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Rising above the clouds at 8,848.86 meters (29,032 ft), Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, remains the ultimate dream for mountaineers across the globe. Since the first successful ascent by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa on May 29, 1953, the mountain has captured the imagination of explorers worldwide. Each climbing season, reportedly around 500–700 climbers attempt the summit, yet the journey continues to be as humbling, demanding, and awe-inspiring as it was for the first pioneers.
Everest sits along the natural border of Nepal and Tibet, and the route that has touched the hearts of generations—the classic South Col Route—winds gently through the soul of Nepal’s Khumbu region. With Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition, your journey begins in Kathmandu before flying to Lukla and trekking through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and the Khumbu Glacier to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).
From Base Camp, the climb unfolds gradually. You cross the shifting Khumbu Icefall, move into the sunlit Western Cwm, ascend the steep blue ice of the Lhotse Face, and reach the windswept South Col, poised at the edge of the Death Zone. From here, climbers make their final push toward the highest point on Earth.
The altitude is extreme, the weather unpredictable, and the thin air challenges every breath. Yet with the steady support of our experienced Sherpa climbing team, a carefully designed acclimatization plan, and reliable expedition equipment, you are guided with patience, care, and deep Himalayan expertise at every stage of the climb.
Climbing Everest is more than a summit—it is a personal journey shaped by courage, humility, and the timeless beauty of the Himalayas. At Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition, we walk with you as family, sharing the same trails our ancestors have guided for generation.
This expedition is designed for experienced mountaineers with previous high-altitude climbing experience (above 7,000 m), ready to push their limits and experience the true essence of Himalayan exploration. With decades of guiding heritage, local expertise, and a deep respect for the mountain and its culture, Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition ensures that your journey to the top of the world is not just a climb — it’s an achievement that defines a lifetime
Base Camp (5,364 m / 17,598 ft)
Everest Base Camp becomes your home for several weeks as you prepare for rotations higher up the mountain. Set beneath the towering faces of Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, and the dramatic Khumbu Icefall, Base Camp feels like a small Himalayan community during peak season. The glacier shifts slowly beneath the tents, requiring platforms to be adjusted over time. Warm mornings, sudden afternoon snow showers, and the constant cracking of ice create an unforgettable environment where climbers rest, train, and gather strength.
Camp I (≈5,900–6,050 m / 19,356–19,849 ft)
Reaching Camp I requires navigating the notorious Khumbu Icefall, a moving maze of deep crevasses, towering seracs, and constantly shifting ice blocks. Climbers ascend using fixed ropes and aluminum ladders placed across frozen gaps. Camp I sits at the entrance of the Western Cwm, a quiet, broad valley of ice. Most expeditions spend one or two nights here for acclimatization before continuing upward.
Camp II (≈6,400–6,500 m / 20,998–21,325 ft)
Camp II lies deep inside the Western Cwm, protected by the West Ridge and positioned directly below the massive Lhotse Face. This is the main acclimatization and operations camp, with individual sleeping tents along with full kitchen and dining tents. Conditions here are more stable, and climbers often spend the most time here (after Base Camp) preparing mentally and physically for the higher camps. The views of Lhotse from Camp II are immense and inspiring.
Camp III (≈7,100–7,300 m / 23,294–23,950 ft)
Camp III is anchored halfway up the steep, icy Lhotse Face, where fixed ropes guide climbers along 30–45° blue ice slopes. Oxygen levels here begin to feel dramatically lower, and every step is measured and deliberate. Camp III is reached to complete acclimatization before the summit push. Climbers usually spend a single night here, experiencing the true intensity of high-altitude mountaineering.
Camp IV – South Col (≈7,900–8,050 m / 25,918–26,345 ft)
The South Col marks the gateway to the Death Zone, a barren, windswept plateau shared between Everest and Lhotse. From here, climbers rest briefly on supplemental oxygen before setting off on their summit attempt. Just before reaching Camp IV, climbers must ascend two famous rock features:
Both sections are fixed with ropes during the climbing season, allowing safe passage to the Col.
Summit (8,848.86 m / 29,032 ft)
The summit push begins just before midnight and takes 9–13 hours. Climbers ascend past iconic points including the Balcony, the South Summit, and the Hillary Step area, before traversing a gentle final ridge to the true summit of Everest. Standing at the highest point on Earth, surrounded by a 360° panorama of the Himalayas, is a quiet and powerful moment — the culmination of endurance, teamwork, and the Sherpa spirit that guides every step.
Welcome to Nepal! Meet our Royal Orchid team at the airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. Enjoy time to rest or explore the lively streets of Thamel after your long journey.
Today you’ll attend an official climbing briefing, process permits, and complete a thorough gear check with your Sherpa guides. This is also the day to review logistics, safety protocols, and finalize last-minute preparations before heading into the mountains.
Take one of the world’s most scenic mountain flights to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu Valley. Begin your expedition with an easy trek along the Dudh Koshi River, passing prayer wheels, mani stones, and charming Sherpa villages before reaching Phakding.
Cross high suspension bridges and enter Sagarmatha National Park. A steady uphill climb brings you to Namche Bazaar — the vibrant trading hub of the Khumbu and your first real taste of Himalayan culture.
A vital rest day for altitude adjustment. Enjoy a short hike to Everest View Hotel or visit the Sherpa Museum for panoramic views and insight into local mountaineering history. The rest of the day is free to explore local cafés, markets, and bakeries.
Begin with a gentle traverse toward Tengboche, home to the region’s most important monastery. After soaking up views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, descend through forests and open trails to Pangboche — the oldest Sherpa village in the Khumbu.
Climb above the treeline into the high-alpine zone. The valley opens with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam’s sheer ridges and the massive walls of Lhotse and Nuptse. Overnight in the scenic farming village of Dingboche.
Trek through glacial valleys and pass the memorials at Thukla honoring climbers who lost their lives in the Himalayas. Continue up the Khumbu Valley to reach Lobuche beneath towering ice peaks.
Follow the Khumbu Glacier on rugged moraine trails until you reach the legendary Everest Base Camp — your home for the coming weeks of acclimatization and climbing.
Undertake multiple acclimatization rotations through the Khumbu Icefall to Camps I, II, and III. These climbs strengthen endurance, build altitude adaptation, and prepare you for the final push. Between rotations, enjoy rest days at Base Camp with nourishing meals and recovery time.
When the weather window opens, begin the final ascent through the Western Cwm, up the Lhotse Face to Camp III, then onward to Camp IV at the South Col. Around midnight, launch your summit bid, climbing via the Balcony, South Summit, and the Hillary Step to reach the highest point on Earth — the summit of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m). Descend safely to the South Col and back to Base Camp.
A dedicated rest and environmental responsibility day. Sort equipment, clean Base Camp, and contribute to the “Leave No Trace” effort to preserve the Khumbu region.
Descend through the glacier valley and return to lower altitude, reaching Pheriche, home to the Himalayan Rescue Association. The warmer air and comfortable lodges make recovery easier.
Continue through familiar Sherpa villages, scenic river crossings, and forested trails until you arrive back in Namche for a well-earned meal and celebration.
Your final trekking day. Follow the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla, where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with your Sherpa team and celebrate your Everest journey.
Take a morning flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a long shower, a comfortable bed, and the relief of returning to city comforts.
A full free day for sightseeing, shopping, spa recovery, or simply resting. Visit UNESCO heritage sites or enjoy a relaxed evening in the city. Farewell dinner included.
Your Everest journey ends today. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Congratulations on completing the Everest Expedition with Royal Orchid Treks & Expedition.
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