The South Col is a high mountain pass situated between Mount Everest and Lhotse, the world’s highest and fourth-highest peaks, respectively. This col is often exposed to strong winds that keep it mostly clear of heavy snow buildup. Since Tibet’s closure in 1950, the majority of Everest expeditions have approached from Nepal, ascending via the southeast ridge and the South Col rather than the North Col route. For climbers taking the southeast ridge route, the South Col typically serves as the location of their final camp—commonly known as Camp IV—before the summit push.
The South Col was first reached on May 12, 1952, by climbers Aubert, Lambert, and Flory during Edouard Wyss-Dunant’s Swiss Mount Everest Expedition, which ultimately did not reach the summit. The following year, when Everest was successfully climbed for the first time, Wilfrid Noyce and the Sherpa Annullu were the first from the team to reach the South Col. According to John Hunt, the leader of that historic expedition:
Trip Info
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Hotel/ Tea hours/ camping
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Octo/ Nov, March/April/May
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8848.86m
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Car/Flight/ Jeep/ Tourist Bus
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5/6 hours
Overview
The South Col is a high mountain pass located between Mount Everest and Lhotse, the tallest and fourth-tallest peaks in the world. This area is often swept by strong winds, preventing significant snow buildup. Since Tibet closed in 1950, most Everest expeditions have started from Nepal, taking the route along the southeast ridge and passing through the South Col rather than the North Col. For climbers ascending Everest via the southeast ridge, the South Col typically serves as the site of their final camp, commonly known as Camp IV.
Trip Highlights
- Expedition Name: Mount Everest Expedition
- Experienced as well as already attempt several peaks above 7000 m to 8000 meters)
- All the Nights’ Accommodation: Mountains Lodges (Guest House) and Comfortable Tented Camp at Base Camp, Camp (I) , Camp (II), Camp (III) and Camp (IV) before summit
- Transportation: Land transportation (Car, Van, Local bus, Tourist Bus) or Private Jeep as per Guests required.
- Attractions: you will have an Amazing view of Everest is the Highest mountain in the world at 8848 meters above sea level. Mount Everest is known as ‘Sagarmatha’ in Nepali language the meaning “Peak of Heaven” and Chomolungma in Tibetan language which means “Goddess Mother of the World” also several beautiful villages, waterfalls, River, nature & culture .
- Location: Sagarmatha National Park.
- Grade: Moderate & Technical climbing.
- Best Season: Spring Only (April to end of May) 2 months.
- Walking hours: per day 5 to 6 hours .
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and acclimatize to the city’s altitude and atmosphere. If time permits, explore nearby markets or enjoy a traditional Nepali meal. In the evening, attend a briefing session about your upcoming trek and climb to prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, attend important briefings and complete necessary paperwork at the Department of Tourism and other relevant government offices. This includes obtaining permits such as the TIMS card and Langtang National Park entry permit for your trek. Meet with your trekking guide and support team to review the itinerary, safety protocols, and equipment requirements. Spend the rest of the day preparing your gear and making any last-minute arrangements. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Begin your adventure with a scenic early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain town with one of the world’s most thrilling airports. Upon arrival, meet your trekking team and start your trek by walking along the Dudh Koshi River. The trail is mostly gentle and passes through traditional Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and suspension bridges. After approximately 3–4 hours of trekking, reach Phakding (2,650 meters), where you will stay overnight in a cozy lodge.
Today’s trek is longer and more challenging as you make your way to the famous Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the thrilling Hillary Bridge. You’ll pass through dense forests and small villages, gradually ascending through steep switchbacks. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is a bustling market town with shops, cafes, and stunning mountain views. Take time to explore the village and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Overnight stay in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Take a well-deserved rest day in Namche Bazaar to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. Use this time to explore the village, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, or hike to the nearby Everest View Hotel for spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Light walks around the area will aid acclimatization and prepare you for the days ahead. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the lodge.
Today, you’ll trek through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests as you ascend towards Tengboche, home to one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in the region. The trail offers stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam along the way. After about 5–6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Tengboche, where you can visit the historic monastery and soak in the peaceful spiritual atmosphere. Overnight stay at a lodge in Tengboche.
Begin your trek with stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks as you leave Tengboche. The trail gradually ascends through alpine forests and open valleys, crossing small streams along the way. You’ll pass through Pangboche village before continuing to Dingboche, a charming settlement nestled in a wide valley. This is a great place to rest and further acclimatize at higher altitude. The trek usually takes about 5–6 hours. Overnight stay in a cozy lodge in Dingboche.
Spend the day in Dingboche to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. Take an optional hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) or explore nearby trails to gently increase your elevation and improve acclimatization. Enjoy the stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other Himalayan giants while resting in this peaceful village. Use this time to relax, hydrate well, and prepare for the next stage of your trek. Overnight stay in Dingboche.
Today’s trek takes you higher into the rugged alpine landscape as you make your way from Dingboche to Lobuche. The trail gradually ascends through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, offering dramatic views of towering peaks like Nuptse and Pumori. Along the route, you’ll pass memorials dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The trek usually takes around 5 hours. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and rest to prepare for the final push ahead. Overnight stay in Lobuche.
On this day, you’ll trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, a small settlement near the base of Mount Everest. The trail continues to climb through rocky terrain with breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori. Gorakshep serves as the last stop before the summit push and offers basic accommodations. After settling in, you can rest or opt for a hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) to experience the heart of the world’s highest mountain up close. Overnight stay in Gorakshep.
Start your day early with a challenging but rewarding hike to Kala Patthar, a famous viewpoint offering spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the surrounding peaks. Standing at 5,554 meters, Kala Patthar provides one of the best close-up perspectives of Everest’s summit. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, descend back to Gorakshep for rest and preparation. Overnight stay in Gorakshep.
Begin the technical climbing phase of your expedition, progressing through a series of higher camps on the southeast ridge route. This period involves acclimatization rotations between Base Camp and the higher camps (Camp I, II, III, and IV), allowing your body to adjust to extreme altitude and prepare for the final summit attempt.
Careful planning, weather monitoring, and team coordination are crucial during this phase. The summit push usually takes place from Camp IV on the South Col, with climbers aiming to reach Everest’s peak at 8,848.86 meters—the highest point on Earth.
After a successful summit, begin your descent back through the camps to Base Camp, where you will rest and recover before returning to Kathmandu.
From day 13th to day 56th, we have our Mount Everest climbing period. During this period, we will acclimatize, do acclimatizing rotations, and get used to the surroundings. The team leader will provide us with pre-climbing training. We will navigate Khumbu Icefall a few times for rotations and climb up to Camp II. Gradually, we will make further camps and wait for the summit window. After the Everest summit, we will retrace the path back to the base camp.
At the Everest base camp, we will have all the facilities, from WiFi, medical staff, hot showers, etc. While we spend time at the base camp, all the meals are prepared and cooked by our supporting staff. We only have to focus on resting and preparing for the summit push. During the acclimatization rotations, the guide and supporting crew will be there with you.
Begin your descent with a trek from Dingboche to Tengboche. The trail leads you down through beautiful alpine forests and rhododendron groves, offering refreshing views of the surrounding mountains. After approximately 5–6 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, where you can relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Overnight stay in a lodge in Tengboche.
Today, you’ll trek downhill from Tengboche back to Namche Bazaar. The trail descends through forests and crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, offering beautiful views along the way. Enjoy the chance to revisit the lively Sherpa market town and relax after your day’s journey. The trek usually takes about 5–6 hours. Overnight stay in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
On this final trekking day, descend from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. The trail passes through charming villages, forests, and crosses suspension bridges over flowing rivers. Enjoy the changing scenery as you make your way back to Lukla, where you’ll spend the night preparing for your flight. The trek typically takes around 6–7 hours. Overnight stay in a lodge in Lukla.
Take an early morning scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, enjoying stunning aerial views of the Himalayas along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the vibrant city. This marks the end of your trekking adventure. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to relax and explore at your own pace. Visit bustling markets like Thamel, Asan, or Durbar Marg to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and local art. You can also explore cultural sites, enjoy local cuisine, or simply unwind at your hotel. This day is perfect for reflecting on your journey and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Nepal’s capital before your departure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Spend a relaxing day in Kathmandu to unwind and enjoy some shopping. Explore popular areas like Thamel, Asan Bazaar, or Durbar Marg, where you can find traditional crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and unique local products. Take the opportunity to savor Nepali cuisine at local restaurants or visit cultural sites at your own pace. This day is perfect for reflecting on your adventure and soaking in the vibrant energy of the city before your departure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Prepare for your onward flight home or to your next destination, carrying unforgettable memories of your Himalayan adventure. Safe travels!
Cost
Cost Includes
- Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both Domestic and International flight as per itinerary.
- 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 and available for members with the cost of US$ 3 per minute call.
- 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 levied in Nepal.
- Complete pre-departure information
- Flight ticket reconfirmation
- visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
- Farewell Dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with domestic culture show in Kathmandu.
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, nutria-bars during the trekking.
- Items of 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$ 1500.00 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.
FAQs
The duration of an Everest Expedition varies depending on several factors, including the climbing route, weather conditions, and individual climbers’ abilities. On average, it takes around 60 days from arrival in Nepal to reaching the summit and returning to base camp. This timeframe includes acclimatization periods, rest days, and potential weather delays.
Yes, prior mountaineering experience is essential to climb Mount Everest. It is recommended to have successfully climbed peaks above 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) and have extensive experience in high-altitude mountaineering. Climbers should be skilled in using mountaineering equipment, have knowledge of rope techniques, and be familiar with glacier travel and crevasse rescue.
To climb Mount Everest, you need to obtain several permits. These include the Everest climbing permit, Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, and Khumbu Rural Municipality permit. Your chosen mountaineering agency will assist you in obtaining these permits, as they are required for legal and safety reasons.
