CHOLATSE CLIMB

Your first full day begins with a welcome briefing led by your Mountain Tribe guides. You’ll finalise gear, connect with fellow climbers, and explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, we come together for a group dinner along with our Nepalese support crew – setting the tone for the expedition ahead.

The day begins with a guided walking tour through two of Kathmandu’s cultural treasures. You’ll hike to the sacred Swayambhunath stupa (aka Monkey Temple) - perched above the city with sweeping views and explore the history-rich Durbar Square. The afternoon is yours to relax or grab any final mountain essentials.

We begin with a stunning 45-minute private helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The views of the Himalayas as you fly in by choppa are amazing! After breakfast, we gear up and commence the trek. It will be a fairly gentle first day, following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River for 3-4 hours to Phakding (2610m).

A big day through forested valleys and over suspension bridges. We follow the Dudh Kosi upstream and begin a steep ascent into Namche Bazaar (3440m) - the legendary Sherpa village where we’ll get our first glimpse of Everest. You’ll feel the elevation shift, but the sense of arrival is unforgettable.

To support acclimatisation, we stay another night in Namche. Today includes a hike to higher ground, with incredible views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and neighbouring peaks. You’ll visit the national park museum and Sherpa culture centre, then spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the village.

We descend through rhododendron forests before climbing to Tengboche (3870m), a spiritual heart of the Khumbu. Along the way, expect sweeping views of Everest and its towering neighbours. At the top, we visit Tengboche Monastery – serene, sacred, and set against the vastness of the Himalayas.

We cross alpine rivers and pass through Pangboche, the oldest Sherpa village in the valley. The trail climbs steadily through the Imja Valley, with Ama Dablam rising beside us. At 4410m, Dingboche welcomes us with stone-walled fields and a panorama of Himalayan giants.

Today’s trek follows a high glacial valley deeper into the Imja Khola corridor. The air is thinner, the landscape more dramatic. The walk is steady, with views of Lhotse and Island Peak building as we ascend. Chhukhung (4730m) is a quiet staging village and a key step in our acclimatisation.

A flexible day for recovery, rest, or acclimatisation hikes. Depending on how you’re feeling, you may attempt Chhukhung Ri (5550m) or hike toward Island Peak base. This day gives your body critical time to adapt before heading into the high passes and technical climbing phases of the expedition.

We cross the high and seldom-travelled Kongma La Pass (5535m), a rugged route flanked by towering peaks and glacier fields. It’s a tough but beautiful day as we descend from the pass and join the Khumbu Valley, arriving in Lobuche (4900m) – an iconic high-altitude village beneath the flanks of Nuptse and Pumori.

Today is a scheduled rest and acclimatisation day at 4900m. Take it easy, hydrate well, and enjoy the opportunity to relax. Short hikes are optional. This day provides flexibility in the itinerary and ensures the body is well adapted before moving to high camp and attempting our first technical summit.

We leave the village and gain altitude quickly, trekking over moraine slopes toward Lobuche East High Camp (5400m). The terrain becomes stark and beautiful. At camp, we sort gear, settle into tents, and begin final preparations for tomorrow’s technical climb. This is our first night of alpine expedition camping.

We start before dawn, climbing snowfields and fixed lines toward the summit ridge. From the top of Lobuche East (6119m), we’re rewarded with a full Himalayan panorama. After the summit, we descend and continue west to Dzongla (4830m) – a quiet stone village beneath Cholatse’s dramatic north face.

An early start sees us ascend steeply toward Chola Pass (5420m), one of the more demanding crossings of the Khumbu. The pass offers commanding views and some glacier travel before we drop down into the Gokyo Valley. We finish the day in Dragnag (4700m), tucked beneath creaking ice walls.

We leave the trail system today and head to Cholatse’s remote base camp (4600m). The terrain becomes raw and alpine, and the mountain’s scale becomes palpable. Camp is established beneath the towering western face, and we begin preparing for the multi-day ascent ahead.

An important rest day to recover, review safety systems, and study route conditions. Our team prepares loads, checks equipment, and finalises logistics for the climb. You’ll also receive a final climbing briefing from your guide. Expect early nights and full packs from here forward.

We move up the face, using fixed ropes and alpine techniques to climb to Camp 1. This is a steep and tiring push – ascending to Camp 1 at 5730m. As we have acclimatised above 6k on Lobuche East, we don’t need to do rotations up Cholatse, so thankfully you only have to do the hard slog up once.

We ascend through more technical terrain – on fixed ropes the entire way. Camp 2 is high – 6259m, cold, and exposed, and your experience here will push your limits. Tonight is about staying focused, staying warm, and mentally preparing for the summit attempt early tomorrow.

Summit day. We start early - ascending fixed ropes in the dark, aiming to summit by mid-morning. The final push involves steep couloirs, ice faces, and an airy 40-60 degree snow rib to the summit ridge. After reaching the 6440m summit, we descend carefully to Camp 1 to rest and recover.

After breakfast we descend back to base camp. Every metre lost in elevation brings oxygen, warmth, and comfort. You’ve now stood atop one of the Himalaya’s most technical peaks – and made it down safely. Hot food and a full night’s sleep await.

Built-in weather or recovery day. If not used on summit day, this day allows the team to rest, dry gear, and enjoy a well-earned pause before we begin our journey back toward civilisation.

We reconnect with trekking trails and descend through yak pastures to the peaceful village of Dhole (4200m). Spirits are high, legs are strong, and the transition back into the trekking rhythm begins.

The landscape changes again today as we move out of the high altitude region and below 4000m for the first time in 16 days. The air will feel thick and warm, your daypack will feel light and your legs fast. Trees and birds will be a pleasure to see, and you will feel a million bucks as you march into Namche.

A final day of trekking as we follow the Dudh Kosi River down from Namche to Lukla (2840m). It’s a longer day, but the downhill trail and oxygen-rich air make it enjoyable. We reflect on everything accomplished – high passes, ridgelines, wild summits – and celebrate the end of an extraordinary expedition.

We say goodbye to the tough local porters who’ve supported our journey, and board our private helicopter for the return flight to Kathmandu. Back in the city, a hot shower and soft bed await. Expect a flood of emotions as the intensity of the expedition begins to settle.

No alarms. Just rest, recovery, and celebration. Book a massage, dip in the pool, or visit your favourite café. That evening, we reunite for a heartfelt farewell dinner with our Nepalese guides – reflecting on the mountains we’ve explored together.

A final free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. Pick up souvenirs, visit a hidden temple, or just enjoy one last rooftop coffee with a view. Optional day tours available for those who want to explore more of the valley.

Your adventure may be ending, but the mountains and the tribe you shared them with stay with you. A private transfer takes you to the airport at your preferred time. You came seeking challenge. You leave changed – experienced, expanded, and forever part of the Mountain Tribe.