MT. EVEREST SOUTH COL EXPEDITION

  • Duration 51
  • Trip Grade Challenging
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals All Inclusive
  • Accommodation Hotel, Tea House, Camping
  • Max. Altitude 8848.86
  • Activity Trekking & Mountaineering
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 2+
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn
Highlights

Feeling in high spirits standing on top of the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest.
Stand between Nepal and Tibet / China facing an amazing array of towering peaks.
A great lifetime dream of mountaineers to reach on top Mt. Everest summit.
The mountain with different names Mt. Everest, Sagarmatha, and Chomolungma.
Scenic and cultural walks on the high trails to World’s Number One base camp.

MT. EVEREST SOUTH COL EXPEDITION Overview

Mt. Everest South Col Expedition reaches you on top of the world’s highest
Mt. Everest is 8,848.86 m or 29,031.7 feet high. The newly revised height
from 8,848 m and 29, 028 feet; was declared jointly by Nepal and China on
December 2019.
Mt. Everest South Col Expedition, where Mt. Everest was first summited on May
29th, 1953. The legendary mountaineers Tenzing & Hillary climbed from the south
route; the small section en route to the summit is named Hillary Step.
A vertical rock of 12 m / 40 feet at 8,790 m / 28,839 feet high, obstructs the climb.
Which is near on top of Mt. Everest, where ropes need to be fixed for safe climb
and descent.

Of all the highest peaks, Mt. Everest is the only mountain with several names like
Everest, Sagarmatha, and Chomolungma. Mt, Everest was named by the British
from Peak XV in honor of the late Sir George Everest.
In Nepal, it is known as Sagarmatha, while the native Sherpa calls it Chomolungma
of Tibetan, origin language means ‘Great Mother.
Although the first attempt by the British and various nations used the North Col route in the early centuries of the 1990s.
The conquest of Mt. Everest never succeeded from the North, till the British
Expeditions used the South route,
From then on till the present Mt. Everest from South Col has been the most
popular way to reach the summit. Brown Bear Trails invites all interested
adventurers, and mountaineers from around the world for the adventure of a
lifetime experience.
Brown Bear Trails, the adventure company of Nepal with veteran expert guides
leads you to the top of Mt. Everest. The man himself the CEO of the company has
led many high-altitude treks and various adventures; as well as climbed many
peaks. Across Nepal and Northern Indian Himalayas invites you to join Mt.
Everest South Col Expeditions.
The walk follows the main popular trail from Lukla to enter Sagarmatha National
Park and then to the high Namche Bazaar. Spending time at Namche Bazaar the
Sherpa capital of Khumbu, on the trail to Everest Base Camp. On walks enjoy the
scenic views of towering giant snow peaks amidst a beautiful forest of pines and
rhododendron trees. Reaching a magnificent Tengboche Monastery with a grand
panorama of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks. Enjoy a tour of Tengboche
Monastery and get blessed by the high priest; for a safe triumph on top of Mt.
Everest.
Leaving the green hills at Tengboche heading closer towards the mountainous
wilderness reaching the high valley of Imjatse at Dingboche. As the climb
continues further up to Lobuche then towards our main destination at Everest
South Base Camp.

Brown Bear reserves a few days at base camp for good preparations,
acclimatization, and practice climbing to reach the summit. The final bid to the
top will be made after adding several high Camp I, and Camp II; (also an Advance
Camp or ABC). Then heading higher to establish Camp III and IV before the final
summit days. After storing food and necessary equipment at designated Camps,
back at Base Camp. Enjoy rest, pull up the energy, as well getting acclimatized,
and know the route of the climb and obstacles. The group leader and guide will
make the schedule for the final ascent using all the camps for the climb.
Finally choosing the perfect day along with favorable weather for the climb to the
the summit of Mt. Everest from the last Camp IV.
After a tough struggle to reach the top, enjoy the glorious panorama of all the
world’s highest peaks. A slow and safe descent back to Base Camp after a
victorious climb, return journey on the same scenic route. Reaching Lukla for the
last overnights around high Khumbu and Everest region, the next day a scenic
flight back to Kathmandu.

Short guideline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 02-03: In Kathmandu preparations for Mt. Everest with optional tour.
Day 04: Drive to Manthali town at Ramechap for overnight halt.
Day 05: Fly to Lukla 2,830 m & trek to Phakding 2,640 m – 04 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m – 05 hrs.
Day 07: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and excursion.
Day 08: Trek to Thyangboche 3,867 m – 05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Dingboche 4,260 m – 05 hrs.
Day 10: At Dingboche for rest and acclimatization and short walks.
Day 11: Trek to Lobuche 4,930 m – 05 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Gorakshep 5,170 m and climb to Kalapathar walk to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m – 06 hrs.
Day 13-14: At base camp acclimatization and preparations.
Day 15-32: (15 days) Ascent of Mount Everest and withdrawal to Base Camp.
Day 33: All team members to re-group at Base Camp.
Day 34: Cleaning up the base camp and packing for the return journey.
Day 35: Trek to Pheriche 4,240 m – 05 hrs.
Day 36: Trek to Namche Bazaar – 07 hrs.
Day 37: Trek to Lukla – 07 hrs.
Day 38: Fly back to Ramechap and drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotels.
Day 39-40: In Kathmandu handing reports to concerned Government departments.
Day 41: International departure for home ward bound.

Day to Day Itinerary
Expand all

On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, the Brown Bear Trail guide
and staff receives you with a warm welcome. A short transfer to your hotels in the
heart of Kathmandu city. After checking into your rooms, and getting refreshed our
guide briefs with information regarding Everest Expeditions. Includes information
on hotels, and lodges while trekking and climbing with do and don’ts with welcome
dinner.

  • Tea 3*** Hotel, Tea House, Camping
  • All Inclusive

We have reserved two free days in Kathmandu to relieve you from jetlag with
long flights, on this day one can book a sightseeing tour around world heritage
sites within Kathmandu visiting Old Durbar (palace) Square, and the ancient stupa of
Swayambhunath, after a tour head back to the hotel with preparations for Everest
Expeditions and trek to base camp.
Second day in Kathmandu optional tour and expeditions preparations and group
briefing from our lead guide and team leader, on this day, completing all formal
documentations for the climb of Everest and packing.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

Most flights to Lukla have been diverted from the airport at Manthali town around
Namecheap district. Which is about approx. 150 k.m. of a 4-5 hours drive to
Manthali at ramechap, having lunch at Kathmandu. An exciting drive to Manthali
taking the newly built B.P. Highway through Dhulikhel’s old and scenic town. On
arrival at Manthali town transfer to a nice lodge or hotel.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

Mornings, a short walk to Manthali airport and getting into a small aircraft for short
flight to Lukla.

During air-borne enjoy views of the Himalayas range with Mt. Everest. After 25 mins of
great flight reaching Lukla and its unique airstrip. Lukla is the gateway to Sherpa town
Everest base camp and various adventure destinations.
From Lukla walk to Phakding village for an overnight stop leading past Sherpa farm
villages, a nice and pleasant walk with few short-ups overlooking beautiful views
along the walk to Phakding village located by Dudh Koshi a glacial River.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

After a nice morning, the walk continues crossing bridges over the Dudh Koshi River
passing several interesting villages of Toc-Toc, Benkar, and Monjo arriving at
Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate, from here on the river bed for a few hours
and after the last bridge a steep uphill to Namche Bazaar, at Namche with
facilities of good restaurants, pubs, cyber café, post offices, and banks.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

A perfect place to have a rest day, for acclimatization before heading to higher areas,
morning a short hike to Everest View Hotel or walk up on top a hill of Namche for
views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and adjoining peaks, visit the museum with wide
information of the Khumbu areas.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

From Namche on the gradual scenic path with downhill to Imjatse river at Plunge-
Tenga for lunch. Afternoon climb through rhododendron, pines, and the first tree forest
with views of snowcapped peaks. On reaching Tengboche visit the famous Buddhist
monastery with a magnificent panorama of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kantega,
Tharmasarku, Kwangde and majestic Ama Dablam.
An afternoon with time for a tour of the monastery, which was burnt by accidental fire
in 1991 at the present back into normal form, where you can witness young monks
and priest, Lama on the evening prayer ritual.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

Morning downhill for an hour crosses the bridge over Imjatse River after the bridge
walk leads to an open country. From here onwards tree lines drop for a few short
junipers and dwarf rhododendron bushes. A slow climb to Pangboche village at

3,900 m, the last permanent village before Dingboche and beyond. After lunch at
Somare continues to walk with an easy walk on the gradual path, a short down to cross a
stream. From the short bridge, climb to Dingboche village for an overnight stop,
located at the west end of Imjatse valley enclosed by towering peaks with Ama
Dablam at a close distance facing views of Island Peak in the east.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive

After spending time at higher camps, it’s important to return to Base Camp to rest, recuperate, and prepare for the final push to the summit of Mount Everest. This phase allows climbers to return to the relative safety of Base Camp at 5,364 meters, where they can recover from the strenuous conditions encountered at higher altitudes. During these days, the climbers focus on replenishing their energy, rehydrating, and consuming high-calorie foods to prepare their bodies for the grueling climb ahead. Additionally, this period serves as an opportunity to check equipment, ensure that all gear is in working order, and conduct a final review of the planned route. Team members discuss the strategy for the summit attempt, ensuring everyone is mentally and physically ready. Furthermore, the guides will assess the weather conditions to determine the ideal time for the summit push. This time at Base Camp is crucial for rest, but also for the final mental preparations before tackling Everest’s most challenging ascent.

  • Tea Tea House/Camping
  • All Inclusive

Another rest day for proper acclimatization, a short hike to Nakarjung hills for
best views of Mt. Makalu and other adjoining. Energetic people can walk up
to Chukung at 4,760 m high a small and last settlement within Imjatse valley
offers incredible views of Island Peak, Lhotse Shar, Lhotse, Nuptse and
Ama Dablam.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

After a good rest at Dingboche morning short climb for an hour and enjoy the grand
mountain views. The walk continues gradually up to Thugla for lunch where the Khumbu
glacier melts into a raging river. At Thugla the trail from Pheriche and Dingboche
joins towards Lobuche and Everest base camp. After lunch a steep climb for an
hour to Thugla pass, a small ridge with many stone memorials of unfortunate
climbers. From here a nice pleasant walk to Lobuche for an overnight stop.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

The morning starts heading towards our main destination to Everest Base Camp. Walk for a few hours with a short, steep climb in between over glacier and moraine, reaching Gorakshep, beneath Mt. Pumori and Kalapathar. The walk continues towards Everest Base Camp. at base camp, our staff set up the base camp a few days ahead. Store all climbing equipment and food for the climb, rest after lunch rest and enjoy the view of the notorious Khumbu Ice Fall and glaciers.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

Full two days collecting and sorting out the gear and food for further high camps,
as well as having rest, enjoy practicing climb using the climbing gear.
A final meeting with the Leader and the guide, information on climb and obstacles
to encounter, as well for a safe descent.

  • Tea Camping
  • All Inclusive

Brown Bear Trails reserves 15 full days for the final ascent of Mt. Everest summit,
after final preparation for the great climb with some technical effort around
massive tumbling boulders of Khumbu Ice Falls it will be an awesome experience.
From Everest base camp at 5,364 m, climbing with some technically difficulty over
Khumbu Ice-fall, the climbing route will be taken care by our expert climbing
guides with necessary secure and safety procedure, from above base camp one
requires positive attitude and thinking with physical and much mental effort to
attempts the climb a success.
The climbs requires at least IV camps to reach the summit with descent to base
camp, however with 15 days, using maximum 5 camps (including base camp)
before reaching top of Everest. The last Camp IV close at South Col ridge that
connects to Mt. Lhotse.
The final climb leads to cross last section on Hillary step to reach the top summit.
The Hillary step a technical section of this climb beside Khumbu Ice Falls, climbing
from South Col route is technically straightforward than the North Col (Tibet side),
except for Khumbu Ice falls.
During 2 weeks or more one can start loading and carrying gears to Camp I and
Camp II, in the Western Cwm. Once everyone is well acclimatized, Camp I will be
mostly by-passed en-route for Camp II, which will become an Advance Base
Camp. The route to this point will involve crossing the crevasses on ladders,
jumaring up serac walls and a long tedious plod-up the Western Cwm.
Camp III will be half way up near Lhotse Face at 7,400 meters high, from here a
long rising traverse across the snow slopes, a yellow band of rock and the Geneva
Spur, leads to the South Col and Camp IV. As per favorable weather conditions
follow our lead guide and leaders to the summit on top of the world at
8,848.86 m. Some have measured as 8,850 m high but not yet confirmed.

After a mind-blowing experience of life time adventure feeling high on top of the
world descend back safely towards base camp using few camps on route
downhill.
Preparation and the climb of Mt. Everest during 15 days:
The Base Camp:
The Base Camp, is used mainly for climbers to get their bearings and acclimatize;
most will spend a couple of weeks here before their first ascent to Camp 1.
Base Camp sits at an elevation of 5,364 m or 17, 598.43 feet high.
Camp I:
This is the first camp that climbers has to reach after ascending the Khumbu
Icefall. It is at 6,065. 52 m or 19,900 feet.
Camp II:
Also known as Camp ABC (Advanced Base Camp), this is technically the second
camp that climbers reaches after climbing through the Western Cwm. At the
height of 6, 400. 8 m or 21,000 feet.
Camp III:
The second to last camp before the final summit push, this is where climbers have
to face some technically challenging sections. Climbers will need to ascend via the
fixed rope that’s attached to a ledge on the Lhotse face; before climbing another
5,500 m or 1,640 feet to reach the final camp before the summit.
Camp IV and to the summit:
At 8412.48 m or 27,600 feet, climbers will begins the final push to the summit,
starting at the Balcony At the snow dome ridge, climbers will then spend the
next 10-12 hours (starting at midnight) climbing to the summit.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive

On this day all climbing members and guides, including staff should reach base

camp, to assist in packing equipment and checking each member’s health condition
after the great dramatic climb of Mt. Everest.
Day 34: Cleaning up the base camp and packing for the return journey.
Start packing the climbing gear and disposing of garbage at proper sites, where
SPPC (Sagarmatha Pollution Control) will check the camp and depose the litter to
take away from the base camp to disposal sites or back to Kathmandu.

  • Tea 3*** Hotel
  • All Incisive

This morning after a successful triumph of the world’s highest peaks, return journey
to Gorakshep and then walk to Thugla. From here on the downhill to Pheriche, walk
across a windy valley, after a nice pleasant walk reaches Pheriche for an overnight
stop. Pheriche with many good lodges and a health post run by HRA (Himalayan
Rescue Association).

  • Breakfast

Return journey much easier losing heights every hour, walking downhill with few long ups to Tengboche for a possible lunch stop.
After a good rest at Tengboche, head downhill to Imjatse River, and then steep climb for an hour to Sanasa village. From here on the gradual path with short ups and downs to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stop.

From Namche to Lukla will be a long day walk but interesting with views of peaks
and into the greenery. Walking through lovely forest and to Dudh Kosi river valley as
walk reaches beyond the national park to Monjo. After a good short rest continue to walk
past Phakding retracing the journey back to Lukla. At Lukla celebrate last night’s
dinner with fellow climbers and staff.
Day 38: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
From Lukla take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu or land at Manthali
town airport in Ramechap district. After a short sweeping flight and great landing,
transfer to our vehicles for an exciting drive to Kathmandu and check into respective
hotels with the rest of the day free at leisure.

A spare day in Kathmandu in case of flight delay and cancellation due to
unfavorable bad weather might occur, as the Himalayan weather can be
unpredictable sometimes if all goes well have a free day or sightseeing tour of
Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur. On the next day completing the successful Mt. Everest Expeditions, the leader and guide
will hand the expedition reports to the concerned Nepal Government Tourism
department, evening enjoy the farewell group dinner.

Last day in the country full of amazing adventures with high Himalayan peaks,
after a wonderful experience; with fond memories of Everest. Our staff transfers
you from the hotel to the airport as per your international flight time for your final
departure homeward bound or to your respective destination.

Altitude Chart

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes
  •  All Arrival and Departure Transfer from the airport to the hotel
  • and vice-versa.
  • Twin sharing rooms at Tourist Standard Hotel or 2-3 stars Hotel in
  • Kathmandu on a Bed / Breakfast basis. (Includes welcome and farewell
  • dinner).
  • Domestic flight Ramechap / Lukla / Ramechap or Kathmandu with
  • chartered vehicles to Ramechap and back.
  • Hotel and dinner at Ramechap on the way to Lukla.
  •  Full board trekking on lodge basis till Lobuche includes B-L-D with
  • twin sharing room basis.
  •  Applicable Climbing and National Park permits and Garbage deposit fees.
  •  Wages, transportation allowance, and insurance of trekking and camping
  • staff, as well porters, including Yak man.
  •  High altitude guide, staff, and potters, special wages and equipment
  • and special allowance.
  •  Climbing guide insurance climbing allowance with peak bonus including
  • climbing equipment.
  • Medical Kits and ropes and oxygen for staff and guides only.
Cost Excludes
  •  Personal Medical / Travel Insurance.
  • Single room supplement in Kathmandu Hotel and on trekking in local lodges at extra cost.
  • In Kathmandu hotel on a bed and breakfast only basis no lunch or dinner except on welcome and farewell.
  • Personal expenses laundry, tipping, soft/hard drinks, and extra meals on treks.
  • Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation or using a helicopter service.
  • Camping Services including tents and food above Camp-I on own arrangement.
  • Early return from expedition due to personal reasons or problems as well as being sick etc. The money will be refunded by the company for all expenses to borne by oneself.
  • Personal oxygen and medical kit on climb and royalty fees of Mt. Everest climb.
  • Personal trekking and climbing gear including sleeping bags, down jackets.
  • Tipping of trekking/camping staff, cook, kitchen staff, and porters and of climbing guides.
Departure Dates

We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.

Useful Info

Personal Climbing Gear

  • Ice Axe – Lightweight, 60cm-70cm

  • Crampons – High-quality with anti-balling plates

  • Climbing Harness – Adjustable with gear loops

  • Carabiners – At least 4 locking and 4 non-locking

  • Ascender (Jumar) – For fixed rope climbing

  • Figure 8 or ATC – For rappelling

  • Prusik Loops – 2-3 pieces for backup and self-rescue

  • Helmet – UIAA-approved

Footwear

  • 8000m Expedition Boots – Insulated double-layer boots (La Sportiva Olympus Mons, Scarpa Phantom 8000, etc.)

  • High-altitude Overboots – For extreme cold protection

  • Trekking Boots – Sturdy, waterproof

  • Camp Shoes or Down Booties – For base camp comfort

  • Wool & Synthetic Socks – 5-7 pairs

  • Gaiters – Protects from snow and debris

Clothing

Base Layers

  • Thermal Tops & Bottoms – Merino wool or synthetic (3-4 sets)

  • Lightweight Trekking Shirt – Long sleeves for sun protection

  • Fleece Mid-layer – Warm, breathable

  • Down Jacket – 800-fill or higher, for high altitude

  • Down Suit (One-piece) – Essential for above 7000m

  • Gore-Tex Shell Jacket & Pants – Windproof and waterproof

  • Softshell Pants – Durable, flexible

  • Insulated Pants – High-altitude use

  • Gloves & Mittens – Liner gloves, insulated gloves, high-altitude mittens

  • Balaclava & Buffs – Face and neck protection

  • Sun Hat & Warm Hat – Essential for both sun and cold

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping Bag (-30°C to -40°C) – High-quality down

  • Sleeping Bag Liner – Adds warmth and keeps the bag clean

  • Inflatable Sleeping Pad – Thermarest or similar

  • Foam Sleeping Pad – Extra insulation

Technical & Miscellaneous Gear

  • Trekking Poles – Adjustable and lightweight

  • Headlamp – With extra batteries

  • Sunglasses – UV400 glacier glasses

  • Goggles – For extreme cold and stormy conditions

  • Thermos Bottles (1L x2) – Insulated for hot drinks

  • Water Bottles & Hydration System – Avoid freezing at high altitudes

  • Personal First Aid Kit – Includes altitude meds, painkillers, blister treatment

  • Personal Toiletries – Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, wet wipes

  • Sunscreen & Lip Balm – SPF 50+

  • Camera & Power Bank – For documentation

  • Duffel Bags (120L & 60L) – Waterproof and durable

  • Backpack (40L-50L) – For summit push and day use


Other Important Information

1. Route Overview

  • Lukla (2,860m) → Base Camp (5,364m) → South Col (7,900m) → Summit (8,848.86m)

  • 4-5 camps above Base Camp:

    • Camp 1 (6,065m) – Western Cwm

    • Camp 2 (6,400m) – Advanced Base Camp

    • Camp 3 (7,200m) – Lhotse Face

    • Camp 4 (7,900m) – South Col

    • Summit (8,848.86m)

2. Expedition Duration

  • Total Duration: 60-65 days

  • Acclimatization & Rotations: Several rotations to higher camps

  • Summit Window: Late April to early June

3. Permits & Fees

  • Everest Climbing Permit: $11,000 per person

  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee

  • Khumbu Icefall Fee (SPCC): Varies

4. Oxygen & Sherpa Support

  • Supplementary Oxygen: 4-6 bottles (4L/min flow rate)

  • Masks & Regulators: Top-brand systems like Poisk or TopOut

  • Climbing Sherpa Support: Guides for higher altitudes

5. Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Most favorable weather

  • Autumn (September-November): Less common for Everest expeditions

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