Lhoste

Lhotse, at 8,516m (27,940ft) comes in as the 4th highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest, K2, and Kanchenjunga. Lhotse is connected to Everest by the South Col (a sharp-edged notch or pass that connects Everest and Lhotse) located on the west face of Lhotse. Col is an Simplification of the French word couloir meaning a steep, narrow gully on a mountainside. This happens to be the most difficult and challenging part of the ascent to the summit. Its exposure to the elements and high winds usually ensures it is free of a build-up of snow. The South Col’s altitude never drops below 8000m and is also referred to as the “Death Zone”, due to the threat of altitude sickness. This is usually the main cause of failed attempts on the summit. Lhotse’s South Face rises steeply, making it the steepest mountain face in the world, and added to this which is referred to as Yellow Band, an area of sandstone rock where crampons become less effective. Another challenge is the Geneva Spur, a large rock structure near the summits of Everest and Lhotse situated above Camp III and the Yellow Band, before Camp IV and South Col. It is obstacles like these that test the endurance and skills of even the most seasoned mountaineers, and often leads to a failed attempt at the summit.

The other obstacle in reaching the summit, other than altitude sickness, is the weather, and as we know this is in the hands of the Gods. Our expedition leaders are well equipped with the latest technology to receive accurate forecasts. Irrespective of technology, your experienced Sherpa guides will also know and advise you of whether an attempt is likely to succeed.

The Lhotse expedition route takes you across the Khumbu Glacier, the same route that Everest ascenders follow on their way to the summit. Once you reach the Yellow Band we head to the right and Everest summiteers go left. Lhotse Contains of three summits: Lhotse Main (8516m), Lhotse Shar (8383m), and Lhotse Middle or East (8413m). Camps are established from Base Camp right up to Camp 4 close to South Col. Leaving Camp 4 we tackle the climb to Lhotse summit.

Enough time to acclimatize is the key to any serious climbing expedition - especially at these extreme altitudes. There will be many climbs up and back to base camps that will ensure you are safely acclimatized before your assault on the summit.