Everest Expedition

The highest peak on Earth can be found in the Himalayan mountain range, in the north of the Indian subcontinent. Expedition Everest North Col will follow the same tried and tested routine of flying to Katmandu, and then entering Tibet overland. This will enable us to arrive to base camp at the very start of the season and allow us to have the maximum possible length of time to make our ascent. It also enables a very gradual increase in altitude and allows team members to acclimatize at a controlled rate. All without imposing sudden abrupt changes in altitude on them.

Beyond the border post, the expedition will drive to Tibetan plateau, where the team will spend 2 nights acclimatizing at 3,800 meters. From here, the road climbs steadily eventually getting to the plateau proper. Then, a full two days rest is taken at Tingri. Now the road swings towards base camp, where we arrive after a day’s drive. On the way to BC we cross the Pang La, where we stop to get a view of Everest, with the North Crest also visible but just. This is one out of many mountains in a magnificent vista of the Himalaya, which spreads over the entire horizon. Also covering Cho-Oyu , among many other Himalayan Giants.

Once we arrive to base camp, the Sherpa’s set off to establish advance base camp (ABC, 6440m). Having gained more acclimatization, we follow after a few days and make a leisurely ascent using intermediary camp at 5800m. This is to ensure very gradual ascent to our camp at 6,440 meters, nestled below the North Col. From here, we start earnest climbing.

Expedition route & plan

We follow the classic route through the Khumbu icefall, then over the Lhotse face to South Cool, from there over the southeast ridge to the top. It is the least technical ascent to the top of Mount Everest and that is why we call it the normal route. Nevertheless, the ascent remains a very serious undertaking that requires long-term fitness preparations and prior ascents to peaks such as Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, Island peak and similar. To join our Everest team you need a lot of mountaineering experience. This should include previous high mountain experience of at least 7000 meters along with multiple alpine ascents. Although fixed ropes will be used where appropriate, expedition members must possess mixed terrain climbing ability, grade 3 or equivalent,  and be adequately competent and confident to move between camps.

Experience required

To join the Everest expedition team, you need a lot of mountaineering experience. This implies previous experience on high mountains with a height of at least 7000 meters, including multiple alpine mountaineering, and it is also desirable that you have already participated in an expedition on a mountain higher than 8000 meters. Experience shows that those who have previously been to a peak higher than 8000 meters have a much higher chance of climbing Everest.

The exception is those climbers who did not have a chance to conquer a peak higher than 8000 meters, but climbed mountains like Huascaran or Mont McKinley. Conquering Everest could be considered by those who are maximally dedicated, determined, confident and physically fit. In addition to using a fixed rope, expedition members must be able to cross mixed terrain unsecured, as well as move between camps and live in high altitude camps without assistance or supervision.

Itinerary

Day 1

Outbound flight Departure

Day 2

We are met at the airport and taken to the hotel. This is an excellent hotel positioned well away from the bustle of the city center. Its friendly people do their best to make us feel at home. For those joining the expedition in Kathmandu, all team members should aim to meet at the hotel on this day.

Day 3

While the leader attends a formal briefing in the Ministry of Tourism, you will be able to explore this fascinating city. As those who have been there before will know, it is a wonderful mixture of crowded bazaars, temples and shrines, in a blend of ancient, colonial and modern architecture. Today, the expedition leader will also check everyone’s equipment, as Kathmandu is the last opportunity to buy anything missing.

Day 4

Flight to Lukla (2,860 m). The departure to Lukla depends on the weather, so it can be postponed to the next day. Upon arrival in Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,550m), a trail of approx. 3 hours of hiking. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 5

Trek to Namche Bazaar. The hike through the impressive gorge to Namche Bazar (3,440 m) takes about 5-6 hours. The viewpoint above the Dudh Koshi canyon gives us the first view of Mount Everest.

Day 6

Namche Bazar: Rest day in Namche Bazar (3,440m). Overnight in a lodge.

Day 7

Trek to Tengboche. After the descent to the river, and then a steep ascent of 600m, we reach the famous Tengboche monastery (3,870m), a trek of about 4-5 hours. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 8

Trek to Pangbboche. A short descent leads to Deboche (3640m) and a little further up the valley to Pangboche (3900m). Overnight in a lodge.

Day 9

Trek to Pheriche. Further through the valley towards Nuptse, Lhotse and Mount Everest to Pheriche (4,250 m). Overnight in a lodge.

Days 10

Trek to Dugla. We turn north and after a short hike we reach Dugla (4,600 m). Overnight in a lodge.

Day 11

Trek to Lobuche. We reach the village of Lobuche (4,900 m). Overnight in a lodge.

Day 12

Trek to Gorak Shep. We will walk to Gorak Shep and upon arrival at the lodge we will be able to acclimatize by climbing Kala Patthar (5545m) Overnight in Gorak Shep (5150m).

Days 13

Trek to Everest Base Camp. Short hike to Everest Base Camp (5,300m). Accommodation in a personal tent. BC is fully equipped: Kitchen with a professional chef, dining tent, communication tent, personal tents, shower tent, toilets, WIFI… In addition to three meals a day, various drinks, biscuits, chocolates, etc. are available throughout the day.

Day 14 - 15

Everest Base Camp (EBC): Rest, training and preparation for the upcoming climb. Briefing for the next days.

Day 16

Training on the Khumbu icefall.

Day 17 - 18

Days of rest at the base camp.

Day 19

Ascent to C1, overnight at 5,900 m.

Day 20

Ascent to C2, overnight at 6,300 m.

Day 21

Descent to the base camp

Day 22 - 23

Days of rest at the base camp.

Day 24

Ascent to C2, overnight at 6,300 m.

Day 25

Rest in C2.

Day 26

Ascent to C3, overnight at 7,300 m.

Day 27

Descent to the base camp.

Day 28

Rest in EBC.

Day 29

Descent to the village of Panngboche at about 4,000 m above sea level in the green Khumbu Valley. Rest and relaxation.

Day 30 - 31

We need to stay at least two full days in order to recover well and allow the acclimatization to work. This is a crucial moment for the final climb to the top of Mt. Everest.

Day 32

Back to BC. Equipment preparation and final check before the final ascent.

Day 33

Ascent to C2, overnight at 6,300 m.

Day 34

Uspon do C3, noćenje na 7.300 m.

Day 35

Ascent to C4 at 8000m, rest until 11 pm and then departure for the final ascent.

Day 36

Ascent to the top of Mount Everest: 8,850 m and return to C3 at 7,300 m.

Day 37

Descent to C2 at 6300m.

Day 38

Descent to the base camp.

Day 39 - 52

We have a reserve of 14 days in case of bad weather or for better acclimatization. In case the expedition ends earlier, we land in Kathmandu and change the return date with the airline company.

Day 53

Today we pack up and leave EBC.

Day 54

Descent to Pheriche. Overnight in lodge.

Day 55

Trek to Pangbocha. Overnight in lodge.

Day 56

Trek to Namche. Overnight in lodge

Day 57

Trek to Lukla. Overnight in lodge.

Day 58

Flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Accommodation in a 4* hotel.

Day 59

Celebration of the ascent of Mt. Everest and the awarding of certificates.

Day 60

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Dates & Prices

March 29th, 2024
Spots available: 4 39900 €, Per Person

FAQ

What’s included in the price?

To maximize convenience, we include as much as possible, so you can just relax and think about hiking & climbing. Here’s what’s included:

  • All transfers in Nepal
  • Flight tickets Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
  • Equipment transport Lukla – BC Everest – Lukla
  • Accommodation in a 4* BB hotel in Kathmandu (two nights before and two nights after the expedition)
  • Accommodation in lodges, full board Lukla – BC Everest – Lukla
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner in BC Everest (5300m), C1, C2, C3 and C4
  • Staff at BC&ABC Everest: Sirdar, Cook, Assistant Cooks etc.
  • Tents, primus, gas and food in high altitude camps (C1, C2, C3 and C4)
  • Tents, kitchen, dining room, communication tent, shower tent and toilet in BC Everest
  • Generator and solar panels for electricity in BC Everest
  • High-altitude Sherpa guide for equipping high-altitude camps
  • Sherpa guide for climbing to the top (1 Sherpa guide for 1 climber)
  • Direction fixing ropes, ice wedges and snow wedges
  • Oxygen bottles for the final ascent (start of use from C3 7300m)
  • Permit to climb Mt.Everest (8850m)
  • TopOut oxygen masks and regulators of the new generation
  • BC&ABC Everest base radio and handheld radios
  • Entrance fee to Sagarmatha National Park
  • BC Everest expedition doctor
  • Liaison Officer (NMA)
  • Expedition leader

What does not included in the price?

  • Flight to/from Katmandu
  • Personal equipment for the ascent
  • Lunch and dinner in Katmandu
  • Tips for the maintenance staff & Climbing Sherpa’s
  • Personal travel, medical and rescue insurance.
  • Re-entry visa for Nepal
  • Extra personal high-altitude Sherpa
  • Extra nights in Hotel in Katmandu

Our entire high-altitude Sherpa’s have Everest experience.
They bring all shared equipment, high camps food and oxygen cylinders in high-altitude camps and accompany team all the way from ABC to the summit.

Extra expenses

  • Extra nights in hotel 3*  in Katmandu – $30 per person
  • Personal extra jeep from BC to Nepali border – $600
  • Personal extra jeep from Nepali border to Katmandu – $300
  • Extra mask and regulator (1 sets) – $350
  • Extra oxygen 4L bottles “POISK” (1 items) – $400
  • Delivery extra oxygen 4L bottles to high camps by Sherpa -$100 per 1 items
  • Extra yak for personal equipment (40 kg) from BC to ABC or from ABC to BC – $100

You will need to cover flights; insurance and extra spend. You’ll need to book your flights to and from Kathmandu, travel insurance and cover other personal expenses.

What’s the hiking to BC Everest like?
All the way to BC Everest we have transfer with 4 wheels drive. Only during acclimatization hike we walk about 6 hours.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?
You need a high level of fitness level. Your professional mountain guide will give you full instructions and a safety briefing at the start. To join the Everest team you will need to have extensive mountaineering experience. This should include previous high altitude experience of at least 6,000 m, mixed with a multitude of Alpine mountaineering and, preferably, you will have taken part in a previous 8,000-metre expedition. We have found that those who have previously been to an 8,000-metre summit have a considerably better chance of getting to the top of Everest. Exceptionally, climbers who have not had the chance of climbing an 8,000 m summit but have climbed mountains such as Huascaran, Aconcagua, Denali or similar, could well consider Everest if they have the necessary commitment and determination. Although fixed ropes will be used where appropriate, expedition members must have the ability to climb mixed ground graded AD, or equivalent.

Climbing on Everest is dangerous at any time. Noon can give you 100% guarantee of your safety at altitude above 7000m and especially above 8000m. So we include in price personal high altitude Sherpa-guide for summit attempt. It is useful, especially if you have no previous experience of climbing above 8000m. This will several times multiply your safety and chances on successful summit.

 

What do I need to bring with me?
All expedition equipment will be provided. For the rest of your trip, we recommend you bring:

  • Duffle bag
  • Sleeping bag – 2 items
  • Term-a-rest  – 2 items
  • Personal items for washing
  • Crampons (e.g. Grivel G12)
  • Rucksack 70-80 liters
  • Rucksack 35-40 liters
  • Harness
  • Prussic rope
  • Karabiners with screw gate lockers – 3 items
  • Jumar (ascender)
  • Telescope ski poles
  • Thermos x 3
  • Rappel device
  • Ice Axe
  • Head lamp
  • Photo camera
  • Video camera and accessories
  • Personal crockery for high camps
  • Trekking shoes
  • Boots of “Everest” Millet type
  • Down jacket + down trousers (or down overalls)
  • Gore-Tex jacket with wide hood
  • Gore-Tex trousers (better semi-overalls)
  • Wind stop jacket
  • Wind stop trousers
  • Jacket “Polar Tec – 100” – 2 items
  • Warm underwear – 2 sets
  • Personal underwear
  • Polar Tec gloves – 2 pairs
  • Thinsulate gloves
  • Thinsulate mittens – 2 pairs
  • Warm thermo socks – 4-5 pairs
  • Balaclava
  • Warm hat
  • Wind stop face mask
  • UV glasses SP 4
  • Ski goggles
  • Gaiters

What is the doctor like?

We will have Doctor in BC. We provide a big expedition first aid kit with all the necessary medicine, but we also recommend that you bring your own specific medicine.

 

What are the guides like?
All the activities on this trip will be led in English by qualified and professional  guide and support by local Sherpa guides.

What is the Sherpa guide like?

All our Sherpa guides have Everest experience. High altitude Sherpa carry all shared expedition equipment above ABC. They establish the high camps and take all tents, dehydrated food, gas cylinders, gas stoves, kitchen utensils, snow shovels and ropes there. Personal oxygen cylinders are carried out by our expedition Sherpa’s. They bring one 4-liters cylinder to 7000m, bring one 4-liters cylinder to 7700m and three 4-liters cylinders to 8300m per climber.

What’s the food like?
All food is local and freshly cooked hearty mountain meals. These include domestic cheese, chicken and Yak meet, local tea, honey, eggs, rice, pasta, fruit and vegetable. In high-altitude camps we will provide boil-in-the-bag backpacking food, energy food etc…We can organize your meal in the way you like. The drinks are not included.

Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know when you fill in your travel documents.

When can I go on this trip?
Book on to our pre-set dates above. If you are considering alternative dates, the perfect time for this expedition is March, April and May.

What’s the weather like?
Spring season (or pre-monsoon season) is the best period to climb Mt.Everest. In spring average temperature in BC is between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius;. During the ascent from ABC to the top average temperature is around minus 15 degrees Celsius, but on the summit day can be 25 degrees Celsius below the zero. In Everest region the weather is very changeable. Every day we get new weather forecast by Internet and choose the best period for acclimatization and ascent.

How do I meet the transfer?
At your arrival, the transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all extra details before travelling.

How big will the group be?
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 people, and a maximum of 15. Please note, if there are not 4 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled. Please contact us for confirmation before booking your flights, or book with a credit card.

Can I customize the trip?
Of course! For private groups of four or more the trip can run on any days you wish, be extended or changed to suit your needs. Enquire now for a private trip.