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Lhotse Flash™

Experience the thrill of climbing Lhotse – a Flash Expedition like no other!

Time is a valuable commodity. We are about to change the fundamentals of high-mountain expeditions. For you. Acclimatization for this expedition is already done at home. While a traditional Lhotse expedition takes around 55 days, our Flash™ Expedition saves time and additionally increases safety and chances of success. (3 weeks)

Furtenbach Adventures has more than 15 years experience in the use of hypoxia systems for pre-acclimatization in high-altitude mountaineering. Once in the Himalayas members are acclimatized within a very short time and have a much higher efficency – Ready for the summit ascent! No other tour operator has as much experience and expertise with hypoxia systems for pre-acclimatization.

This innovative pre-acclimatization, combined with a small group, maximum oxygen support, best equipment and an experienced team makes the Flash™ Expedition so successful and allows an ascent within only 3 weeks. Furtenbach Adventures is the only tour operator achieving such a short expedition duration besides minimising risk. Through our state-of-the-art expedition preparation we change the world of high-altitude mountaineering.

Lhotse is the fourth hightest mountain in the world (8.516m) and as Everest’s neighbor just missing the top-3 podium. Nevertheless, the number four has an impressive height and is definitely not for the fain-hearted, but those who are looking for an outstanding adventure.

The Lhotse has three summits: Lhotse Main (8. 516m), Lhotse Shar (8. 383m) and Lhotse Middle or East (8. 413m). From Lhotse and its secondary peak Lhotse Shar over 3,000 m (!) high rock walls drop in southern direction. Due to the enormous difference in altitude and the extreme height, these walls range among the most difficult and dangerous in the world.

But that shouldn’t discourage us at all, because on the one hand we don’t have to climb them and on the other hand this might be our only chance to see one of the steepest walls in the world from above!

Adventure Factor brave
Experience / Emotion lifechanging
Fitness / Struggle challenging
Risk demanding
Comfort expedition style

Highlights:

  • Fourth highest mountain worldwide
  • Shortened duration of the expedition (3 weeks only)
  • Part of the Everest route
  • Usage of the well appointed infrastructure of Khumbutal, Everest basecamp and route
  • Oxygen package, personal Sherpa
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • The Lhotse Flash™ expedition is exclusively available at Furtenbach Adventures, no other operator reaches the 3-week mark.

Trip dates:

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

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

Preparation:

In order to enable an expedition in such a short time frame, appropriate preparation is vital. The preparation starts with an individual consultation talk, where goals and training topics are defined. Every member must have comprehensive mountain experience in high altitudes. Fitness and mental resilience must be trained intensively during the months prior to the expedition. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of careful acclimatization. This will take place at the members home via hypoxic tents: every member will receive an individual training schedule and will be acclimatized in 4-8 weeks to a altitude of around 7000m. As a result, most of the risky and exhausting acclimatization ascents can be skipped and the total duration of the expedition can be limited to 4 weeks. If you have any questions, read our FAQs or contact us directly.

The following schedule is planned:

Due to the complex logistics of this expedition, there may be changes to the planned itinerary during the trip. The exact itinerary depends on the weather, snow conditions, the progress of insurance work on the route and the timetable of other groups in order to avoid potential traffic jams as far as possible. For a successful ascent, in addition to the basic conditions created by us such as oxygen supply, sherpasupport, base camp, route, high camp etc., a large portion of luck, good weather, condition, ability and mental strength of the members are required.

The expedition can be extended, if the conditions require it and the members wish this and bear the additional costs incurred. We move in a very remote, politically highly sensitive area where official or environmental restrictions of our freedom of movement must be reckoned with at any time.

Day 1 - 8: Arrival and climbing 6000er

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Everyone gets to know each other in the hotel garden. Excitement and anticipation for the coming experience is in the air. You can feel the pride that surrounds us to be one of the few to be part of such a project.

Day 02: Helicopter flight to Syangboche above Namche and overnight stay in nearby Khumjung at about 3750m. During the flight we will have wonderful views of the surrounding rocky mountains of the Himalayas.

Day 03-08: Acclimatization at Island Peak and/or Lobuche or Mera Peak. Acclimatization mountain will be selected according to conditions. Trekking to and climbing of the respective mountain.

Day 09 - 21: Mount Everest Basecamp and ascent time Lhotse

Day 09: Helicopter flight to Everest Base Camp (5,330m) from where we will prepare and plan our ascent to Lhotse.

Day 10-21: Within these days we will reach the summit of Lhotse. The advantage is that we will only have to go through the Khumbu icefall once during the ascent and descent, since we have already acclimatized on a six-thousand-meter peak and thus do not need any further acclimatization rotations on Everest. We wait for the right weather window for our first summit attempt. In doing so, we skip Camp 1, so we will need 4 days for the ascent and 2 days for the descent. From Camp 2 (6,400m) oxygen will be available to us. In Camp 3 (7.160m) and 4 (8.000m) we can also sleep with oxygen.

Farewell, return and journey home

check_circle_outline  What is Included:

  • All organisation for the expedition
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 3 nights in an upscale hotel in Kathmandu in a single room
  • helicopter flights
  • All transfers (according to the program)
  • Full board for the duration of the whole trip (in Kathmandu only breakfast)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Double rooms on stop-overs during our trip to the mountain
  • Baggage transport to the base camp and back (40kg per baggage piece per member)
  • 1 tent per member at the base camp
  • 1 tent per two members during the approach and for the high camp
  • A mat for the approach and the base camp
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • All the fixing material for the route
  • Use of the fixed ropes along the route
  • Transport of waste back from the base camp
  • High altitude porters and climbing Sherpa (1:1 Sherpa client ratio on the summit day)
  • Hypoxic tent and generator for up to 8 weeks prior to expedition
  • Oxygen package provided by Summit Oxygen with a rental mask & regulator
  • Insurance and equipment for the Nepalese staff
  • Emergency oxygen
  • Pharmaceutical travel kit, high altitude emergency medicine, pulsoxymeter
  • Kitchen crew
  • A comfortable, heated common tent, shower tent, etc. at the base camp
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Radio transmitter for each member
  • All fees & permits
  • weather reports
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  What is not included:

  • International flights from/to Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Shipping costs for high altitude generator and tent outside of the EU and US
  • Personal medication
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bags for the base camp and high camp
  • Fees for satellite phones, emails
  • Summit bonus for personal summit Sherpa
  • Every service that is not named in the “included services”

Why Flash™?

One of the main reasons for a failed climb of a high summit is the long acclimatization time at the mountain. The repeated ascents and descents, the threat of catching an infection at the base camp, where many people must live in a very crowded space, robs many climbers the energy even before the actual climb has started.

To raise the chances of success, we begin with the acclimatization process via hypoxic tents at the members’ home, 6-8 weeks prior to our actual departure to Nepal. Those tents are going to be set up by our experts and under their supervision, the expedition members body will slowly be acclimatized to a height that is equivalent to around 7000m. Furtenbach Adventures is using hypoxic tents since almost two decades and we have a long experience with the means of acclimatization for high altitude mountaineering.

In 2016, our team was the first successful Everest expedition, where all members where pre-acclimatized with hypoxic tents. This decreased the time we had to acclimatize at the mountain significantly, before we could start our ascent to the summit. After reaching the summit, we were also the only team that was able to descend in one go to Camp 2. This higher performance capacity contributes largely to the safety aspect, thanks to proper pre-acclimatization.

These special preparations, combined with small groups, best oxygen-support, the latest equipment, an experienced team (some of our Sherpas have climbed Mount Everest up to 19 times) and our vast organizational experiences allow a total expedition duration of only 21 days. So far, we are the only operator at Manaslu that can offer such a short period without increasing any risks.

Since decades, the fundamental techniques, equipment, high-altitude medicine and weather forecasts have been developed over time. The climbing tactics however have remained the same as they were in the 1970s. We are about to change that by providing a modern climbing alternative which meets the current state of the art and respects the general principles of safety.

As oxygen system, we rely on Summit Oxygen, the latest, lightest and most reliable of all systems on the market. Our members will receive special regulators that have been customized for us and are able to deliver more oxygen than common regulators. An oxygen flow rate of up to 8 liters / minute is possible. Unlimited oxygen will be available from Camp 2 in sufficient quantities.

info  General

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization.

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own 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.

language  Entry Requirements

Passport and Visa Regulations

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

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.

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.

work  Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailled program, all high camp equipment will be provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition shoes, an isolated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 20 to -25 degrees celsius for the high camp. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty/ Technique

The ascent always lies in the member‘s personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Members must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that members adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each member must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.
For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the detailed program, the following is required of members: independent getting on and off the fixed ropes on cliffs, snow, ice and firn snow slopes, as well as the independent use of crampons and ice axes in mixed terrain. On climbing passages, as well as very dangerous and exposed places, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity  Physical fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. Mental training is also advised for this very challenging expedition. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each member undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

landscape  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of an eight-thousander! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in our eight-thousander expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on 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!

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

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

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

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

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