Manaslu Summits for CTSS Team
Manaslu Summits for CTSS Team
Early this morning, September 29th, 2025, our CTSS Manaslu Team, led by Tomi Ceppi and Pega Sherpa, reached the true summit of Manaslu at 8,163m / 26,781ft. The team climbed in superb weather and had the mountain entirely to themselves with no crowds.
On Manaslu, the phrase true summit carries special meaning. For many years, climbers believed they had summited when they reached a fore-summit ridge. In 2012, a study of summit photos and GPS data confirmed that this ridge fell just short of the mountain’s highest point. Since then, the mountaineering community has recognized the importance of continuing along the final, exposed knife-edge ridge to stand on the very top. Today, reaching the true summit of Manaslu is considered essential for a complete and authentic climb of the world’s 8th-highest peak.
In one massive push, the team has already returned safely to Base Camp and will fly back to Kathmandu tomorrow, weather permitting.
A huge congratulations to our climbers and guides on this achievement.
- Christopher Lind – USA
- Chao Simba Chang – Canada
- CTSS Guide Guide Tomas Ceppi – Argentina
- CTSS Guide Pemba “Pega” Gyljen Sherpa – Nepal
- CTSS Guide Nuru “Papsche” Sherpa – Nepal
- CTSS Guide Dawa “Ramite” Sherpa – Nepal
Photos from Tomi Ceppi
El Padrino’s Pride: Kevin Sánchez on Climbing for More Than the Summit
El Padrino’s Pride: Kevin Sánchez on Climbing for More Than the Summit
When Kevin Sánchez stepped off the plane in Lukla, he carried more than crampons and a downsuit. In his pack was a flag emblazoned with the Puerto Rican colors, a photo of himself with his father, and a message to his family: Te quiero mucho y siempre, or, I love you very much and always.
The flag was for Héctor Julio Sánchez—El Padrino—the father Kevin knew but hadn’t grown up with, and the man who had become his greatest source of pride and motivation on his journey to Mount Everest.
That flag was more than just fabric. It was pride, legacy, and the bond of father and son stitched into one symbol. It was a tribute to El Padrino’s legacy and to Kevin’s dream of becoming the first Puerto Rican to climb the Seven Summits.
It was Kevin’s why.
Carrying the Why
It was that why that shaped Kevin’s path long before Everest. His climb on the world’s highest peak was twenty years in the making. On his 40th birthday, he stood on the summit of Kilimanjaro and set his sights on the Seven Summits. From there, he built his résumé one peak at a time: Vinson in Antarctica, Aconcagua in South America, Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania, Elbrus in Europe, and Cotopaxi as part of the CTSS Ecuador Volcanoes program. Each climb tested him in new ways, and on Aconcagua, his ‘why’ came into focus like never before.
After more than two weeks on Aconagua, Kevin and his team had been pinned down at Camp 3 for three days with nothing but relentless wind and cold to greet them. When a narrow summit window opened, their guides woke the team just before 3 a.m. to begin their summit push. Most of the climbers, drained from the long wait and bitter conditions, decided to stay put. Kevin pressed on. In his pocket was a seashell he had promised to carry to the summit for a friend’s late wife, a woman who loved the ocean and had dreamed of retiring by the sea. That small shell reminded him that he was climbing for something larger than himself. It gave him the strength to push into the wee hours of the morning and stand on the summit of South America’s tallest peak.
Moments like that shaped Kevin’s approach to climbing.
He began to see the mountains as a place to celebrate the experience, the people you meet, and the stories you weave together. The commitments he carried, a seashell on Aconcagua and El Padrino’s flag on Everest, brought that belief to life, making each climb larger than himself.
Everest and the Arena
When Kevin finally set foot in the Khumbu Valley, it was more than the scale of the mountains that struck him. It was the weight of the dream, the people beside him, and the purpose he carried. He remembers standing with Mike Hamill (CTSS Owner), looking up at the Khumbu Icefall, and feeling the reality of what was ahead: this would be the toughest thing he had ever done.
The expedition tested him in ways no other climb had. An abscessed tooth nearly ended his season, forcing an emergency evacuation and surgery in Kathmandu before he rejoined the team. Self-doubt also surfaced, the kind that many climbers feel when the stakes are high. For Kevin, it was a familiar weight, the same impostor syndrome he had battled on other big mountains.
Kevin put it clearly:
“In this journey, the most challenging thing is sometimes self-doubt and impostor syndrome. I’m here surrounded by phenomenal Sherpa and other wonderful climbers, and it’s really easy to go, ‘what the heck am I doing here?’
That lesson is one I almost have to learn on every mountain. I have to force myself to know that I’m good enough to be here.”
Each time Everest tested Kevin, he pushed back with the same lesson he had carried from Aconcagua: you need a why bigger than yourself. This time, it came from El Padrino, the flag he carried, and simply being in the arena.
“To me, Everest was the arena. It wasn’t about walking away with a summit photo. It was about daring to test myself, giving everything I had, and knowing I was willing to stand there and try.”
That idea of the arena became the heart of his Everest climb, and it echoed the words of Theodore Roosevelt that he had adopted as a personal mantra:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Everest proved that success was not about certainty but about daring greatly. By carrying his why, by trusting the people beside him, and by stepping fully into the arena, he honored his father and himself on the world’s highest stage.
The Flag that Summitted Everest
As Kevin worked his way through his rotations, he knew he was ready. He had trained, he had prepared, and his why was clear.
Reaching the summit would be a great achievement, but his goals reached further than the top.
When a lung infection set in after his final rotation, he sat down with Mike Hamill and Jangbu Sherpa in the CTSS kitchen tent and made the call not to proceed with his summit bid. With his goals firmly in place, the decision was clear. He was in the arena, climbing the world’s tallest peak, and his father’s flag could continue to the summit with the support of his guide, Jangbu.
For Kevin, that mattered most. Jangbu, his one-on-one private guide and partner every step of the way, carried the flag to the top of the world. Kevin speaks about that moment with deep gratitude, not only because the flag reached the summit, but because it was Jangbu who carried it there. Their partnership gave the flag’s journey its meaning. At the highest point on earth, it stood for his father’s pride, his family’s legacy, and his own twenty-year dream fulfilled through trust and teamwork.
“I didn’t know my dad for most of my life, but now he’s my best friend. I climb so he can sit in his hometown in Aibontio, Puerto Rico, and say with pride, ‘That’s my son.’
Every flag, every summit attempt, every mile is for him.”
It was also proof of something Kevin had believed all along: Everest isn’t climbed alone. Behind him stood Jangbu, the Sherpa team, and the wider CTSS family, who ensured his ‘why’ reached the summit and back.
Kevin, thank you for trusting us with your dream and for sharing your journey so openly. You can hear more about Kevin’s experience on Everest in his full documentary and his reflections on climbing with CTSS in this short review, both now available on our YouTube channel.
Rotations & Puja Ceremony on Manaslu
Rotations & Puja Ceremony on Manaslu
Our Manaslu Team Climb, led by CTSS Guides Tomi Ceppi and Pega Sherpa, is off to a strong start on the 8th-highest mountain in the world.
The expedition began with a traditional puja ceremony at Base Camp on Thursday morning. Afterwards, some of the team hiked to Camp 1 while others moved to Crampon Point. Friday was spent training at Base Camp before a well-earned rest day on Sunday.
Today, the team launched into another rotation, an essential part of acclimatization that prepares them for their eventual summit bid. We will reconnect with them once this rotation is complete.
As always in the big mountains, no news is good news. When climbers are not checking in, it is because they are doing exactly what they need to: moving, eating, and sleeping to stay safe and focused. By the time they crawl into their tents, they are asleep within minutes.
We will share more updates as the team continues their journey higher.
Photos courtesy of Tomi Ceppi
Himalayan Fall in Full Swing!
Himalayan Fall in Full Swing!
Today, the entire team arrived at Manaslu Base Camp after several days of acclimatization lower in the valley in Samagoan, a small town at the foot of the mountain.
Now that the team is at Base Camp, they will spend a few days training and continuing to acclimatize before starting to make forays up the mountain. Our Base Camp support team greeted them with hot drinks and big smiles, and everyone is psyched to get the expedition started!
Stay tuned for more from Manaslu.
Photos below from CTSS Guide Tomi Ceppi.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Add-On
Contact us for itinerary planning and pricing.
Step off the mountain trails and into the heart of Africa’s rainforest for one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters. Our Uganda Gorilla Trekking Add-On pairs seamlessly with your expedition, offering the rare chance to stand face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Between lush drives through the “Pearl of Africa,” time in vibrant Kigali and Entebbe, and a guided community walk with local villagers, this extension delivers both awe-inspiring adventure and cultural connection, all with the same attention to detail and comfort you expect from CTSS.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Itinerary
This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and conditions. This is adventure travel, meaning things rarely go as planned, and this schedule will likely change. Travlers need to be adaptable and positive.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Kigali, known as one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities, is surrounded by rolling green hills. Depending on your arrival time, you might explore the vibrant markets, learn about the country’s history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, or simply relax after your flight.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel (Bed & Breakfast included)
Day 2: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the hills of Rwanda before crossing into Uganda. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced farmlands, misty valleys, and villages that give you a glimpse of everyday life in this region. Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Your luxury lodge is nestled on the forest’s edge, offering comfort and immersion in the wilderness.
Drive: ~5–6 hours (approx. 280 km / 175 miles)
Accommodation: 5-star forest lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Community Walk
Today is the highlight of your journey: gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Led by experienced trackers, you’ll hike through dense jungle terrain to encounter a gorilla family in its natural habitat. The experience of standing just meters from these gentle giants is truly unforgettable. In the afternoon, a guided community walk introduces you to the culture and traditions of the Batwa and Bakiga people who live near the forest.
Accommodation: 5-star forest lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)
Day 4: Bwindi to Entebbe
Travel through the diverse landscapes of Uganda as you transfer to Entebbe. The drive takes you past banana and tea plantations, rural villages, and the sweeping shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Arrive in Entebbe, a peaceful lakeside city known for its botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuaries.
Drive: ~8–9 hours (approx. 500 km / 310 miles)
Accommodation: 5-star hotel (Bed & Breakfast included)
Day 5: Departure from Entebbe
Enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight to Kilimanjaro and the next stage of your adventure.
Transfer: ~15 minutes to the airport
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services/items of a personal nature, like flights, gear, and insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect.
Included in the Gorilla Trekking in Uganda:
- World-class guides
- All accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All transport within the itinerary
- Airport transfers from Kigali International Airport and to Entebbe International Airport
Not Included in the Gorilla Trekking in Uganda:
- Flights to Rwanda and from Uganda
- Personal gear
- In the event of a rescue, evacuation, or early departure from the group, any rescue expenses incurred or excess expenses above and beyond our normal trip costs, including transport, hotels, evacuation, flight changes, and gear shipping, are the responsibility of the client.
- Guide tip (Customary but optional)
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
2026 CTSS Everest Program Cost & Guide
2026 CTSS Everest Program & Cost Guide
When people start thinking seriously about climbing Everest, the same questions always come up: What does it really cost? What program is right for me? What do I need to be ready? From permit fees and training prerequisites to budgeting for the full expedition, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the options.
At Climbing the Seven Summits, we have built our Everest program to be clear, customizable, and unmatched in value.
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.
CTSS 2026 Everest Climb Options
Sherpa Supported Climb (Logistics-Only)
For highly experienced, self-sufficient climbers seeking independence with CTSS logistical support. Sherpa joins only above Camp 2 for summit bid.
- Price: Starting at $54,995 USD
- Departs Annually: April 3 – May 31 (58 Days)
- Affordability: High
- Guide Support: Low
- Autonomy: High
- Experience: Requires extensive high-altitude climbing experience, ideally with prior 8,000m expeditions. Must be fully self-sufficient, as this option only provides logistical support.
Pros: Maximum personal control over pace, route decisions, and climbing style; streamlined logistics without group obligations; access to CTSS amenities while staying independent.
Cons: Summit support late in the climb; requires deep prior experience that will be vetted, including personal experience with Everest terrain.
Personal Sherpa Climb
One-to-one Sherpa companion climber from Base Camp to summit and on all rotations. Includes CTSS logistics and expedition leader oversight.
- Price: Starting at $58,995 USD
- Departs Annually: April 3 – May 31 (58 Days)
- Affordability: High
- Guide Support: Low
- Autonomy: High
- Experience: Suitable for highly competent, self-sufficient climbers familiar with using high-altitude oxygen systems; prior 7,000m or 8,000m experience strongly recommended.
Pros: Dedicated climbing partner for the full expedition; maintains independence and autonomy.
Cons: Requires deep prior experience that will be vetted. Not intended for climbers who want a guided program; early rotations may involve adjusting to different climbing partners.
IFMGA Sherpa Team Climb
Small team (maximum five climbers per IFMGA-certified Sherpa Guide) for experienced climbers seeking skilled Nepali guidance, camaraderie, and lower costs. Includes personal Sherpa on summit day.
- Price: Starting at $59,995 USD
- Departs Annually: April 3 – May 31 (58 Days)
- Affordability: Medium
- Guide Support: Low
- Autonomy: Medium
- Experience: For experienced climbers with solid technical skills and experience above 7,000m (Aconcagua acceptable) or preferably prior 8,000m climbs
Pros: Learn from a Nepali guide with extensive Everest expertise; team-based problem-solving and morale boosts; balanced cost for guided service
Cons: Higher guide: climber ratio. Less one-on-one instruction; team pace may differ from personal preference
Private 1:1 Sherpa Guided Climb
Private climb with a Nepali Guide for ultimate oversight and flexibility. Excellent value for personalized guidance. Includes personal oxygen carrying companion Sherpa on summit bid.
- Price: Starting at $69,995 USD
- Departs Annually: April 3 – May 31 (58 Days)
- Affordability: Medium
- Guide Support: High
- Autonomy: High
- Experience: Requires proven climbing skills and a solid mountaineering background; good for those wanting private 1:1 guidance but still bringing their own competence.
Pros: Full-time expert focused solely on your climb; highly flexible schedule; custom pacing. Benefit from your guide’s deep Himalayan knowledge
Cons: Potential cultural and language barriers. Less natural group camaraderie
Western Guided Team Climb
Led by a world-class Western or international guide starting in Kathmandu, through the entire expedition. Strong camaraderie and high summit success rates. Includes personal oxygen carrying companion Sherpa on summit bid.
- Price: Starting at $74,995 USD
- Departs Annually: March 30th – May 27th (58 days)
- Affordability: Medium
- Guide Support: High
- Autonomy: Medium
- Experience: For competent, team-oriented climbers comfortable on technical alpine terrain; prior high-altitude experience recommended, but can be less than 8,000m.
Pros: Comprehensive mentorship from an internationally recognized guide; strong social bonds within the group; proven summit results season after season.
Cons: Must adapt to group pace and strategy; less individualized 1:1 coaching than a private climb.
Private Western Guided Climb
The ultimate Everest experience with a private Western/International guide and personal Sherpa for summit day. Highest service level and summit success probability.
- Price: Starting at $129,995 USD
- Departs Annually: April 1st – May 29th (58 Days)
- Affordability: Low
- Guide Support: High
- Autonomy: Very High
- Experience: Suitable for a wide range of climbers but prior high-altitude experience recommended but can be less than 8,000m.
Pros: Tailored plan from an elite guide; maximum safety through constant attention; flexible decision-making without compromise
Cons: Premium cost; less team camaraderie.
Everest The Formula
Holistic custom program with unparalleled resources, staff, and service for those seeking the absolute best in preparation, safety, comfort, and performance.
- Price: By Request
- Departs Annually: April 1st – May 29th (58 Days)
- Affordability: Low
- Guide Support: Very High
- Autonomy: High
- Experience: Tailored to the individual; for those who are ready to commit to an intensive preparation program.
Pros: Exclusive, bespoke program; unmatched preparation and guidance, extensive support both on and off the mountain
Cons: Significant financial investment; highly curated experience may feel less rugged for those who prefer a traditional expedition style
Speed Ascents
Pre-acclimatization at home before departure is required. Designed for climbers with limited time who want to shorten the expedition while maintaining safety and summit success.
30-Day Speed Ascent: Aggressive 8-week home program, skips Lobuche
- Price: Add-on $12,000 USD to your selected Everest Program
- Departs Annually: April 20th – 19th May (30 Days)
- Experience: Requires a strict 8-week pre-acclimatization using a hypoxic chamber.
40-Day Speed Ascent: Includes Lobuche climb, 6-week home program
- Price: Add-on $10,000 USD to your selected Everest Program
- Departs Annually: April 12th – May 21st (40 Days)
- Experience: For experienced climbers able to complete a 6-week home pre-acclimatization program; includes more natural acclimatization than the 30-day option. Includes a Lobuche rotation
CTSS 2026 Partial Climbs, Add-On Climbs, and Treks
Camp 2 Everest Climb
Get a taste of Everest up to 21,500 ft. Ideal for future summit prep or the full Everest experience without the pressure or financial commitment. Great to see how you will go in the future.
- Price: Starting at $17,995 USD
- Departs Annually: April 3rd – May 3rd (30 Days)
- Experience: More entry-level. Prior high-altitude climbing recommended.
Pros: Experience the Khumbu Icefall and Western CWM; gain familiarity with Everest logistics; climb on oxygen, shorter duration, more affordable entry point to high altitude. Get a home-ground advantage
Cons: Does not allow for a summit bid at the time, does not include the option to climb on oxygen
Camp 3 Everest Climb
Climb to 24,000 ft and satisfy the 7,000m prerequisite with the option to use oxygen for skills training.
- Price: Starting at $21,995 USD
- Departs Annually: April 3rd – May 12th (39 Days)
- Experience: For experienced climbers with prior high-altitude expeditions; comfort with fixed lines, crampons, and ice axe required.
Pros: Learn high-altitude oxygen use; climb the Lhotse Face; excellent preparation for an 8,000m summit bid without the price tag. Home ground advantage
Cons: Does not allow for a summit bid at the time,
Lhotse Climb
The fourth-highest mountain in the world, sharing much of Everest’s route for a spectacular, challenging ascent.
- Price: starting at $34,995 USD
- Annually: April 3rd – May 24th (52 Days)
- Experience: Requires a strong climbing resume, physically and technically demanding.
Pros: Much more affordable than Everest, but climbs most of the route. 4th-highest peak in the world. Benefits from the logistics of the Everest expedition
Cons: Shares the route with Everest, which can be crowded at times.
Lobuche East Climb
Iconic Himalayan training peak with some of the best views in the region.
- Price: starting at $6,995 USD
- Annually: April 3rd – April 25th (22 Days)
- Experience: For climbers familiar with basic alpine skills, it is a good first Himalayan peak.
Pros: Great for first-time Himalayan climbers; excellent skills refresher; stunning summit panorama. Includes a visit to Everest Base Camp. Opportunity to climb alongside Everest guides.
Cons: In a dry year, the route can be less accessible.
3 Peaks Climb & Trek
Lobuche, Pokalde, and Island Peak in one expedition for maximum variety and skill building.
- Price: starting at $9,995 USD
- Annually: April 3rd – April 30th (28 Days)
- Experience: For climbers with basic alpine skills; great as a first Himalayan expedition and as progression training for higher mountains.
Pros: Diverse climbing challenges; multiple opportunities across multiple peaks. Takes advantage of 3 climbs in a single expedition to maximise time away from home, expense, training, and acclimatization.
Cons: Packed schedule with limited rest days
Gokyo Return Extension
Add variety to your return trek from Everest Base Camp with a two-day extension that crosses the Cho La Pass (5,420m) into the Gokyo Valley, home to turquoise lakes, massive glaciers, and quieter trails.
- Price: starting at $1,495 USD
- Departs Annually: Adds 2 days to your return itinerary
- Experience: For fit, experienced trekkers looking to get off the beaten path and take on an additional challenge.
Pros: Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu; turquoise Gokyo Lakes; quieter trails and a unique cultural experience; avoids retracing the same route.
Cons: Long trekking days; requires strong fitness.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The world’s most famous trek with rare access to Base Camp proper and an optional ice clinic.
- Price: Starting at $5,495 USD
- Departs Annually: April 3rd – April 22rd (20 Days)
- Experience: For fit trekkers; no technical climbing experience required.
Pros: Iconic trekking route; insider access to the mountaineers’ Base Camp. Benefits from the Everest logistics.
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
Everest Permits, Fees & Costs to Plan For
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
Ready to Take the Next Step? Join Us at the Everest Speakeasy
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.
Mount Sidley Climb Add-On
Mount Sidley Climb
$51,875 USD
January 10th – 21st, 2027
At 14,058 ft (4,285 m), Mount Sidley is Antarctica’s highest volcano and one of the elusive Volcanic Seven Summits. Remote, rarely climbed, and set deep within the stark beauty of the Polar Ice Sheet, Sidley offers an expedition unlike any other.
First summited in 1990 by New Zealander Bill Atkinson, the peak has seen only a handful of ascents since. Its broad, 3-mile-wide caldera and sheer amphitheater walls—born of an explosive eruption 4.7 million years ago—create a landscape that is as geologically fascinating as it is visually striking. Blue-ice slopes and otherworldly snow formations line the upper mountain, culminating in views that stretch endlessly over the frozen continent.
This is your opportunity to join the ranks of climbers who have stood on the summit of Mount Sidley with the vast expanse of Antarctica below your feet. Summiting Mount Sidley is more than just a climb – it’s an expedition of a lifetime, an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul forever.
Please note: Climbing Mount Sidley is a serious undertaking meant for climbers with prior experience in the cold and some climbing skills. Guides will work with clients throughout the expedition to provide safety, advice, logistics, technical guidance, and information to best ensure the clients’ summit success.
All prices are in US Dollars.
CTSS requires clients to buy trip insurance for all expeditions. For more information, please see our page on trip insurance and cancellation policy.
All payments, once submitted, are non-refundable and non-transferable. If balances are not received by specified dates, the client forfeits their place on the program and any prior fees paid.
This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel, meaning things rarely go as planned, and this schedule will likely change. Climbers need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend climbers arrive in Punta Arenas one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (e.g., hotel, food, or sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for early arrivals or for a single-rooming option.
- Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
- Day 2: Team breakfast, gear checks, expedition briefing
- Day 3: Luggage check-in and cocktail evening with Antarctic flight service
- Day 4: Fly to Union Glacier, Antarctica
- Day 5: Acclimatization hikes around Union Glacier
- Day 6: Acclimatization hikes around Union Glacier
- Day 7: Fly to Mount Sidley
- Day 8-13: Climb and summit Mount Sidley
- Day 14: Fly back to Union Glacier, Antarctica
- Day 15: Scheduled flight from Antarctica to Punta Arenas, Chile
- Day 16: Fly home
- Day 17: Contingency day
Our expeditions are designed to be fully inclusive, except for some services/items of a personal nature like flights, gear, insurance. Here’s a detailed list so you know what to expect.
Included:
- Professional mountain guides
- Flights to and from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Union Glacier, Antarctica
- Flights to and from Union Glacier, Antarctica, to Mount Sidley
- Checked luggage up to 55 lbs (25 kg) to Antarctica
- Three nights' lodging with double occupancy in Punta Arenas, Chile (two nights before the expedition and one night after). Any additional nights due to delays, etc., will be at your own expense.
- All expedition food on the mountain, including breakfast, dinner, snacks, and hot drinks. In addition, all breakfasts at the hotel in Punta Arenas, Chile, are included.
- All team gear, including four-season tents, cooking gear, group duffels, stoves, etc.
- Satellite phone to update the CTSS blog and available to clientele at $3/min
Excluded:
- Flights to and from Punta Arenas, Chile
- Transportation from and to the airport in Punta Arenas
- All in-town restaurant meals (breakfast is provided) and specialty mountain lunch food
- Luggage over 55 lbs (25 kg) to Antarctica
- All personal climbing gear is the responsibility of the client
- In the event of a rescue, evacuation, or early departure from the group, the client is responsible for any rescue expenses incurred or excess expenses above and beyond our normal trip costs, including transport, hotels, evacuation, flight changes, and gear shipping.
- Guide tips (customary but optional)
- Costs incurred as a result of events beyond the control of CTSS above and beyond the normal expedition costs
- Required trip insurance policy (for trip cancellation, interruption, rescue & evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
