Lhotse Climb – Climbing the Seven Summits

Lhotse Expedition
Difficulty Level: Intermediate - Advanced

Lhotse Climb:

Annually; April 3 – May 24th

Starts from $34,995 USD

Lhotse, which means ‘South Peak’ in Tibetan, is the fourth highest mountain in the world after Everest, K2 and Kangchenjunga. It stands at 8,516 metres (27,940ft) and is part of the Everest massif connected via the South Col. Whereas Everest has seen thousands of summits, less than 600 people have stood on top of Lhotse and yet it is one of the jewels of the Himalaya and 8,000m peak climbing. Our Lhotse expedition benefits from our Everest logistics meaning it is one of the most outfitted, comfortable, resourced expeditions available but for a considerably smaller price tag.

At CTSS we are creating a new paradigm in Mt. Everest and Lhotse climbing focused around:

1) A completely customizable expedition to fit your needs & price point
2) Fully internationally UIAGM certified Sherpa guides (beyond our trusted western guides), that offer the finest leadership at an accessible price point
3) New levels of service like our “Everest Executive” program and the highest quality food and amenities
4) An owner-run expedition
5) Exceptional price; In short, we are focused on the overall experience. We firmly believe that happy, healthy, comfortable, well-nourished climbers are successful climbers.

Don’t get stuck with an antiquated- one size fits all approach and be left wanting on the mountain. Rather, join CTSS and enjoy the finest service, customization, personal attention, and luxuries Everest has to offer, refined over countless expeditions, for less than many of our competitors’ basic models. While you can’t buy the summit, you can buy better odds.

–Mike Hamill, CTSS Owner

Expedition Highlights:

Watch the sunrise from the summit of the world’s 4^th tallest peak, peering down at both the Tibetan plateau and Nepalese lowlands at the same altitude that planes fly
Experience Sherpa culture and hospitality
Climb through the famous and rugged Khumbu Icefall
Watch the sunrise over neighboring giant, Pumori, from the Western Cwm, on your way down from the summit
Experience Puja, the pre-climb blessing, with our Sherpa climbers
Tour Kathmandu’s cultural sights and see a slice of Nepal
See the Himalayas from the air while flying in to Lukla, and enjoy perhaps the most beautiful trek in the world with friends and family

Expedition Intro

Lhotse is an iconic mountain and the world’s 4^th tallest peak, sharing the South Col saddle with Mt. Everest, it’s often referred to as ‘The Other Everest’. It towers above the high Tibetan plains to the North and the lush green pastures of Nepal to the South. Climbing Lhotse is one of the world’s great adventures as a true Himalayan giant. Often overshadowed by its big brother Everest, it is an equally impressive achievement that is often overlooked, although it shouldn’t be. With less summit traffic and a smaller price tag it is an absolutely breath-taking climb in its own right. In fact many Everest climbers come back to climb Lhotse because of the beautiful nature of the ascent and to once again be part of the Khumbu climbing communities. Other people want to experience most of the climbing of 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.

CTSS Lhotse expeditions all begin in Kathmandu where we obtain our climbing permits and have a free day to check out the city before beginning the trek in to base camp via the Khumbu Valley by flying in to Lukla. Once on the mountain our Lhotse route follows the traditional Everest route up to just above the yellow band before diverging with climbers bound for Everest and continues right further up the Lhotse face and up through the narrow ‘Reiss Couloir’ to the summit. The unique benefit of a Lhotse expedition is that climbers can enjoy the resources of the Everest expedition logistics – you will be sharing base camp with the Everest climbing team and using all of the same luxurious facilities and we encourage you to customize your Lhotse expedition to suit your needs and budget just as the Everest team does.

Climbing Lhotse requires serious fitness, an ability to perform well at altitude, the mindset to be away from home for 6 – 8 weeks, along with the desire for rugged adventure travel. Climbers need solid cramponing skill and familiarity with glacier and fixed line climbing techniques. If you don’t have these skills we can work with you to get you up to speed and build the necessary experience, so please let us know how we can help.

On this expedition, you will be climbing in the ‘death zone’. Beginning with an imaginary line at 8,000m the oxygen in the atmosphere is so sparse at this altitude that the human body cannot stay for prolonged periods of time. We work with lightweight oxygen systems, state of the art equipment, a refined acclimatization schedule, the best weather forecasting available to give you the greatest opportunity for success. The climbing leaders and Sherpa staff will continually work with clients throughout the expedition to provide logistics, guidance, and information to best ensure your summit success. Our Sherpa team are some of the strongest and most experienced high altitude climbers in the world and their great personalities will make them friends for life.

All CTSS expeditions are meticulously organized and our professional priorities are first and foremost “Safety” and “Success” which we achieve by outfitting our teams with the best logistics and the most capable, qualified and seasoned guides in the world. We have an impeccable safety record and an unmatched success rate due to the expertise and professionalism of the CTSS leadership and guides. We feel that our guides are an integral part of our program and help to create an unforgettable experience for you. Thus, CTSS employs only world-class leaders who adhere to strict American guiding standards, and who are known for their focus on client care and experience.

The Lhotse expedition will be organized by Mike Hamill who has personally led 11 Mt. Everest expeditions, 25 X 8,000m expeditions, has 6 Everest summits, currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu, and has written the guide book to “Climbing the Seven Summits,” making him perhaps the most experienced Western guide on the mountain. Well over 165 summits have been notched on Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Shishpanagma under Mike’s direct leadership, more than perhaps any other guide. Mike has an 83% climber success rate on all the expeditions he has led throughout his career (this is more than double the summit success rate for all climbers, all while maintaining an unprecedented safety record) Who you choose as the outfitter and leader of your Lhotse expedition will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Sound leadership is the difference between a great expedition and a miserable experience.

A note from CTSS Owner, Mike Hamill

Welcome to “Climbing the Seven Summits” Lhotse Expedition!

Throughout time the human desire to explore new places has been part of our DNA. The world’s 4^th tallest peak is an incredible draw. Climbing such a mighty peak is no easy feat and you are to be applauded for setting such a lofty goal. We look forward to leading you on Lhotse.

As the premier high altitude guide service, CTSS is committed to your safety and success. We are not a huge “climbing factory” but a modestly sized, nimble guide service that prides itself in customizing our program to your individual needs.

In choosing us you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from countless Himalayan expeditions and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value. In fact, I personally lead all of our Lhotse expeditions and am pleased to say that well over 165 climbers have stood on top on 8000m peaks under my direct leadership, perhaps more than any other guide.

We invite climbers to ask their friends and family to join them on this exotic journey by jumping on our Everest/Lhotse base camp Trek, Lobuche climb, or Everest C2 and C3 programs. You will be able to share many of the cultural experiences together and they will even be able to spend some time with you at base camp and/or above. This time together often makes these long expeditions more “do-able” from a time away from family perspective.

I look forward to communicating with you directly regarding the expedition options and providing you with the best Lhotse experience.

Best regards,

Mike Hamill

Owner and Director, Climbing the Seven Summits

About Mike Hamill

How Is Our Lhotse Expedition Unique?

Why Is CTSS’s Lhotse Expedition Different and why choose us?

1) Customization: We firmly believe that climbing Lhotse should not be a cookie-cutter “one-size-fits-all” approach or even a “two-sizes-fits-all” approach. We offer the largest variety of expedition options and have created new and novel approaches to climbing Lhotse so that you can have the expedition that fits your needs and your budget. We want you to have the best complete Lhotse experience from start to finish. As a smaller team, we can fully customize your expedition to you, and in fact we encourage you to customize your program. Our personalization and client care are second to none. DON’T get lots in the numbers and join a large team where quality and personal attention suffer. You and your Lhotse climb are too important so please look closely at the options and contact us directly if you have any questions.

2) Best Value: We guarantee you the best expedition at the best price. We implore you to do your homework and look closely at what others offer in terms of customization, base camp accommodations, quality of food, guide experience, logistics, hotels, acclimatization schedule, Sherpa expertise, personal service and professionalism. We firmly believe that comfortable, well-nourished, healthy climbers are strong and successful climbers on the mountain. A Lhotse climb is too important to not look closely at the details and we are here to answer your questions. We want you feel 100% confident in joining our expedition. We have created an expedition that incorporates everything that will make you successful and have stripped it of every aspect that could hinder your success. We have spared no expense and yet still offer you the best rates in the industry.

3) CTSS Owner Mike Hamill leads the expedition: Mike Hamill, 6 times Everest summiteer and leader of 25 X 8000m expeditions is one of the only owner-expedition leaders. The only way for a company owner to ensure that a trip improves every year and is led to the highest standards is for them to personally lead the expedition.

4) Lhotse Executive: We are redefining what the Lhotse experience is, from start to finish. Some climbers will choose our traditional service option and will no doubt live in excellent style and comfort. Those that choose our ‘Lhotse Executive” option will live in unparalleled comfort and luxury- the best Lhotse has to offer- all for less than most other company’s base models. This extra can be added on to any of our climbing options.

5) Highest paid Sherpa: We purposely pay our Sherpa more than anyone on the mountain so that they are happy and take care of our clients, and so we can attract the best talent. Our world-class team of Sherpa are hand-picked by Sirdar Tendi Sherpa and CTSS owner Mike Hamill to ensure we have the cream of the crop. They are all close friends who we have complete confidence in. Because they are paid well they go the extra mile to make sure base camp is exceptional and that our clients are extremely well taken care of. Once they’ve been selected for the team, they go through intensive training and a 5-day review process which includes mountain medicine, client care, technical rescue, and guiding principles before being ok’ed to work. We believe in our Sherpa and know that they will do a great job for you and become friends for life.

6) The Best Food: CTSS has the best chefs and food, hands down. Our teams are consistently blown away by the quality of food and hygiene at base camp. Our head chef trains at 5 star restaurants during the off season. Think lemon crepes, cheese omelets, chicken cordon bleu, pizza, fresh fruit almost daily, samosas, fresh salads, steaks, apple pie, fresh croissants and cinnamon rolls, and moist chocolate cake. We get shipments of fresh meat, fruit, vegetable, and other supplies weekly.

Lhotse Expedition Options (Schedules & Prices)

At CTSS we offer the widest variety of expedition options as well as a Lobuche climb and treks so that you can customize your Lhotse experience to your climbing style and ability. Lhotse should not be “one size fits all.” Our climbs all focus around the normal South route, one of the most iconic and beautiful climbs in the world and the classic first ascent route. You will have ample time to get to know the rest of the climbing team as we make our way through the Khumbu Valley visiting the most famous and recognizable cultural sights in the region. All of our expeditions incorporate a slow acclimatization schedule to give you the best chance at continuing upwards without experiencing altitude illness.

Our variety of climbing options include:

Personal Sherpa Climb: 1:1 max Client:Sherpa ratio

April 3 – May 24 (52 days): $34,995

This individual climb includes a highly qualified and experienced climbing Sherpa whom we have worked with for years, and oversight and expedition leadership by CTSS owner, Mike Hamill. Our climbing Sherpa are hand-picked by Mike and Sirdar Tendi Sherpa and are the best in the business. They are all knowledgeable, kind, strong, experienced, respectful, and a very proficient.

Your personal Sherpa will meet you at base camp and be climbing with you throughout your Lhotse climb including on the acclimatization rotations and on the summit bid. When you are resting at base camp they will be ferrying loads to the upper camps to prepare for your climb. Your Sherpa will be available to help carry your personal gear on each rotation to and from the upper camps reducing the weight burden for your climb. This option is suited for participants who want the oversight and safety of a skilled personal Sherpa climbing partner and an experienced expedition leader, with the added support of Sherpa to assist with load carries. Climbers need to have solid climbing skills and be able to manage themselves fully. They need to have experience above 7,000m (Aconcagua is ok) or 8,000m and preferably be familiar with a high-altitude oxygen and mask system.

Included in this option are:

Experienced and strong personal Sherpa
Leadership and climbing oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill
Full expedition logistics, weather forecasts, etc.
Flights to and from Lukla
Airport transfers
Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses
Welcome dinner, food and drink throughout the expedition
Oxygen system
Climbing Sherpa to carry all group gear and to assist with personal gear
CTSS Base Camp setup and tent accommodation
Access to medical and communications gear
On mountain tents and food
Support for a summit attempt on Lhotse

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/Lhotse base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu.

For Itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend accounting for the contingency days outlined in our suggested itinerary and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.

Private Sherpa Guided Climb (Fully Internationally Certified IFMGA Sherpa Guide): 1:1 max Client:Sherpa Guide ratio

April 3 – May 24 (52 days): $45,995

Pros:

High degree of autonomy and independence
Highly affordable and incredibly good value for money
Highly skilled and qualified private guide
Higher degree of safety and unparalleled oversight
Pre-climb ladder and climbing clinics

Cons:

Less comradery
Possible language and/or cultural barrier

This is one of our most popular climb options for good reason as it offers the benefit of having your own, private, highly experienced, fully internationally certified Mountain Guide but at an unbeatable Everest price. These are some of the finest Sherpa in the business having climbed extensively in the Himalaya and around the world but with an added level of rigorous, international training and qualification to many of their peers.

They are a trusted part of our team and are more like family. Having been with us for years (and will be with us for many more) we believe wholeheartedly in their leadership and expertise. They are both knowledgeable, kind, strong, experienced, respectful, and very proficient climbers. We will work with you to choose with an IFMGA Sherpa guide who is the right fit for you.

This option is well suited for participants who want the oversight, safety, and personal attention of a skilled private guide but are cost sensitive. It includes oversight by our experienced Everest Expedition leader and added support of the Sherpa team to assist with load carries.

You will meet your IFMGA Sherpa Guide at base camp and they will be with you throughout the entire Lhotse climb and be available for refresher training.

Throughout the Lhotse acclimatization rotations CTSS climbing Sherpa will help you carry your personal gear from camp-to-camp, alleviating much of the weight burden of climbing Lhotse.

This private climb option includes a fully internationally certified Sherpa guide with oversight and expedition leadership by CTSS owner, Mike Hamill. Your Sherpa guide will meet you at base camp and be with you throughout the entire Lhotse climb and be available for refresher training. Also, throughout the Lhotse acclimatization rotations climbing Sherpa will help you carry your personal gear from camp-to-camp, alleviating much of the weight burden of climbing Lhotse.

Included in this option are:

Private IFMGA certified Sherpa guide
Leadership and climbing oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill
Full expedition logistics, weather forecasts etc
Flights to and from Lukla
Airport transfers
Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses
Welcome dinner, food and drink throughout the expedition
Oxygen system
Lobuche East peak training and acclimatization climb
Climbing Sherpa to carry all group gear and to assist with personal gear,
CTSS Base Camp setup and tent accommodation
Access to medical and communications gear
On mountain tents and food,
Support for a summit attempt on Lhotse.

This option is suited for participants who want the oversight, safety, and personal attention of a skilled Sherpa guide and an experienced expedition leader, with the added support of Sherpa’s to assist with load carries and a personal Sherpa to climb with them on the upper mountain summit bid. Climbers need to have solid climbing skills and need to be able to manage themselves fully. They need to have high altitude climbing experience and preferably be familiar with a high-altitude oxygen and mask system.

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/Lhotse base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu.

Private Western Guided Climb: 1:1 Client:Guide

April 3 – May 24 (52 Days): $74,995 USD

The Rolls Royce of Lhotse programs!

If you want the very best in Lhotse climbing and the highest quality of guidance resulting in the best chance for success, then the Private Western Guided climb is the right choice.

There is no better way to ensure you stand on top of Lhotse than by having this level of personal attention and guidance and mentorship of a world-class private Lhotse Guide by your side throughout the entire climb.

We will pair you with one of our most sought after, tenured Lhotse/Mt Everest guides available. (We will arrange for you to speak with your private guide prior to your climb as we know that you will be as impressed as we are).

Your guide will meet you in Kathmandu for the trek in, your acclimatization climb of Lobuche East and be available at base camp for private training, expertise, advice and acclimatization hikes.

Throughout the Lhotse acclimatization rotations, CTSS climbing Sherpa will also help you carry your personal gear from camp-to-camp, alleviating much of the weight burden of climbing Lhotse

Included in this option are:

Private Western guide
Personal Sherpa above Camp 2 on Summit Bid
Leadership and climbing oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill
Full expedition logistics, weather forecasts, etc.
Flights to and from Lukla
Airport transfers
Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses
Welcome dinner, food and drink throughout the expedition
Oxygen system
Lobuche East peak training and acclimatization climb
Climbing Sherpa to carry all group gear and to assist with personal gear
CTSS Base Camp setup and tent accommodation
Access to medical and communications gear
On mountain tents and food
Support for a summit attempt on Lhotse

Your guide will meet you in Kathmandu and be with you for the entire climb and at base camp for training, expertise, and acclimatization hikes. Also, throughout the Lhotse acclimatization rotations, climbing Sherpa will help you carry your personal gear from camp-to-camp, alleviating much of the weight burden of climbing Lhotse. This option is for those who want to stack the odds in their favor as highly as possible with unparalleled safety and personal attention throughout their climb. Whether you’re a less experienced Himalayan climber or have climbed above 8000m many times before, our private climb with 1:1 Western guide and a personal climbing Sherpa gives you the best chance at standing on top of Lhotse. Our private western guided climb offers the best opportunity for success.

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/Lhotse base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu.

CTSS Speed Ascent with Personal Sherpa (includes hypoxic altitude chamber tent pre-expedition & heli transfer into Pheriche)

Custom Dates – (between 30-40days between April- May): $44,995 USD

CTSS prides itself at being on the cutting edge of new approaches to climbing mountains that improve safety, success, and efficiency. We have been working with clients for years now using portable hypoxic chambers to pre-accustom their bodies to the rarefied air found at altitude, and with great success. That is why we created the “Speed Ascent Program” which we offer to select climbers.

Through this program, we work with you to use special designed altitude chambers in the comfort of your own bed so you can spend more time at home with your loved ones and less time away on expedition. Also, mitigating the amount of time spent in harm’s way in the mountains and at extreme altitudes can improve safety. We use a time-tested training program in conjunction with the use of a portable hypoxic altitude chamber to pre-acclimate your body to the rarefied air found on Lhotse. This option is perfect for those who want to minimize time away from home while still stacking the odds in their favor for summit success.

This climb cuts off about 10 days from the regular western team guided option and joins the regular team in Pheriche just before heading in to base camp. You will be with the western guided team climb for the rest of the expedition. Contact us directly for a specified Lhotse “Speed Ascent” schedule.

We will have a portable Hypoxico tent sent you your residence so that you can begin acclimating your body more than a month in advance of your climb. We will also organize separate logistics and a helicopter from Lukla to Pheriche to avoid the trek and begin your climb with the rest of the climbing team.

We feel that these altitude chambers are not substitute for fully acclimating properly in the mountains, that is why we take a measured, conservative approach, but have found that they can be an incredibly valuable tool. They can facilitate acclimatization and mitigate the amount of time spent in the mountains. Do you have serious time constraints and need to spend more time focusing on work, productivity, and family at home rather than tediously acclimatizing on the mountain? Many people have these concerns and that is why our “Speed Ascent” program has become so popular.

If you think this option may be right for you please contact us directly and we will work with you on a personalized plan to allow our “Speed Ascent” Program to maximize results for you.

Included in this option are:

IFMGA certified Sherpa guide
Leadership and climbing oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill
Use of a Hypoxico Portable Altitude Chamber
Full expedition logistics, weather forecasts etc
Flights to and from Lukla
Airport transfers
Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses
Welcome dinner, food and drink throughout the expedition
Oxygen system
Lobuche East peak training and acclimatization climb
Climbing Sherpa to carry all group gear and to assist with personal gear,
CTSS Base Camp setup and tent accommodation
Access to medical and communications gear
On mountain tents and food,
Support for a summit attempt on Lhotse.

A Sherpa guide will meet you in Pheriche when you arrive in the helicopter and escort you to base camp where you will meet your western guide. Your guide will be with you for the entire climb and at base camp for training, expertise, and acclimatization hikes. Also, throughout the Lhotse acclimatization rotations, climbing Sherpa will help you carry your personal gear from camp-to-camp, alleviating much of the weight burden of climbing Lhotse.

This program is best for climbers who would like Western guidance but are competent, confident, and team orientated climbers. Our team guided climb offers great opportunity for success and is often reported as being the most fun & enjoyable climb because of the camaraderie and sense of community with their fellow climbers. These friendships last a lifetime.

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/Lhotse base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu.

CTSS Speed Ascent Private Western Guided Climb (includes hypoxic altitude chamber tent pre-expedition & heli transfer into Pheriche)

Custom Dates: (between 30-40 days between April- May) $84,995 USD

There is no better way to ensure you stand on top of Lhotse than by having the personal attention and guidance of a personal world-class private guide by your side throughout the entire climb, but we understand many of our climbers are busy professionals who are pressed for time so we have customized a Speed Ascent Program coupled with a Private Western guide to give you the best of both worlds.

Through this program, we work with you to use special designed altitude chambers in the comfort of your own bed so you can spend more time at home with your loved ones and less time away on expedition. Also, mitigating the amount of time spent in harm’s way in the mountains and at extreme altitudes can improve safety. We use a time-tested training program in conjunction with the use of a portable hypoxic altitude chamber to pre-acclimate your body to the rarefied air found on Everest. This option is perfect for those who want to minimize time away from home while still stacking the odds in their favor for summit success.

This climb cuts off about ten days from the other Lhotse options and joins the expedition in Periche.

We will have a portable Hypoxico tent sent to your residence so that you can begin acclimatizing your body more than a month in advance of your climb. Following your at-home acclimatization schedule, separate logistics, and a helicopter from Lukla to Pheriche, you will begin your climb with our Lobuche East ascent with your Private Guide.

We feel that these altitude chambers are not substitute for fully acclimating properly in the mountains, which is why we take a measured, conservative approach, but have found that they can be an incredibly valuable tool. They can facilitate acclimatization and mitigate the amount of time spent in the mountains.

If you think this option may be right for you, please contact us directly and we will work with you on a personalized plan to allow our “Speed Ascent” Program to maximize results for you.

Your private Western guide will be one of the most sought after, experienced guides on the mountain and will be there to meet you off the helicopter in Pheriche. Throughout Lhotse acclimatization rotations, climbing Sherpa will help you carry your personal gear from camp-to-camp, alleviating much of the weight burden of Lhotse and you will be joined by a personal climbing Sherpa from Camp 2 on your summit bid.

This option is for those who want to stack the odds in their favor as highly as possible with unparalleled safety and personal attention throughout their climb but who have a time constraint. Whether you’re a less experienced Himalayan climber or have climbed above 8,000m many times before, our private climb with 1:1 Western guide and a personal climbing Sherpa gives you the best chance at standing on top of Lhotse.

Included in this option are:

A highly experience, Private Western Mountain Guide
Hypoxico portable altitude chamber
Leadership and climbing oversight by renowned expedition leader Mike Hamill
A personal Sherpa above Camp 2 on the summit bid
Separate logistics in Kathmandu to Pheriche
A helicopter flight from Lukla to Pheriche
Full mountain expedition logistics, weather forecasts, etc.
Flights to and from Lukla
Airport transfers
Accommodation in Nepal including hotels and teahouses
Welcome dinner, food and drink throughout the expedition
Oxygen system
Climbing Sherpa to carry all group gear and to assist with personal gear
CTSS Base Camp setup and tent accommodation
Access to medical and communications gear
On mountain tents and food,
Support for a summit attempt on Lhotse

We begin our expedition in Kathmandu, Nepal, where we obtain our climbing permits before flying to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley with a helicopter transfer to Pheriche before completing your trek to Lhotse base camp. Our climb ends in Kathmandu.

Customization Options & Add Ons

Allowing you to customize your expedition to suit your needs and budget is a huge priority for us. As mountaineers ourselves, we understand that it’s the little things that can make the difference and not everyone is the same when it comes to their approach. Therefore we encourage you to tailor your expedition and talk to us about any other options you may wish for.

Our Lhotse Executive program features our insulated, powered personal geodesic domes that feel more like a unique hotel room than a tent!

“The 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 2x heaters*
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 Lhotse Executive program with our CTSS Speed Ascent option to live in luxury AND minimize your time away from home.

*Please note that the Lhotse 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 is available during set peak usage times for sustainability.*

Extra Oxygen: $6,995 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 SummitO2 oxygen masks, this is usually more than enough. We give you 6 bottles (4 for you and 2 for your Sherpa). So, long story short, 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 for your descent, all of which goes a long way towards keeping you safe. Also, if you get delayed due to weather for a day at High Camp, 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 2 more bottle 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 etc.

*Please note extra oxygen is non-refundable and non-transferable*

Single rooming option & Tea House Updgrade: $1250 USD

We are happy to organize single rooming accommodations and a tea house upgrade for you throughout the expedition. If you snore or are easily awakened by others that do snore, this might be a great option. We feel that having a single room helps climbers stay healthy and adds a bit of comfort and personal space that can go a long way on a two-month expedition such as this. If you would like a single rooming option please let us know. Please note that tent accommodations at Lobuche high camp and above Everest base camp are double-occupancy.

We stay at some of the nicest teahouses in the Khumbu valley throughout our trek to keep you healthy and to provide you with comfort. Many teahouses offer room upgrades which may include an en suite bathroom with hot shower and more space, whereas our normal rooms generally have a shared bathroom and shower for an added fee. Please note, the single room option and tea house upgrade already comes with the “Everest Executive” option if you have chosen that add-on.

Shared Helicopter to Lukla at the end of the climb: $2,955 USD

Many climbers are anxious to get home to family and friends as quickly as possible after two months in the mountains. Share a helicopter from Everest base camp to Lukla to avoid the three day, 40 mile walk back down the valley. From Lukla you will either catch a flight that day or spend the night before catching your regularly scheduled flight back to Kathmandu. Taking a helicopter to Lukla and a fixed wing plane back to Kathmandu, rather than a helicopter the entire way saves many thousands of dollars.

Shared Helicopter to Kathmandu at the end of the climb: $5,995 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 all the way from Everest base camp to Kathmandu. This avoids the three day, 40 mile walk back down the valley.

Pre Trip Full Day Cultural Tour – $200 per person

Kathmandu is one of the most exciting, culturally rich cities in the world. Unique, and overflowing with sights, smells, sounds and tastes, it’s both chaotic and charming. A city of true contrast it needs to be experienced to be understood. During our Kathmandu Cultural Tour an English speaking guide will show you the best history and culture the city has to offer.

Dietary restrictions accommodation: (please let us know, no charge)

We can accommodate just about any dietary restriction if you let us know far enough in advance. Please make us aware of any restrictions you may have and we will do our best to create healthy and satisfying options.

Other Climbing and Trekking Options and “Friends and Family”.

Looking to build your Himalayan experience or have friends and family join you on your Lhotse climb? These stand-alone options allow you to join our trek into Everest/Lhotse base camp, our Lobuche climb, or to tackle the famous Khumbu Ice fall to either Camp 2 or Camp 3.

Everest Base Camp Trek: $5,495 USD

April 3 – April 24th Annually

The Everest/Lhotse base camp trek is widely heralded as the best trek in the world, and for good reason. This is a unique opportunity to travel with real climbers attempting to scale the largest peaks on earth on a trek that is led by famed expedition leader and 6 X Everest summiteer, Mike Hamill.

This trek takes you from Kathmandu by plane to Lukla at the head of the Khumbu valley. From there you trek roughly 40 miles/70 km through the lush green pastures, blossoming Rhododendron forests, up into the most precipitous mountain terrain one can imagine. En route to Everest/Lhotse base camp you get to experience the famous Sherpa culture and hospitality while taking in the views of literally the tallest mountains on earth.

The terminus of your trek is Everest/Lhotse base camp at 17,600ft/ 5,500m where, since you are affiliated with an Everest/Lhotse climbing expedition, you are allowed to spend a night at base camp. This allows you to get a sense of the Everest/Lhotse base camp scene and community while other trekking groups don’t get this luxury. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that everyone needs to experience for themselves. If you are feeling good you even have the option to scale Kala Pathar the morning you leave base camp for stunning views of the Everest Massif, Lhotse and Nuptse.

If you are a climber we welcome you to have friends and join you on an adventurous pilgrimage through the stunning Khumbu valley. It’s quite special to have your loved ones spend time with you while you approach Lhotse. This lessens the time spent apart and allows them to appreciate the same experience en route to your climb. The rich culture, incredible landscape, physical challenge and gentle Sherpa people will move them to the core and no doubt stay with you as one of the greatest ticks you’ve ever put next to your bucket list.

If friends and family want to stay at base camp longer than one night we can add additional nights for $250/each. If they 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.

This trek is ideal for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and is a great option for families and friends of CTSS climbers. They can join the trek in, stay at base camp proper (which is not open to everyday trekkers) & get a first-hand experience of being part of a Mount Everest/Lhotse expedition.

For Itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.

Lobuche East Climb: $6,995 USD

Annually; April 3 – April 24th

Lobuche Peak is a jewel of the Himalaya and 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 Cho Oyu. 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 Lobuche is an excellent way to acclimatize and a climb that your friends and family can join you en route to Lhotse and challenge themselves on steep fixed-line climbing up rock, snow, and ice.

For tentative itinerary, please see schedule tabs below
*We highly recommend adding further contingency days on the end of your trip and booking a flexible fare for the return flight home. Flights can sometimes be delayed out of the Khumbu due to mountain weather. Please note CTSS covers one night in Kathmandu at the end of your trip.

Camp 2 Mt. Everest Climb (21,500ft/6,500m):

$16,995 USD

Looking to climb Mt. Everest or Lhotse in the future and interested in getting real training on her slopes under your belt? Looking to climb Cho Oyu or another first 8000m peak? Or perhaps you wish to climb on Mt. Everest/Lhotse but have no interest in going to the summit? Our partial Everest climbs may be the perfect budget friendly option for you. Please contact us directly to discuss these options. Please Note that ‘Lhotse Executive’ is also available for this option.

Camp 3 Mt. Everest Climb (24,000ft/7,500m)

(39 days) $19,995 USD

Looking to climb Mt. Everest in the future and interested in getting real training on her slopes under your belt? Or perhaps you are ready to set up and attempt your first 8,000m peak like Cho Oyu but want some more experience at altitude? Our partial Everest climbs may be the perfect budget friendly option for you. Please contact us directly to discuss these options. Please Note that ‘Lhotse Executive’ is also available for this option.

Gokyo Return Extension – $1,495 USD per person

Once you’ve achieved your goal, why not make your return a little different and rather than retracing your footprints back down the Khumbu valley, instead spend a few days seeking some new scenery by visiting the Gokyo region. Gokyo itself is a small hamlet of stone houses and one of the highest settlements in the world, surrounded by truly breathtaking vistas, mountains and glaciers.

You’ll see and experience more of these amazing mighty Himalayan mountains, climb the famous Cho La Pass (5,420m) escape the madding crowds and view the stunning Gokyo Lakes before rejoining the main trail at Namche Bazaar for the final day’s trek back to Lukla.

This extension is best suited to experienced and fit trekkers who are keen to get off the beaten path and further challenge themselves.

Expedition Itineraries

Lhotse Team & Private Climb (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM)This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.

Day Itinerary

1 Arrive KTM

2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day/Team dinner

3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding

4 Trek to Namche

5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche

6 Hike to Tengboche

7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche

8 Hike to Pheriche

9 Rest/acclimatization in Pheriche

10 Hike to Lobuche

11 Rest in Lobuche

12 Hike to Gorak Shep

13 Hike to Everest Base Camp

14 Rest

15 Training & Acclimatization

16 Packing & Acclimatization

17 Climb to Camp 1

18 Tag Camp 2 and return to Camp 1

19 Return to Everest Base Camp

20 Rest/Acclimatize

21 Rest/Acclimatize

22 Climb to Camp 1

23 Climb to Camp 2

24 Climb to The Bergschrund

25 Climb to Camp 3, return to Camp 2

26 Return to Everest Base Camp

27 Rest/Acclimatize

28 Rest/Acclimatize

29 Rest/Acclimatize

30 Climb to Camp 1

31 Climb to Camp 2

32 Climb to Camp 3

33 Climb to Lhotse High Camp

34 Summit Lhotse, return to Camp 2

35 Return to Everest Base Camp

36 Rest

37 Trek to Pheriche

38 Trek to Namche

39 Trek to Lukla

40 Fly to Kathmandu

41 Fly Home

42 -52 Contingency Days

Note: Unused Contingency Days are not included in the cost of your program however we highly recommend that you factor them in as we have outlined in the itinerary to account for any weather delays etc (given the mountain environment we are in) We suggest buying a flexible return airfare so you can move your flight forward if you don’t need those contingency days or push it back as you need to. CTSS covers one night in the hotel in Kathmandu at the end of your program. If you don’t use your contingency days on the mountain or decide to stay longer in Kathmandu awaiting your return flight, associated hotel costs and expenses are strictly your responsibility.

Lhotse Speed Ascent Program’s Itinerary
This schedule is custom built to you, please contact us to discuss. On average it reduces trip length by approximately ten days

Everest Base Camp Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.

Day Itinerary

1 Arrive KTM

2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day in Kathmandu/Team dinner

3 Fly to Lukla/Trek to Phakding

4 Trek to Namche

5 Rest/Acclimatization in Namche

6 Hike to Tengboche

7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche

8 Hike to Pheriche

9 Rest/acclimatization in Pheriche

10 Hike to Lobuche base camp

11 Trek to Lobuche high camp

12 Trek to Gorak Shep

13 Trek to Everest Base Camp & Overnight in Base Camp proper

14 Explore Base Camp, Climbing Clinic in lower Icefall, Overnight in Base Camp proper

15 Climb Kala Pathar and descend to Pheriche

16 Trek to Namche

17 Trek to Lukla

18 Fly to Kathmandu

19 Fly Home

20 Contingency Day

Lobuche Climb Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.

Day Itinerary

1 Arrive KTM

2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day in Kathmandu/Team dinner

3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding

4 Trek to Namche

5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche

6 Hike to Tengboche

7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche

8 Hike to Pheriche

9 Rest/acclimatization in Pheriche

10 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp

11 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher

12 Move to Lobuche High Camp

13 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp

14 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp

15 Trek to Everest Base Camp

16 Rest at Everest Base Camp

17 Trek to Pheriche

18 Trek to Namche

19 Trek to Lukla

20 Fly to Kathmandu

21 Fly Home

22 Contingency Day

Everest Camp 2 Climb Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.

Day Itinerary

1 Arrive KTM

2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day/Team dinner

3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding

4 Trek to Namche

5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche

6 Hike to Tengboche

7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche

8 Hike to Pheriche

9 Rest/Acclimatization in Pheriche

10 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp

11 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher

12 Move to Lobuche High Camp

13 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp

14 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp

15 Trek to Everest Base Camp

16 Rest at Everest Base Camp

17 Training/Acclimatization

18 Packing/Acclimatization

19 Climb to Camp 1

20 Climb to Camp 2, return to Camp 1

21 Descend to Everest Base Camp

22 Rest/Pack up

23 Descend to Pheriche

24 Descend to Namche

25 Descend to Lukla

26 Fly to Kathmandu

27 Fly Home

28 Contingency Day

29 Contingency Day

30 Contingency Day

Everest Partial Camp 3 Climb Tentative Daily Schedule: (Day 1 is the day the team meets in KTM) This itinerary is only a rough estimate and will be determined by weather and acclimatization. This is adventure travel so this schedule will likely change and not everything will go as planned. People need to be adaptable and positive. We always recommend people arrive in Kathmandu one day early to avoid travel delays or issues with lost baggage. Added expenses (hotel/food/sightseeing) of this extra day are the client’s responsibility. Please let us know if you want us to arrange logistics for you arriving a day or earlier or for a single rooming option.

Day Itinerary

1 Arrive KTM

2 Obtain Climbing permits/Free Day/Team dinner

3 Fly to Lukla/trek to Phakding

4 Trek to Namche

5 Rest/acclimatization in Namche

6 Hike to Tengboche

7 Rest/acclimatization in Tengboche

8 Hike to Pheriche

9 Rest/Acclimatization in Pheriche

10 Trek to Lobuche Base Camp

11 Acclimatization hike Lobuche High Camp, Skills Refresher

12 Move to Lobuche High Camp

13 Acclimatization above Lobuche High Camp

14 Summit Lobuche High Camp & return to Lobuche Base Camp

15 Trek to Everest Base Camp

16 Rest at Everest Base Camp

17 Training/Acclimatization

18 Packing/Acclimatization

19 Climb to Camp 1

20 Climb to Camp 2, return to Camp 1

21 Move to Camp 2

22 Descend to Everest Base Camp

23 Rest

24 Hike to Pumori Camp 1

25 Rest/Pack

26 Climb to Camp 1

27 Climb to Camp 2

28 Touch the base of the Lhotse Face

29 Climb to touch Camp 3, descend to Camp 2

30 Descend to Base Camp

31 Pack/Rest

32 Descend to Pheriche

33 Descend to Namche

34 Descend to Lukla

35 Fly to Kathmandu

36 Fly Home

37 Contingency Day

38 Contingency Day

39 Contingency Day

Amenities:

CTSS prides itself on offering the best expedition at the best price. Because of this we offer many amenities that other companies don’t. We have carefully worked through all of the details of our expedition to offer you every nuance that can help you be successful and comfortable and stripped our program of anything that could hinder you.

Some of the many amenities in just our base model climbs include:

Accommodations at 5-star accomodation in Kathmandu
Team jackets and hats for all Mt. Everest and Lhotse climbers
The best food on Mt. Everest AND all-you-can-drink fresh coffee from Himalayan Java coffee roasters. Think lemon crepes, fresh bakes goods like croissants and cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat weekly, hearty soups, chicken cordon blue, burgers, fresh salads, chocolate cake and puddings for desert, etc
A cappuccino machine
Light weight, state-of-the-art oxygen systems to maximize your summit chances. Our oxygen system weight 4.5kg total as opposed to the much larger American oxygen system that weigh 8.5kg that some companies use. This 4kg/9lb difference make a HUGE difference on summit day when every ounce counts.
The best weather forecasts money can buy sent to us daily to make sure you get the right weather window. Expedition leader Mike Hamill has been interpreting these forecasts for decades to great success.
Unlimited 3rd party wifi for purchase at base camp.
Acclimatization and refresher climb of Lobuche East peak to avoid one rotation through the rugged Khumbu glacier (except for our Speed Asecnt programs)
Heating double-walled, custom built dining tents with wooden, insulated, and carpeted floors, and upholstered and padded chairs with arm rests
Two full-time cooks at Camp 2 to cook food for you while you’re in that camp.
A dining tent with chairs and a toilet tent at Camp 2
Hot towels infused with eucalyptus oil at dinner
A solar array with backup generator for charging devices on international plug adapters
The most well-trained and highest paid Sherpa on the mountain
Large single sleeping tents with lush 4” thick sleeping pads that insulate from the cold and a liner on the bottom of the tent to keep out dampness. And of course, a pillow
Hand wash stations with mirrors in both the foyer of the bathroom and the foyer of the dining room
Accommodations at some of the nicest teahouses in the Khumbu Valley
A communications tent with ample charging stations and insulated, carpeted floors
A wide array of healthy and nutritious upper mountain food to suit a wide variety of palates.
A huge insulated and heated geodesic dome hang out tent with couches, tables and chairs reading materials, and carpeted floors
A dedicated storage tent to keep your climbing gear and extra gear so you have more room in your tent
A movie projector and speaker system to watch movies
A two-room toilet tent (one room for hand washing) and sit down toilet
A hot shower with two rooms: one for changing and one for showering
Comfort food brought directly from the USA including real Maple Syrup, Nutella, BBQ Sauce, salt and pepper grinders, Cholula Hot Sauce, snack food for the mountain, a selection of decaf and caffeinated teas, ranch dressing, to name a few
Choose our Everest Associate or Everest Executive option for many more creature comforts… (see “Everest Page” for more information)

Prerequisites

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

Climbing Lhotse requires serious fitness, an ability to perform well at altitude, the mindset to be away from home for 8-10 weeks, along with the desire for rugged adventure travel. Climbers need solid cramponing skill and familiarity with glacier and fixed line climbing techniques. If you want to join this expedition but don’t have these skills we can work with you to get you up to speed prior to the climb. Please let us know how, we are here to help.

On this expedition you will be climbing in the ‘death zone’. Beginning with an imaginary line at 8,000m the oxygen in the atmosphere is so sparse at this altitude that the human body cannot stay for prolonged periods of time. We work with lightweight oxygen systems, state of the art equipment, a refined acclimatization schedule, the best weather forecasting available and phenomenal Sherpa teams to give you the greatest opportunity for success.

Expedition Details and Strategy

Our Lhotse expedition meets in Kathmandu where we obtain our climbing permits, run through gear checks and have a team meeting. We stay at the famous and historic “Yak and Yeti” hotel in the heart of town and use this as our base for packing and organizing gear. Following our time in Kathmandu we fly to Lukla to start the trek. We land at the Hillary runway at roughly 9,000ft/3,000m. From the moment you land in Lukla you will be at altitude. It’s important to take it easy and let your body adjust to the altitude naturally. From here we make our way up the Khumbu valley staying at some of the finest lodges in the region in order to mitigate the stress so you can focus on the climb.

Hygiene is incredibly important to us and we take many precautions to make sure our team avoids getting sick. Despite this, illness can be a fact of life in Nepal so chances are people will at least experience a stomach rumbling at some point during the expedition.

Once at base camp we get settled in and use a slow, methodical acclimatization strategy to position ourselves for the summit bid. Most expeditions rush this process and suffer the consequences of altitude illness because of it. Once at base camp we will make three forays up the mountain to successively higher altitudes to prepare for the summit bid, with plenty of rest back at base camp in between.

Our base camp is the finest on the mountain. We spare little expense making you feel as comfortable as possible. Our top-notch cooks make you the healthiest food possible with strong hygiene standards. Each of our climbers has their own tent at base camp where they can feel at home when not socializing in the group dining and hangout tents. We have a state-of-the-art communications tent and make third party internet is available to our guests. We receive the best up-to-date weather reports daily and have a satellite phone for group use. Our set-up higher on the mountain is top notch as well and included two full-time cooks at Camp 2 as well as a dining tent with chairs and a toilet tent.

In between acclimatization rotations we spend time training at base camp, practicing both glacier climbing skills like fixed line climbing and crossing ladders, and training with the oxygen systems to make sure you’re fully prepared for the climb ahead. Having these skills as second nature before the summit bid can relieve pre-climb nerves and anxiety, allowing you to fully focus on your climb. We also stay active with acclimatization hikes to Pumori Camp 1.

Gear List

Gear List: This gear list has been carefully compiled over years of treks and expeditions. Please take it seriously. All of the items on the list are mandatory. If you don’t have all the items on the list you will be required to purchase them in Kathmandu. Please contact us for specific items or more details on items. Specific items change too fast for us to recommend a certain model so it’s best to email us for real-time product info. Please support our partners: We work closely with Mountain Gear out of Washington State in the USA. If you purchase through the link at the bottom of our home page they will give you a discount and they are also available to help you select the right gear if you let them know you are with Climbing the Seven Summits.

Climbers: You need all of the items on the list for you program and all of the programs on the list above it. For example, Lobuche climbers need all of the items on the Lobuche Climb list plus all of the trekking items. Lhotse climbers need all of the items on their list plus all other items for the other climbs.

Trekkers

Travel Wallet with passport, cash and travel documents
Day Pack- 30L
1x heavy PVC Duffel Bags with locks
Passport photos (5)
Casual Travel Clothes
Light-weight sneakers for travel and at base camp
2 pairs light socks
Medium weight trekking boots with ankle support
2 pairs medium weight trekking socks
Medium weight gaiters
2 pairs of thermal under layers top & bottom: 1 light, 1 medium
4 pairs of underwear
2 pairs of synthetic climbing pants: 1 light and 1 medium weight
1 pair of insulated pants for base camp and Lobuche
1 pair of shell pants (water proof with full side zippers and fit over climbing pants)
2 medium weight layers: 1 synthetic pile jacket, 1 down or synthetic vest  and jacket
1 shell jacket
1 heavy down parka with hood
2 buff neck gaiters
2 heavy weight winter hats
1 baseball hat/sun hat that protects the neck
1 medium weight fleece glove
1 heavy weight pair of climbing gloves
Prescription eyewear
Trekking Poles
Pack cover
1 Down Sleeping Bag rated to -20F
2 headlamps; 1 medium sized and 1 small sized as a backup
Batteries – Make sure to have enough batteries for your entire trip with spares
2x 1 liter water bottles, wide mouth
Water purification: Iodine tablets, filter or UV treatment
Book or Kindle/iPad with movies/tv series
Camera
Multitool
Altitude watch
Sun screen & zinc
Hand Sanitizer (several small bottles)
Small Soap
Small Shampoo
Trek Towel
Tooth Brush and Toothpaste
Nail trimmers
Baby wipes
Basic medical kit with high altitude meds should include: blister kit, low dose aspirin, Band-Aids, wound closure strips, triple antibiotic ointment, basic repair kit, scissors, Diamox (acetazolamide, 125mg) for AMS, antacids, NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprophen, anti-diarrheal, duct tape, ear plugs, Antibiotics (upper respiratory such as Azithromycin and a gastro-intestinal such as Ciproflaxin), melatonin, Asthma medication if you use it (Advair), cold and flu medication,

Lobuche Climbers Add:

Climbing pack – 60 liter like the Hyperlite 3,300
1 pair of 8000m mitts
Hand warmers and electronic boot warmers like Hotronics (optional)
2 pairs of Glacier glasses: one spare (must be Cat 4)
2 pairs of goggles (1 clear lens, 1 dark lens)
1 full face mask that covers all skin on face & can be worn with goggles
2 sleeping pads: 1 closed cell foam, 1 inflatable
Foot warmers (optional)
Foot power keeps feet dry and warm
Down booties with a sole
Lightweight Harness with detachable leg loops like Black Diamond Couloir
Ascender with single length sling
2 extra double-length slings
3 locking carabiners and 4 non-locking carabiners
30 feet of prusik cord
Helmet, light weight
Ice axe – alpine axe that is long enough for walking and has a leash but is lightweight.
12 Point Crampons that MUST fit your boots perfectly.
ATC and/or Figure 8
Water Bottle Insulators
Collapsible Cup, bowl, spoon

Camp 2 Climbers Add:

Snack food: We recommend 5 pounds/2 kilograms of food you know you like to eat while climbing. “GU”, “Nuun”, and shot blocks, granola bars, candy bars, cheese, meat, chocolate, and nuts are excellent.
High Altitude Medications: niphedepine (for pulmonary edema, time release), dexamethasone (for cerebral edema, 4mg),
Winter Sorel Type boots for relaxing in cold weather at base camp

Camp 3 Climbers Add: 

1 down suit or 8,000m top & bottom. Leg zippers, arm pit zippers, rainbow zip butt
Triple Climbing Boots suitable for above 8000m
2 pairs heavy climbing socks to be worn with triple boots
1 down sleeping bags: 1 rated to -40F/-40C)
1x heavy PVC Duffel Bags with locks

Lhotse Climbers Add:

1 liter thermos
Summit banners
Extra high altitude snacks
Extra hand/feet warmers
Warmest gloves possible, like BD Guide Glove
Movies, books, music, IPad, magazines for the down time
Consider bringing a small portable humidifier that runs off a USB power stick for use in your tent at night. This can be an invaluable tool for good respiratory health and to prevent the Khumbu cough unless you have chosen the executive option which will provide one.

Application and Payment

Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!

To apply for our expeditions, please contact us to send you an application packet.

Steps:

1. Fill in the application form (you can fill it out digitally or print and scan) and email it back to us at: info@climbingthesevensummits.com
2. Pay your 25% deposit (wire transfers are preferred and the details are on the application form. Credit cards attract a merchant surcharge)
3. Upon receiving your application and your deposit, and accepting you onto the trip, we will then issue you an invoice reflecting that and your balance amount and due date
4. Please send us the remainder of the forms to info@climbingthesevensummits.com which are due 4 months of departure along with your balance.
5. At the same time, please send a copy of the photo page of the passport you intend to travel on and a copy of your trip insurance*

*It’s worth noting most insurers require you to take out a policy within 14 days of paying a deposit for their trip cancellation/interruption clauses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like recommendations on who we use for our guide’s insurance etc.

Travel can be booked through our partner travel agent: Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations.

APPLY NOW!

Why choose with CTSS as your guide service for Lhotse

We strongly believe that choosing the right guide service for a high altitude climb such as Lhotse is one of the most important decisions you will make. The “one size fits all” model does not work when it comes to something as important as a Lhotse climb. Expedition leadership is extremely important when it comes to safety, success, and the overall enjoyment on an expedition. We guarantee you the best expedition at the best price. We are here to help you make an informed decision and encourage you to do your homework and look at the details of your Mt. Lhotse climb, so please feel free to contact us directly.

Best expedition at a great value: CTSS believes in providing our clients with the highest quality service in the industry at a great value. Climbing and trekking is our passion and our goal is to share these unique places and experiences with you. We want you to feel good about your experience because we believe word-of-mouth is the best advertising, and that begins with satisfied customers. There is a difference between our expeditions and those of our competitors, especially local cut-rate options. In choosing us you are hiring the finest guides and logistical support in the industry. Benefiting from countless Himalayan expeditions and drawing on decades of first hand guiding experience, we have worked hard to refine our logistics in order to offer you the highest chance of success at an exceptional value.
We are a modestly sized guide service with highly personalized service: We maintain a moderate size so that we can effectively customize your Lhotse experience. Not all climbers are the same and this is why Mike Hamill and the CTSS team will work with you directly to customize a program and why we offer so many expedition options. Don’t get lost in the numbers with one of the larger “climbing factories”. They can’t give you the attention to detail you need for climbing a peak as important as Lhotse.
Mike’s almost unparalleled experience base above 8000m can spell the difference between success and failure as expedition leader: Mike will advise you through the many nuances of climbing Lhotse. From start to finish he will work with you and your CTSS guide to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to reach your goal of standing on top of the world. Often being able to trouble shoot problems before they occur will allow you to be successful and this is where Mike’s unrivaled expedition leader experience base becomes crucial. Things like how to keep your eyes from freezing, trouble shooting the oxygen system, when to leave for the summit to avoid bottlenecks, and what flow rate to use when and where on the climb can be the difference between success and failure. Mike will be at base camp using his experience with the vagaries of logistics and weather forecasts to insure you get the right climbing window.
Best Guides: The quality of an expedition is, in large part, dictated by the individual guide(s) leading the trip. CTSS hires only the finest guides operating at the highest standards for client care who are highly trained, well respected in the industry, and close friends that we trust. They have excellent personalities and are some of the most experienced professionals in the world. Mike and the rest of our guides are strong leaders who will lead your expedition with the high standards you’d expect from the premier expedition company. Our guides make our company and have extensive resumes of personal climbs, high altitude guided climbs, and certifications. All our lead guides maintain at least a Wilderness First Responder medical standard. Our Sherpa and local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles.
Safety: Our primary goal at CTSS is safety. We have an unparalleled safety record and the safety of our clientele factors in to every decision we make while on expeditions. Although we like to stand on the top of mountains more than anyone, we believe that climbing is a round trip endeavor and getting you back to your loved ones safely is paramount. We take many safety precautions including bringing multiple communication devices, high altitude safety equipment, medical kits, and the highest quality gear to ensure a safe environment in which to climb.
Success: Success rates on expeditions under Mike’s leadership is the best in the business. (please refer to the summit statistics chart for more details). Historically Mike has maintained a 91% expedition success rate and an 83% climber success rate. Well over 165 climbers have stood on top of 8000m peaks under Mike’s direct guidance, perhaps more than any other guide. This is a testament to our small, personalized service and attention to detail. Mike and our team of guides are incredibly proud of their summit success and work hard to get their clients to the top. Mike always says, “You can’t buy a summit but you can buy better odds.” With our expertise, experience and infrastructure you can stack those odds in your favor. Many guide services race their clients up the mountain, especially local companies, to cut corners on costs. We are highly invested in our reputation for safety and success and are always striving to improve our programs to maintain our hard-earned status. Decision making in the mountains is supremely important and our guides are the best in the business, have a hunger to summit on any trip it’s safe to do so, and have a proven track record. All of our programs acclimatize conservatively to mitigate the risk of having altitude issues and to give them the highest chance of success.
You!: Why choose us? Because of you! We consistently attract the best clients and believe this is because we offer the highest quality expedition at a great value. Our clientele takes the time to educate themselves about their options and choose us because of this. We are selective about who we accept on our programs. We feel that surrounding yourself with the right people will make you successful, and that goes for guide service owners, guides, and even those you climb with. Having a team with the right attitude and comradery is a key factor in making you successful on Lhotse.
Customized service: We pride ourselves at CTSS on the close, personalized service that we give to each client and the rapport we have with them. For us, this is what makes our company great. We are not a climbing factory herding cattle-trains of people up a mountain. We maintain a modest size so that we can continue to offer a great product, individualized service, and customize your climb to your needs.
Logistics: Our team have led countless high altitude expeditions and have perfected our logistics during that time, allowing you to focus on climbing, safety and success. We eat well and live well on expedition. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while on your climb or trek to not be distracted from the task at hand. We feel that these creature comforts go a long way to making your time in the backcountry enjoyable and to making you successful.
Sherpa: Our Sherpa and local guides around the world are the best in the industry and do an amazing job helping you attain your goals and navigating local obstacles. You will be very impressed by them and they will become friends for life.
Oxygen system: We use only the best state of the art oxygen system, bottles and masks and more oxygen than most companies to ensure your summit success.
Updates: In today’s connected world people want to know how things are going on expedition. CTSS maintains regular updates on our blog to keep friends and families informed. This can relieve a lot of the stress loved ones have when you’re away on climbing. We want to make the climb as stress-free for both the climber and the folks back home.
Professional Business Practices: Running a professional guide service that you feel comfortable putting your trust in is important to us. Because of this we comply with all local, state, federal and international laws. We hope that this makes you feel more confident about choosing us and our programs.
Enjoyment: This is your vacation and you’re here to have a good time. Our goal is to give you the experience of a lifetime, inspire you in the mountains, and to have a great time doing it. This, again, comes back to our guides; they all have great personalities and their love for the mountain is contagious.
Because you care about your environment, and local communities. A portion of the profit from each program goes to the “Tiger of the Snows Fund.” CTSS Owner Mike Hamill began the Tiger of the Snows Fund in 2014 to provide educational opportunities for workers involved in outdoor tourism and their families globally. Visit the website at tigerofthesnows.com By climbing or trekking with CTSS you are making a conscious decision to be a global citizen and support education and local communities. In supporting “The Tiger of the Snows Foundation,” CTSS is creating stronger communities and giving back to the people that give us so much on our expeditions in the best way we know how: education.
Low client to guide ratio: We operate all of our trips at a low guide to client ratio which offers you a better, safer, and more personalized experience.
References: See for yourself why CTSS is the best. Visit our “Client Testimonials” page for a small sample of the positive feedback we have received over the years. We are happy to supply you with a list of references that will further help you make an educated decision in choosing the right guide service for you. The majority of our clients are repeat customers because of the service we provide. They are more than just clients: we consider them friends. We are confident that you will choose CTSS!

CTSS Expedition Leadership

Mike Hamill personally leads each Lhotse expedition and is universally regarded as one of the most experienced and respected high altitude mountaineers in the world. Well over 165 climbers have stood on top of 8000m peaks including Everest and Lhotse under his direct guidance.

A mountain guide for over 20 years, he boasts a 91% expedition success rate and an 83% climber summit success rate for all of his expeditions world-wide, which is more than double the average summit success rate.

Who you choose as the leader of your Lhotse expedition will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Sound leadership is the difference between a great expedition and a miserable, potentially dangerous one. Climbing above 8,000 meters is serious and you want the best in the business in your corner. Mike has an unprecedented safety record and has personally guided 11 x Mt. Everest expeditions, 25 x 8,000m expeditions and thousands of clients.

He has 6 Everest summits and currently holds the record for most non-Sherpa summits of Cho Oyu. He’s also the author of the guide book “Climbing the Seven Summits,” making him perhaps the most experienced Western guide on the mountain.

An adventurer by nature, he has skied to the South Pole, cycled unsupported across the United States and completed the famed Seven Summits 6x. He has competed as a Nordic skier, ultra-marathoner, triathlete, and cyclist. His love for the mountains continues to compel him to travel the globe and connect with local mountain communities, particularly the Sherpa of the Khumbu region. This bond was his impetus in creating the “Tiger of the Snows Fund,” a not-for-profit that provides educational opportunities for workers involved in outdoor tourism, and their families.

Our Sherpa Team

Our Sherpa Team:

One cannot underestimate the importance of having the right team of Sherpas to support a Lhotse bid.

Sherpas are integral to almost any aspect of a Lhotse expedition and perform crucial roles as climbing partners, such as carrying loads and fixing ropes on the mountain, organizing gear and building camps amongst many other jobs. You will quickly notice not only their importance but also their many other positive traits: hard work, humility, friendliness, gregariousness, not to mention strength.

Our team of Sherpa is simply the cream of the crop and are led by our Sirdar Tendi Sherpa. Tendi is one of the most respected members of the Everest and Lhotse community and has notched a dozen Everest summits on both the south and north sides of the mountain beyond many other summits worldwide. Tendi is an internationally certified guide, co-owns a logistics company based in Kathmandu and is the best in the business.

He holds his team of Sherpa to the same high standard that he holds himself and hand picks only the strongest, most skilled, and trusted Sherpa friends. Some of our Sherpa team are fully internationally IFMGA certified guides and all are incredibly strong and proficient climbers. Tendi and his team will work incredibly hard to make your climb of Lhotse a success and they will become friends for life. Tendi and the Sherpa team go through extensive technical and customer service training before each Lhotse expedition to make sure their skills at sharp. Our Sherpa are paid higher than any other Sherpa on the mountain because we believe in them and want them to feel happy and taken care of. This will ensure that they do the best job possible for you.

What's Not Included in Your Expedition

Our expeditions are fully inclusive except for items/services of a personal nature. Please take note that the following is not included:

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 Kathmandupersonal snacks, specialized high altitude climbing food, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, medical expenses, gratuities, internet, email or phone charges, bottled water, specialty coffees
Sherpa tip pool ($500 for climbers/$250 for trekkers)
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.)

The CTSS Approach

Climbing the Seven Summits’ primary aim is to help you attain your personal climbing and trekking goals while experiencing the best of our planet, its unique cultures. and environments.

We strive to offer the highest quality mountaineering expeditions and treks at a great value while focusing on our primary goals: safety, success, and enjoyment.

We achieve this by bringing our extensive experience, top-of-the-line logistics, individualized and world-class guides to each adventure we undertake.

To give our clients the highest possible chance at success we are detailed in our approach, ensuring we’ve dotted our ‘i’s and crossed our ‘t’s. We provide personalized service, employ conservative acclimatization schedules, use top-of-the-line mountaineering, camping, and communications gear, hire only the best mountain leaders, and we don’t skimp on costs.

Our expeditions strive to set the highest standards and climb in “good style.” By this, we mean prioritizing the well-being and safety of our teams, leaving no trace on the environments we operate in, respecting culture, contributing to local economies by employing regional partners and paying them higher than the industry standard, and working in a self-sufficient and self-reliant way. We promote a responsible approach to adventure travel by connecting people to the natural world and giving back to local communities by donating a percentage of every expedition to the Tiger of the Snows Fund.

We take immense pride in our expeditions, and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from our teams who form lasting friendships forged in the mountains as they work together and overcome tough challenges.

References

Please visit our Client Testimonials page for quotes reflecting CTSS leadership and experience. If you would like to talk to previous customers as references, please contact us, and we can put you in touch with many satisfied climbers. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and we will be happy to discuss the expedition with you. Joining a climbing or trekking expedition is a big deal, and it’s important to feel comfortable with the expedition leadership. The majority of our clients are return customers because of their overwhelmingly positive experiences.

Fast Facts

Lhotse is the 4^th tallest mountain in the World.
Lhotse lies on the border between China and Nepal. The “Normal Route” ascends the southern side of the mountain.
The death zone begins at 8000m and is an imaginary line where the oxygen is so thin that people are literally slowly dying there and cannot stay for prolonged periods of time.

Lhotse FAQ

Will I be sharing a tent?

No, for the majority of the climb you are not sharing a tent. We stay at the famous Yak and Yeti hotel in Kathmandu and in the finest teahouses while trekking up the valley. While at Everest Base Camp, you will have your own tent to spread your gear out and call home. There will be times on the mountain where you will need to share a tent with another climber to reduce the number of dangerous loads the Sherpa need to carry; it’s also warmer and safer when you can keep an eye on each other.”

How heavy will my pack be?

In general, climbing packs on Lhotse are relatively light. You will likely be carrying 10lbs – 20lbs (5kg – 9kg) most of the time while climbing and less on the trek into base camp. While climbing you should be prepared to carry your gear for the day and some of your personal gear for the mountain. Sherpa will carry all of the group gear and help with personal gear.

Will I need to purchase insurance?

Yes. Trip delay and cancellation, rescue, repatriation, medical insurance is mandatory for this program for your own benefit. We have seen too many times people need to cancel their trip either before or during the expedition for reasons such as injury, health, family and business matters. With such a long trip and so much at stake climbers need to be prepared for contingencies.

What is the food like on the climb?

While at base camp, our food is the finest on the mountain. Our head chef Kumar has been cooking for Everest and Lhotse expeditions for more than a decade and trains at 5 star hotels in the off-season.

On the trek to BC we will be eating meals prepared for us by the teahouse staff. We stay at some of the finest teahouses so the food is the best available in the Khumbu.

Testimonials:

“Mike, there’s an aura about you that when you’re around everything will be ok. You chose the right profession, and I’m a better person because of it!! Cheers!!” -Bart W

“And I will never forget that you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. For that I will always be grateful to you.” Jason V

“It’s not often that you get to have the privilege of climbing with a world class climber, such as yourself. Wow. And here’s an added bonus… you’re a really nice guy, too… down to earth and not an ounce of pretension. Seriously, we couldn’t have enjoyed our time with you more. You illustrated the utmost level of caution and consideration for the team and not only that, you were a blast to hang out with. Thank you for your patience with me, for pushing me beyond my comfort level, and for your wisdom and care to make it to the top. You taught me a lot about climbing and about myself. I appreciate you tremendously and know that without you, I wouldn’t have made it. This was one hell of a trip and we will always think of you fondly… and hope to climb with you again. Thank you, Mike and enjoy your next adventure.” Angela H

“Mike, we knew by reputation, but I did not expect such a down-to-earth, humble, approachable person. Mike welcomed us and made us feel like we all belonged. He taught us about climbing every day. He encouraged us when we did well and he pointed out our mistakes in a positive way. He made an effort to get to know each of us individually- we were all different people to him, not just a bunch of clients. And on summit morning his leadership and decision making were incredible. Every one of us has incredible respect for Mike. I cannot imagine ever doing something like this again without him.” Doug B

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Lhotse Expedition
Difficulty Level: Intermediate - Advanced

Expedition Itineraries

Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!

Lhotse FAQ

Express Your Interest in Our Expeditions

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About Us

Tiger of the Snows Fund

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Lhotse ExpeditionDifficulty Level: Intermediate - Advanced

Expedition Itineraries

Thanks for your interest in our expeditions. We're looking forward to climbing with you!

Lhotse FAQ

Express Your Interest in Our Expeditions

Join the CTSS Mailing List

About Us

Tiger of the Snows Fund

Contact Us

Lhotse Expedition
Difficulty Level: Intermediate - Advanced