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Everest North Flash™

Mount Everest. In just 3 weeks.

From home to Everest in only 3 weeks? Furtenbach Adventures makes it possible.

Acclimatization for this expedition is already done at home. While a traditional Everest expedition takes two months, our Flash™ Expedition saves time and additionally increases safety and chances of success. (3 weeks only)

One of the main reasons for being forced to abort a summit attempt on an 8000-meter-peak is the lengthy acclimatization period on the mountain. Going up high and back low several times over, the risk of catching an infection at base camp where people have to live in close proximity to one another saps the energy of many climbers before they’ve even started on the actual ascent. To raise your chances of success, we start the acclimatization process using hypoxic tents in your home, 6-8 weeks prior to departing for Nepal. The tents are set up by experts, and under their supervision your body will slowly become acclimatized to conditions equivalent to being at camp at 7,000 meters on Mount Everest.

Conventional acclimatization tents can simulate a maximum altitude of 5,000 meters. Furtenbach Adventures has used hypoxic tents for 20 years now and has a great deal of experience in using this kind of acclimatization for high altitude mountaineering. In 2016, we ran the first ever successful Everest expedition, where all team members were pre-acclimatized using hypoxic tents. Our team was fully acclimatized within a very short period and ready for the ascent to the summit. After reaching the summit, we were also the only team to descend to Camp 2 in one push. In 2018 we our whole team summited in less than 3 weeks from home with 100% success. This was the beginning of a revolution in Everest climbing. Increased performance such as this, thanks to proper pre-acclimatization, greatly increases safety.

This special kind of pre-expedition preparation, combined with our small group sizes, maximum oxygen support, the latest equipment, an experienced team (some of our Sherpas have stood on the summit of Mount Everest 19 times) and our vast logistical experience allow us to schedule the expedition to last just 3 weeks. To date, we are the only Everest operator that can offer such a short itinerary without any increased risk. Over the past decades we’ve seen advancements in mountaineering technology, equipment, high-altitude medicine and weather forecasting. Climbing tactics however, have remained the same as they were in the 1970s. We are now writing history by providing a climbing alternative that’s bang up-to-date and meets with the latest standards in technology.

The Everest Flash™ Expedition uses the objectively safer route on the north side of the mountain, in Tibet. We travel from Lhasa by Jeep to base camp. By the time our expedition members reach base camp, all of the high camps and oxygen depots have already been set up by our Sherpa teams. All we have to do is wait for a weather window.

For our oxygen systems, we rely on Summit Oxygen, the latest, lightest and most reliable system on the market. Climbers are given special regulators that have been customized for us and deliver a higher flow rate of oxygen than other regulators – up to 8 liters/ minute. Unlimited oxygen* is available from ABC at 6,400m or from the North Col at 7,000m.

We carry entire spare oxygen systems – masks, regulators and bottles – for each client, all the way up to the summit and back. We budget a minimum of 2 Sherpas per client to make up for any shortfalls in Sherpas and to enable them to carry all of the oxygen equipment.

 

→ Check out our overview page to see which options we offer on Everest.

→ How much does it cost to climb Mount Everest?

→ Watch 360° films of Everest South route

→ Everest blogger Alan Arnette interviews Lukas Furtenbach

Customer Reviews

Gabriel P.

It has been a 5-week wonderful adventure on this superb and historical Everest north-east ridge. Views are amazing and climbing is of high interest on that route. A precise and secure organization is a key success factor in such an environnement and Lukas and the whole Furtenbach team are doing amazingly well at that exercise. Great memories!

Andreas G.

If you want to suffer there are a lot of companies that will help you. If you want to come home safely, with an experience of wonderful moments, then go with Furtenbach Adventures. They plan for the unplanned, make possible what seems impossible and make happen what you never expected. We summited Mount Everest via the Northern Route being the first Westerners to do so after 5 years: on an empty mountain, as the sole team, within 11 days from Base Camp. It has been worth the stake, in every sense of the word!

Adventure Factor brave
Experience / Emotion lifechanging
Fitness / Struggle challenging
Risk the height
Comfort luxury basecamp

Highlights:

  • Reduced expedition duration (3 weeks only) due to pre-acclimatization
  • 2:1 Sherpa client ratio
  • Unlimited oxygen* for each climber
  • Spare oxygen system for each climber
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • Small group size for increased safety and higher success rate
  • The Everest Flash™ expedition is exclusively available from Furtenbach Adventures. Shortest expedition in the industry.
  • CO2 negative – more about our sustainable expeditions
  • Success rate 2017 100%
  • Success rate Everest Flash™ 2018: 100%, 21 days from home to summit!
  • Success rate Everest Flash™ 2019: 100%, 28 days from home to summit!
  • 2020 expedition cancelled because of COVID
  • 2021 expedition cancelled because of COVID
  • Success rate Everest Flash™ 2022: 100% (South), 16 days from Kathmandu to summit! + first CO2 negative expedition in history – more about our sustainable expedition
  • Success rate Everest Flash™ 2023: 100% (South), 23 days from Kathmandu to summit! + again we were able to operate a CO2 negative expedition – more about our sustainable expedition
  • Success rate Everest Flash™ 2024: 100%, 12 days from Kathmandu to summit
  • free coached training plan by Uphill Athlete

Here you can read exiciting and interesting facts about our Everest Flash™ expedition!

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Registration for the Everest Flash™ expedition is subject to a personal consultation.

Preparation:

Preparation is key for an Everest expedition to be carried out in such a short timeframe. This starts with an individual consultation, where targets and training schedules are determined. Each team member must have comprehensive high-altitude mountain experience. Intense physical fitness and mental resilience training must be carried out in the months leading up to the expedition.

Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of careful acclimatization. This will take place at your home using hypoxic tents: every climber will receive an individual training schedule and will be acclimatized over a period of 8 weeks up to an altitude of approx. 7,000 meters. This means that most of the on-mountain acclimatization which carries risk and is exhausting can be skipped and the total duration of the expedition can be brought down to 3 weeks.

If you have any questions, read our FAQs or contact us directly.

The following schedule is planned:

The exact itinerary on Mount Everest is subject to changes in official regulations, weather and snow conditions, as well as the progress of line fixing along the route. The actual itinerary may differ. Schedules of other groups are also taken into account in order to avoid any potential bottlenecks.

In addition to that service which we provide, such as oxygen, Sherpa support, base camp set-up, route selection, high camp set-up etc., a successful ascent also involves a great portion of luck, good weather, and good physical and mental strength on the part of the climbers.

We allow for maximum flexibility so that the expedition can be extended should circumstances require it, as long as members wish to do so and are prepared to bear any additional costs incurred.

Day 1-5: Kathmandu and journey to Everest Basecamp

Day 1: Arrival and get-together at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Arrival at Kathmandu airport KTM not later than 11am in order to apply for the Tibetan visa in time!! Meet and greet the other climbers in the hotel gardens. A great adventure awaits us, and our journey is soon to begin. You can feel the anticipation, excitement and joy.

Day 2: Last preparations and free time in Kathmandu
Those who are not yet familiar with Kathmandu will fall in love with it. Relax in the comfortable hotel, shop and people-watch in Thamel, enjoy the cultural programme, or simply soak up the atmosphere. It’s up to you.

Day 3: Flight to Lhasa, capital of Tibet – probably one of the most stunning mountain flights in the world. You might even catch a glimpse of Everest. Rest of the day free to explore Lhasa’s old town or enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner.

Day 4: In the morning, there’s time for sightseeing: the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and the Jokhan Monastery which demonstrate the rich culture of this beautiful country. Later we start our journey to Shigatse (3,800m) where we will spend the night at a decent but clean hotel.

Day 5: Transfer to Everest base camp (driver’s camp) at 5,200m. The journey leads over the Tibetan Plateau to Rongbuk Monastery where we have lunch and some time to explore. Then we move on to driver’s camp where we start preparations for the ascent.

Day 6-17: Acclimatisation and summit attempt

Day 6-7: Ascent to advanced base camp (ABC) at 6,400m via middle camp at 5,800m. Get-together with the ABC team and set up our tents.

Day 8-17: We will do one rotation to North Col (7000m) and then head back to basecamp for recovery. Our Sherpa-team has already installed three high camps at 7,000m (North Col), 7,800m and 8,300m. Then we wait for a weather window for our first summit attempt.

 After the steep glacier climb to the North Col we stay at Camp 1, follow the less demanding North Ridge which leads us to the Northeast ridge, where we stay at Camp2 at about 7,800m, and then Camp3 at 8,300m. From here we cross below the Northeast Ridge to the Northwest Face and then back to the ridge with the secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd steps (all secured by rope) and finally we tackle the summit face.

 From ABC onwards, oxygen is available. At the camps we will also sleep with oxygen. There is plenty of time for a few days of rest and a second attempt at the summit.

Day 18 - 21: return journey and flight home

Day 18: After our (hopefully) successful ascent, we now have to say goodbye to our Nepalese Team. We wander back to drivers’ camp and prepare for our departure.

Day 19-20: Transfer back to Kathmandu with probably overnight stay half way.

Day 21: Journey home.

check_circle_outline  Included:

  • Free coached training plan by Uphill Athlete
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 4 nights in an upscale hotel in Kathmandu in a single room
  • All transfers including transport from Kathmandu – Everest BC – Kathmandu
  • Customs clearance at the Chinese (Tibetan) border
  • Full board for the duration of the trip (except in Kathmandu, breakfast and dinner only)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Twin rooms on the trek
  • Baggage transport to base camp and back (max 40kg baggage per person)
  • 1 two roomed tent with bed at base camp per person
  • 1 tent with sleeping mat per person at advanced base camp
  • 1 tent per two persons at high camps
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • Use of fixed ropes along the route
  • Waste transport away from base camp
  • 2 climbing sherpas per member
  • *Unlimited oxygen and a 8LPM regulator
  • Replacement oxygen system up to the summit
  • Hypoxic tent and generator for up to 8 weeks prior to expedition
  • Insurance and equipment for Nepalese staff
  • Emergency medical oxygen
  • First aid kit, high altitude emergency medicine, pulsoxymeter
  • Kitchen crew
  • Cozy, heated group tent at base camp and advanced base camp
  • Equipment for a comfortable stay at base camp (shower tent, toilet tent, dining tent, etc.)
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Two-way radio for each climber
  • All summit fees & permits
  • Weather updates
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

*“Unlimited oxygen” has an exception of a practical nature that limits the use of oxygen to an extend that makes sense from a medical and safety perspective. Flash™ clients get our exclusive regulators with a maximum flow of 8lpm. they never have to think about where they are allowed to start using O2, how many cylinders they have already used, or how many they have left for summit day. Or if they have enough for a second attempt, or for waiting time on the summit ridge. But it is for example not possible to start with an 8lpm flow already in C1, because they would not get enough flow for higher up on the mountain. The other limitation is they can basically use as many cylinders as they need, not as many as they like (again, it would not make sense to sleep on a 6lpm flow in C2, even though that would feel good).

highlight_off  Not included:

  • International Flight to/from Kathmandu (Arrival at Kathmandu airport KTM on Day 1 not later than 11am!)
  • Excess baggage fees on included flights
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Shipping costs for hypoxic tent and generator outside of the EU and US
  • Personal medications
  • Tips
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Fees for satellite phones, Wifi
  • 2 x Summit bonus for personal climbing Sherpas
  • All services not specifically mentioned in “What the price includes”

Which Everest route should I choose?

The two “normal ascents” on Mount Everest each offer certain advantages, but also pose their own risks and challenges.

Ultimately it should be a well-informed decision on the part of aspirants whether to climb from Tibet in the north via the North Col and Northeast ridge, or from Nepal in the south over the Khumbu Icefall, Lhotse face and the Southeast ridge.

In many cases, a decision in favour of one or the other side will be a result of several factors including the experience of the member, his personality, and his exact plan for ascent, Perhaps one side is more appealing to you, it exerts more attraction or catches your eye with a beautiful line. Listen to your intuition, which usually provides the best advice in such cases, or seek personal advice from us!

Check out our overview page to see all details and information between the north and the south side.

North

+ objectively the safer ascent route
+ the last camp is higher (8300m) resulting in a shorter summit stage
+ more comfortable and luxurious basecamp due to road access

– longer exposure to wind and cold during ascent
– technically more challenging during the last third, more cliffs
– descending from the summit is more difficult

South

+ technically the easier and longer ascent, sheltered from the wind
+ lower altitude base camp, resulting in better regeneration

– ice fall and avalanche hazard at the Khumbu icefall and the Lhotse slope
– last camp is at 8000m, resulting in a longer, more strenuous summit day
– Overall ascent from the base camp is somewhat longer and requires more stamina

About the Furtenbach Adventures Everest Expeditionen

We run a unique style of Everest expedition with maximum oxygen and Sherpa support to achieve the highest level of safety and highest chances of success. The exclusive nature of Furtenbach Adventures makes our expeditions stand out from the rest – maybe even a bit better.

  • We benefit from 20 years of experience in organizing expeditions to eight-thousand-meter peaks in the Himalaya and Karakoram mountain ranges.
  • We employ experienced, state-certified (IFMGA/AMGA) mountain guides, together with a team of proven Everest Sherpas.
  • Our climbing Sherpas have summitted Everest multiple times over and are highly skilled at knowing exactly how they can best support our climbers during their summit attempt.
  • In contrast to many other tour operators, we provide the most advanced, most reliable and easiest oxygen system available on the market, from Summit Oxygen.
  • We provide unlimited oxygen* to each of our climbers with regulators that are specially designed for us. This means our clients can breathe at a higher flow rate while climbing and can sleep using oxygen from Camp 1 (North Col), thereby conserving energy.
  • Our climbers are better acclimatized by the time they arrive because they have already started their acclimatization process at home, 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the expedition. All high-altitude generator equipment is delivered to your home and collected when training is completed and includes a training plan and expert supervision. We take care of everything.
  • We provide one of the most comfortable base camp facilities ever to be seen on Everest.
  • The food that our kitchen teams produce is outstanding, turned out from a base camp kitchen on a glacial moraine at the ends of the Earth

 Classic Everest Expedition on the Northside or the Southside

Mount Everest Flash™, Hakan B.

Furtenbach Adventures offers a unique mountaineering experience by perfectly combining safety, comfort, and technology. I was thrilled to join the Flash™ Expedition team led by Lukas Furtenbach in May 2019. His leadership, top professional guides and a team of incredible Sherpas have helped us reach the summit on time and return safely to the basecamp during a season of very challenging conditions. The organization utilized technology in the best way possible. More importantly, safety was the top priority in every single moment of the expedition. Oxygen tanks are the most crucial units on Mount Everest and thanks to the dedication of the Sherpas, there were plenty of tanks for everyone along the way – up to the summit. I slept in an altitude tent for 2 months ahead of the expedition to get acclimatized for the mountain. The tent simulates higher altitudes by reducing the amount of oxygen which causes an almost impossible environment to sleep in. However, acclimatizing for two months allowed our team to reach the summit in a much shorter time. Thank you, Lukas and the team for your incredible efforts. Highly recommended for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Mount Everest Flash™, Gabriel P.

It has been a 5-week wonderful adventure on this superb and historical Everest north-east ridge. Views are amazing and climbing is of high interest on that route. A precise and secure organization is a key success factor in such an environnement and Lukas and the whole Furtenbach team are doing amazingly well at that exercise. Great memories!


Mount Everest Flash™, Marc-Antoine L.

Perfect organization. Safest way to climb up to the summit and come back down, safe. 2 experienced sherpas/climber + lot’s of oxygen for the summit day are key. Every possible detail is being thought off to make the days at the base camp more comfortable : large individual tent, efficient hot shower, correct food, large common tents etc… Preparation in the head tent during 8 weeks at home is long with many uncomfortable nights of bad sleep, but this pre acclimatization perfectly works up to 7000m ! Don’t hesitate to go back to shigatze (3-4 days) after the acclimatization in ABC to get back in shape.

info  General Infos

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

Despite modern equipment and tactics, high-altitude expeditions still present an enormous challenge. Aside from technical and fitness requirements, it is the altitude itself that presents the largest obstacle. For our Everest Flash™ Expedition, we use pre-acclimatization in a hypoxic tent at home. It is essential that Everest Flash™ climbers adhere strictly to the training and acclimatization programme (see our FAQs).
Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to itinerary and/or route changes. Climbers take part in the expedition at their own risk and individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance). For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

language  Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Nepal:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months.
You can get a visa on arrival directly at the airport or in advance directly at your embassy.
We recommend to get a “multiple entry” visa for 90 days.
Get further information directly on the official website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

China:
Once you arrived in Kathmandu, we’ll apply for a group visa for Tibet. Necessary documents will be collected by Furtenbach Adventures in advance. The application process might take some days. Costs for the Chinese visa are included in the trip price.

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

Unless specified in the detailed trip notes, all high camp equipment is provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition boots, an insulated sleep mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of -20 to -25 degrees Celsius for the high camps. Once you have booked we will send you a detailed equipment list. We are happy to advise you on the selection and purchase of any equipment required. With years of expedition experience, we know what works and what does not.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty / Technique

The ascent is the individual responsibility of the climber under the guidance of a mountain guide or expedition leader. Climbers must be able to move safely and independently over mixed ground (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – build rope teams independently under the supervision of the mountain guide / expedition leader. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increase the chances of success for everyone. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group and can only respond to individual needs to a limited extent. It is imperative that climbers adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Irrespective of this, each member must know his or her own physical limits and, if required, make the decision to turn around in good time.

For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the trip details, we require the following from climbers: the ability to clip in and out of fixed ropes independently on rock, snow, ice and corn snow slopes, as well as the ability to use crampons and ice axes to move over mixed ground independently. On climbing sections, and in dangerous or exposed situations, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key factor to an expedition’s success is good physical fitness. Train hard in the months leading up to the expedition! Several hour climbs with a pack on your back and negotiating 1000 meters of ascent in a day should not pose a problem for you. You have to carry your own personal equipment on the mountain, unless you have booked a personal Sherpa. The porters are there for the whole group, to set up the high camps and secure the route with fixed line. We will gladly provide individually tailored advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition.

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that every climber undergoes a medical examination prior to departure. Good health is a prerequisite for any expedition. A visit to the dentist is particularly advisable, because previously undetected dental problems can become acute due to the sudden change in pressure at higher altitudes.

check_box  Experience

We know how alluring and attractive an eight-thousand-meter peak can be. However, we’d like to make sure that you are able to climb the mountain safely, come back down safely and are able to enjoy the expedition while you’re on it and not just afterwards. Therefore, in order to embark on one of our eight-thousand-meter peak expeditions, you must already have some high altitude and mountaineering experience. When booking, please indicate what altitude you have already attained and which high peaks you have climbed. If you are a beginner, we offer a bespoke programme aimed at getting you ready for your chosen objective.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on some of the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well: we can train you to become prudent and safe high-altitude climbers! For Everest take a look at our “Getting Ready for Everest“-program!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – the skills and techniques required on an expedition. More info here.

payment Payment

Unless otherwise agreed, a deposit of 20% of the tour price is to be paid when receiving your invoice, but earliest eleven months before the end of the tour date. The balance must be paid 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding payments in our GTCs.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

Clients have the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time, paying any cancellation fees specified in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

For expeditions to 7000 and 8000-meter peaks, the following fees apply for cancellation on the part of the client prior to travel: up to 3 months prior to departure 50%, within 3 months of departure 100%.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not reached and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: up to 20 days prior to departure.