We are not a one-size-fits-all operator. Every CTSS climb, whether it is a streamlined, autonomous ascent or a full-service private expedition, shares the same backbone of exceptional logistics, safety standards, and experienced leadership. Think of it like booking a flight: the plane, pilots, and destination are the same, but the way you choose to travel is up to you. We offer everything from our incredibly comfortable, all-inclusive “economy” climbs to the Everest equivalent of First Class, so you can match your program to your experience, goals, and budget.

Despite rising permit fees, ground costs, and global price pressures, our 2026 pricing stays competitive without compromising safety or expedition quality. Use this guide to compare our Everest climb options side by side, see what is included, what kind of guidance you will get, how much autonomy you will have, and what each experience feels like on the mountain.

Meet the CTSS Everest Team

Many people ask what CTSS’s “secret sauce” is on Mt Everest. The answer is simple — it starts with our leadership and our people. Our incredibly strong Sherpa team, alongside our international and Nepali guides, forms the backbone of the expedition. At the core are co-expedition Leaders Big Tendi and Little Tendi, and our founder, Mike Hamill, supported by our incredible team in Kathmandu, who keep every detail running seamlessly.

Mike Hamill: Founder and Expedition Leader

Mike is one of the world’s most accomplished high-altitude guides, with 6 Everest summits, 6 laps of the Seven Summits, and over 200 summits on 31 x 8,000m expeditions. He has guided more climbers to the top of 8,000m peaks than anyone in the industry. A veteran of 120+ major high-altitude climbs worldwide, Mike is also the author of Climbing the Seven Summits, the definitive guidebook on the subject, and the founder of the Tiger of the Snows Fund, supporting education for outdoor tourism workers and their families. His career spans guiding everywhere from the Himalayas to Antarctica, Alaska, and South America, with an unparalleled safety and success record.

Pasang Tendi Sherpa (Little Tendi): Co-Expedition Leader & Sirdar

Little Tendi is one of the most respected guides on Mt Everest, with 18 Everest summits from both the North and South sides, along with ascents of Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and many technical and remote peaks in Nepal. A fully internationally certified IFMGA/UIAGM guide, he is also CTSS’s Sirdar, overseeing all Himalayan expedition logistics, and guides internationally in Argentina, Bolivia, Antarctica, and beyond. Tendi is co-founder of the Himali brand, founder of the Tendi Sherpa Foundation, and an in-demand speaker at events from the Mountain Film Festival to Facebook and Apple headquarters. He is the most booked guide on the CTSS roster, with clients reserving his guidance years in advance.

Tendi Sherpa (Big Tendi): Co-Expedition Leader

Big Tendi has 4 Everest summits, and more than 30 years of experience guiding over 100 mountains worldwide, from the Alps to the Himalayas. A fully IFMGA-certified guide, he is the Technical Director for the Nepal Mountain Guides Association, having trained and mentored an entire generation of Nepali guides to international standards. In addition to his guiding role, Big Tendi is a partner in CTSS’s local logistics company in Nepal, working year-round to plan and execute our expeditions. His leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to elevating the guiding profession have made him one of the most respected figures in Himalayan mountaineering.

Between Mike, Big Tendi, and Little Tendi, CTSS has over 55 Everest expeditions and nearly 100 x 8,000m summits of combined experience. This expertise, paired with the dedication of our guiding and Sherpa teams, is the foundation for the safety, quality, and success of our Everest program.

The Sherpa Team: The Backbone of Our Expedition

Sherpas are the heart of any Himalayan expedition. From carrying loads and fixing ropes to managing oxygen and building high camps in the harshest conditions, they make every summit possible. Collectively, they bring dozens of Everest summits and hundreds of Himalayan ascents to the table. Beyond their technical skill, they are defined by their humility and an unwavering commitment to their teammates’ safety and success.

Our team, hand-selected and led by Little Tendi, represents the very best in the Himalaya. Many have guided internationally alongside CTSS on peaks such as Lhotse, Manaslu, and Cho Oyu. Their hard work and expertise underpin every safe and successful climb we lead in the Himalaya—and for many climbers, the bonds formed with our Sherpa team become some of the most lasting memories of the expedition.

Rugged Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek & Stay

The most luxurious Everest Base Camp experience in the world with luxury lodges, geodesic domes, a helicopter return, and champagne on the glacier.

• Price: starting at $19,995 USD
• Departs Annually: 28th March – 14th April (18 days)
• Experience: For fit trekkers; no technical climbing experience required.

Pros: Exceptional comfort in a remote setting; guided by an Everest summit guide; exclusive access to Base Camp proper

Our Everest expeditions are designed to be as inclusive as possible. Beyond your personal travel, gear, and insurance, almost everything you need on the mountain is covered. Here’s exactly what’s included—and what’s not—so you can plan confidently.

Included Permits & Government Fees 

• Nepal Government Climbing Permits for relevant program(s)
• Trekking permits for the Khumbu Valley 

Costs Not Included

• International flights to/from Kathmandu
• Entry visa for Nepal (payable on arrival)
• Personal travel and rescue insurance (required for all participants)
• Meals in Kathmandu outside of those provided by CTSS
• Personal gear and clothing
• Optional gear rentals from CTSS
• Tips/gratuities for Sherpa and guide teams
• Extra oxygen beyond your included allocation
• Personal communications (satellite phone, Wi-Fi in camp, etc.)
• Evacuation or medical treatment beyond what’s included in program logistics

If Everest is on your horizon for 2026 or 2027, you will not want to miss this. Our Everest Speakeasy is an invite-only, off-the-record evening designed for future summiteers who want insider knowledge you simply cannot get online.

On September 13, 2025, in Lake Tahoe, California, join legendary Everest Guide Tendi Sherpa (18x Everest summits) and CTSS Owner & Expedition Leader Mike Hamill (15x Everest expeditions) for an intimate, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to climb the world’s highest peak. This is your chance to ask the questions you have been holding back, learn from decades of high-altitude experience, and walk away with an advantage before you even set foot in Nepal.

This is not an open event—invitation by application only. Attendance is capped to ensure the right mix of serious climbers and maximum value for everyone in the room. If you’d like to be considered, please complete the short application below. If selected, you’ll receive a private invitation with all event details.