de
Adventures menu Adventures menu

Mount Everest South

“We knocked the bastard off.” – Edmund Hillary after first ascent of Mount Everest

Everest from south (Nepal, south col)

So much has already been written and continues to be written about it. Good and bad, fascinating, cautionary, electrifying, odd, disturbing, and interesting. You can think what you want, but it is and remains the mother of all mountains. It’s the mountain whose history of ascents is unsurpassed, bursting with drama, madness and heroics. The playground for the top climbers of our time and the life-long dream of so many climbers from around the world. It‘s not just a mountain. The Everest is a myth. And it makes you a hero.

We are the first western operator to run Mount Everest expeditions from both the North and the South at the same time. With the highest possible safety and quality standards and the comforting ressurance of dealing with a fully licensed and strictly tested Austrian expedition organizer.

Furtenbach Adventures Everest Expeditions

We are offering Everest expeditions in unique style with maximum oxygen and Sherpa support to achieve the greatest amount of security and the highest chances of success. The exclusive spirit of Furtenbach Adventures makes our expeditions a touch different. Maybe even a touch better.

  • We provide 20 years of experience in the organization of expeditions to eight-thousanders in the Himalayas and Karakoram.
  • We provide experienced, state-certified (IFMGA/AMGA) western mountain guides, accompanied with a tried and tested Everest Sherpa team.
  • We provide sherpas to our members who have repeatedly stood on Everest and know 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 lightest oxygen system developed by Summit Oxygen, which is available on the market.
  • We provide each participant with at least 8 bottles of oxygen, more than any other organizer. Thus, our participants can rise at a higher flow rate and sleep with oxygen at Camp 2 and Camp 3, thus conserving energy.
  • Our participants are better acclimatized when they arrive to the mountain because they have already started acclimatizing at home 6 weeks prior to the expedition. The complete high altitude generator equipment including training plan is included in the price and will be delivered to your house and picked up when training is completed. You don’t need to take care of anything.
  • Our participants have to overcome the objectively more dangerous way through the Khumbu Icefall less frequently. Because our group will be acclimatizing at the safe and less demanding Island Peak while our Sherpa team sets up the high camp and route on Mount Everest.
  • We provide one of the most comfortable base camp facilities Mount Everest has ever seen
  • We provide a kitchen team and food which you would not expect at a base camp on a glacial moraine at the end of the world.

But above all, we provide the Furtenbach Adventures promise of quality:

You get more Sherpa support, more oxygen and more comfort than with any other provider. This leads to better recovery, more safety and, ultimately, to higher chances of success. The total travel time can be shortened by pre-acclimatization at home.

→ 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

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

Highlights:

  • 1:1 client to sherpa ratio
  • Minimum 8 bottles of oxygen per client
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • Max. 8:1 client to western mountain guide ratio
  • 2017 success rate 100%
  • 2018 success rate 100% (North)
  • 2019 success rate 100% (North)
  • 2020 Expedition cancelled because of COVID
  • 2021 Expedition cancelled because of COVID
  • 2022 success rate 100% + first CO2 negative Expedition in history – more about our sustainable Expedition
  • 2023 success rate 100% + again we are able to operate a CO2 negative expedition – more about our sustainable Expedition
  • 50% discount on your coached training plan by Uphill Athlete
  • Smallest groups compared to other tour operators for more safety and higher chances of success
  • Including a high altitude tent for pre-acclimatization at home!
  • Shorter expedition duration due to pre-acclimatization
  • Fewer ascents through the Khumbu icefall due to pre-acclimatization
  • Add Lhotse for only € 15.990

Trip dates:

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

The exact schedule on Mount Everest depends on regulatory requirements, the weather and snow conditions as well as the progress of security work along the route. In addition, the schedule of other groups is taken into account in order to avoid any potential traffic jams.

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.

The expedition can be extended if required by the circumstances, as long as the participants wish to do so and are ready to bear the additional costs incurred.

The following schedule is planned: 

1st - 15th day: Arrival and trekking to the basecamp

Day 1: Arrival and get-together at the hotel in Kathmandu
Meet and greet the other participants while enjoying a beer in the hotel gardens. A great adventure awaits us. You can feel the tension rising. Soon we will embark on our journey and already there’s a feeling of pride and grandeur.

Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu
Those who do not yet know Kathmandu will love it. Relax in the comfortable hotel, shop and people watch in Thamel, enjoy the cultural program, or simply soak up the atmosphere. To each his own.

Day 3: Flight to Lukla. One of the most stunning flights worldwide with a beautiful view on the Himalayas.

Day 4-14: Acclimatization at Lobuche. Trekking to and ascent with 2 nights in the summit area. The Sherpa team already starts preparing our high camp on Mount Everest.

Day 15: Trekking to our already prepared base camp on Mount Everest at about 5300m.

16th - 43rd day: Acclimatization and ascent

Days 16–24: Rest days followed by an acclimatization rotation to approximately 7000m with one night in Camp 3 at 7200m.

Days 25–27: Descent to Pangpoche at 3900m in one day, relax, enjoy the air and vegetation for one day, then return to base camp.

Days 28–43: Everest summit push. We are waiting for the right weather window for our first summit attempt. From Basecamp we climb to Camp 1 and further to Camp 2. At Camps 3 and 4, we can also sleep with oxygen. There is plenty of time for a few days of rest and a second try at the summit.

44th - 49th day: Return journey

Days 44–45: Trekking back to Namche.

Day 46: Trekking to Lukla.

Day 47: Flight Lukla – Kathmandu.

Day 48: Kathmandu or extra day in case the flight wasn`t possible due to bad weather .

Day 49: Return travel.

check_circle_outline  What the price includes:

  • All organisation for the expedition
  • 50% discount on your coached training plan by Uphill Athlete
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 3 nights in an upscale hotel in Kathmandu in a single room
  • All transfer
  • Flight Lukla – Kathmandu
  • Full board for the duration of the whole trip (in Kathmandu only breakfast)
  • Drinks during joint meals (alcoholic beverages excluded)
  • Twin rooms on stop-overs during our trip to the mountain
  • Baggage transport to the base camp and back (40kg per baggage piece per participant)
  • 1 tent per participant at the base camp
  • 1 tent per two participants 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
  • „Icefall Doctos“ fee for using the icefall route
  • Transport of waste back from the base camp
  • High altitude porters and climbing Sherpa (1:1 Sherpa client ratio on the summit day)
  • Oxygen package provided by Summit Oxygen with a rental mask & regulator and 8 bottles per participant
  • High altitude generator and tent for 4 weeks prior to the expedition
  • 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 participant
  • All fees & permits
  • weather reports
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  What the price does not include:

  • International Flight to/from Kathmandu (We’ll gladly make you an offer)
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Shipping costs for high altitude generator and tent outside of the EU and US
  • Personal medication
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips
  • Helicopter flight Basecamp – Kathmandu (on request)
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bags for the base camp and high camp
  • Fees for satellite phones, emails
  • Summit bonus for personal summit sherpas

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 participant, 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

Mount Everest 2018, Michael L.

In spring 2018 I had the amazing experience of climbing Mount Everest together with Furtenbach Adventures. In short – it was marvelous. Previous to the trip I have done quite a lot of research on different providers and options. And as you are probably aware, there are many in the market. In retrospective, I must say that it was just fantastic. Lukas Furtenbach and his team are doing an outstanding job. – Pre-trip organization: It was just perfectly organized. There were continuous updates that gave full transparency and clarity on progress and planning. It was just so easy to follow, and not even one moment of doubt or ambiguity. – Pre-acclimatization: The pre-acclimatization at home was definitely worth it. Especially when climbing from the north side, where you arrive in the base camp quite quickly. Nobody of the team had any problems with the altitude. We arrived in basecamp and were extremely fit and felt great! When I looked at other camps the picture was quite worse at some points – lots of suffering and illness. – Base camp: The base camp is just fantastic. The tents are great, ranging from the supreme, heated living room tent, to the cozy dining tent, shower tent, our private sleeping tents – all perfect. The food and kitchen were astonishing. The kitchen team provided excellent food (up to 7000m actually), snacks and drinks were available all the time and everywhere. Like living in a giant supermarket with a personal chef. – Climbing: We were doing 3 rounds in total which shown to be super effective. First round was to ABC (for two days), second to 7300m and third to summit and back. The approach ensured that nobody of the team felt sick at all. While the moving days were given, I was quite happy that everybody was able to walk on his on (slower or faster than the others). There was always a possibility to get accompanied by a Sherpa (or Rupert) which gave us all the feeling of safety and freedom at all times. Overall, it was astonishing. The team is absolute great, super nice, funny and helpful at all times. Rupert (our guide) did an outstanding job – an absolute dream team with the Sherpas. Feel free to contact me in case of questions.


Mount Everest 2018, Dennis M.

Dear Lukas, I would like to send you a very big THANK YOU for making my dream possible. I participated various expeditions during the last years, but I have never seen a better set-up than yours during the 2018 Everest North SIDE Expedition. What you offered was just perfect, professional and safe. I have spent more than seven weeks with your company and team. To be honest there is no single point I could complain about. The entire set-up like equipment, staff, Sherpas, guide, food, hygiene, weather forecast was the best I have seen in any expedition. Staff and Sherpas are always doing the hardest job at the mountain, but what your guys where pulling off was just amazing. The mountain and the surprises mother nature has are hard enough for the rest Furtenbach is a guarantee that things that could be under control, are under control. I always recommend your company to my friends and there would be only one operator for my next expedition, it would be Furtenbach. Thanks a lot!

Mount Everest 2018, Courtney R.

The expedition was so well organized, staffed, and executed that I won’t climb an 8000m peak with any other guide service. It’s tough for me to think about what the Furtenbach team could do better because the expedition was so well done. Most importantly, the guide and Sherpa teams were very, very experienced. I’d argue that they were the most experienced group on the mountain. I noticed right away that they tended to be a bit older, more mature, and had more summits than other teams. The lead Sherpa, Mingma, had summited 22 times and was tied for 2nd most summits ever. Our lead guide, Rupert, had not only climbed Everest solo without oxygen and without Sherpa support but also he performed a harrowing rescue of a snowblind climber 300 feet below the summit. My personal Sherpa partner Renji had 8 summits, and all the Sherpa that partnered with the members had summited before, often from both North and South sides. These are people you want to have around if something unexpected were to happen. Second, the Furtenbach team screens the other members very well. This allowed the team to move and function safely. Naturally, if there is one person on a team struggling or in trouble, then all resources should and do rush to that person to help them. Furtenbach prevents this as best they can by making sure all the members are truly qualified and prepared for the climb – with enough experience and prior summits to safely and successfully climb Everest. It’s important to them not only that they summit each year, but also that every member does so – therefore, they screen members well, and as a result, every member benefits. This is unique and rare and yet of the utmost importance. Finally, the accommodations, camps, and food were amazing. My team joked that we all came back from our Everest climb fatter because Thiren and the kitchen staff made such good food. We ate dinner at a table with armchairs and dessert every night except the 3 to 4 nights above 20,000 feet. Additionally, no one on my team had any GI or stomach issues, which speaks to the high hygiene standards of the kitchen. It’s almost inevitable that each climber will experience GI/stomach issues during an expedition, so the fact that none of us did with Furtenbach speaks volumes of their standards, staff, and quality. I highly encourage my climber friends who want to climb Everest to do so with Furtenbach. A friend who had climbed Everest twice (second time without oxygen) recommended Furtenbach. It’s the best Everest advice I ever received, and I want my friends to be safe and successful.

info  General information

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.

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

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 possibilities

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 participants 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 detailed 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 participant‘s personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Participants 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 participants adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each participant 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 participants: 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. You have to carry your own personal equipment on the mountain, unless an optional personal Sherpa is booked. The porters are available for the group and set up the high camp and insure the route. 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 participant 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. For Everest take a look at our “Getting Ready for Everest“-program!

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 participants 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.