Mt. Everest South Col Expedition
- 21 days
- 8,848 m max
- extreme
- Up to 12
- Spring (March to May)
We guide experienced mountaineers up the classic South Col route to reach the 8,848 m summit of Mt. Everest.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our sixty-day Everest Expedition follows the classic South Col route from the Nepalese side, designed for experienced mountaineers seeking to stand on the 8,848 m summit of Mount Everest. Known locally as Sagarmatha and Chomolungma, the mountain demands rigorous physical preparation, high-altitude endurance, and technical competence through notoriously challenging terrain such as the Khumbu Icefall and the Hillary Step.
We manage all logistical aspects of the climb, from government permits and liaison officers to high-altitude camp establishment, oxygen supplies, and weather routing. Our team includes experienced Sherpa climbing guides, cooks, and support staff who work together to establish camps up to Camp IV at the South Col above 8,000 meters.
The journey begins with cultural briefings and official administrative processes in Kathmandu before our flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. We ascend gradually through the Sherpa settlements of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, allowing adequate time for physiological adaptation before reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,363 meters.
Safety and environmental responsibility remain central to our operations. We maintain strict protocols for load-ferrying, medical checks, and base camp waste management in coordination with the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, ensuring our team departs the mountain leaving only footprints.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Summit Mt. Everest
Climb to the 8,848 m summit via the historical South Col route.
Khumbu Icefall Traverse
Navigate the technical seracs and crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier.
Sherpa Support Team
Climb alongside experienced local mountaineers and high-altitude guides.
Base Camp Operation
Spend weeks acclimatising and preparing at Everest Base Camp at 5,363 m.
Namche Bazaar Acclimatisation
Hike through the vibrant Sherpa trading hub for early high-altitude adjustment.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We use this evening to review expedition logistics and gear.
Day 2
Kathmandu City Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu City Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
We visit key historical and cultural sites around the Kathmandu Valley as part of our pre-expedition schedule.
Day 3
Ministry Briefing and Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Ministry Briefing and Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
We attend the official expedition briefing at the Ministry of Tourism to finalise permits, paperwork, and meet our assigned government liaison officer.
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Meals: B / L / D
Following our flight to Lukla and trek past Phakding, we ascend steeply through pine forests to reach Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m.
Day 5
Acclimatisation Day in Namche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Acclimatisation Day in Namche
Meals: B / L / D
We spend a rest day exploring the Sherpa museum, local monasteries, and viewpoints around Namche Bazaar to aid red blood cell adaptation.
Day 6
Trek to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
The trail climbs past stone walls and alpine scrub, offering our first unobstructed views of Ama Dablam before we reach Dingboche at 4,260 m.
Day 7
Trek to Tengboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek to Tengboche
Meals: B / L / D
We descend through rhododendron forests to cross the Dudh Koshi river before climbing up to Tengboche at 3,860 m to visit its prominent monastery.
Day 8
Trek to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Trek to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our route back toward Dingboche at 4,410 m, walking against the backdrop of Lhotse and Island Peak.
Day 9
Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
A scheduled rest and short hiking day helps our bodies adjust further to the thin air above 4,000 meters.
Day 10
Trek to Lobuje
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Trek to Lobuje
Meals: B / L / D
We hike past memorials for climbers at Thukla and follow the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuje at 4,910 m.
Day 11
Trek to Gorak Shep
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Trek to Gorak Shep
Meals: B / L / D
We walk across glacial rubble and moraine ridges to reach the final staging settlement of Gorak Shep at 5,153 m.
Day 12
Trek to Everest Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Trek to Everest Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We cross the Khumbu Glacier surface to establish ourselves at Everest Base Camp at 5,363 m for the main climbing phase.
Day 13
Expedition Period: Summit and Return
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Expedition Period: Summit and Return
Meals: B / L / D
Over the following weeks, our team rotates through Camps I, II, III, and IV at the South Col, waiting for suitable weather windows to make our final push to the summit of Mt. Everest and descend safely to Base Camp.
Day 56
Cleaning Up Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 56
Cleaning Up Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We dismantle our tents, pack all equipment, and coordinate with the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee to ensure our campsite is left pristine.
Day 57
Trek to Pheriche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 57
Trek to Pheriche
Meals: B / L / D
We descend out of the high alpine zone, following the trail down to Pheriche at 4,210 m for a restful night.
Day 58
Trek to Khumjung
Meals: B / L / D
Day 58
Trek to Khumjung
Meals: B / L / D
The trail leads us down past Pangboche and up through forested ridges to the large Sherpa village of Khumjung at 3,440 m.
Day 59
Trek to Monjo
Meals: B / L / D
Day 59
Trek to Monjo
Meals: B / L / D
We drop further down river valleys, crossing suspension bridges and passing through Phakding before reaching Monjo at 2,610 m.
Day 60
Trek to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Day 60
Trek to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Our final trekking day brings us back up to Lukla at 2,840 m, where we celebrate the completion of our expedition with our local crew.
Day 61
Fly to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 61
Fly to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board an early morning fixed-wing flight from Lukla Airport back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel.
Day 62
Free Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 62
Free Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
A buffer day in Kathmandu allows for rest, gear cleaning, and debriefing sessions.
Day 63
Departure Day
Meals: B
Day 63
Departure Day
Meals: B
We transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Mt. Everest climbing permit and government royalty
- Accommodation in Kathmandu in 3-4 star hotels on BB basis
- One day Kathmandu sightseeing with guide and entry fees
- Round-trip flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu) for clients and staff
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Government liaison officer salary, insurance, and flights
- Tented camps and three meals daily up to base camp
- Qualified trekking guides, cooks, Sherpas, and porters
- Camping equipment including member tents, kitchen and dining tents
Not included
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- High altitude climbing guide
- Garbage deposit fee
- Client personal travel and rescue insurance
- Emergency evacuation flights
- Personal expenses, bar bills, and tips
Before you go
Good to know
Acclimatisation & Safety
We follow a strict rotation schedule between Base Camp and higher camps to allow physiological adaptation to extreme altitude. Our guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen at all times.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Participants must have prior high-altitude mountaineering experience, proficiency with crampons, ascenders, and fixed ropes, as well as excellent cardiovascular endurance.
Insurance Coverage
Every climber must hold comprehensive insurance that explicitly covers mountaineering up to 9,000 m and emergency helicopter evacuation from high-altitude zones.
Environmental Ethics
We adhere to strict leave-no-trace protocols and work alongside the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee to ensure all waste and equipment are packed out from the mountain.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Mountaineering boots (8000m rated)Essential
Footwear
Double or triple insulated boots suitable for extreme cold.
Down suit (8000m rated)Essential
Clothing
One-piece down suit for high camps and summit push.
CramponsEssential
Safety
Step-in steel crampons compatible with mountaineering boots.
Ice axeEssential
Safety
Technical mountaineering axe.
HarnessEssential
Safety
Adjustable alpine climbing harness.
Sleeping bag (-40°C rated)Essential
Camping
High-altitude down sleeping bag for base camp and high camps.
Glacier glassesEssential
Clothing
Category 4 UV protection glasses with side shields.
Headlamp with spare lithium batteriesEssential
Camping
High-lumen LED headlamp for pre-dawn summit starts.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Mt. Everest Climbing Permit
PermitOfficial government royalty permit issued by the Department of Tourism.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired conservation area permit for entering the Khumbu region.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What climbing experience is required for the Everest Expedition?
Participants must have completed previous high-altitude peaks (such as 6,000 m or 7,000 m summits) and be proficient with technical mountaineering gear on steep snow and ice.
How is oxygen managed during the climb?
We provide bottled oxygen systems, regulators, and masks for use during rotations above Camp III and the summit push, managed under the supervision of our climbing Sherpas.
What permits are needed for the expedition?
You require the official Mt. Everest climbing permit issued by the Department of Tourism and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, which our office arranges.
What happens in case of a medical emergency?
Our lead guides carry medical kits and portable hyperbaric chambers where applicable, and we coordinate emergency helicopter evacuations with insurance providers.
What is the sleeping arrangement at Base Camp?
We provide spacious individual sleeping tents along with heated dining tents, kitchen tents, communication tents, and dedicated toilet and shower facilities at Base Camp.
When is the best time for the Everest Expedition?
The primary spring climbing window runs from March to May, when weather conditions and wind speeds on the upper mountain are most favourable.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 21 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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