| Duration: | 40 Day(s) - 39 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Expedition |
Khumbu Himal, a section of the Mount Everest range, is widely known for its expedition opportunities. Mt. Nuptse, located just southwest of Mount Everest, is one of its most prominent peaks. Nuptse I (7,855m) was first summited by a British expedition on the north ridge (Scott Route) on May 16, 1961, by Dennis Davis and Sherpa Tashi.
Nuptse shares in the glory of the Everest Massif and can be admired from the Thangboche Monastery while trekking toward the Everest region. It appears as a massive wall, guarding the approach to Everest.
The name Nup-tse is Tibetan and means “west peak,” as it is the western part of the Lhotse–Nuptse massif. Due to its unique geography, Nepal is famous for expedition activities, and Nuptse is one of the most notable examples.
The main ridge, separated from Lhotse by a 7,556m high saddle, is crowned with seven peaks and stretches west–northwest until its steep west face drops more than 2,300 meters to the Khumbu Glacier. Like other legendary mountains, Mt. Nuptse features several climbing routes, all challenging and technical for inexperienced climbers.
A notable route is the extremely steep mixed ice-and-rock climb on the North Face known as “The Snake.” The rugged south face of Nuptse rises 2,500m high and spans 5 kilometers. The northern slopes rise from the western valley above the upper section of the Khumbu Glacier, near the famous icefall. Climbing activity on this mountain is thrilling, and ascending Nuptse truly epitomizes high-altitude adventure.
TRIP FACTS
Country: Nepal
Duration: 40 days
Area: Everest Region
Activities: Expedition
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Max. Altitude: 7,855 m
Best Seasons: March, May–September, November
DETAIL ITINERARY
DAY 01: FLY FROM KATHMANDU TO LUKLA & TREK TO PHAKDING (2850m)
From Kathmandu, you will fly to Lukla in about 35 minutes. The flight offers spectacular views of terraced fields, villages, and the Himalayan panorama. After landing in Lukla, you will meet the expedition team, have tea or coffee, and begin the trek to Phakding, a 4-hour walk. Overnight in Phakding. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 02: PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3450m)
Trek to Namche Bazaar, once a small village but now the commercial hub of the Sherpa community. Formerly an important trading point between Tibet and Nepal, it now caters mostly to trekkers. One night of acclimatization is recommended. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 03: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY & EXPLORATION
Spend the day exploring nearby areas at your own pace. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 04: NAMCHE BAZAAR TO PHORTSE TENGA (3665m)
A 6-hour trek through villages and forested trails. Lunch en route. Overnight in Phortse Tenga. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 05: PHORTSE TENGA TO PANGBOCHE (3930m)
A scenic 6-hour walk with panoramic Himalayan views. Lunch on the way. Overnight in Pangboche. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 06: PANGBOCHE TO DINGBOCHE (4410m)
A 6-hour trek to one of the most scenic spots on the Everest route. Dingboche is ideal for acclimatization and offers day-hike peaks. Overnight in the lodge. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 07 & 08: ACCLIMATIZATION DAYS
Climb small peaks for altitude exposure. Overnight in the lodge. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 09: DINGBOCHE TO LOBUCHE (4907m)
A 6–7 hour trek ascending about 500m. Overnight in Lobuche. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 10: LOBUCHE TO LHOTSE BASE CAMP (5500m)
A 6-hour hike to Lhotse Base Camp, which lies on the route to Nuptse. Overnight at base camp. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 11–34: CLIMBING PERIOD (NUPTSE SUMMIT 7855m)
A 24-day climbing period involving rotations between higher camps and the base camp to ensure proper acclimatization. Experienced Sherpas will assist throughout. Spare days may vary based on weather and conditions. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 35: CLEANING UP BASE CAMP
A full day dedicated to clearing the base camp before descent. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 36: BASE CAMP TO LOBUCHE
A long 7-hour descent to Lobuche. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 37: LOBUCHE TO DINGBOCHE
A 6-hour trek descending through the same route. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 38: DINGBOCHE TO PANGBOCHE
A 6-hour walk with meals provided. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 39: PANGBOCHE VIA NAMCHE & TREK TO LUKLA (2850m)
A long 7–8 hour trek. Option to break at Namche if needed. Includes B.L.D.
DAY 40: FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU — END OF TOUR
A scenic 35-minute flight with views of the Himalayas. Transfer to the hotel.
COST INCLUSIONS:
Mt. Nuptse Expedition permit
All transportation as per the itinerary
Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu airfare
Transportation of food and climbing gear to base camp
Full board during trekking
Base camp equipment (kitchen, dining, toilet, shower tents, etc.)
Cook and kitchen staff
Base camp tents for members and staff
Staff wages, insurance & liaison officer
National Park Conservation Fee
Local transport in Kathmandu
Helicopter rescue insurance for Nepali staff
Agency service charge
LOCAL PAYMENT
Local payment refers to the remaining balance of the trip cost. Deduct the advance payment already made. Payment must be made in cash or traveler’s checks upon arrival.
COST EXCLUSIONS:
Accommodation in Kathmandu
International airfare
Nepal entry visa & extensions
Meals in Kathmandu
Additional hotel stays beyond the itinerary
Services above base camp
Personal climbing gear
Personal insurance
Customs duties
Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, etc.)
Airport taxes
Tips & bonuses
Refundable garbage fee
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST:
Down sleeping bag & down jacket
Gore-Tex jacket & trousers
Climbing boots (double), trekking boots
Ice axe, hammers, rucksack, crampons
Trekking poles, harness
Snow goggles, ropes, ice screws
Mattress, carabiners, headlamps
Windproof clothing, water bottle
Gloves, masks, climbing socks
Personal medicine & knife
