Everest Expedition - 55 Days

Everest Expedition Acclimatization Schedule

The First Rotation/Acclimatization will take place for three days:
–Climb Lobuche East Peak (6,119m/20,075ft)

Second Rotation/Acclimatization will go on for approximately 8 days:
– Climb to Camp 1 (6,065m19,895ft)
– Climb to Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)
– Rest at Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)
– Hit Camp 3 (7,200m/23,618ft) and spend the overnight at Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)
– Descent to base camp (5,364m/17,559ft)

Acclimatization plan might change depending on the climbers progress and adaptation to the changing altitude.

March for the Summit Push
– Climb to Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)
– Climb to Camp 3 using oxygen (7,200m/23,618ft)
– Climb to Camp 4 South Col using oxygen (7,920m/25,980ft)
– Summit push (8,848.86m/29,029ft), thereafter descent to Camp 4 using oxygen
– Descent to Camp 2 (6,400m/21,000ft)
– Descent to Base Camp (5,364m/17,559ft)

Difficulties that can be experienced during the Mount Everest expedition tour

Since it is the tallest mountain in the entire globe, reaching the summit will be filled with exhaustion, pain, and pure struggle. However, you also need to understand that the ideal preparation helps to overcome the obstacles a bit more easily.

A lot of climbers dream of hitting the summit of Mount Everest, as the feeling after that can’t be summarized in words. One of the hardest parts of the Everest expedition is getting by in the “death zone”. It is exactly at 8,000 metres above sea level.

The body begins to act differently when there is a lack of oxygen. Climbers may face strokes, heart attacks, or altitude sickness.

Preparation for the Expedition Mount Everest

Intense training is required before heading for the Himalayas. You’ve to do physical training for at least 6 months before heading for the expedition. And these can be low temperatures and a low-oxygen environment, especially in higher altitudes.

You can engage in cardio exercises like running, cycling, or walking up staircases. Take part in other treks too to improve your stamina significantly. Yoga and swimming are also equally good options.

We suggest hiring a professional personal coach to maintain fitness for the Everest expedition. There are three significant areas in which you need to be especially well-prepared before you embark on such a challenge as climbing an eight-thousander. Read on to find out what they are.

Here are some key physical areas that you should focus on, especially the legs, as you have to climb a lot. The main focus should be on building strong thighs and calves.

Mental preparation is equally crucial, too, especially when you’re climbing such massive heights. Practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises helps to build a calm mind that can be handy in the upcoming journey.

Climbers have to acclimate to the lower rate of oxygen in the air, which allows them to adjust to the conditions much quickly. This is a good practice before attempting to get to the peak. To be more precise, this way the body produces more haemoglobin that is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

First and foremost, you should possess a good level of physical fitness. The other crucial thing is that you should have some level of experience in climbing high altitudes. Don’t forget to carry advanced technical climbing skills.

Incorporating cardio sets into your exercise plan is also a must: you need to build strength, but do not forget about stamina. A very effective way of training for such expeditions is trekking in the mountains with a backpack.

Gradually increase the distance, the weight of your backpack, and the altitude. Keep track of all the measures, at the same time recording how fast you recover.

Aside from all the physical and mental preparation, you should have some amount of knowledge and technical skills, too. If you’ve prior experience in climbing high-altitude peaks, then that helps a lot you’ll face many technical difficulties.

There will be ice sections over 45 degrees and narrow rock sections. This is why climbing experience is a must, as well as the knowledge of the gear and equipment. These include crampons, an ice axe, etc.

Our team members will guide you, too, passing on enough required knowledge so that you don’t have to face any kind of difficulties during the Mount Everest expedition.

Altitude Risks Overview

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that more elevation means less oxygen. The oxygen level at sea level is over 20%. Just as you go above 5000m, it might just be above 10%. Thereby, there are high chances of climbers suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Although it can be completely taken care of by taking proper acclimatization and rest days.

Tips Regarding Acclimatization

• Only a limited walk should be preferred once you go above 3000m.
• Walk at a normal pace.
• Stay hydrated; you must drink 3 to 4 litres of water every single day.
• Don’t smoke or drink.
• Quality sleep is a must.
• Track your oxygen levels at regular intervals.

You can carry much-needed medications as well for a successful and enjoyable climb. A pulse oximeter helps to track blood oxygen saturation. Diamox (Acetazolamide) is one of the handy medications that treat swelling caused by heart disease. Other than that, a first aid kit including headache and anti-nausea tablets can be useful too.

Full Acclimatization before the Everest expedition

Proper acclimatization is key to climbing Everest efficiently. Let your body adapt to the altitude. Our Mount Everest expedition package has been developed in such a way that it gives you exposure to low air pressure. This is possible as we go on different shorter treks at first.

The trek kicks off from the base camp. The altitude keeps increasing as we go up. The main thing to keep in mind is to descend a little bit and compare it to the point you have climbed. This way, your body gets much-needed rest.

Is the Everest Expedition right for you?

The Everest expedition is indeed one of the toughest climbs, requiring immense experience and fitness. Apart from that, you should be mentally strong and resilient, too.

• Nepal’s new rules for climbing Everest suggest that you should have reached the summit of any 7000-meter peak of the country Nepal. 
• You should know how to use crampons and ice axes that especially on steep rock and ice. Additionally, you should have knowledge regarding using fixed ropes.
• Possess the skill in crossing difficult terrain, and have resistance to handle a high-altitude environment.
• You should have enough time, as the Everest expedition runs for 50 to 60 days.
• Alongside the time, you should have enough budget too, since the expedition costs over USD $40,000.
• Immense strength (core, upper body, lower body), stamina, and endurance are a must.
• Mental toughness, resilience, and positive attitude are key when climbing such high altitudes.

What types of problems can arise at higher altitudes?

Altitude sickness is one of the concerns that can bother anyone. It’s the situation where the body doesn’t have time to adjust to lower oxygen availability, which is mostly the case at higher altitudes.

As soon as a person reaches above 2100 meters (6,900 ft) above sea level, the level of oxygen starts to decline.

When trekking to the higher altitude regions, several medical problems can be experienced. From the mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness to a very fatal high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

Eventually, the higher the altitude, the greater the risk.

What is Acute Altitude Sickness (AMS)?

Acute Altitude sickness is a kind of medical condition that catches you whenever you go to higher-altitude regions without proper acclimatization. The higher you go, the thinner the oxygen levels get.

It occurs when your body can’t handle the difference in oxygen levels. This happens since you’re not used to breathing at higher altitudes. Acute mountain sickness is one of the most common types of altitude sickness.

Whereas High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) are the most severe and serious cases of altitude sickness and need immediate medical attention.

Some of the symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, etc. It can be completely avoided during the Mount Everest expedition by taking proper acclimatization and rest days.

Who can climb an 8000m mountain & who can obtain a climbing permit?

If you’re keen on doing an Everest expedition, then you must be over the age of 16. The government of Nepal does not allow climbing permits to a climber below that age. This is the one restriction that prevents you from climbing 8000m peaks.

Not only that, but for the Mount Everest expedition package, we take safety measures seriously.

Prior experience of climbing 6000m or 7000m peaks is mandatory for climbers who are looking to hit the summit of Everest. Without that, we can’t accept clients who don’t have any climbing experience.

Secondly, you should have a fair amount of knowledge & experience of:

• Ice/rock climbing
• Ascend/descend on fixed lines
• Ice axes and crampons

You should invest in good preparation and fitness for several months in order to achieve a very high level of physical fitness and sound health. It is absolutely vital for a climber seeking to climb 8000m peaks.

Is there any age limit for the 8000m expedition?

Yes, there is a certain age limit for the 8000m expedition in Nepal. The government of Nepal has put up a rule that climbers must be above 16 years old in order to climb any 8000 m peak in Nepal.

Climbers below 16 will not be provided the climbing permit, including the Mount Everest.

What is included in the Everest expedition?

We, Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, put immense effort both on-field and off-the-field into making the Everest expedition successful. We take care of the expedition members as soon as they arrive in Kathmandu for the package.

Members are accommodated in a fine restaurant in Kathmandu and teahouse/lodges during the trekking period. And further, the mountain tents and the tent box will be provided. A welcome dinner will be provided, where you will stay on the arrival night.

Just as the Mt Everest expedition concludes, the climbers will also stay in the hotel in Kathmandu the night before they return home. And lastly, there will be transfers from and to the airport as well.

Enrolled climbers for the Mount Everest expedition package may expect as following:

• A guide for each climber; the guide will be an experienced Sherpa (certified by Nepal Mountaineering Association) who has already summited the Everest.
• An assistant for each climber who will be responsible for carrying all food and needed equipment to the higher camps.
• We take care of the Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and the Lukla to Kathmandu flight.
• Every group of four members will be under the supervision of a certified Sherpa with lots of summit experience.
• Each climber will be provided a single tent, given lighting by solar power, a mattress, and a pillow.
• Each climber and assistant will be provided with high-altitude tents.
• Fuel will be there for higher camps.
• Meals will be prepared by a cook.
• Total of 8 CE-certified oxygen cylinders.
• British top-out mask and regulator.
• Essential equipment like ropes, ice bars, ice screws, etc.
• Climbing equipment will be carried throughout the trekking period by the porters.
• Restop toilet bags will be provided to all members, including the Sherpas.
• Solar panels for charging mobiles will be provided to climbers.
• There will be access to a satellite phone.
• Access to the Internet connection will also be there with a minimal extra charge.
• Mt Everest Expedition Permit and Fees.
• Radio Set / Walkie Talkie for communication.
• Training at base camp.
• Medical first kit.
• Rescue team in case of emergencies.

Mount Everest Expedition Cost

At Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, we offer an exclusive 55-day package of the Everest expedition for USD 44900 per person. Once you book our package, your safety is our responsibility, and we provide unmatched service throughout the duration of the Everest expedition.

Best Time to do Mt Everest Expedition

You need to book the Everest expedition package at the right time so that the summit dream becomes a bit easier. The right or the best time to go for it is from April to June. This specific time frame is also called as “climbing window”.

If you’re looking to attempt an ascent to the summit, then there is no better time than this. During this time, the sky also remains clear, and the views of the mountains will be surreal. May is also another ideal duration where the weather remains warm and cozy.

One thing is that it is very difficult to predict the weather in Everest region. The weather conditions can change in a moment. This is why almost all of the Everest expedition runs from April and ends at the end of May or the start of the June.

Total Duration for Climbing Mount Everest

Climbing Everest means you’re reaching the top of the world, so it’s definitely going to take long and lengthy duration. You can’t just go up consistently without taking a pause or a stop; it isn’t even possible for experienced climbers.

Acclimatization in the Base Camp is vital. And it may last up to 40 days. During that time, climbers are under the guidance of the Sherpas. The role of oxygen cylinders comes into play after this. Climbers can continue their journey freely from there.

50th day is referred to as the summit day, which is definitely the most difficult part. The weather should also be favourable. To be specific, for the climbers, the full Everest expedition lasts for about 55 to 58 days. Or, in other words, the total time it takes to climb Mount Everest. And this is from the arrival in Kathmandu to summiting the peak.

Gears and Equipment for Mount Everest Climbing Expedition

Here we’ve put up a list of the gear and equipment for the Mount Everest expedition. Please check the entire list of equipment, and don’t forget to try them out before heading. You can also buy these gears from Kathmandu with ease.

Upper body

• Waterproof jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket
• Hat
• Cap
• Balaclava
• Neck gaiter
• Thermal vest
• Waterproof gloves
• Insulated gloves
• Heavyweight gloves
• Down Mittens / Summit gloves
• Sunglasses/Glacier Glasses
• Headlight, along with spare batteries
• Base layers top
• Long-sleeved shirts
• T-Shirts
• Sweater

Lower body

• Trousers
• Hiking pants
• Fleece or Tracksuit pants
• Lightweight pants
• Base layers bottom
• Insulated down pants

Feet

• Thick warm wool hiking socks 
• Thin inner socks
• Trekking shoes
• Camp sandals
• Mountaineering boots
• Down shoe

Climbing gears

• Helmet
• Harness
• GPS tracker
• Crampons
• Ice Axe
• Ascender/Jumar
• Descender
• ATC Guide
• Locking & non-locking carabiners
• Prusik loops
• Trekking poles
• Slings

Other Equipment

• Lightweight backpack
• Sleeping bag – 20C
• Sleeping bag – 40C
• Sleeping mattress
• Water bottle 
• Swiss army knife
• Binoculars
• Two-pin charging plug
• Camera/Smartphone
• Pee bottle
• Duct tape
• Protein bars
• Thermos
• First Aid kit

Toiletries, Skin care & Hygiene

• Towel
• Moisturizer
• High SPF sunscreen
• Lipbalm
• Small mirror
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Body moisturizer
• Deodorants
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Hand sanitiser

Documents

• Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
• Photocopies of the Passport
• A few passport-sized photos
• Travel Insurance
• Flight tickets
• Credit cards in case of emergencies

Meals During the Mount Everest Expedition Tour

Meals play an equally good role in keeping the climbers fit, healthy, and energetic throughout the expedition. Any type of food is available from local to western, especially at Base Camp and Camp 2.

Our expedition chef is highly experienced and is proficient enough to prepare all kinds of meals. From above Camp 2 towards the higher camps, too, there won’t be a compromise in the quality of food.

Below base camp, all your meals will be served at the type of accommodation you stay in (teahouse/lodge). Daal bhat is a popular Nepali dish which is served which includes lentil soup, rice, seasonal vegetables, pickles, etc. 

Besides that, they also have Western meal options like porridge, macaroni, spaghetti, pizza, momo, and bakery items.

If you got any special dietary requirements then please inform us in advance so that we can cater to your needs.

Accommodation on the Everest expedition

Below Camp 2, you’ll stay at the teahouse/lodge, which will include all the basic facilities. The hotel rooms will be on a twin-sharing basis. The rooms are pretty clean, cozy, and provide you comfortable place to rest after a tiring day.

You also have an option to upgrade the accommodation level at an additional cost. These lodges include electricity services, Wi-Fi access, and some even have hot showers.

We also offer a private box tent at the base camp. This box tent has a lot of space, includes comfortable mattresses, a carpeted floor, etc. After reaching even more heights, a weather tent will also be given for every 2 climbers, which keeps you warmer and manages to tackle harsh weather conditions.

There will be other options as well inside the base camp, such as a dining room, a tent for kitchen, toilet, and shower purposes.

Weather Forecast

We keep a regular eye on the weather patterns, especially during the expedition summit period. This way, we can march ahead after getting a clear picture of the weather forecast for the summit push.

Communication During the Everest Expedition

We will be in touch with each other with a satellite phone, especially during emergency situations. For normal conversations, we will be using a radio communication system between the camps.

The cell phone network is freely available throughout the trekking and the upper zones. During the trekking period, the network is pretty smooth, but as soon as we go up, it may not be that good.

Although you can use satellite internet if you want to, it comes at an extra cost. For making phone calls to your friends or loved ones, a sat phone is best, which charges you $3 per minute.

Group Size Info

Whenever going for expeditions like Everest, a small group is ideal. Considering the safety and other concerns in mind, we put together groups of 2 to 10 members. During the Everest expedition, you’ll be introduced to the Sherpa guide and other team members.

We have a bunch of experienced Sherpa guides who have all summited Everest previously.

Travel Insurance for Mount Everest Expedition Tour

It’s absolutely compulsory to get travel insurance for the Mount Everest expedition tour. Going on such a high-altitude expedition comes with a lot of risk in order to cover up in case of any emergencies an insurance is handy.

You should get insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation. This way, even if you get caught with AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), you’ll be treated much more fastly. Apart from that, it should also cover medical emergencies, delays, and cancellations of flights. 

If you’re still confused regarding the travel insurance, you can check our insurance company suggestions.

Permits Required for Everest Expedition

There are altogether 5 different permits required for the Everest expedition tour. Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit are required to get to the Everest Base Camp while the others are essential for climbing Mt Everest afterwards.

These permits are:

1) Mountaineering (Climbing) Permit

The following permit is issued by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Government of Nepal. It is basically provided to the climbers as permission to climb Mount Everest. During the active or busy season of spring (March–May), the following permit costs you $11,000 USD per person.

Whereas in the autumn season (Sept–Nov), the price decreases massively, charging you around $5,500 USD per person.

2) Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is required to enter the Sagarmatha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All foreign trekkers (including SAARC countries) must mandatorily obtain this permit.

You can obtain it by visiting the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation office in Kathmandu, or the Sagarmatha National Park counter in Monjo.

The following permit costs:

• NPR 3000 per person for foreigners
• NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals
• NPR 100 for Nepali citizens. 

3) Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is needed for entering the Khumbu region. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit can be easily obtained from either Lukla or Monjo. It costs:

• NPR 3000 per person for foreigners
• NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals
• NPR 100 for Nepali citizens.

4) Liaison Officer Fee

The following permit can be obtained from the Department of Tourism. Every expedition team must possess a government-appointed liaison officer. This way, only the climbing activities can be supervised and monitored. It costs around USD $3,000–$4,000.

5) Garbage Deposit

A garbage deposit is basically a refundable deposit that is collected with the purpose of proper waste management. The refund is only done after the climbers bring back their waste. It costs USD $4,000 per expedition team.

If you are climbing with Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, we will take care of all the permits for you so that you can enjoy your climb without any worry. All permit costs are included in this package.

Some of the essential documents required for these permits are:

• Valid passport (with a valid Nepal visa), and a photocopy
• Two passport-sized photos
• Carry few amount of cash in NPR

Visa

All visitors to Nepal for the Everest expedition (except Indian nationals), require an entry visa. You should get a visa that covers the whole length of your tour.

A 60-day visa is sufficient for the Mount Everest expedition tour. You can obtain a visa from your local Nepalese Embassy or consulate, or on arrival in Kathmandu.

Keep in mind, Asian and African nationalities are required to obtain a visa in advance. The best option is to get the visa prior to your arrival to avoid delays at the airport. The visa is valid for 6 months.

On-Arrival Visa Fee:

Multiple entry 15 Days – 30 USD

Multiple entry 30 Days – 50 USD

Multiple entry 90 Days – 125 USD

Visa Extension

There is also an option to extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. A 60-day visa is enough for our Mount Everest expedition tour package.

For more information regarding the Visa and Passport requirements, you can check out Department of Immigration site.

Perks of Early Booking

There are many benefits of early booking for our packages. If you book our Everest expedition tour package at least 6 to 12 months prior, then you’ll have the following benefits.

• 100% guaranteed availability.
• High chances of obtaining early bird discounts and offers.
• Extra preparation time for the Everest expedition.
• Grab the best room options and accommodations.
• Added flexibility in selecting your trek dates.

Guide to Last-Minute Bookings for Mount Everest Expedition

Don’t worry if you’ve skipped the dates for booking, as we also have last-minute booking options for the Mt Everest expedition. To make a booking, you need to have your travel documents and insurance. You can reach out to us directly to check availability and confirm your booking.

Although keep in mind, full payment is required 24 hours before your departure.

For more information or to book, give us a call at +977 9841021636 or email us at [email protected].

In our tour packages, we do keep our fixed departure dates. Simply check these dates for the Everest expedition, and if it doesn’t work for you, you can let us know. We’ll easily change the dates to match your schedule.

Why choose the Everest Expedition Package of Access Nepal Tour and Trekking?

Our Mount Everest expedition tour is a very highly-rated package that gives you the closest possible view of the giant, Mt Everest. Every climber aspires to make this dream come true one day. Once you hit the summit, the feeling can’t be described in words.

At Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, our main priority lies in giving you the best Everest expedition experience with extreme safety. And that too, without having to spend heavily, client satisfaction is our ultimate goal.

So why should you choose our Mount Everest climbing expedition package?

1. Satisfying acclimatization rotations to make you familiar with the high altitude conditions.
2. We have heavily experienced and certified Sherpa guides and porters.
3. Affordable expedition package that makes no compromise on safety and comfort.
4. Customizable itineraries and services as per your needs and wants.
5. Best accommodation services available to make the journey as comfortable as possible.
6. Highly nutritious full-board meal options during the trek.