What is the best time for the Everest South Col Expedition?

The best time for the Everest South Col Expedition is during the spring season (March–May), when weather conditions are more stable and suitable for summit attempts. Autumn (September–November) is another possible season with fewer climbers.

What experience is required for the Everest Expedition?

Everest South Col is an extreme high-altitude expedition requiring previous mountaineering experience, preferably on peaks above 6,000m. Climbers should have skills in glacier travel, rope climbing, crampon use, and experience camping in harsh conditions.

How long does the Everest South Col Expedition take?

The complete Everest South Col Expedition usually takes around 60–65 days, including trekking, acclimatization, climbing preparation, summit attempt, and return journey. The long duration allows climbers to adapt safely to extreme altitude.

Everest Expedition South Col -

The Everest Expedition South Col is the ultimate mountaineering adventure to the summit of Mount Everest (8,848.86m), the highest mountain on Earth, via the classic Southeast Ridge Route from Nepal. This legendary route was first successfully climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953 and remains one of the most iconic climbing routes in the world.

The expedition begins with a scenic flight to Lukla and a gradual trek through the beautiful Khumbu Valley, passing traditional Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes before reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Climbers spend several weeks acclimatizing, training, and preparing for the final summit push.

The climb follows the traditional route through the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, Lhotse Face, Camp 3, South Col (Camp 4), Balcony, Hillary Step area, and the summit ridge. With the support of experienced Sherpa guides, high-altitude staff, and a carefully planned acclimatization schedule, climbers attempt to stand on the top of the world and experience an unforgettable achievement.

Maximum Altitude
8,848.86m (29,031.7 ft)
Accomodation
Hotels in Kathmandu Teahouses during trekking Expedition tents at Base Camp and higher camps
Best Season
Spring: April–May (Main climbing season) Autumn: September–October (Less common)
Transportation
Kathmandu–Lukla flight, trekking to Everest Base Camp, and expedition climb via the South Col route.
Walking Hours
5-6 Hours

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

The Everest South Col Expedition requires excellent physical fitness, technical climbing skills, previous high-altitude experience, mental resilience, and strong determination. It is designed for experienced mountaineers seeking the challenge of the world’s highest summit.

Trip Highlights

Summit attempt of Mount Everest (8,848.86m), the highest peak on Earth
Climb through the historic Southeast Ridge / South Col Route
Follow the legendary footsteps of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary
Trek through the stunning Khumbu region of Nepal
Experience authentic Sherpa culture, villages, and Himalayan traditions
Scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
Acclimatization and climbing training at Everest Base Camp
Cross the famous Khumbu Icefall
Climb above 8,000m through the Death Zone
Camp at the legendary South Col (Camp 4 – 7,900m)

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel, meet the expedition team, and receive a briefing about the upcoming Everest South Col Expedition. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 02 :

Preparation and Expedition Briefing at the Department of Tourism

Complete expedition preparations, equipment checks, and attend the official briefing at the Department of Tourism. Final arrangements and permit formalities are completed before the Everest expedition begins.

Day 03 :

Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,650m)

Scenic flight to Lukla followed by a gentle trek through the Khumbu Valley to Phakding, passing beautiful landscapes and Sherpa villages. Overnight stay at Phakding.

Day 04 :

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Trek through pine forests, suspension bridges, and Sherpa villages, crossing the Dudh Koshi River before ascending to the vibrant mountain town of Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay in Namche.

Day 05 :

Rest Day at Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization (3,440m)

Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar with a short hike to nearby viewpoints for stunning Himalayan views and better adaptation to the high altitude. Overnight stay in Namche.

Day 06 :

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,850m)

Trek through scenic trails with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam before reaching Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. Overnight stay in Tengboche.

Day 07 :

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,350m)

Trek through beautiful alpine landscapes, crossing rivers and passing traditional Sherpa villages as you enter the higher Khumbu region. Enjoy spectacular views of Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks before reaching Dingboche. Overnight stay in Dingboche.

Day 08 :

Acclimatization in Dingboche (4,350m)

Rest and acclimatization day in Dingboche with a short hike to higher viewpoints for improved altitude adaptation and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Overnight stay in Dingboche.

Day 09 :

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,960m)

Trek through the rugged Himalayan landscape, passing the memorials at Thukla and ascending gradually toward Lobuche with stunning views of Nuptse, Pumori, and surrounding peaks. Overnight stay in Lobuche.

Day 10 :

Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,170m)

Trek along the rocky glacial trail to Gorakshep, the final settlement before Everest Base Camp. Enjoy spectacular views of Everest, Pumori, and the Khumbu Glacier. Overnight stay in Gorakshep.

Day 11 :

Morning Hike to Kala Patthar (5,554m) for Acclimatization

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for breathtaking sunrise views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks. This acclimatization hike helps prepare for higher elevations before reaching Everest Base Camp. Overnight stay in Gorakshep.

Day 12 :

Day 57: Climbing Period – Summit Mount Everest (8,848.86m)

A dedicated climbing period for acclimatisation, training, and summit preparation. The expedition follows the Everest South Col route through Khumbu Icefall, higher camps, and South Col before the final summit push to the top of Mount Everest. After a successful summit attempt, climbers return safely to Everest Base Camp.

Day 58 :

Preparation for Return

Clean up the expedition camp, organize equipment, and prepare for the return journey from Everest Base Camp after completing the Everest summit expedition.

Day 59 :

Trek from Dingboche to Tengboche (3,860m)

Descend through the beautiful Khumbu Valley, enjoying stunning mountain views and passing traditional Sherpa villages before reaching Tengboche. Overnight stay in Tengboche.

Day 60 :

Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Trek downhill through scenic trails, forests, and suspension bridges while enjoying views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and surrounding Himalayan peaks before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay in Namche.

Day 61 :

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m)

Descend through the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing Sherpa villages and beautiful landscapes before reaching Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. Overnight stay in Lukla.

Day 62 :

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350m)

Take a scenic mountain flight from Lukla to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Rest and relax after completing the Everest South Col Expedition.

Day 63 :

Leisure Day & Shopping in Kathmandu

Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu for relaxation, sightseeing, and shopping for souvenirs before the final departure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 64 :

Leisure Day & Shopping in Kathmandu

Enjoy a relaxing day in Kathmandu for personal activities, souvenir shopping, and exploring the city’s cultural attractions. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 65 :

Transfer to the Airport for Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of the Everest South Col Expedition. Safe travels and farewell.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both Domestic and International
flight as per itinerary.
3 Nights in Kathmandu on B/B basis.
Experienced and government licensed high altitude trekking guide during the trekking
and climbing period.
Schedule Flight Tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu sector to all climbing
member, Sherpa guide, liaison officer and kitchen staff.
All trekking and mountaineering equipment like; kitchen tent, stores tent, dining tents,
toilet tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils for advance Base Camp and camp two.
Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws,
snow bar etc)
Services of cook and kitchen boy at Base Camp and cook at Camp 2
3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea/ coffee) in available tea
house/hotel/lodge during the trekking
3 fresh meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners) will be serve at base camp, and
camp two.
All food and fuel for Base Camp and higher camps during expedition for both members
and crews.
Per person 60kg baggage allowance during trekking-up carrying by porter or Yak to
climbing the Mt. Everest.
Daily Weather Report Services from Seattle based
Trekking Permit (Everest National Park entry fee)
khumbu pasang lhamu rural municipality.
Expedition Royalty and climbing permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Everest
(8848M).
Nepalese Government Royalty and fees;
One Experienced, Trained, Government Licensed, and 03 Times Everest Summiteers
Climbing/expedition Guide (Sherpa) per client.
All wages, equipment, medical and accidental Insurances for all involved staffs in
trekking and expedition.
Medical consultation services at the base camp with the HRA clinic at the base camp.
Equipment allowances and wages for Climbing Sherpa’s, cooks, kitchen boys.
Equipment allowances and wages for Government Liaison Officer.
First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.
Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication.
Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as
required.
Required fixed and dynamic rope during climbing period.
Heater will be provided at base camp for heating the dining room.
Emergency Oxygen, mask and regulator provided on requirement of guest with
appropriate charge
Each expedition member will have an individual tent available in the ABC.
Solar panel for light and battery charger.
All tents for camp 1, 2, 3 and 4 for members and staff.
Ice fall charges by Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee.
Gamow Bags (Portable Altitude Chamber).
7 Bottles (28L) of Poisk Oxygen will be provided each members (we use Poisk brands
of the Oxygen)
Latest model of Summit or Top out system mask and regulators
Sherpa's tents, food for climbing, and insurance for staff
Helicopter rescue insurance for high altitude climbing Sherpa guide, cook and staff.
Free assistance service for Cargo clearance and Duties.
Fresh cooked food and kitchen will be provided at camp two.
Trekking and Climbing map of the Mount Everest.
EPI Cooking gas, stove will be provided in camp one, three and south col for cooking
food, boiling water.
Generator will be providing for back- up of lighting power and charging electronic tools.
Transportation of food supply to Base Camp from Kathmandu (Cargo to Lukla and then
by porter/Yaks to base camp)
Our service charge and Government Taxes are levied in Nepal.
Complete pre-departure information
Flight ticket reconfirmation, visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
Farewell Dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a domestic culture show in
Kathmandu.
Duffel bag and company cap.

Cost Excludes

Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except for the farewell dinner)
Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol,
cigarettes, chocolates, and nutria-bars during the trekking.
Items of a personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips.
Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities,
landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc.
Extra transportation then display in itinerary program.
Any additional staff other than specified.
Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue.
Wallie-talkies & Filming permit (if special camera or walkies-talkies).
Personal climbing gears;
Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkies-talkies or satellite
phone And Internet expenses
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Camera/Video Fees or Trekking
Gears
Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods.
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa Guides as per Mountaineering Association rules.
Minimum US$ 1500 per climbing Sherpa guide.
Tips and gifts for base camp and high altitude trekking and climbing staff are
mendetary.
Airfare of international flights.
Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance on arrival in Kathmandu)
Any extra services or products or offers or activities which are not mentioned in the
itinerary.
Any other item not included in “COST INCLUDES” section.

Everest Expedition South Col

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs