Mount Everest Itinerary
29,031.69FT / 8,848.86M | NepalEverest South Col Schedule Overview
Our expedition begins in Kathmandu, Nepal. We spend a few days in the city getting acquainted, checking gear, and preparing for our flight to Lukla, which sits at the base of the Khumbu Himal.
From there, we’ll begin our trek to Everest Base Camp. The trek takes approximately 10 days and goes from the Dudh Kosi valley up through the Imja Drangka and onto the Khumbu Glacier. Along the way, we’ll visit the villages of Namche, Thame, and into a more remote area of the Khumbu via the Renjo La and Cho la Pass. The trek gives us time to gradually acclimatize, explore different regions, visit local monasteries, and visit with Nepali friends.
Everest Base Camp will be our home for several weeks and an important place to rest and recover between rotations on the mountain. Our well-appointed camp includes spacious personal sleeping tents, heated dining and lounge tents, hot showers, excellent meals prepared by our full cook staff, and internet and charging capabilities. Our Base Camp manager and support team keep camp running smoothly, creating a comfortable and welcoming place to recover, recharge, and prepare for each stage of the climb.
By the time we reach Base Camp at 17,598 ft., our Sherpa team will already be hard at work helping establish the route through the Khumbu Icefall, setting fixed ropes and ladders. Over the next several weeks, we’ll move through four camps on the mountain.
Camp I (19,500 ft.) sits above the Icefall at the entrance to the Western Cwm.
Camp II (21,000 ft.), within the the Western Cwm, serves as our Advanced Base Camp and primary staging point for the upper mountain. It consists of large tents for cooking and dining, with several smaller tents for sleeping. We’ll stage at Camp II during the placements of Camp III and Camp IV. Supplemental oxygen will be used starting from Camp II.
Camp III (23,500 ft.) stands at the head of the Lhotse Face cirque. It consists of thee- and four-man tents, and serves as an intermediate camp. Most of our Sherpa are able to carry directly from Camp II to Camp IV, so we will not need large amounts of gear at this camp.
Camp IV (26,300 ft) is our High Camp on the South Col.
We will make several rotations through these camps as we acclimatize and prepare for our summit attempt. From Camp IV, the route follows the Southeast Ridge past the Balcony and South Summit, traversing the final ridge to the Hillary Step and then onto the main summit.
After Camps III and IV are established and all our supplies are in place, we’ll return to Base Camp for a final rest. We’ll organize our summit teams and prepare for summit attempts. Once ready, we’ll return to Advanced Base Camp. If good weather prevails, we’ll move straight to Camp III. The following day, the team moves up to Camp IV. Once at Camp IV, we’ll take a rest day. We have found that this rest at Camp IV greatly increases our chances of summit success. If weather allows, the following day will be summit day. We start very early that morning and attempt to reach the summit before midday.
After the summit, the team retreats back to the South Col and sleeps there. The next day we descend to Camp II. Guides and Sherpa will accompany climbers at all times.
Everest South Col Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
We meet in Kathmandu for an afternoon gear check at the Yak and Yeti hotel. After gear check and orientation, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner.
*Those intending to arrive a day early should inform our office so that we can assist with extra hotel nights.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and hike to Phakding
We board a small twin-engine plane for the mountain flight to Lukla. In Lukla, we join our Sherpa staff, load equipment, and begin the ascent to Base Camp. Our first day is an easy walk and an introduction to the landscape just above the village of Phakding, located on the Dudh Kosi river.
- Lukla: 9,350 ft
- Phakding: 8,700 ft
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
We follow the Dudh Kosi through Himalayan pine and Deodar cedar forests to the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar. The village of Namche is a historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchanged goods like salt, gold, and textiles. Namche remains the central trading post in the Khumbu. Our group will spend two nights in Namche, affording us the opportunity to acclimate, visit a local market, and spend time with friends in town. We’ll capture our first glimpses of Everest and neighboring peaks on our hike to Namche.
- Phakding: 8,700 ft
- Namche Bazaar: 11,300 ft
Day 4: Namche Puja Ceremony
In the morning we’ll take an acclimatization hike, gaining 1,000 feet to take in the amazing mountain vista. We’ll spend the remainder of the day visiting sights in Namche Bazaar, including the local marketplace and monastery. We’ll participate in a Puja Ceremony, a spiritual ritual in which climbers ask Chomolungma (Tibetan name of Everest) for safe passage to her summit.
- Overnight in Namche: 11,300 ft
Day 5: Namche to Thame
We’ll leave the main trekking route and travel to the village of Thame, home to many renowned Sherpa climbers, as well as many of Alpine Ascents’ local staff. We often have the opportunity to visit a traditional home, offering a personal view into life and culture in the Khumbu. The Thame experience is one rarely afforded international travelers.
We’ll climb to the Thame monastery, a centuries-old Buddhist gompa overlooking the valley. Here we’ll learn more about local Buddhist traditions, the lives of the resident monks, and the paintings and artifacts found throughout the monastery.
- Namche: 11,300 ft
- Thame: 12,464 ft
Day 6: Thame Puja Ceremony
We participate in another Puja Ceremony in the village of Thame, continuing to adjust to the altitude.
- Overnight in Thame: 12,464 ft
Day 7: Thame to Lungden
We soak in the beauty of the Himalayas as we climb from Thame to Lungden, a small village with a few quaint tea houses.
- Thame: 12,464 ft
- Lungden: 14,400 ft
Day 8: Renjo La Pass to Gokyo
We leave Lungden and travel up and over the Renjo La Pass, reaching a peak elevation of approximately 17,600 ft. We end the day at Gokyo, a beautiful village at the base of Gokyo Lake. By travelling Renjo La Pass, we reach an elevation slightly above Everest Base Camp, easing our bodies into higher elevations.
- Lungden: 14,400 ft
- Renjo La Pass: 17,600 ft
- Gokyo: 15,700 ft
Day 9: Gokyo to Thagnag
We’ll again climb above the elevation of Everest Base Camp with a short hike up to Gokyo Ri. This famous viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Everest range. We descend across the glacier to Thagnag for the night.
- Gokyo: 15,700 ft
- Gokyo Ri: 17,500 ft
- Thagnag: 15,400 ft
Day 10: Up Cho La Pass to Dzongla
We leave Thagnag and travel Cho La Pass to Dzongla. This is the third and final time our two-pass trek reaches heights above 17,000 ft before arriving at basecamp, a philosophy that allows for greater acclimatization. Our goal is to have climbers feeling strong upon arrival at Base Camp!
- Thagnag: 15,400 ft
- Cho La Pass: 17,800 ft
- Dzongla: 15,800 ft
Day 11: Dzongla to Base Camp
For the final day of the trek, we travel from Dzongla to Basecamp. Upon arrival, Basecamp is abuzz with activity as climbing teams get situated.
- Dzongla: 15,800 ft
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Day 12 – 18: Settle and adjust at Base Camp
We’ll spend several days adjusting to life and elevation at Base Camp. Typically, climbers will complete a tour of the Himalayan Rescue Association and visit the Everest ER in the first few days after arrival. We also spend these acclimatization days reviewing skills and techniques we’ll use while climbing. We join another Puja Ceremony with the full team at basecamp.
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Speed ascent climbers will join the main team this day, prior to our attempt of Lobuche East.
Day 19: Everest Base Camp to Lobuche
We hike to Lobuche Village to practice our skills and test our bodies at altitude.
- Lobuche: 16,200 ft
Day 20 – 22: Climb Lobuche East
We spend two days climbing Lobuche East to reach a new high point and sleep at 18,500 ft. We ascend as high as we can, aiming to test our bodies at roughly the elevation of Camp I on Everest.
- Lobuche Village: 16,200 ft
- Lobuche East: 19,200 ft
- Overnight at Lobuche Camp: 18,500 ft
Day 23 – 27: Return to Basecamp
We return from our Lobuche acclimatization to Everest Base Camp to relax and recuperate before beginning our first rotation on the mountain. We review skills on the fixed lines of the lower icefall and give our bodies time to adjust and prepare.
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Day 28 – 30: Climb to Camp I
We embark on a several-day-long rotation up Everest to acclimatize and dial in our climbing technique. We begin by climbing through the Khumbu icefall to Camp I, where we spend two nights.
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
- Camp I: 19,500 ft
Day 31 – 33: Move to Camp II
We leave Camp I and climb the Western Cwm to Camp II, our Advanced Base Camp.
- Camp I: 19,500 ft
- Camp II: 21,500 ft
Day 34: Climb to Camp III and return to Camp II
We leave Camp II and climb up Lhotse Face to “tag” Camp III. We return to Camp II for the night.
- Camp III: 23,600 ft
- Overnight at Camp II: 21,500 ft
Day 35: Descend from Camp II to Basecamp
We wake early to descend from Camp II and complete our acclimatization rotation. After several days at higher elevations, the thick air at Base Camp helps us recover quickly.
- Camp II: 21,500 ft
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Day 36 – 41: Basecamp
We spend several days at Base Camp recovering from our acclimatization rotation and monitoring weather. We’ll work closely with a meteorologist to balance promising weather windows with “traffic” or busy days on the mountain. These additional days at basecamp allow for stronger, well-adjusted climbers, less congestion on the mountain, and the flexibility to select the most optimal weather window for our climb.
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Day 42: Climb to Camp I
When our Lead Guide and Sirdar have selected the appropriate weather window, we begin our ascent with a climb to Camp I.
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
- Camp I: 19,500 ft
Day 43: Climb to Camp II
We move from Camp I to Camp II via the Western Cwm.
- Camp I: 19,500 ft
- Camp II: 21,500 ft
Day 44: Camp II
We spend one day resting at Camp II before continuing to climb.
- Overnight at Camp II: 21,500 ft
Day 45: Camp III
We climb Lhotse face to Camp III.
- Overnight at Camp III: 23,600 ft
Day 46: Camp IV South Col
We leave Camp III and ascend to Camp IV, South Col. This is our High Camp.
- Camp IV: 26,000 ft
Day 47 – 48: South Col to Summit
We confirm weather conditions from Camp IV and select our summit day. The timing of the push is highly dependent on weather conditions and is determined between our Lead Guide, Climbing Sirdar, and team meteorologist.
- Mount Everest Summit: 29,031.69 ft
- Overnight at Camp IV: 26,000 ft
Climbers intending to summit Everest and Lhotse will depart for their second peak following the Everest summit attempt.
Day 49: Descend to Camp II
After allowing our bodies to rest at Camp IV, we continue our descent.
- Camp IV: 26,000 ft
- Overnight at Camp II: 21,500 ft
Day 50: Return to Basecamp
We return to the comforts of basecamp and celebrate our expedition with the entire crew.
- Camp II: 21,500 ft
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Day 51: Fly to Kathmandu
Climbers take a morning flight back to Kathmandu and enjoy final celebrations with the group before departing for home.
Day 52 – 55: Additional weather days
Speed Ascent Information and Itinerary
What is an Alpine Ascents Speed Ascent?
A Speed Ascent shortens the standard Everest expedition by 15 days, made possible through a careful pre-acclimatization program completed at home. This allows climbers to bypass the traditional trek to Base Camp and meet our standard Everest team at Lobuche. From there, Speed Ascent climbers join the team for an ascent of Lobuche East before continuing together to Everest Base Camp and onward.
Who is this trip designed for?
- Climbers with experience in expedition-style mountaineering and climbing at altitude who are seeking a shorter expedition.
- Climbers dedicated to physical training and practicing the regimen required for hypoxic acclimatization. Sleeping at simulated altitude is not a replacement for physical training.
Important Considerations
Speed Ascent climbers must arrive sufficiently acclimatized to safely join the expedition at altitude. In the weeks leading up to the trip, climbers will use a portable hypoxic altitude system that fits over the bed at home, or may complete their pre-acclimatization on other high-altitude peaks.
Individual acclimatization can vary. If a climber arrives and is not adequately acclimatized to remain at Base Camp, they will need to descend to a lower elevation. Similarly, climbers who do not acclimatize adequately as the team moves higher on Everest will return to Base Camp.
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
Climbers will arrive in Kathmandu for an afternoon gear check at the Yak and Yeti hotel. The team will also enjoy a welcome dinner. Those intending to arrive a day early should inform our office so that we can assist with additional accommodations.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and Pheriche
We fly to Lukla. In Lukla, we transition to a helicopter and fly to Pheriche. In some cases, we may take a helicopter direct to Pheriche from Kathmandu. Please be advised that proper pre-acclimatization is required.
- Lukla: 9,350 ft
- Pheriche: 14,341 ft
Day 3: Pheriche to Lobuche
We travel on foot to the village of Lobuche, with much of the journey following the moraine of the Khumbu glacier.
- Pheriche: 14,341 ft
- Lobuche: 16,207 ft
Day 4: Rest day in Lobuche
We allow our bodies to adjust to the altitude with a rest day spent enjoying the tea houses of Lobuche.
- Overnight in Lobuche: 16,207 ft
Day 5: Hike to Gorak Shep
We leave Lobuche for an acclimatization hike to Gorak Shep, one of the final stops on the trek to Everest Base Camp. We return to Lobuche for the night.
- Gorak Shep Elevation: 17,100 ft
- Overnight in Lobuche. Elevation: 16,207 ft
Day 6: Rest day in Lobuche
We now join the standard Everest expedition and prepare for a climb of Lobuche East to practice our skills and test our bodies at altitude.
- Overnight in Lobuche: 16,207 ft
Day 7 – 10: Climb Lobuche East
We spend two days climbing Lobuche East to reach a new high point and sleep at 18,500 ft. We ascend as high as we can, aiming to test our bodies at roughly the elevation of Camp I on Everest.
- Lobuche Village: 16,200 ft
- Lobuche East: 19,200 ft
- Overnight at Lobuche Camp: 18,500 ft
Day 11 – 15: Return to Basecamp
We return from our Lobuche acclimatization to Everest Base Camp to relax and recuperate before beginning our acclimatization rotation on the mountain. We review skills on the fixed lines of the lower icefall and give our bodies time to adjust and prepare.
- Overnight at Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Day 16 – 18: Climb to Camp I
We embark on a several day long rotation up Everest to acclimatize and dial in our climbing technique. We begin by travelling the Khumbu icefall to Camp I, where we spend two nights.
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
- Camp I: 19,500 ft
Day 19 – 21: Move to Camp II
We leave Camp I and travel the Western Cwm to Camp II, our advanced base camp.
- Camp I: 19,500 ft
- Camp II: 21,500 ft
Day 22: Climb to Camp III and return to Camp II
We leave Camp II and climb up Lhotse Face to “tag” Camp III. We return to Camp II for the night.
- Camp III Elevation: 23,600 ft
- Overnight at Camp II. Elevation: 21,500 ft
Day 23: Descend from Camp II to Basecamp
We wake early to descend from Camp II and complete our acclimatization rotation. After several days at higher elevations, the thick air at basecamp helps us recover quickly.
- Camp II: 21,500 ft
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Day 24 – 29: Basecamp
We spend several days at Basecamp recovering from our acclimatization rotation and monitoring weather. We’ll work closely with a meteorologist to balance promising weather windows with “traffic” or busy days on the mountain. These additional days at basecamp allow for stronger, well-adjusted climbers, less congestion on the mountain, and the flexibility to select the most optimal weather window for our climb.
- Overnight at Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Day 30: Climb to Camp I
When our Lead Guide and Sirdar have selected the appropriate weather window, we begin our ascent with a climb to Camp I.
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
- Camp I: 19,500 ft
Day 31: Climb to Camp II
We move from Camp I to Camp II via the Western Cwm.
- Camp I: 19,500 ft
- Camp II: 21,500 ft
Day 32: Camp II
We spend 1 day resting at Camp II before continuing to climb.
- Overnight at Camp II: 21,500 ft
Day 33: Camp III
We climb Lhotse face to Camp III.
- Overnight at Camp III: 23,600 ft
Day 34: Camp IV South Col
We leave Camp III and ascend to Camp IV, South Col. This is considered High Camp on Mount Everest.
- Camp IV: 26,000 ft
Day 35 – 36: South Col to Summit
We confirm weather conditions from Camp IV and select our summit day. The timing of the push is highly dependent on weather conditions and is determined between our Lead Guide, Climbing Sirdar, and team meteorologist.
- Mount Everest Summit: 29,031.69 ft
- Overnight at Camp IV: 26,000 ft
Climbers intending to summit Everest and Lhotse will depart for their second peak following the Everest summit attempt.
Day 37: Descend to Camp II
After allowing our bodies to rest at Camp IV we continue our descent.
- Camp IV: 26,000 ft
- Overnight at Camp II: 21,500 ft
Day 38: Return to Basecamp
We return to the comforts of basecamp and celebrate our expedition with the entire crew.
- Camp II: 21,500 ft
- Everest Base Camp: 17,600 ft
Day 39: Fly to Kathmandu
Climbers take a morning flight back to Kathmandu and enjoy final celebrations with the group before departing for home.
Day 40 – 43: Additional weather days
Everest + Lhotse Expedition
Lhotse climbers will follow our standard Everest South Col itinerary through the summit attempt of Everest.
In good conditions, after summiting Everest we are back at the South Col between noon and 2 p.m. From here we have of two primary choices, depending on weather and the strength of climbers. We can rest for a few hours at the South Col, then travel the two-hour traverse to our Lhotse High Camp, where we’ll sleep and summit the following morning. This option makes Everest-Lhotse back-to-back summits within 24-hours.
Alternatively, we can spend another night at the South Col, move to Lhotse High Camp the next day, and summit the following day.
Camp II Expedition
Climbing to Camp II offers the opportunity to experience Mount Everest firsthand without committing to a full summit expedition. Camp II climbers are part of our Everest team for the approach, acclimatization, and early stages of the climb, including ascending through the legendary Khumbu Icefall and crossing the Western Cwm to our Advanced Base Camp at approximately 21,500 ft.
Following much of the same route as our summit team, climbers experience the challenge, camaraderie, and day-to-day life of an Everest expedition while climbing much of the mountain’s most iconic terrain. For some, Camp II is an opportunity to experience the history and allure of Everest for its own sake; for others, it is a chance to discover whether a future Everest summit attempt is the right goal. Throughout the climb, participants are supported by our experienced Everest guides and Sherpa climbing team and enjoy the same Base Camp facilities and expedition infrastructure as our summit team.
Please contact our office for more details.
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