The Covid-19 pandemic nearly paralyzed the tourism industry. 2020 was a dark year with countries, including Nepal, imposing lockdowns and barring travel in and out of the country.
Things brightened up a little in 2021, thanks to the mass vaccination drive. While some countries are still struggling with the pandemic, the situation in Nepal has improved a lot. Most people are aware of the Covid safety protocols and follow them diligently. In big cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, it's not uncommon to find people walking around with masks.
At Expedition Himalaya we were fortunate enough to organize a few expeditions for our clients during the 2021 climbing seasons. Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, Baruntse, Manaslu, etc., - both spring and autumn seasons had us leading our clients to the summits of these Himalayan giants.
We are hopeful that 2022 will have more mountain lovers joining us in our quest to conquer some of the world's highest peaks.
If climbing an eight-thousander is on your bucket list, then you might be interested in joining us on our Spring 2022 eight thousander ascent.
We provide an excellent backup of some of the finest climbing leaders and sherpas on this side of the Himalayas. Our experienced team will ensure that you make it safely to the summit and back.
Be it Everest, Lhotse, Manaslu, or Makalu – name your mountain and the able guides of Expedition Himalaya will take you there.
Spring 2022 Expeditions
Mount Everest (South Face) 8848m/60 days
There's a certain pride attached to conquering the world's highest mountain Mount Everest. Though technically not the most difficult mountain to climb, ascending Mount Everest is definitely challenging. You need to be physically and mentally prepared to face the unforgiving and treacherous conditions while climbing. If you think you are ready for the challenge, then off you go!
Your journey begins from Kathmandu with a flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. After reaching Lukla our trekking guide will guide you through the busy bazaar of Lukla and onward to Phakding, a riverside Sherpa village. From Phakding you trek to Namche and spend a day acclimatizing.
The trek to Everest Base Camp, one of the best high-altitude treks in the world, is an added perk of this expedition. The hike through the quaint Sherpa settlements will acquaint you with their lifestyle and culture. En route, you will come across some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Nepal.
After Namche, you trek across Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep. Traversing the Khumbu Glacier from Gorak Shep you finally reach Everest Base Camp where you will spend more than a month preparing for your summit. There will be regular acclimatization climbs and exercises along the Khumbu Icefall.
Your first camp on the mountain will be set up above the Khumbu Icefall at 5945 meters. After crossing an area known as the Western CWM you will approach your second campsite or Camp II at 6402 meters. The climbing gets more challenging and thrilling as you approach Camp III at 7164 meters.
To reach Camp III you need to ascend a steep ice wall of the Lhotse Face. The last camp or Camp IV is situated at 8000 meters in the Lhotse face. Known as the "Death Zone", Camp IV is the most dangerous as climbers usually fall sick at this point. The wind is strong and harsh and breathing becomes difficult without supplementary oxygen.
The summit push begins from here. It's a treacherous climb up through the balcony and the rocky Hillary Step. A few more steps and voila you will be standing at the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point in the world.
After taking pictures you descend to Camp IV and later to the base camp. You retrace your steps back to Lukla and finally fly back to Kathmandu where your trip ends.
All permits and logistics will be handled by the agency. For more information about the cost and itinerary check out Mount Everest Expedition.
Lhotse 8516m/ 52 days
The route to Lhotse is the same as Everest. Standing close to Mount Everest, Lhotse at 8516 meters is the fourth highest mountain in the world. Only about 300 meters shorter than Mount Everest, Lhotse offers the same thrill and challenges offered by the world's highest peak.
You trek on the same trail and share the same base camp, ie, Everest Base Camp. You start your climb via the same route, the Khumbu Icefall, and Western Cwm. The route separates at South Col – those attempting Everest turn left while those on the Lhotse ascent head towards the right.
Lhotse has three summits- Lhotse Shar(8,383 meters), Lhotse East(8,413 meters), and the highest Lhotse Main at 8,516 meters. Its massive south face stretching vertically 3.2 km and horizontally 2.25km is the steepest mountain face in the world.
To reach the summit of Lhotse you climb on the Geneva Spur and make your way towards the Lhotse Couloir, a huge Ice gully. It is a challenging climb on a treacherous and steep incline.
As mentioned before. Lhotse offers the same challenges as Everest. You can include it as an acclimatization climb to your Everest summit or make a single ascent. The route is the same as Everest but the climbing permit of Lhotse is cheaper. If you are looking for an intense 8000-meter climb, Lhotse could be the one. This mountain with its dramatic south face won't disappoint you.
Ready for Lhotse? Find the details here.
Makalu 8463 m/ 51days
Makalu is a technical peak and you need to have some climbing experience if you want to reach its top. The fourth highest peak in the world, climbing Makalu is filled with challenges. If you are up for a challenge and looking for a difficult mountain to ascend in the Nepal Himalaya, then Makalu could be your mountain.
To reach the base of the mountain you need to head east from Kathmandu and past the wild and pristine Makalu Barun National park. Located off-the-beaten-path, the trekking trail is one of the least visited trails in Nepal. The national park is home to some of Nepal's endangered flora and fauna – Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, and rare orchids.
You set up camp at the Makalu Base Camp and go on acclimatization climbs before climbing the mountain. The advanced base camp will be set up at 5700 meters. After leaving the advanced base camp you trudge on towards a glacial plateau and set up Camp I at an altitude of around 6100 meters.
Hike past the plateau onto the steep and rugged Makalu Pass. Camp II will be set up at the base of the pass at 7000 meters. Navigate past the Messner Headwall to the northwest ridge where Camp III will be pitched at 7300 meters. The location of the final camp Camp IV is the north ridge at 7850 meters. From here you will make your final summit push to Makalu, the fourth highest mountain in the world. Descend via the same route after taking pictures and celebrating your triumph.
Click on Makalu Spring 2022 Expedition for dates and price and itinerary.
Manaslu 8163m/47 days
A part of the Mansiri Himal range, Manaslu or the spirit mountain is the eighth highest mountain in the world. One of the difficult 8000-meter peaks, Manaslu and can be approached from six sides with the Southside being the most difficult. The trekking trail leading to the base of Mount Manaslu is one of the scenic and culturally diverse in Nepal.
You begin your journey with a drive from Kathmandu to Gorkha, the ancient capital of the Shah kings. You get off at the trailhead and walk past the Buri Gandaki Valley through Gurung and Magar villages. Next, you enter the Nubra Valley, the land of the Bhotias who are culturally close to Tibetans. The trek takes you through the ecologically rich and diverse Manaslu Conservation Area. En route mesmerizing views of the Himalayan range keep you enthralled throughout.
Manaslu Base Camp is located at 4800 meters, near the village of Sama Gaon. You will spend a good number of days acclimatizing and practicing on the slopes before venturing further up the mountain.
Your first camp on the mountain will be set up at an elevation of 5700 meters. To reach there you climb up on a grassy slope past a rocky moraine. Cross a few crevasses and walk on the glacier to arrive at Camp I.
The most technical portion of your climb takes you to Camp II located at 6400 meters. You get to the center of the Icefall climbing over snow and stepping up ladders. You navigate past steep icy paths to reach Camp II.
It takes only a short while to reach Camp III(6800 meters) from Camp II. You will have to cross a few crevasses. While a bit easy, compared to your traverse from Camp I to II, it can be a bit grueling when the sun hits the slopes.
The ascent from Camp III to IV can be difficult as you enter the 'death zone'. Expect high-velocity winds, extreme cold, and low oxygen levels. At 7,500 meters it's here where most climbers succumb to altitude sickness. This section is prone to avalanches and hazardous, so one needs to be extra careful.
You make your summit bid from Camp IV. Climb past some basins to reach the false summit. From there carry on an exposed ridge to the real summit. Stand atop the world's eighth mountain savoring your victory. Take pictures and place mementos before making your descent down to Camp III and finally to Base Camp.
On your return trek, you take a different trail and proceed towards the picturesque Marshyangdi Valley via the Larkya La Pass. Your trek ends once you reach Dharapani. From Dharapani you board a vehicle that will bring you to Kathmandu, where your trip ends.
Want to climb Manaslu this spring? Get on board! For price and itinerary, browse Manaslu Spring 2022 Expedition.