Arrival in Kathmandu. you are greeted at the airport by our team and then transferred to our hotel. Evening briefing from your guide.
We reserve this day for sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and to prepare for trekking. Point with the responsibility of the expedition on the carried material. If necessary, the many mountain equipment shops in Thamel can supplement your equipment. During this time, our local team does what is necessary to complete the essential administrative formalities and access permits.
Very early departure (between 2 am and 4 am) for Ramechapp airport. On your arrival, a breakfast near the airport will be organized before taking your flight to Lukla. On your arrival in Lukla, organize the loads with the porters and the sherpas then start the trek. Depending on availability in the lodges, stage in Phakding (2610 m) or Monjo (2835 m), in order to shorten the next long stage to Namche Bazar.
We appreciate the softness and greenery of the Dudh Kosi Gorge. At this average altitude, vegetation is still abundant, pine forests cover the steep slopes. At the detours of the trail, we discover hamlets nestled in clearings, nestled above the banks of the river or perched on small flats. After the village of Monjo, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park (“goddess mother of heaven” Nepalese name given to Mount Everest). Created in 1976 and listed as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO, the park extends over the entire watershed of Dudh Kosi, within which our course. By a wide path winding through the pines, we climb 500 meters above the confluence with the Bhote Kosi. Around 3100 meters, a small stop is needed to discover Everest in focus. Namche, the capital of the Sherpa country is staged in a large amphitheater overlooking the gorges, facing the peaks of the Lumding Himal. The village is of importance, nearly 2500 inhabitants live in opulent houses. Markets, traditional shops, and Sherpa shops offer a lively atmosphere.
Free day on Namche, the most important city in the region. Many lodges and restaurants are present for this starting point of the trek to Everest. It is the ideal place to rest and acclimatize at high altitude, before embarking on this hike. According to the desire, half-day trekking on the heights of Namche Bazar: villages of Khunde and Khumjung (3780 m), landscapes of pastures and small well-ordered fields. We can admire the sunset on Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest above Namache (1-hour walk).
We climb above Namche Bazar by a gently sloping path on the mountainside to Mong Pass, overlooking Ama Dablam and Kantega, two of Nepal’s most spectacular peaks. We then descend to Phortse Tenga at 3600 m at the edge of the Milky River (Dudu Khosi) and go back slightly to the village of Phortse (3810 m). This day allows us to perfect our acclimatization to the altitude
A slow and steady climb up the Khumbu Valley to Pangboche, the village dominated by Ama Dablam. For 1h30, we go along the river imjakhola through Shomare, then we follow Lobuche Khola to Pheriche
Easy walk for 1 hour, then the trail climbs gently until Thokla (4620 m), then a steep climb to the Thokla pass (4830 m), where there are chortens in memory of the dead during the ascent of the Everest. We have an exceptional view of the West peaks of Everest and the elegant summit of Ama Dablam.
Rest is essential to our body for the success of the ascent.
We start by following the valley to the confluence of the Khangri glacier. Gorakshep and its sandy plain precede a tedious walk on the moraine of the Khumbu glacier. Arrive at base camp, at the foot of the famous “Ice Fall”.
Here we are at work, in the vast international camp regrouping all the expeditions. We will be staying there for 45 days in total. Everyone takes their quarters for the following weeks. The breath is short, it is better to avoid moving in all directions. Throughout the stay, we will have to move our tents according to the movements of the glacier. The lunar landscape remains impressive with the sparkling faces of Pumori, Lho La, Nuptse, and Lhotse. The temperature in full sun
Third day of acclimatization. Sherpas and all participants are invited to attend the traditional Buddhist ceremony ( Puja ), without which the ascent could not be done. We prepare our materials and equipment.
Day devoted to setting up the ropes. Your expedition leader and your altitude sherpa review your mastery of all the techniques necessary for the ascent: handling of the self-locking handles and progression technique for ascent and descent on fixed ropes, in particular.
DAY 18 TO 53: ASCENT OF EVEREST (8848M)
The main stages of the ascent are as follows:
CAMP I: 5,900 METERS
Reaching C1 is the most technical part of the ascent on the south side. You have to cross the Khumbu icefall. The “ Ice Doctors ”, Sherpas specializing in the installation of fixed ropes along the icefall, recognized the best passage for the current year. 600 meters of progression on the glacier in perpetual motion. The camp is located at the entrance of the western valley, at the exit of the waterfall. We limit the stay to two nights at Camp I for acclimatization. As soon as possible, we go up to Camp II whose excellent location makes it the ideal starting point to the summit.
CAMP II: 6,400 METER
The C2 occupies a site on the left bank of the western valley, at the foot of the western ridge. Very safe, the place offers a breathtaking view of the Lhotse. A real advanced base camp, we set up a kitchen tent and a mess tent for optimum comfort. From this camp, we will launch the attempt to the top. You will spend several nights there beforehand, before going up to the upper camps.
CAMP III: 7,100 METER
The long climb from C2 to C3 puts the tenacity of the participants to the test. The high altitude slows down the progression, without however already being able to call upon the assistance of oxygen. The slope that leads to Lhotse displays an incline of between 30 and 45 ° on very hard, even icy snow. The progression must be done along the fixed ropes. You will sleep two nights at C3 before continuing to the summit.
CAMP IV: SOUTH PASS AT 8,000 METER
The long-awaited moment arrives: you cross the South Pass. This vast, windswept lunar field is the lowest depression between Everest and Lhotse. Most Himalayas access it without the help of supplemental oxygen. You have to cross two characteristic rocky sections before reaching the pass: the yellow band, a layer of marble and schist, and the top of the Genevois spur, a black rocky band. These two passages are equipped with fixed ropes.
EVEREST SUMMIT: 8,848 METER
The last part of the route is climbed in 9 to 13 hours round trip. We use the oxygen right from the start of C4. We go up to regular slopes in the balcony to the southern summit (8,749 m). From there, a long ridge leads to the “ Hillary step ” (8,790 m), or what remains of it since the 2015 earthquake. The last few meters are not difficult, apart from the very high altitude. Your Altitude Sherpa determines, based on your progress and the time you reach the various obstacles, whether you have time to safely reach the top and come back down
Last glances towards the top. It’s time to head back home. The long day to reach first Lobuche and finally the pastures of Dingboche. The softness of the landscapes contrasts with the lunar site of the base camp.
A pleasant day of walking along the valley. This time we go directly by the balcony path which leads to Namche Bazar.
Flight to Ramechapp airport then transfer to Kathmandu. The flight is subject to weather conditions, a delay in the day of rotation is possible. This is why we always plan a reserve day in Kathmandu before resuming the international flight. Transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu and a free afternoon.
Free day in Kathmandu also serves as a security day in case of problems on the Lukla / Kathmandu or during trekking. Today, you have a rest day to relax or you can also go shopping in Kathmandu or you can do anything you like to by yourself.
free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
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Kathmandu and trekking
In a 3/4* category hotel in Kathmandu.
During the trek, we will be either in an individual tent or in a lodge. The lodges in Nepal are of very random comfort. The lodges can look like a refuge or sometimes a cottage from home. It is mostly a family house with double, triple, or dormitory rooms. Toilets and showers are always separate.
Base camp
At the base camp, we are in individual tents.
Staying in the base for several weeks must be as comfortable as possible, in order to allow a good recovery on the return from the altitude camps. It must allow us to face a period of bad weather in the best possible conditions. Each participant has their own individual tent with a comfortable mattress. A heated mess tent is the main living area. Tables and chairs are permanently installed there. We also have a shower tent and a WC tent (the solid waste in evacuated drums)
High camps
During the ascent, at the high camps, we have an altitude tent for 2 people or even 3 people on the last camps.
Hygiene & Laundry
Toilets: The base camp is equipped with toilets (cans removed and emptied in a suitable place far from the glacier) and toilet paper. Take care to wash your hands with a hydro-alcoholic gel (to be taken from your personal pharmacy) after each visit to the toilet. For the higher camps, we recommend that you bring a bottle that you will use to urinate at night to avoid having to go out.
Daily hygiene: a basin with soap and water is available at the entrance to the mess tent. Water is intended for washing the face and hands, do not drink it.
Shower: hot water available (request to be made in the kitchen). Only take showers in sunny weather to avoid catching a cold!
Laundry: water (cold) and basin to be requested from the kitchen, bring biodegradable products only.
MEAL
Kathmandu and trekking
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a welcome dinner is offered to you on the first evening. Likewise, upon returning from the expedition, a farewell meal is provided.
In the cities, many small (or large) restaurants allow us to discover the typical local cuisine. With the exception of Kathmandu, breakfasts and evening meals are prepared by the lodge’s kitchen staff or cooks and taken in the lodge’s dining room or in the mess tent. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day’s walk and/or presence of water), midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics.
Base camp
All meals are prepared by the kitchen team using local ingredients including rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, vegetables, eggs, a little meat, etc. They are served to you in a private tent. Non-alcoholic hot drinks such as tea or coffee are offered to you at will. We recommend that you stay hydrated at all times.
High camps
At altitude, you often have to force yourself to eat. The use of freeze-dried food is almost unavoidable. But such and such a dish, appetizing in the valley, quickly becomes subject to disgust in the altitude camps. During the preparation weekend, we bring a sample of freeze-dried dishes for you to taste to indicate your preferences which we strive to respect (depending on the stocks available during the final purchases). You can also bring along some of your favorite meals on the expedition (if you have any). For your comfort and the pleasure of taste, we provide some “delicacies” from France (salty and sweet).
Each tent has a stove to melt snow (MSR Reactor type) and make water for your freeze-dried meals and hot drinks. The necessary gas cartridges are supplied.
WATER: provide tablets (Hyclonazone, Micropur, or others) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy “mineral” water in the cities (not included in the price), but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
- Pick up and drop off services for both international & domestic flights as per the itinerary
- 4 nights Hotel in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast plan, 2 nights before and 2 nights after the expedition
- A welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu
- Both-ways domestic flight (KTM – Lukla – KTM) with Airport tax
- Land and Air domestic transportation and cargo for our overall expedition crew
- Climbing Mountaineering Royalty Fee and all other necessary fees to climb Mount Everest
- Khumbu Ice-fall fee
- Summit route fixing charge
- Garbage Management and Garbage Disposal Fee
- Government Liaison officer with his daily wages, equipment, food, insurance and both way airfare
- Freshly cooked meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner): Continental, Nepali, Indian and Chinese with hot drinks, Tea and Coffee
- Fresh green vegetables, fresh meat, fresh fruits, juice and drinks will be regularly served at Base Camp. We use helicopter in order to bring them to Base Camp in regular basis.
- 1 Professional Everest Summiteer Climbing Sherpa with his equipments allowance, daily wages and carrying bonus
- Experienced Base Camp Sirdar, Manager, Cook, Camp-2 Cook and Kitchen helpers
- Necessary Porters up to the Base Camp and return from the Base Camp
- Maximum 60kg per member as a personal baggage
- High Altitude, Medical & Helicopter rescue insurance for Climbing Sherpa, Cook and involved Nepalese staffs
- Each Member will be provided an individual Tent (Kailas/Box Tent), Mattress and Pillow at Base Camp
- Common Equipment at Everest Base Camp: Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Communication Tent, Shower Tent, Toilet Tent, Tables and Chairs, Heater, etc.
- High Camp Services for C1-C4: High Tent, Shovel, Rope, EPI Gas, Gas Burner (MSR Rector), High Food etc.
- Common Equipment at C2: Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Member Tent (2 members per tent)
- Walkie-Talkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp
- Internet access Wi-Fi is available to all climbers on our team at Base Camp ( with Nominal charge )
- Satellite phone is available for emergency use at $3 per minute
- HRA Medical Camp provides emergency medical services with a certain charge
- Weather forecast during the entire expedition
- Oxygen (4ltr.) 6 bottles allocated for each Member and 3 bottles for each climbing Sherpa
- Summit Mask & Regulator set for each Member and each climbing Sherpa
- Sufficient Back-up Oxygen bottles and Mask Regulator set available at our Base Camp (Chargeable as per use)
- In case of emergency, rescue and replacement, we have extra climbing Sherpa and helicopter on standby.
- Real sherpa Duffel Bag (if required)
- First Aid Medical Kit
- Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu
- Government Taxes and Company Service Charge
- Mount Everest summit certificate after the successful summit of the peak
- nternational flight tickets
- Nepal Entry Visa fee (To be applied for 90 days)
- Bank/wire transfer fees (if applicable)
- Lunch & Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu
- Personal Travel Insurance and High-Altitude Insurance (Accident, Medical and Emergency Rescue Evacuation)
- Personal Trekking and Climbing Gears
- Personal Expenses: Phone calls, internet, battery recharge, laundry, alcoholic beverages, bottles and canned beverages, specialty coffee or espresso drinks etc during in lodges on the way to Base camp and on Return
- Drone & Special filming permit
- Summit Bonus for Climbing Sherpa US $1600.00
- Tips for Cook and Kitchen helpers
- Any other service cost which are not included in the Cost Includes
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Why climb Everest? – “Because It’s there.” – George Mallory
The most daring choice among mountaineers is the Everest Expedition from the South Side, Nepal. The world’s highest mountain stands at an elevation of 8,848 meters above sea level in the MahalangurHimal. Climbing Mount Everest offers the ultimate climbing adventure and unique experiences from the southeast ridge, of Nepal. Mount Everest was first summited by two legendary mountaineers, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, and Sir Edmund Hillary via the Southside, Nepal on May 29, 1953. Since then, every year thousands of attempts have been made to climb to the summit. Standing at the top of the world is one of life’s great and incomparable achievements! Climb Mt. Everest as a team at your own pace and carefully! Real Sherpa Adventures heartily welcomes enthusiastic mountaineers to climb the highest mountain on Earth.
Is Prior Climbing Experience and Physical Fitness Required?
Having prior experience with rock and ice climbing, especially over 7000 meters of elevation, and in top physical and mental strength is an essential factor for the Everest Expedition from South Side, Nepal. Nevertheless, while climbing over 8,848 meters, one will encounter variously anticipated, and unanticipated obstacles such as rock fall, avalanches, high altitude sickness, sheer exhaustion, scarcity of oxygen, and dramatic change in weather conditions. A healthy cardiovascular system and good muscular strength are essential. Before climbing Everest, prepare yourself mentally for facing various unexpected or unknown difficulties. The oxygen level drops by 60-70 percent from sea level as you go over 7,000 to 8,000 meters of elevation.
How Do You Prepare to Climb Mount Everest?
For a successful Everest expedition from the South Side, Nepal, you need to train yourself for climbing at higher elevations, carrying loads and cylinders of oxygen on your back. The trails up to the summit of Mt. Everest at 8,848m have a steep ascent and specialized terrain. You need to know the techniques of using fixed ropes while ascending and descending in the Everest region. It will be an advantage if you have mountaineering skills and rescue techniques. You can start your practice by hiking while carrying a loaded pack.
The Climbing Route to the Summit of Mt. Everest!
The actual hiking trail up to the summit of Mt. Everest begins from the base camp. After flying to Lukla from Kathmandu, you follow the regular trekking route via Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep to reach the Everest base camp at 5,365m. The trails up to the base camp pass through the ridge of the Dudh Koshi River, over many suspension bridges, through dense forests filled with rhododendron, pine, juniper, and several small, ancient villages such as Chaurikharka, Jorasle, Monjo, Pangboche, Pheriche, and others. You will walk uphill and down, along steep, flat, and moderate rocky terrains. Throughout the trek up to base camp, you will enjoy the views of many snow-clad mountains, Himalayan landscapes, and traditional villages decorated with strings of prayer flags, sunrises, and sunsets. Adjusting to the altitude with a stay at Namche and Dingboche, you will reach Everest Base Camp at 5,365m/17,500ft. At EBC, we will spend 3 to 4 days preparing for the Everest climb, which is necessary to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Within that period, we will hike up to Kala Patthar in the very early morning for a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and a beautiful sunrise view. From EBC, we will first move on to four different camps: Camp I, II, III, and IV situated in the Khumbu region. From the base camp, the route to the summit is divided into four separate sections which are listed below. For climbing each segment, our formula is a step, pause, breathe and repeat!
Everest climbers usually spend a couple of weeks in the base camp for acclimatization. Meanwhile, our experienced and professional Sherpa team will set up ropes and aluminum ladders in the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. Lying at the head of the Khumbu glacier, the Khumbu Icefall at 5,486m is regarded as one of the most dangerous sections of the route due to the presence of seracs, crevasses, and shifting blocks of ice. The seracs found in the Icefall are massive towers of ice, which sometimes collapse suddenly. The movement of the Khumbu glacier opens large crevasses with little warning. Every day, great blocks of ice flip-flop down the glacier from time to time. In this section of the expedition, climbers usually begin their ascent before dawn. Crossing crevasses and lumps of ice, we reach Camp I at 6,065m/19,900ft which is situated above the Icefall on a flat area of snow. This camp offers you a breathtaking view of the Khumbu glacier.
The Western Cwm:
From Camp I, the route ascends towards the Western Cwm, which is a flat, gently rising glacial valley, and marked by huge lateral crevasses in the center. Crossing these large gaping crevasses stretching ladders are needed, or you can cross it via a small passageway known as the “Nuptse corner.” It is also known as the “Valley of Silence” as the area is windless making the environment unbearably hot for expeditions. Walking through this area is like entering into the hall of the mountain gods. As you progress further, you reach Camp II at 6,500m/21,300ft. Camp II or the Advanced Base Camp lies at the base of the Mt. Lhotse wall. Sometimes, the weather is cloudy and windy at this camp. The climbers ascend the Lhotse face on fixed ropes up to Camp III from this camp. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to climb to Camp II from Camp I.
The Lhotse Face:
From the Advanced Base Camp or Camp II, the route ascends towards the Lhotse face using fixed ropes up to Camp III. At the base of the Lhotse, gusting winds, snow plumes, and the sight of the steep face looms above greeting you. Located adjacent to the Lhotse wall, the trail up to Camp III at 7,470m/24,500ft follows through the steep yellow bands (loose, down-sloping, and rotten limestone). Arriving at Camp III provides you a truly rugged, high mountain experience. You will then enjoy the breath-taking vistas of Nuptse Wall, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, the west shoulder of Mt. Everest and many Himalayan giants. Beyond Camp III, some climbers may feel the need to use oxygen due to the higher altitude. As we climb further, the route takes us up the rocky Geneva Spur (an anvil shaped rib of black rock) to the east and the Yellow Band (a section of interlayered marble, phyllite). From here we will head along the home stretch to the high camp at the South Col.
The Summit (Southeast Ridge):
The South Col of the Summit is the last and the riskiest section of the Everest expedition. It is both physically and emotionally hard sections, but as a reward, you will reach the world’s highest point! The South Col leads to a flat ice platform known as the Balcony where we change our oxygen bottles and take a rest for a while. The route then turns to a continued climb up the southeast ridge toward the summit, which passes across a series of imposing rocky steps. From the South Summit, the climbers follow the knife-edge southeast crest which is also known as the “Cornice Traverse.” The climbers then enter the Death Zone, Camp IV at 7,920m/26,000ft. This is the last camp of the expedition, just 450 meters from the summit. There are high chances of encountering violent winds. It is easy to reach Everest’s summit at 8,848 meters from this point. Spending less than half an hour at the summit, climbers will descend to Camp IV before the afternoon to escape the bad weather. The next day, we will descend directly from Camp IV to Camp II and then to the base camp.
Expedition Highlights
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Rest Day
Day 03 to 04: Everest Expedition Orientation and Document Preparation Day
Day 05: Fly to Lukla at 2,800m and Trek to Phakding at 2,652m
Flight Duration: 40 mins, Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
Day 06: Trek to Namche Bazaar at 3,440m from Phakding
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
Day 07: Altitude Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Day 08: Trek to Tengboche at 3,870m from Namche Bazaar
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
Day 09: Trek to Dingboche at 4,360m from Tengboche
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
Day 10: Altitude Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Day 11: Trek to Lobuche at 4,940m from Dingboche
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
Day 12: Trek to Gorakshep at 5,180m and Hike to Everest Base Camp at 5,365Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours.
Day 13 – 14: Rest and Climbing Preparation at EBC
Day 15 – 53: Everest Expedition Period
Day 54 – 58: return back to Kathmandu
Day 59: Departure