Mount Everest
29,031.69FT / 8,848.86M | NepalClimbing Mount Everest
- Seven Summits
- Pack Weight: 30 lbs
- 40-55 Days
- Gallery
- Dates & Pricing
As the first outfitter to lead Mount Everest climbs, Alpine Ascents has played a pivotal role in the history of guided Everest expeditions and Himalayan mountaineering. With more than 35 years of continuous operations on Everest, our expeditions today maintain the same commitment to excellence we established during our earliest ventures in the early 1990’s.
Our approach to Everest combines meticulous planning, experienced guides, small team sizes, exceptional logistics, and strong Sherpa support. This season Ben Jones will once again be leading our 2027 climb, as he has successfully done for 10+ years.
Key Components
Leadership: Ben Jones, a veteran Himalayan guide with 11 Everest summits and decades of high-altitude experience, is widely regarded as one of the most qualified Everest guides in the world. He was recognized for his achievements by the Nepali government in 2025 and 2026.
Small Team Size: One single, small, fully guided expedition each season. We deliberately limit team sizes to mitigate risk, better support climbers, and provide a less crowded expedition experience.
Summit Strategy: Ben Jones carefully selects summit windows to avoid crowded periods on the mountain. In recent seasons, our teams have had the summit to themselves or shared it with few others.
Supplemental Oxygen: Full supplemental oxygen supply included from Camp II onward, with oxygen available at maximum flow rates during the summit push
Sherpa Support: 1-to-1 Sherpa-to-climber ratio on summit day, supported by an experienced Sherpa team — many with 5–20 personal Everest summits
Acclimatization Plan: Acclimatization on Lobuche East, reducing the number of trips through the Khumbu Icefall while supporting summit readiness
Everest–Lhotse Combo and Camp II Option: Combination expedition available for climbers seeking to summit both Everest and Lhotse. Climbers can join our expedition with an ascent to Camp II.
Experience: Guiding Everest expeditions continuously since 1992, Alpine Ascents is one of the longest-running and most trusted programs on the mountain, with 100% team summit success from 2022-2026.
Base Camp Comfort: Well-appointed base camp with heated communal and dining tents, hot showers, personal sleeping tents, clean bathrooms, and Wi-Fi
Weather Forecasting: Professional private weather forecasts delivered twice daily to support decision-making on the mountain
Nutrition: All meals provided throughout the expedition, with a thoughtfully planned menu designed to support health and performance on the mountain
Medical Support: 24-hour on-call emergency physician consultation and full medical facilities at base camp
Sherpa Partnership: Long-standing commitment to industry-leading compensation, support, and working conditions for Sherpa staff
Expedition Updates: Regular cybercasts posted throughout the expedition allow family and friends to follow the team’s progress in real time
Pre-Expedition Preparation: Personalized training guidance and opportunities to train with Ben Jones before the expedition
What an amazing expedition, experience, and great memories to last a lifetime!
The great route to EBC contributed to better acclimatization; leaving camp at strategic times and avoiding the crowd made the climb more enjoyable and exciting; the incredible staff and Sherpa team and great teammates; wonderful accommodations in Kathmandu and at EBC; and amazing gluten free menu options. I felt really well taken care of, even beyond my expectations. Come on! Gluten free pancakes at South Col? Absolutely unbelievable! I really enjoyed all the fun activities during downtime, there was zero room for boredom.
For most people, Everest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
because of the costs, the time invested, etc. If you’re considering giving it a shot — go with the best possible service provider. Alpine Ascents’ logistics, guides, and Sherpa team are absolutely top-notch.
Alpine Ascents is the cream of the crop on Everest.
From the guides to the organization to the infrastructure – we have the best. This is just one small example of the kind of care and attention to detail that AAI has. I am truly grateful to be here and on this team.
Everest was completely amazing.
Ben is an outstanding guide and the whole expedition was perfect. I am grateful to the Alpine Ascents team that helped make this experience such a successful one. Thank you all so much!
The expedition was one of the best experiences of my life.
Ben did an amazing job leading us, and there is nothing about the trip that I would have changed. My only regret is that I don’t have the vacation days to join you guys on Manaslu this fall.
Awesome trip!
I cannot recommend Alpine Ascents enough! Thank you so much to the whole staff!
Climbing with Alpine Ascents was the best decision I made,
and I could not have been more pleased. You may pay more than some of the other companies, but I think you get more. The client-to-guide ratio was low, so there was always someone covering your backside. The experience level of the guides and the Sherpa team was very high, with many Everest summits between them. The tents, food, equipment, and technology were top-notch, as well as the relay of information that was passed along to friends and family back home. Most of us only have one shot at Everest. Why not give it the best shot that you can?
We offer three options to climb Everest
Alpine Ascents offers three unique ways to stand on top of the world, each designed to match different goals, timelines, and levels of interest.
Everest South Col Traditional Expedition (55 days): Our classic Everest climb, featuring a traditional acclimatization schedule, technical training, and a methodical climbing schedule.
Everest Speed Ascent (40 days): An expedition designed for climbers who want to move efficiently. It combines pre-acclimatization at home with targeted rotations on the mountain; a streamlined climbing schedule without compromising resources or support.
Everest–Lhotse Combo: An opportunity to summit both iconic peaks—Everest then Lhotse—in one expedition from the same high camp and with the same guide and Sherpa team.
Everest South Col
Alpine Ascents' legendary climb of Everest via the South Col route with acclimatization trek to Base Camp
Learn More
Everest Speed Ascent South Col
A 40-day expedition to Mount Everest where climbers acclimatize in a hypoxia tent prior to arriving, then join the rest of the team
Learn More
Everest/Lhotse Combo
The chance to climb Lhotse (27,940 ft) in combination with Everest— two 8000-meter peaks in one expedition
Learn MoreOur History on Mount Everest
Mount Everest has been part of Alpine Ascents from the very beginning. In the late 1980s, founder Todd Burleson began organizing early expeditions to the Himalayas, including reconnaissance-style trips to Everest’s north side in 1989 and 1990. These were pioneering years for commercial Himalayan climbing, when the idea of joining a professionally guided expedition to the world’s highest peaks was only beginning to take shape.
In 1991, Alpine Ascents welcomed its first clients, training a group in the Cascades before taking them to Ama Dablam that fall, and then Everest in the spring of 1992. That 1992 expedition marked Alpine Ascents’ first commercially guided Everest climb and helped establish the direction the company would follow for decades to come: preparing climbers at home, building their skills and experience, and guiding them on increasingly ambitious expeditions around the world.
Everest expeditions looked very different back then. Communication from Base Camp could involve enormous satellite dishes, fax machines, generators, and equipment carried into the Khumbu by yak. Alpine Ascents was an early adopter of new expedition technology, eventually using satellite phones to send daily reports from Everest for one of the mountain’s earliest online “cybercasts”—allowing friends and family at home to follow an expedition in near real time, long before that became commonplace.
More than three decades after our first commercial Everest expedition, much has changed: equipment is lighter, communication is nearly instantaneous, forecasting and logistics are more sophisticated, and the systems supporting climbers on the mountain have evolved enormously. But the core of our program has not. We approach Everest with the same respect and awe that drew us there in the beginning, grounded in leadership, strong partnerships with our Sherpa team, and a deep responsibility to care for the mountain and its alpine environment. The tools and logistics of climbing Everest will continue to evolve, but our commitment to climbing it responsibly, respectfully, and with humility remains at the heart of every expedition.
Todd Burleson, 1992 expedition. Alpine Ascents Archives
The Alpine Ascents Way
Our Everest program has been shaped by decades of learning what works at the highest elevations on earth. Rather than leaving success to chance, we take a deliberate approach to every stage of the expedition—giving climbers the time, preparation, support, and individual attention they need to perform at their best. Our decisions on the mountain are guided by experience, sound judgment, and a commitment to managing risk without losing sight of the extraordinary experience of climbing Everest.
That philosophy is reflected throughout the program, from our high guide-to-climber ratios and experienced Sherpa team to our carefully designed acclimatization and summit strategy. Our well-appointed Base Camp provides a comfortable place for critical rest and recovery, while robust logistics, medical preparation, equipment backups, and a generous oxygen schedule provide additional support higher on the mountain. Together, these systems create a strong foundation for climbers pursuing Everest alone or the Everest–Lhotse combination.
Team Size and Dynamics
Our expeditions begin with a team of carefully screened climbers who share a common goal: a safe ascent of Everest. We deliberately limit the number of climbers on a team to allow for the most personal attention possible for each individual.
In addition to our lead guide, we have a team of experienced Sherpa guides, many of whom have summited Everest between five and 20 times and have been dedicated partners with us for many years. They are integral to the lead guide’s decision-making. There is a substantial distinction between this approach versus a lead guide making decisions alone. Being lead by an experienced guide who possesses deep knowledge of the route working in tandem with a capable team of Sherpas— this is key to summit success.
We’ve also found that when climbers can develop personal relationships with their guides and Sherpas, the team achieves better results than large groups without that culture.
Our Method of Acclimatization
Proper acclimatization is one of the most critical factors for a successful Everest expedition. During the trek to Base Camp, our priority is moving gradually and staying healthy to ensure everyone acclimatizes properly. We follow a flexible schedule and can add acclimatization days if needed. It is essential for climbers to arrive at Base Camp feeling strong and comfortable at its altitude of 17,500 ft.
After settling in at Base Camp, we spend four to six days acclimatizing and training on the lower Khumbu Glacier. Training includes ladder crossings, fixed–line techniques, rappelling, and footwork. We then trek to Lobuche, ascending further to acclimate even more before returning to Base Camp.
After resting from Lobuche, we begin our “rotations” through the higher camps. This includes spending nights at Camp I and Camp II with rest days at their altitudes, and eventually climbing up to Camp III (23,500 ft.) before returning to Base Camp to recover before the final summit push. This acclimatization schedule allows climbers to build strength and confidence moving at altitude while giving the team flexibility to find the most favorable summit window.
Life at Basecamp with Alpine Ascents
Alpine Ascents’ Everest Base Camp is designed to provide comfort and support while living at 17,000+ feet for several weeks. Features of our camp include spacious personal sleeping tents; large, heated dining and lounge tents; dedicated kitchen facilities with a full cook staff; hot showers; and thoughtfully organized camp infrastructure designed specifically for high-altitude expedition living.
Our experienced chef prepares fresh meals daily, including a wide variety of Western cuisine, to support nutrition and energy throughout the trip. Meals include fresh-baked pizza, pasta, soups, curries, grilled meats, rice and vegetables, pancakes, eggs, and fresh baked desserts. Our chefs can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more.
Camp amenities also include charging capabilities for personal electronics, solar and generator-supported power systems, Wi-Fi access, and communication systems that allow climbers to stay in regular contact with guides and family throughout the climb.
With several weeks spent at Base Camp, there is plenty of downtime between rotations— our guides and staff make sure it’s put to good use! Games, celebrations, and friendly competition are a regular part of camp life, from birthday parties to our annual (and surprisingly serious) cornhole tournament. These moments give climbers a chance to relax, have fun, and build the camaraderie that becomes an important part of a long expedition.
Sherpas & The Khumbu Region
The Khumbu is far more than the gateway to Mount Everest. It is the homeland of the Sherpa people, whose ancestors migrated from eastern Tibet to the high valleys of what is now Nepal roughly 500 years ago. The name Sherpa—Sharwa in their own language—means “people of the east.” For generations, communities here built their lives around farming, herding, trade, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, developing a deep relationship with this extraordinary high-altitude landscape.
The arrival of Western mountaineering in the early 20th century brought profound change to the region. Sherpas participated in the earliest British expeditions to Everest in the 1920s and went on to become some of the most accomplished high-altitude climbers in the world. Today, climbing and trekking are important parts of the Khumbu economy, but mountaineering is only one part of a rich culture and community that long predates the pursuit of Himalayan summits.
In Sherpa Buddhist tradition, the high peaks are sacred landscapes associated with powerful deities. Chomolungma, the Tibetan name for Everest, is associated with Miyolangsangma, a goddess of prosperity and giving. Before setting foot on Everest, climbing teams traditionally take part in a puja ceremony, during which a lama blesses the climbers and their equipment and asks for safe passage on the mountain. For our teams, the puja is an important reminder that we are visitors here and that climbing Everest carries with it a responsibility to approach the mountain with respect.
For more than three decades, Alpine Ascents has worked closely with Sherpa climbers, guides, cooks, staff, and communities throughout the Khumbu and Nepal. Most members of our Nepali team have worked with Alpine Ascents for many years, and in some cases generations of families have become part of our extended community. These relationships reach far beyond a single expedition or climbing season and are fundamental to the way we operate in the Himalaya.
Our hope is that an Everest expedition offers more than the opportunity to stand on the world’s highest summit. The journey through the Khumbu—its villages, monasteries, people, traditions, and landscapes—is an essential part of the experience.
Photo by Ben Jones
History of Climbing the South Side
For the first half of the 20th century, attempts to climb Everest approached the mountain from Tibet to the north. That changed in 1950, when Tibet closed to foreign travelers just as Nepal was beginning to open its borders. Climbers turned their attention to Everest’s southern side and its major puzzle: could a route be found through the seemingly impenetrable Khumbu Icefall?
In 1951, a British expedition led by Eric Shipton and including Edmund Hillary climbed through the lower reaches of the Khumbu Icefall and established that a passage through this chaotic maze was possible, identifying a potential route toward the Western Cwm and South Col. A Swiss expedition pushed the route higher in 1952, with Tenzing Norgay and Raymond Lambert reaching approximately 28,200 feet before turning back. One year later, on May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit via the South Col, completing the first confirmed ascent of Mount Everest. Their path through the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, Lhotse Face, and South Col established the foundation of the standard route still climbed from Nepal today.
What Exactly Is an Icefall?
Glaciers are constantly moving, flowing slowly downhill under their own weight. Where a glacier passes over particularly steep or uneven terrain, the ice fractures and breaks apart, creating gaps (known as crevasses) and blocks of ice. These areas of broken glaciers are known as icefalls. The Khumbu Icefall is one of the most dramatic examples on earth: a constantly shifting landscape of enormous ice towers, deep crevasses, and ice blocks that can move or collapse with little warning.
For Everest climbers, navigating the Icefall has always been one of the defining challenges of the South Col route. Modern climbers travel along a route protected by fixed ropes, with ladders used where necessary to cross crevasses and other obstacles. The route changes every season—and even during a single season—as the glacier continues its slow movement downhill.
A Route Evolves
The first successful south side summit by Norgay and Hillary opened the door for future generations of climbers. Some notable south–side climbs have included the 1963 American expedition of Jim Whittaker and Nawang Gombu, Junko Tabie in 1975 as the first woman to summit, and Ang Dorji and Ang Kami’s oxygen-free ascent in 1978. These and countless other expeditions continued to expand the boundaries of what was thought possible on the world’s highest mountain.
At the same time, the South Col route itself continued to evolve. Early expeditions spent enormous amounts of time establishing routes, fixing ropes, building bridges, stocking camps, and solving logistical problems independently. As climbing activity increased, route preparation became increasingly coordinated. Today, fixed lines and established camps allow teams to move more efficiently through technical sections of the mountain, though the inherent hazards and extreme altitude remain.
Beyond the Icefall
Early Everest expeditions commonly established eight or nine camps after the Icefall as they slowly worked their way up the mountain, setting the route and ferrying supplies. Today, advances in equipment, fixed-line systems, coordinated efforts across team, and the skill level of high-altitude workers have streamlined the South Col route to four primary camps above Base Camp.
Camp I sits beyond the Khumbu Icefall at the entrance to the Western Cwm, the broad glacial valley between Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Camp II, at roughly 21,300 feet, serves as an Advanced Base Camp and staging point for the upper mountain. From there, climbers ascend the steep Lhotse Face to Camp III, perched at approximately 23,500 feet. Camp IV, at nearly 26,000 feet on the South Col, is the final camp and launching point for the summit push.
Despite more than 70 years of advances in gear, forecasting, communication, and logistics, Everest remains a place where good judgment matters as much as strength or ambition. Reaching the summit is only half the climb, and knowing when to continue—and when to turn around—has always been one of the most important skills an Everest climber can possess.
Mount Everest Blog
More from the blog
Breathwork for Mountaineering Performance
The Road to Everest: Why You Can’t Just Buy the Summit
How to Train for Mount Everest
Local Impact
Alpine Ascents International’s history began in Nepal. From our earliest expeditions, we have felt a strong responsibility to the country’s people, land, and culture.
Nepal was far less traveled when we first began visiting in the 1980s. As mountaineering activity increased, Alpine Ascents worked alongside local communities and government agencies to promote cleanup initiatives and Leave No Trace principles. These efforts have included both education and financial support, assisting and funding numerous cleanup projects on Everest and throughout the surrounding region.
In addition to larger conservation projects, our environmental efforts have also included practical changes to reduce the footprint of our own expeditions, such as proper battery disposal, reusable duffle bags for our teams, and introducing SteriPens to reduce reliance on plastic water bottles. Today, we continue to prioritize small teams and low-impact practices at Everest Base Camp, recognizing our responsibility to protect an environment that sees thousands of climbers and trekkers each year.
That commitment extends to the communities of the Khumbu. In 1999 we established The Alpine Ascents Foundation and its subset, The Sherpa Education Fund. These non-profits have provided scholarships, built schools, and helped address educational needs within Sherpa communities. The Foundation covers all administrative costs so that every dollar donated goes directly to local scholarships. To date, more than 100 students have received multi-year scholarship support. Learn more at AlpineAscentsFoundation.org.
Nepal has become a second home for many of our guides and staff. Over the years, we’ve developed lasting friendships throughout the region, and we remain deeply committed to supporting the communities and landscapes that have been such an important part of Alpine Ascents from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mount Everest is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet, in the Himalayan Mountain Range in Asia. We climb the South Col route on the southern side of the moutain in Nepal.
Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth, and is 29,031.69 feet / 8,848.86 meters tall.
Our standard Mount Everest expeditions are approximately 42 days, with adequate additional days built into the itinerary for proper acclimatization and weather conditions.
The best time to climb Everest is in the spring, April – May.
Mount Everest is an extremely challenging mountain to climb, and prior experience and training is required. For more information please see our 7 Summits page.
During the trek team members will only be carrying gear and supplies for the day. At no point do we carry camping gear or equipment for overnight during the trek. Daypacks will weigh no more than 20 lbs. Above BC on the climb we will typically be carrying packs that weigh 20 – 30 lbs.
You need a complete high-altitude mountaineering layering system, double boots, and technical gear like crampons and an ice axe to climb Mount Everest.
For more information check out our gear list.
While all items are required there may be times when some of the items on the gear list may not be used (such as warm weather or changing conditions). The gear lists are created by the guides to assist in having climbers be prepared to summit in any conditions. We look to work with each climber individually.
While it is impossible for us to list all brands for certain gear, we do offer a wide variety of equipment in our Gear Shop, that has been hand-picked by our staff of mountaineering experts. Please feel free to call our offices with any gear questions or substitutes. Plastic boots are required for this climb.
Climbers must be in excellent physical condition. This is a long expedition requiring patience, stamina, mental fortitude, and strong willpower. Summit day can be 20 hours long.
Preparing for Mount Everest requires building elite cardiovascular endurance, mastering glacier travel and cold-weather camping skills, and training your body to handle heavy loads. Read our Mount Everest training page for more information.
Steve House and staff at Uphill Athlete are experienced industry professionals we highly recommend to assist in training for Mount Everest.
You may also find the following blog post by Steve House helpful: “How to Train for Mount Everest”
Your expedition leader will be one of our Professional Mountain Guides. We are well known for our expert guides and climber-to-guide ratio and invite you to read our Guide Bios.
Alpine Ascents tends to have small groups on Mount Everest. While we don’t have a hard limit, most years we have 5-7 climbers on our team.
Yes we offer Mount Everest Camp II only packages.
During the trek we will be lodging in teahouses. In base camp each climber will have their own tent. Above BC in camps I-IV, climbers will be sharing tents.
Alpine Ascents is known for its extremely well-appointed base camp and superb meals. Dining tents, social tents, and wi-fi are all part of the package. It’s luxurious but not excessive.
During the trek we will provide unlimited amounts of boiled and purified water at mealtimes. Each climber is asked to bring a steri-pen to treat water. Team members can fill up water bottles at meals. Bottled water can also be purchased in teahouses at additional cost. Water that can be treated is nearly ever present along the trekking route. At BC and on the route water will be boiled. We also provide a good variety of hot drinks throughout the trek to base camp. We prefer that the number of bottles purchased during the expedition be kept to a minimum.
Resupplying during our trip allows us to provide lots of fresh and whole grain cooked foods. We have the best chefs and food on the mountain, hands down.
Meals in the mountains consist of a diet rich in carbohydrates, as our bodies do not process fat and protein efficiently at higher elevations and to compensate the increase in caloric need that high altitude climbing involves. We try to make meals varied and as normal as possible. During the trek we will be served meals in the teahouses but prepared by our own staff. Meals during the trek and climb are made from food both purchased in Nepal and the U.S. Typical meals are rice, pasta or potato dishes along with vegetable and egg dishes. Above BC climbing food mainly consists of dried meals such as pastas or rice. Lunches while climbing will mainly be made up of bars and snacks brought from the U.S.
We are well know for our “fine dining” at base camp. A sample Everest expedition menu can be supplied upon request.
You may bring your favorite climbing snack food such as power bars, Gu, Power Gel, cereal bars or similar high energy foods, powder Gatorade is also recommended to fight dehydration. All meals will be provided on this expedition.
Climbers trek into base camp over the course of several days, climb a smaller peak in the Everest region and do a partial climb up the mountain to acclimate before the final summit push.
Those who whish to join a rapid ascent will partially acclimate at home using a Hypoxic tent to sleep in before departure.
Please see our Everest Planning Page for current immunization requirements and recommendations.
In Kathmandu telephones and internet access are readily available. Our guides will carry satellite phones in the mountains. The quality of the reception varies from location to location. Our Everest expedition generally has email access as well. A full information packet regarding communications will be sent to you once you join this expedition as we plan to have phone and email and internet access on the mountain. For the past few years, Wi-Fi has been readily available at Base Camp.
We offer a full supplemental oxygen supply included from Camp II onward, with oxygen available at maximum flow rates during the summit push.
Additional costs for our Mount Everest climb are listed on our Price & Policies page.
Summit day can be 20 hours, with other days being at least 6-8+ hours of climbing. We build in plenty of rest and acclimatization days into the schedule. See more on our Mount Everest itinerary page.
We have guides available to assist those of our climbers who need to depart the expedition early. We have an evacuation plan for Mount Everest. Your lead guides on Everest are extremely well-versed in high altitude medicine and will assist in monitoring the health of each climber. A high altitude medical clinic is established at Base Camp and climbers will have access to this clinic. Alpine Ascents generally assists in offsetting the fee for this clinic but climbers may be asked to pay for medical treatment and drugs on a case-by-case basis. Climbers who need to descend early are escorted and helicopter evacuation can be used for emergenices.
If you need to leave the expedition early, you are responsible for all incurred expenses (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc). A comprehensive trip insurance plan is strongly recommended, which can cover these costs in the event that they occur.
In addition to larger conservation projects, our environmental efforts on Mount Everest have also included practical changes to reduce the footprint of our own expeditions, such as proper battery disposal, reusable duffle bags for our teams, and introducing SteriPens to reduce reliance on plastic water bottles. Today, we continue to prioritize small teams and low-impact practices at Everest Base Camp, recognizing our responsibility to protect an environment that sees thousands of climbers and trekkers each year.
Our Mount Everest climb begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal. For those arriving early or departing after the scheduled itinerary, we are happy to make hotel and airport transfer arrangements. Upon arrival we will pick you up at the airport.
