Everest Expedition Tour South Col.

Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth at 8,848 m, is also known as the “Top of the World.” The mountain was named after Sir George Everest, the British Surveyor-General of India, who conducted significant geographical surveys.

Everest is known as Chomolungma in Tibet and Sagarmatha in Nepal. The first ascent of Mt. Everest was accomplished by the late Sir Edmund Hillary and the late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953. Since then, many climbers have successfully reached the summit and set various world records. World Everest legendary climber Mr. Apa Sherpa is the only man to have climbed Mt. Everest 17 times as of the 2007 spring season, setting a new world record.

He was accompanied by another legendary climber, Mr. Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, who completed his 13th ascent in 2007. He is also known as the world-record holder for the fastest ascent (10 hrs 56 min 45 sec, and base camp to base camp in 18 hrs 20 min). Everest Base Camp is situated at an altitude of 5,400 meters. Generally, the expedition lasts about 80 days; however, this depends on technical, managerial, weather, and logistical factors. The entire expedition period is filled with excitement and preparation for the summit.

The route begins at Base Camp with a short walk along the moraine leading to the Icefall. The Icefall is a glacier filled with large seracs and crevasses. It is fixed and maintained with ropes and ladders all the way to Camp I. From Camp I to Camp II, the terrain is gradual with a few crevasses. From here, the air becomes thinner as climbers make their way up the Lhotse Face, a steep section of mixed snow and ice, leading to Camp III.

From Camp III to the South Col, the climbing involves easy to moderate mixed snow and rock terrain, eventually reaching Camp IV at the South Col. Summit day usually begins around 11:00 pm, ascending fixed ropes on mixed snow and rock to the South Summit, followed by a short traverse to the Hillary Step, and then the final push to the summit around 9:00 am. The descent from the summit to the South Col takes approximately 3–5 hours.

TRIP FACTS:

Country: Nepal
Duration: 72 days
Area: Everest Region
Activities: Expedition
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Max Altitude: 8,848 m
Seasons: March, May – September, November

DETAILED ITINERARY (Corrected):

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the Himalaya Hotel or a similar standard hotel. This excellent hotel is located away from the bustle of the city center, with friendly staff, spacious gardens, and a swimming pool. Team members joining in Kathmandu should aim to meet at the hotel on this day.
The Everest expedition will use the Himalayan View Wing of the hotel, which offers larger rooms with balconies and upgraded furnishings.

Day 02: At leisure in Kathmandu

While the leader attends a formal briefing at the Ministry of Tourism, you may explore the city. Kathmandu is a fascinating blend of bazaars, temples, shrines, and architecture from ancient, colonial, and modern eras. The expedition leader will check everyone’s equipment today, as Kathmandu is the last opportunity to purchase any missing items.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla

We begin early for the Twin Otter flight to Lukla, gateway to the Khumbu Region. This exciting flight may provide a glimpse of Everest. In Lukla, we meet our staff and porters and begin trekking to Phakding for our first night.

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar

We continue along the Dudh Kosi River, crossing it twice before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. After crossing a high suspension bridge, we make a steep 2-hour climb to Namche Bazaar, the trading hub of the Khumbu.

Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

A rest day to acclimatize at 3,450 m.

Day 06: Trek to Deboche

Following the Everest trail, we enjoy our first clear views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. After visiting Thyangboche Monastery, we descend to Deboche.

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche

Crossing suspension bridges and passing Pangboche, we continue into the Imja Valley to reach Dingboche.

Day 07–10: Acclimatization days

Based in Dingboche, we take daily acclimatization hikes. Optional visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association seminar in Pheriche.

Day 11: Trek to Lobuje

We return to Pheriche and continue toward the Khumbu Glacier, finally reaching Lobuje.

Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep

Three hours of trekking led us to Gorak Shep, the former base camp of the 1953 expedition.

Day 13: Trek to Everest Base Camp

We follow rocky terrain along the Khumbu Glacier to reach Base Camp—our home for six weeks.

Day 14–16: Rest and preparation

These days may be customized depending on climbers’ health and readiness.

Day 17–64: Climbing Period

A detailed acclimatization and rotation schedule is followed, including nights at Camps 1, 2, and 3, using supplementary oxygen at Camp 3.
After full acclimatization, we descend to Dingboche for rest before the final summit push.

Day 65: Return to Base Camp

All team members return after summit attempts.

Day 66–68: Return trek to Namche Bazaar

Returning via Dingboche and Deboche.

Day 69: Trek to Lukla

Following the same trail back.

Day 70: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

We return to our hotel and enjoy a celebration barbecue hosted by Explore Tourism.

Day 71: At leisure in Kathmandu

A relaxing day.

Day 72: Final departures

Thank you for choosing Explore Tourism/Aaradhana.