summit of Mt. Everest at 8,848m have a steep ascent and specialized terrain. You need to know the techniques of using fixed ropes while ascending and descending in the Everest region. It will be an advantage if you have mountaineering skills and rescue techniques. You can start your practice by hiking while carrying a loaded pack.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Update with the expedition manager on the equipment carried. If necessary, the many mountain equipment shops in Thamel can help you complete your equipment. During this time, our local team is doing the necessary to complete the essential administrative formalities and the climbing permits.
Meals: breakfasts at the hotel
Accommodation: nights at the hotel
We leave Kathmandu in the morning for a superb flight to Lukla where we meet our porters who distribute the loads. Gentle descent then small ascent along the Dudh Khola (the milk river in Nepali) to Phakding.
transfer/transportation: by plane and vehicle to the hotel
Flight duration: approximately 35 minutes
4 hours of walking
Final altitude: 2,700 m
Meals: breakfast at the hotel – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
We travel up the Dudh Khola River, with the magnificent Himalayan pines lining our route. Several bridges make us change banks according to the meanders of the river. Steep climb to the capital of Khumbu (Sherpa country). On the way, we admire the Thamserku and from time to time we see Everest. In Namche Bazaar, visit the village, very picturesque. You can walk the alleys of this village built in an amphitheater.
6 hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,440 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
We invite you to visit the museum which dominates Namche Bazaar. The whole history of Everest is gathered there. Opposite the city, you will find the gompa, ideal for a moment of tranquility.
Final altitude: approximately 3,440 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
We start the day with a balcony trail offering magnificent views of the Everest massif. The path then dips down to the bottom of the valley to cross the river. Rough climb on the opposite side to reach the majestic site of the monastery of Tengboche, dominated by Ama Dablam (6,812 m).
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,860 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
The path begins by descending towards the river that we cross. The regular progression on the side, with some climbs and descents to reached dingboche.
5 hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 4,400 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
The trail follows the course of the Lobuche Khola. It passes above Pheriche and continues on a “roller coaster” through pleasant meadows. Ama Dablam, Kang Taiga, Thamserku and Cholotse dominate the valley. At the hamlet of Dusa (4,503 m), the slope steepens to reach Dhugla (4,620 m) at the foot of the moraine of the Khumbu glacier. Difficult progress on the moraine to reach the particularly cold hamlet of Lobuche.
4 hrs of walking
Final altitude: about 4,930 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Final altitude: about 4,930 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
We start by following the valley to the confluence of the Khangri glacier. Gorakshep and its sandy plain precede a tedious walk on the moraine of the Khumbu glacier. Arrival at the base camp, at the foot of the famous Icefall.
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: about 5,364 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a camp
Here we are at work, in the vast international camp gathering all the expeditions. We will stay there for 45 days in total. Everyone takes up residence for the following weeks. The breath is short, it is better to avoid agitating in all directions. Throughout the stay, we will have to move our tents according to the movements of the glacier. The lunar landscape remains impressive with the sparkling faces of Pumori, Lho La, Nuptse, and Lhotse. The temperature in full sun can even be mild, but it is not uncommon to experience snow squalls in the afternoon.
Final altitude: approximately 5,364 m
Meals: breakfasts – lunches – dinners
Accommodation: nights in a camp
The main stages of the ascent are as follows:
Camp 1: 5,900/6,000 m
Reaching C1 is the most technical part of the ascent on the southern side. You have to cross the Khumbu Icefall. The " Ice doctors ", sherpas specialized in laying fixed ropes along the icefall, recognized the best passage for the current year. 600 meters of progress on the glacier in perpetual motion. The camp is located at the entrance to the western combe, at the exit of the waterfall. We limit stay time to two nights at Camp 1 for acclimatization. As soon as possible, we climb to camp 2 whose excellent location makes it the ideal starting point towards the summit.
Camp 2: 6,400/6,500 m
C2 occupies a location on the left bank of the western valley, at the foot of the western ridge. Very safe, the place offers a breathtaking view of the Lhotse. A true advanced base camp, we set up a kitchen tent and a mess tent there for optimum comfort. From this camp, we will launch the attempt towards the summit. You will spend several nights there beforehand, before climbing to the upper camps.
Camp 3: 7,100/7,300m
The long climb from C2 to C3 puts the tenacity of the participants to the test. The high altitude slows the progression, without however already being able to call upon the assistance of the oxygen. The slope that leads to Lhotse displays an inclination between 30 and 45° on very hard, even icy snow. The progression is necessarily along the fixed ropes. You will sleep two nights at C3 before continuing to the summit.
Camp 4: South Col at 7,900/8,000 m
The long-awaited moment arrives: you are treading the South Col. This vast lunar field, swept by the winds, constitutes the lowest depression between Everest and Lhotse. Most Himalayans access it without the aid of supplemental oxygen. You have to cross two characteristic rocky sections before reaching the pass: the yellow band, a layer of marble and schists, and the top of the Genevois spur, a black rocky band. These two passages are equipped with fixed ropes.
Summit of Everest: 8,848 m
The final part of the route is climbed in 9 to 13 hours round trip. We use oxygen right from the start of the C4. We go up regular balcony slopes for a first stage at the Balcony (8,430 m) then to the south summit (8,749 m). From there, a long ridge leads to the Hillary step (8,790 m), or what remains of it since the 2015 earthquake. The last meters do not offer any difficulty, apart from the very high altitude. Your altitude sherpa determines, based on your progress and the time at which you reach the various obstacles, if you have time to reach the summit safely and come back down.
Last glances towards the top. It's time to head back. Long day to first reach Lobuche and finally the mountain pastures of Dingboche. The softness of the landscapes contrasts with the lunar site of the base camp.
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 4,400 m
Meals: breakfast at the restaurant – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
A pleasant day of walking along the valley. This time, we go directly by the balcony path that leads to Namche Bazaar.
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,440 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
A last effort on the long route leading to Lukla. But we find an air charged with oxygen, welcome for our tired lungs.
7 hrs of walking
Final altitude: about 2,850 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Early in the morning, the atmosphere at Lukla airport is often effervescent. A small plane takes us back to Kathmandu (subject to weather conditions) where we find our hotel in the city center. Free time so that everyone can discover the city at their leisure.
transfer/transport: airplane
Flight duration: approximately 35 minutes
Meals: breakfast – free lunch (not included) – free dinner (not included)
Accommodation: night at the hotel
Reserve day, free and without a guide.
Meals: breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: night at the hotel
free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Trip Included
- ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE : Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by private vehicle.
- HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu (4-star category) - single room on bed with breakfast plan.
- WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
- PERMITS : Expedition Royalty and a permit fee of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Everest, Sagarmatha National Park, and Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit and fee.
- KHUMBU ICEFALL FEE : Khumbu Icefall climbing charge to (SPCC) Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee.
- LIAISON OFFICER : 1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary, and accommodation.
- GARBAGE MANAGEMENT : Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit fees.
- INSURANCE : Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
- MAP : Trekking and climbing map.
- DUFFLE BAG : One Alpinist club Duffle Bag.
- MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : - (Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu – Lukla and while returning Lukla - Kathmandu, as per itinerary.
- EXPEDITION STUFFS TRANSPORTATION : All necessary expedition equipment transportation for all Members and Staff from Kathmandu to Lukla (by air cargo) to Base camp (by Porters / Yak) – While returning: Base camp to Lukla (by porters / Yak) and Lukla to Kathmandu (by air cargo). Based on the condition expedition staff may transfer by land (KTM-Phaplu) or Heli (KTM-Lukla).
- MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 50 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters or Yaks.
- FOOD AND LODGING : 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge during the trek and at the Basecamp. Hygienic and fresh green vegetables, fresh meat, fruits, soft drinks, and juice will be served regularly during the entire expedition using helicopter flights. Well-managed base camp set up for members & Staff.
- PORTER : Porters per member up to the basecamp and from the basecamp (both ways).
- BASE CAMP STAFF : Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook & kitchen Helpers as required.
- STAFF SALARY AND ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
- BASE CAMP TENT : Each member will have an individual box tent in Base Camp.
- BASE CAMP EQUIPMENT : Single Tent, foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 Dinning Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 Staffs Tent, 1 Tent for Nepalese base camp staffs, Store tents, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.
- HEATER : Heater at base camp in each Dining and other necessary camps.
- SOLAR/GENERATOR/LIGHT : 1 Solar panel and Generator for lights at base camp, battery charge, for laptop and other electronic devices.
- MEDICAL CHECKUP : Twice Medical checkup of each climber at the base camp before the summit attempt.
- TRAINING : Oxygen, Mask Regulator, Ice wall, and Ladder training at basecamp by UIAGM Gide.
- HIGH ALTITUDE CLIMBING SHERPA : 1 veteran and government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back, and on each rotation.
- ASSISTANCE : Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
- CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE : Climbing Sherpa Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
- BONUS : Carry Bonus of Sherpas and Route Fixing Charges.
- OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2) : Summit Oxygen cylinder: 5 oxygen bottles (4 ltrs.) for each member and 3 oxygen bottles for each high-altitude Sherpa. **
- OXYGEN MASK & REGULATOR : 1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks & regulators for each member and high-altitude Sherpa. **
- BACK-UP OXYGEN : BACK-UP Oxygen Cylinder, mask, and regulator (with appropriate charge).
- HIGH CAMP SERVICE (INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS) : High Altitude Tent, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews at (C1) (C2) (C3) and (C4). Group climbing gears, fixed, and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
- HIGH CAMP KITCHEN AND DINING : SST will have one cook, kitchen, and dining tents in Camp I and Camp II.
- HIGH ALTITUDE TENT : Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent).
- ROPE FIXING TEAM : The team of experienced Sherpas will fix the route to the summit of Everest (no extra charge will be applied to members).
- SATELLITE PHONE : SATELLITE PHONE for an emergency communication carried by Sherpa, also available for members with appropriate charge.
- WALKIE-TALKIE : Walkie–Talkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp.
- PERMITS : Satellite Phone/walkie-talkie permit for all members and staff.
- INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility (1 Mbps) will be available at the Base Camp (subject to a charge).
- WEATHER FORECAST : Weather forecast report regularly from Meteotest, Bern (Switzerland) during the entire expedition.
- MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
- CERTIFICATE : Everest climbing certificate after climbing Mt. Everest successfully.
Trip Excluded
- AIR FARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
- NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE : Nepalese Visa fee is $125 USD for 90 Days.
- LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
- EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- INSURANCE POLICY : Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
- PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
- PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
- TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
- FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
- INTERNET SERVICE : Not included during the trek.
- SUMMIT BONUS : Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa- Minimum 1800 USD.
- TIPS : Calculate some tips for basecamp and high camp staff – Minimum 400 USD.
- EXTRA : Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
