Helicopter Options
Many of our climbers say that one of the best experiences of their entire expedition is taking a helicopter flight back down the Khumbu Valley and getting an aerial view of the trek, the peaks they’ve been climbing and the mighty Himalayan range. It is, without doubt, one of the most scenic, adventurous mountain flights in the world.
Further, while people initially think they will want to undertake the 3 day, 40 mile trek back down the valley, we’ve found that after two long months on the mountain, the draw of civilisation, getting back to family and friends & enjoying that well-deserved beer can be irresistible.
We also have climbers who wish to drop down to lower altitudes part way through the expedition to supercharge their rest and recovery between rotations.
We have a number of options available for you:
One Way Helicopter from Base Camp to Lukla*
$3,300 USD
A helicopter from Everest base camp to Lukla avoids the three day, 40 mile walk back down the valley. From Lukla you will catch a regularly scheduled fixed-wing plane back to Kathmandu either that day or the following.
*or Lukla back to Base Camp mid expedition
One Way Helicopter from Base Camp to Kathmandu*
$6,500 USD
For those that aren’t as price sensitive and who want to get back to Kathmandu and homeward bound as quickly as possible at the end of the expedition, we can arrange a helicopter for you directly from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu.
*or Kathmandu back to Base Camp mid expedition
One Way Helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla*
$4,250 USD
If the fixed plane schedule does not suit you or the notorious weather in Lukla permits helicopter flights but not fixed-wing departures, you may elect to take a helicopter from Lukla airport back to Kathmandu or vice versa.
IPlease note: If you would like to include a helicopter option in your expedition please let us know BEFORE your trip so we can pre-book your flight in advance and include this in your trip total. If you decide to add a helicopter flight during your expedition we cannot guarantee availability. Further arranging services from the mountain or at short notice attracts an additional service fee of $1000. All helicopter flights need to be paid in advance with no exceptions.
These options do not include Medical, Evacuation and Rescue helicopters which will be organized in liaison with your trip insurer in the event of an emergency – this is another reason why good coverage in your policy is essential.
Everest Family & Friends Options
We welcome you to invite friends and family to join you for all, or part of your Everest expedition.
The benefits are;
– The joy of sharing this once in a lifetime experience with your loved ones
– Lessening the time apart
– Puts family at ease as they get a first hand understanding and empathy of the nature of your expedition and goal
Your friends and family are invited to join us:
Everest Base Camp Trek
$5,495 USD
The Everest Base Camp trek is widely heralded as the best trek in the world and for good reason; it’s beautiful, challenging yet achievable, and incredibly scenic. Roughly 40 miles/70 km you will trek through lush green pastures, blossoming Rhododendron forests and the most spectacular mountain terrain in the world.
The pinnacle of the CTSS EBC trek is Everest base camp proper at 17,600ft/ 5,500m where, being affiliated with an Everest climbing expedition, you are able to enter and spend 2x nights within Base Camp proper, something the vast majority of trekkers never experience. This allows you to get a sense of the Everest base camp scene and community and what goes into an Everest expedition. If you are feeling good you have the added option to scale Kala Pathar the morning you leave base camp for stunning views of the Everest Massif, Lhotse and Nuptse.
Additional Nights at Base Camp:
If friends and family want to stay at base camp longer than 2x night we can add additional nights for $350 per person, per night.
Staying at Base Camp throughout entire expedition:
If family and friends want to stay longer than a week we will need to put them on a Nuptse climbing permit which allows them to stay at base camp throughout the expedition. Please talk to us about this as it is no problem to organise and we often have people stay throughout the expedition as support.
Everest Base Camp Executive Luxury Trek & The Gokyo Extension are also available to family and friends.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule/departure dates will depend on the Everest program your loved one has chosen and be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to trek to Everest Base Camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu where CTSS will cover one night accommodation. We recommend booking a flexible return airfare.
- Day 1 Team Arrives
- Day 2 KTM Day
- Day 3 Fly to Lukla/Phakding
- Day 4 Trek to Namche
- Day 5 Rest
- Day 6 Trek to Tengboche
- Day 7 Rest
- Day 8 Trek to Pheriche
- Day 9 Rest
- Day 10 Trek to Lobuche Base camp
- Day 11 Acclimatization Trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Day 12 Move to Lobuche High Camp (optional - family and friends are welcome to stay in the better equiped Base Camp if they prefer)
- Day 13 Rest Day
- Day 14 Climbers summit, family & friends rest day
- Day 15 Trek to EBC
- Day 16 Everest Climbing Clinic & Explore BC
- Day 17 Trek to Pheriche
- Day 18 Trek to Namche
- Day 19 Trek to Lukla
- Day 20 Fly Lukla to KTM
- Day 21 Fly Home
- Day 22 Contingency Day
Lobuche East Climb
$6,995 USD
If your family and friends are looking for a little more of a mountaineering experience they are welcome to join you on your acclimatisation climb of Lobuche Peak. Lobuche is a jewel of the Himalaya and arguably offers perhaps the best summit view in the world – taking in the Everest/Lhotse/Nuptse massif, Makalu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and many others.
Lobuche is a good first Himalayan climb, with steep fixed-line climbing on rock, snow, and ice as well as excellent training for taller mountains such as Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, and Manaslu.
To consider an ascent of Lobuche, participants should be familiar with crampon and ice axe technique and have used a harness before. We will run a training refresher at Lobuche base camp before the ascent.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule/departure dates will depend on the Everest program your loved one has chosen and be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to trek to Lobuche. Our climb ends in Kathmandu where CTSS will cover one night accommodation. We recommend booking a flexible return airfare.
- Day 1 Team Arrives
- Day 2 KTM Day
- Day 3 Fly to Lukla/Phakding
- Day 4 Trek to Namche
- Day 5 Rest
- Day 6 Trek to Tengboche
- Day 7 Rest
- Day 8 Trek to Pheriche
- Day 9 Rest
- Day 10 Trek to Lobuche base camp
- Day 11 Trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Day 12 Move to Lobuche High Camp
- Day 13 Acclimatize
- Day 14 Summit and descend Lobuche BC
- Day 15 Trek to EBC
- Day 16 Everest Climbing Clinic & Explore BC
- Day 17 Trek to Pheriche
- Day 18 Trek to Namche
- Day 19 Trek to Lukla
- Day 20 Fly Lukla to KTM
- Day 21 Fly Home
- Day 22 Contingency Day
3 Peaks Climb & Trek
$9,995 USD
Mountaineering friends and family may also like to consider our 3-Peaks climb and trek which takes in three legendary peaks of the Khumbu: Lobuche East, Pokalde, and Island Peak – climbs which undoubtedly offer some of the best summit views in the world!
Starting alongside you on Lobuche, they will then accompany you into Everest base camp and enjoy 2 nights living the true Everest experience with the Everest summit team including partaking in our ice climbing clinic on the Khumbu Glacier.
Following their stay at EBC they will split off, trekking over to the remote Pokalde to begin ascending their second Himalayan peak.
Finally they cross into the famed Imja Tse valley for their final ascent of world famous Island Peak.
3-Peak ascent participants should be familiar with crampon and ice axe use. We will run a training refresher at Lobuche base camp before the ascent to dust off any cobwebs.
Itinerary:
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule/departure dates will depend on the Everest program your loved one has chosen and be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to trek to the first peak Lobuche. Our climb ends in Kathmandu where CTSS will cover one night accommodation. We recommend booking a flexible return airfare.
- Apr 3 Team Arrives
- Day 1 KTM Day
- Day 2 Fly to Lukla/Phakding
- Day 3 Trek to Namche
- Day 4 Rest
- Day 5 Trek to Tengboche
- Day 6 Rest
- Day 7 Trek to Pheriche
- Day 8 Rest
- Day 9 Trek to Lobuche base camp
- Day 10 Trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Day 11 Move to Lobuche High Camp
- Day 12 Acclimatize
- Day 13 Summit and descend Lobuche BC
- Day 14 Trek to EBC
- Day 15 Rest at EBC - Training
- Day 16 Trek to Lobuche
- Day 17 Trek to Pokalde HC via Kongma La
- Day 18 Climb Pokalde & descend to Chhukung
- Day 19 Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak BC
- Day 20 Climb Island Peak return Chhukung
- Day 21 Trek Chhukung to Pangboche
- Day 22 Pangboche to Namche
- Day 23 Namche to Lukla
- Day 24 Lukla flight to KTM
- Day 25 Fly home
- Day 26 Contingency day
- Day 27 Contingency day
....Snowy Finish...
Our first Alpine Academy has come to a close with a snowy, chilly finish.
Plenty of 'alpine' conditions' to really initiate our team which is excellent training. Their second day they went into Blue Lake battling strong winds and intermittent white outs for a snow anchor course and fixed line ascension and they filled their final day with a full crevasse rescue training session before breaking camp and snow shoeing back to the trailhead.
Scott summed it up nicely for us:
"This Australian Alpine Academy was a terrific course run by Mike Hamill. With his extensive experience as a mountaineer, he was able to provide a very accomodating package tailored to a group with mixed skills and backgrounds. His friendly approach combined with his background conveyed confidence and a safety first mentality from the outset. This course provided a good foundation and structure for those wanting to go beyond the Australian high country to bigger and higher challenges/peaks. Equally, it was a very worthwhile course for those looking to get a solid foundation for safely spending time backcountry in the Australian Alps. The ability to have access to someone with such experience amongst the world's highest mountains, is unprecedented for a course such as this here in Australia. Spending time with Mike and him openly sharing his tips, tricks and approaches was incredibly valuable. A worthwhile course that I'm sure will become well sought after here in Australia."
Cheers
CTSS Team
Lhotse Climb Combo Add-On
Lhotse Climb Add-On
Add On: $19,995 USD
Combining an ascent of Mt. Everest and the 4th highest mountain in the world, Lhotse, is a huge feat! With advancements in oxygen system technology and our rope fixing infrastructure it is now an achievable possibility to tag these 2 X 8000m summits in under 24 hours (given you are already so well acclimatised)
After summiting Mt Everest, you will rest on oxygen at either the South Col or Lhotse high camp (just off the Geneva Spur) for the night before climbing Lhotse’s summit pyramid early the next morning with a Personal Sherpa*. You then drop down to Camp 2 that same day and back to Base Camp the following day.
This adds only a day of extra climbing onto your chosen Mt. Everest program.
If you are goal driven, chasing the 8,000m peaks or simply want to enter the record books of the tiny number of people that have completed this double header feat, we’re happy to help you make this happen by organising and facilitating your Lhotse add on.
*Depending on your program you may be able to secure your private Everest Guide for your Lhotse Ascent too – Private Nepali Guides attract an additional fee of $6,000 and Private Western Guides attract an additional fee of $12,000.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule will be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal, where we obtain our climbing permits before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to trek to Everest base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu. We suggest you book a flexible return airfare.
The Lhotse Add-On itinerary is subject to your chosen Everest program and adds a single day to your itinerary following your Everest summit.
- Apr 3 Team Arrives
- Apr 4 KTM Day
- Apr 5 Fly to Lukla/Phakding
- Apr 6 Trek to Namche
- Apr 7 Rest
- Apr 8 Trek to Tengboche
- Apr 9 Rest
- Apr 10 Trek to Pheriche
- Apr 11 Rest
- Apr 12 Trek to Lobuche base camp
- Apr 13 Trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 14 Move to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 15 Acclimatize
- Apr 16 Summit and descend Lobuche BC
- Apr 17 Trek to EBC
- Apr 18 Rest at EBC
- Apr 19 Rest at EBC
- Apr 20 Train
- Apr 21 Rest/Pack for first rotation
- Apr 22 Climb to C1
- Apr 23 Climb towards C2
- Apr 24 Descend to base camp
- Apr 25 Rest
- Apr 26 Hike to Pumori
- Apr 27 Rest
- Apr 28 Climb to C1
- Apr 29 Climb to C2
- Apr 30 Climb above C2
- May 1 Climb to C3 and descend to C2
- May 2 Descend to base camp
- May 3 Rest
- May 4 Rest
- May 5 Rest
- May 6 Rest
- May 7 To C1
- May 8 To C2
- May 9 To C3
- May 10 To C4
- May 11 Summit and descend to C2
- May 12 Descend to base camp
- May 13 Rest
- May 14 Pack up base camp
- May 15 Trek to Pheriche
- May 16 Trek to Namche
- May 17 Trek to Lukla
- May 18 Fly to KTM
- May 19 Fly Home
- May 20 Contingency
- May 21 Contingency
- May 22 Contingency
- May 23 Contingency
- May 24 Contingency
Your inclusions and exclusions are based on your chosen Everest program.
In addition to your chosen Everest program; the Lhotse Add On includes:
- Support for a summit attempt on Lhotse following your Everest summit attempt
- Lhotse permit
- Additional Lhotse logistics (high mountain support, weather forecasts, rope fixing fees, food etc)
- Additional oxygen (4 additional bottles – 3x for your use, 1x for your sherpa) for use on Lhotse summit day
- A Personal Sherpa for Lhotse summit day to guide you*
*Please note; as The Lhotse Add On is a separate deviation from your Everest program and therefore your Everest guidance is not included and you will be assigned a Personal Sherpa to assist you. If you do want to continue with your private Everest guidance, or want higher levels of guidance, please contact us for up to date pricing
Extra Oxygen
Extra Oxygen
$9,995 USD
All our expeditions allocate a very generous supply of oxygen. In general, we plan to run an oxygen flow of 3L/min or more while climbing, and 1L/min sleeping. With the advanced technology of our hyper-efficient, state-of-the-art oxygen masks, this is usually more than enough. We give you 11 bottles (8 for you and 3 for your Sherpa). So, long story short is you don’t need extra oxygen.
However, if you can afford it we generally recommend purchasing extra oxygen. We consider it cheap insurance. With the extra oxygen, you can run at a higher flow rate which will keep you warmer, allowing you to move faster on summit day and reducing your fatigue levels when you return to the South Col, all of which goes a long way towards keeping you safe. Also, if you get delayed due to weather at the South Col for a day, need to turn back on your first summit attempt for any reason, or miss thread your bottle which can periodically happen, having the extra Os may save your summit bid.
The extra oxygen option buys 3 more bottles of oxygen delivered to the upper mountain (we will discuss strategy on how to best use this extra oxygen). With the extra Os you can run high flow (4 – 5L/min) throughout summit day, start oxygen at Camp 2, and/or have a bit extra in case of delays at the South Col etc.
*Please note, extra oxygen is non-refundable and non-transferable*
...Perfect Terrain for Beginners...
The team out in the Aussie backcountry have been keeping very busy and having a blast! From sunrise til sunset they are training and learning all the foundational skills of mountaineering.
So far they have learnt how to rig and travel with sleds, had their first snow school, tackling roped climbing, cramponing, self arrest and also spent time learning the most used and vital mountaineering knots.
After a busy day, they refuelled with mediterranean pasta (my favourite comfort dinner in the mountains - it's so good we actually roll it out at home too! You should try it: Cook some spiral pasta and throw in generous helpings of olive oil, kalamatta olives, danish feta, sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pinenuts. Simple but AMAZING) and tonight I think it's Quesadillas...
Cheers
Caroline
Everest Accommodation Upgrades
'8848 - The Residence'
CONTACT US FOR PRICING
Welcome to ‘8848m – The Residence’ truly redefining what the Mt. Everest experience is, from start to finish. Beyond a tent, it’s a powered, heated home.
Featuring;
- Private WC & hot shower
- Heating*
- A 4 poster bed with comforter & pillows
- Personal charging facilities, overhead lighting*
- Table and chair to create a private workspace that allows professionals and business executives to productively use valuable downtime at base camp to continue to manage work obligations or to simply keep up with friends and family and update social media.
- A chest of drawers and clothes rack
- Raised, carpeted flooring to insulate from the glacier
- Personal humidifier
- Morning beverage service
- Shoe rack
- Single rooming throughout the expedition in Kathmandu & teahouses (Please note that tent accommodations at Lobuche high camp and above Everest base camp are double-occupancy for everyone for safety reasons)
*Please note that The Residence is non-refundable and non-transferable and is suitable only for single rooming.
Couples can be accommodated at an additional surcharge of $1,995.
Power/heat is available during set peak usage times for sustainability.*
Everest Executive Dome
$14,995 USD
Our Everest Executive program features our insulated, powered personal geodesic domes that feel more like a unique hotel room than a tent!
“Everest Executive is like upgrading to first class except the flight is 60 days instead of 12hours. It’s a no brainer” – John Keagy
Featuring:
- Powered with personal charging facilities, overhead lighting and heating*
- Windows with curtains to take in the epic views
- A Queen sized bed with comforter & pillows
- Table and chair to create a private workspace that allows professionals and business executives to productively use valuable downtime at base camp to continue to manage work obligations or to simply keep up with friends and family and update social media.
- Raised, carpeted flooring to insulate from the glacier
- Personal humidifier
- Morning beverage service
- Shoe rack
- Single rooming throughout the expedition in Kathmandu & teahouses (Please note that tent accommodations at Lobuche high camp and above Everest base camp are double-occupancy for everyone for safety reasons)
If you are stressed for time, you can consider combining our Everest Executive program with our CTSS Speed Ascent option to live in luxury AND minimize your time away from home.
*Please note that the Everest Executive program is non-refundable and non-transferable and is suitable only for single rooming.
Couples can be accommodated at an additional surcharge of $1,995.
Power/heat is available during set peak usage times for sustainability.*
Everest Associate
$6,995 USD
Our Everest Associate program is perfect for climbers wishing to enjoy a step above our traditional service by living in incredible comfort in a two room (Vestibule entrance foyer and bedroom area) insulated house tent.
Those that choose our Everest Associate option will enjoy:
- Raised wood flooring with carpet to insulate from the glacier
- Single cot bed with comforter and pillow
- Entryway room for private gear storage
- Overhead lighting
- Personal device charging power outlet
- Table & Chair to create a private workspace
- Shoe Rack
- Morning Beverage Service
*Please note that this option doesn’t include tent heating or single rooming in Kathmandu and teahouses. (Please note that tent accommodations at Lobuche high camp and above Everest base camp are double-occupancy for safety)
Chat to us about the option of adding a single room which goes a long way towards keeping you healthy and helping you get the rest you need to climb strong, thus improving summit success.
If you are stressed for time, you can consider combining our Everest Executive program with our CTSS Speed Ascent option to live in luxury AND minimize your time away from home.
*Please note that the Everest Associate program is non-refundable and non-transferable and is suitable only for single rooming. Couples can be accommodated at an additional surcharge of $1,995*
...Aussie Alpine Academy off to a Bluebird Start...
Fresh snow, blue skies, an epic team, salmon steaks and sweet potato fries for dinner! What could be better?
The Australian Alpine Academy Intro to Mountaineering is off to a great start with the team sledding in from Guthega yesterday and setting up camp. (Heavy loads too, with all the extra tents to ensure social distancing etc)
Today they have made their way to Blue Lake to begin their training and will return to Camp later tonight before rinse and repeating tomorrow with a fresh batch of new skills like cramponing, self arrest, crevasse rescue, fixed line ascension etc.
It's so nice to be back in the mountains!!
Cheers
CTSS Team
Partial Everest Climbs, Khumbu Climbs & Treks
Looking to climb Mt. Everest, (or another 8000m peak in the future) and interested in getting some of the best training and preparation under your belt?
Or, perhaps you would love to have the full Everest experience without feeling the need to make a summit attempt?
Our partial Everest climbs may be the perfect budget friendly option for you.
Camp 2 Mt. Everest Climb
Annually; April 3 – May 3* (30 Days) | 21,500ft/6,500m
$17,995 USD
A climb to Camp 2 on Everest is a fantastic way to taste test Everest without the stress, duration or huge cost of a summit bid.
Whether you are fascinated by the biggest mountain in the world and want to experience what it is like to be an Everest climber, or you are looking to climb Everest in the future and want to become familiar with the logistics and route you won’t be disappointed!
A Camp 2 climb is an excellent progression step in your climbing career and the thrill of climbing in the renowned Khumbu Icefall and through the breathtaking Western CWM will stay with you for life.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule will be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal, where we obtain our climbing permits before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to trek to Everest base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu. We suggest you book a flexible return airfare.
- Apr 3 Arrive KTM
- Apr 4 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day/Team dinner
- Apr 5 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
- Apr 6 Trek to Namche
- Apr 7 Rest/acclimatization in Namche
- Apr 8 Hike to Tengboche
- Apr 9 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche
- Apr 10 Hike to Pheriche
- Apr 11 Rest/Acclimatization in Pheriche
- Apr 12 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp
- Apr 13 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher
- Apr 14 Move to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 15 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 16 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp
- Apr 17 Trek to Everest Base Camp
- Apr 18 Rest at Everest Base Camp
- Apr 19 Training/Acclimatization
- Apr 20 Packing/Acclimatization
- Apr 21 Climb to Camp 1
- Apr 22 Climb to Camp 2, return to Camp 1
- Apr 23 Descend to Everest Base Camp
- Apr 24 Rest/Pack Up
- Apr 25 Descend to Pheriche
- Apr 26 Descend to Namche
- Apr 27 Descend to Lukla
- Apr 28 Fly to Kathmandu
- Apr 29 Fly Home
- Apr 30 Contingency Day
- May 1 Contingency Day
- May 2 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 of inclusions/exclusions so you know what to expect.
Included in the Camp 2 Mt. Everest Climb:
- Leadership, strategy, guidance and climbing oversight by Everest Expedition Leader & CTSS team
- Climbing Sherpa to assist with carrying personal gear
- Full expedition logistics, weather forecasts, etc
- Climbing permit
- Domestic flights to and from Lukla
- In country transport associated with the program itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses
- Welcome dinner & meals throughout the expedition
- Lobuche East peak training and acclimatization climb (please note you will climb with the wider Everest team on Lobuche as your personal Sherpa will meet you at Base Camp)
- CTSS Base Camp setup and tent accommodation
- Access to medical and communications gear
- High mountain camp infrastructure and logistics (Camp 1, Camp 2)
- On mountain meals
Excluded in the Camp 2 Mt. Everest Climb:
- International flights to Kathmandu, Nepal
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Associated travel expenses including: Visa, Passport,
- Reciprocity Fees, Vaccination Charges, Excess Baggage
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary or additional days before or after the scheduled program
- Personal climbing equipment, clothing, toiletries etc
- Personal sundries including but not limited to; non-team meals while in Kathmandu, personal snacks, specialized high altitude climbing food, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, medical expenses, gratuities, 3rd party internet, email or phone charges, bottled water, specialty coffees
- Sherpa tip pool
- Guide tip (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.)
- Unused Contingency Days at the end of your program: CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu on your return. If you decide to stay longer in Kathmandu beyond this night, those costs are your responsibility. We highly recommend that while you should plan to be away from home for the entire duration of the expedition including contingencies days, you book a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t use all of the contingency days or push it back as you need.
Camp 3 Mt. Everest Climb
Annually; April 3 – May 12* (39 Days) | 24,000ft/7,500m
$21,995 USD
A Camp 3 climb is a phenomenal way to prepare for a future Everest or another 8,000m climb, not to mention a stunning and challenging climb in and of itself.
If Everest is on your horizon, gaining familiarity with the route, the style of climbing required to master the Khumbu icefall, the Western CWM and the Lhotse face and even understanding the nature of what it is to be part of an Everest expedition will give you an unparalleled advantage when you return for your summit bid in the future. (A Camp 3 climb also satisfies the 7,000m Everest pre-requisite in a fun, affordable and productive way)
Our Camp 3 climbers are also offered the opportunity of using oxygen whilst climbing on the Lhotse Face in order to become familiar with the systems and gain that invaluable skill set for the future. A huge advantage!
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule will be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal, where we obtain our climbing permits before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to trek to Everest base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu. We suggest you book a flexible return airfare.
- Apr 3 Arrive KTM
- Apr 4 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day/Team dinner
- Apr 5 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
- Apr 6 Trek to Namche
- Apr 7 Rest/acclimatization in Namche
- Apr 8 Hike to Tengboche
- Apr 9 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche
- Apr 10 Hike to Pheriche
- Apr 11 Rest/Acclimatization in Pheriche
- Apr 12 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp
- Apr 13 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher
- Apr 14 Move to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 15 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 16 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp
- Apr 17 Trek to Everest Base Camp
- Apr 18 Rest at Everest Base Camp
- Apr 19 Training/Acclimatization
- Apr 20 Packing/Acclimatization
- Apr 21 Climb to Camp 1
- Apr 22 Climb to Camp 2, return to Camp 1
- Apr 23 Move to Camp 2
- Apr 24 Descend to Everest Base Camp
- Apr 25 Rest
- Apr 26 Hike to Pumori Camp 1
- Apr 27 Rest/Pack
- Apr 28 Climb to Camp 1
- Apr 29 Climb to Camp 2
- Apr 30 Touch the base of the Lhotse Face
- May 1 Climb to touch Camp 3, descend to Camp 2
- May 2 Descend to Base Camp
- May 3 Pack/Rest
- May 4 Descend to Pheriche
- May 5 Descend to Namche
- May 6 Descend to Lukla
- May 7 Fly to Kathmandu
- May 8 Fly Home
- May 9 Contingency Day
- May 10 Contingency Day
- May 11 Contingency Day
Included in the Camp 3 Mt. Everest Climb:
- Leadership, strategy, guidance and climbing oversight by Everest Expedition Leader & CTSS team
- Climbing Sherpa to assist with carrying personal gear
- Full expedition logistics, weather forecasts, etc
- Climbing permit
- Domestic flights to and from Lukla
- In country transport associated with the program itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses
- Welcome dinner & meals throughout the expedition
- Lobuche East peak training and acclimatization climb (please note you will climb with the wider Everest team on Lobuche as your personal Sherpa will meet you at Base Camp)
- CTSS Base Camp setup and tent accommodation
- Access to medical and communications gear
- High mountain camp infrastructure and logistics (Camp 1, Camp 2 up to Camp 3)
- On mountain meals
Excluded in the Camp 3 Mt. Everest Climb:
- International flights to Kathmandu, Nepal
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Associated travel expenses including: Visa, Passport,
- Reciprocity Fees, Vaccination Charges, Excess Baggage
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary or additional days before or after the scheduled program
- Personal climbing equipment, clothing, toiletries etc
- Personal sundries including but not limited to; non-team meals while in Kathmandu, personal snacks, specialized high altitude climbing food, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, medical expenses, gratuities, 3rd party internet, email or phone charges, bottled water, specialty coffees
- Sherpa tip pool
- Guide tip (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.)
- Unused Contingency Days at the end of your program: CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu on your return. If you decide to stay longer in Kathmandu beyond this night, those costs are your responsibility. We highly recommend that while you should plan to be away from home for the entire duration of the expedition including contingencies days, you book a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t use all of the contingency days or push it back as you need.
Lhotse Stand Alone Climb
Annually; April 3 - May 24th (52 Days)
From $34,995 (USD)
Lhotse is an absolutely stunning climb and a true Himalayan giant in its own right. The world’s 4th tallest mountain it is a massive mountaineering achievement. Many Everest climbers come back to climb Lhotse because of the beautiful nature of the ascent and to part of the Everest and Lhotse communities once again. Some people also want to experience the Everest route (until nearly high camp) including the Khumbu icefall, the Western Cwm, and the Lhotse Face without the Everest price tag. Regardless of the reasons, Lhotse is a great climb.
We will pair you with one of our hand-picked climbing Sherpa for your climb of Lhotse. You will be sharing base camp with the Everest climbing team and using all of the same luxurious facilities. We encourage you to customize your Lhotse expedition to suit your needs and budget.
Lobuche East Climb
Annually; April 3 – April 25 (22 Days)
$6,995 USD
Lobuche Peak is a jewel of the Himalaya and arguably offers perhaps the best summit view in the world! Lobuche is surrounded by the tallest peaks on earth and the view from the summit peers out on the Everest/Lhotse/Nuptse massif, Makalu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and many others. This is a great first Himalayan climb and a great training peak for taller mountains such as Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, and Manaslu. To consider an ascent of Lobuche East peak participants must be familiar with crampon and ice axe technique and have used a harness before. We will run a training refresher at Lobuche base camp before the ascent so if you are a little rusty, don’t worry, we will get you up to speed. If you’re not sure if you have the experience for this climb, please ask us. If not, we can recommend other training to get prepared for a Lobuche ascent.
If you’re a climber your friends and family can join you on your acclimatization climb of Lobuche en route to Everest and challenge themselves on steep fixed-line climbing up rock, snow, and ice.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule will be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal, where we obtain our climbing permits before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to trek to Everest base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu. We suggest you book a flexible return airfare.
- Apr 3 Arrive KTM
- Apr 4 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day in Kathmandu/Team dinner
- Apr 5 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding
- Apr 6 Trek to Namche
- Apr 7 Rest/acclimatization in Namche
- Apr 8 Hike to Tengboche
- Apr 9 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche
- Apr 10 Hike to Pheriche
- Apr 11 Rest/acclimatization in Pheriche
- Apr 12 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp
- Apr 13 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher
- Apr 14 Move to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 15 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 16 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp
- Apr 17 Trek to Everest Base Camp
- Apr 18 Rest at Everest Base Camp
- Apr 19 Trek to Pheriche
- Apr 20 Trek to Namche
- Apr 21 Trek to Lukla
- Apr 22 Fly to Kathmandu
- Apr 23 Fly Home
- Apr 24 Contingency Day
Included in the Lobuche East Climb:
- Leadership, guidance, strategy, and support for a summit attempt on Lobuche by CTSS Team
- Lobuche climbing permit
- Domestic flights to and from Lukla
- In country transport associated with the program itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses
- Welcome dinner & meals throughout the expedition
- CTSS Base Camp setup and tent accommodation
- Access to medical and communications gear
- High mountain camp infrastructure
- On mountain meals
Excluded in the Lobuche East Climb:
- International flights to Kathmandu, Nepal
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Associated travel expenses including: Visa, Passport,
- Reciprocity Fees, Vaccination Charges, Excess Baggage
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary or additional days before or after the scheduled program
- Personal climbing equipment, clothing, toiletries etc
- Personal sundries including but not limited to; non-team meals while in Kathmandu, personal snacks, specialized high altitude climbing food, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, medical expenses, gratuities, 3rd party internet, email or phone charges, bottled water, specialty coffees
- Sherpa tip pool
- Guide tip (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.)
- Unused Contingency Days at the end of your program: CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu on your return. If you decide to stay longer in Kathmandu beyond this night, those costs are your responsibility. We highly recommend that while you should plan to be away from home for the entire duration of the expedition including contingencies days, you book a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t use all of the contingency days or push it back as you need.
3 Peaks Climb & Trek
Annually; April 3 – April 30 (28 Days)
$9,995 USD
Our 3-Peaks climb and trek takes in three legendary peaks of the Khumbu: Lobuche East, Pokalde, and Island Peak – climbs which undoubtedly offer some of the best summit views in the world!
Starting with Lobuche, you will be surrounded by the tallest peaks on earth with summit views of the Everest/Lhotse/Nuptse massif, Makalu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and many others.
Following your ascent of Lobuche, acclimatize further with a hike into Everest base camp and enjoy 2 nights living the true Everest experience with the Everest summit team including partaking in our ice climbing clinic on the Khumbu Glacier.
Following your stay at EBC, you will then trek over to the remote Pokalde base camp – an awe-inspiring bowl of Himalayan expanse where you will begin ascending your second Himalayan peak.
Finally we cross into the famed Imja Tse valley for a climb of world famous Island Peak. This is another great progression peak in the Himalayas and ideal training for taller mountains such as Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, and Manaslu.
3-Peak ascent participants should be familiar with crampon and ice axe use however we will run a training refresher at Lobuche base camp before the ascent so if you are a little rusty, don’t worry, we will get you up to speed.
This is a sample itinerary only. Your actual daily schedule will be strategically planned to account for the best weather and summit windows etc. We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal, where we obtain our climbing permits before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley to trek to Everest base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu. We suggest you book a flexible return airfare.
- Apr 3 Team Arrives
- Apr 4 KTM Day
- Apr 5 Fly to Lukla/Phakding
- Apr 6 Trek to Namche
- Apr 7 Rest
- Apr 8 Trek to Tengboche
- Apr 9 Rest
- Apr 10 Trek to Pheriche
- Apr 11 Rest
- Apr 12 Trek to Lobuche base camp
- Apr 13 Trek to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 14 Move to Lobuche High Camp
- Apr 15 Acclimatize
- Apr 16 Summit and descend Lobuche BC
- Apr 17 Trek to EBC
- Apr 18 Rest at EBC - Training
- Apr 19 Trek to Lobuche
- Apr 20 Trek to Pokalde HC via Kongma La
- Apr 21 Climb Pokalde & descend to Chhukung
- Apr 22 Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak BC
- Apr 23 Climb Island Peak return Chhukung
- Apr 24 Trek Chhukung to Pangboche
- Apr 25 Pangboche to Namche
- Apr 26 Namche to Lukla
- Apr 27 Lukla flight to KTM
- Apr 28 Fly home
- Apr 29 Contingency day
- Apr 30 Contingency day
Included in the 3 Peaks Climb:
- Leadership, strategy, guidance and climbing by CTSS team
- Full expedition logistics, weather forecasts, etc
- Climbing permits
- Domestic flights to and from Lukla
- In country transport associated with the program itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses
- Welcome dinner & meals throughout the expedition
- Lobuche East peak training and acclimatization climb (please note you will climb with the wider Everest team on Lobuche as your personal Sherpa will meet you at Base Camp)
- CTSS Base Camp setup and tent accommodation
- Access to medical and communications gear
- High mountain camp infrastructure and logistics (Camp 1, Camp 2, Camp 3, Camp 4)
- On mountain meals
Excluded in the 3 Peaks Climb:
- International flights to Kathmandu, Nepal
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Associated travel expenses including: Visa, Passport,
- Reciprocity Fees, Vaccination Charges, Excess Baggage
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary or additional days before or after the scheduled program
- Personal climbing equipment, clothing, toiletries etc
- Personal sundries including but not limited to; non-team meals while in Kathmandu, personal snacks, specialized high altitude climbing food, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, medical expenses, gratuities, 3rd party internet, email or phone charges, bottled water, specialty coffees
- Sherpa tip pool
- Guide tip (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.)
- Unused Contingency Days at the end of your program: CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu on your return. If you decide to stay longer in Kathmandu beyond this night, those costs are your responsibility. We highly recommend that while you should plan to be away from home for the entire duration of the expedition including contingencies days, you book a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t use all of the contingency days or push it back as you need.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Annually; April 3rd – April 22rd (20 Days)
$5,495 USD
The Everest Base Camp trek is widely heralded as the best trek in the world and for good reason; it’s beautiful, challenging yet achievable, and incredibly scenic. Roughly 40 miles/70 km you will trek through lush green pastures, blossoming Rhododendron forests and the most spectacular mountain terrain in the world.
The pinnacle of the CTSS EBC trek is Everest base camp proper at 17,600ft/ 5,500m where, being affiliated with an Everest climbing expedition, you are able to enter and spend 2x nights within Base Camp proper, something the vast majority of trekkers never experience.
This allows you to get a sense of the Everest base camp scene, trekking alongside summit climbers, be part of the climbing community and understand what goes into an Everest expedition.
If you are feeling good you have the added option to partake in an ice-climbing clinic (suitable for beginners) on the Khumbu Glacier and scale Kala Pathar the morning you leave base camp for stunning views of the Everest Massif, Lhotse and Nuptse.
Everest Base Camp Executive Luxury Trek & The Gokyo Extension are also available to family and friends.