Lhotse
description Lhotse Overview
Lhotse, reaching 8,516 meters (27,940 ft), is connected to Everest via the South Col and is the fourth highest mountain globally. It presents significant technical challenges, particularly on its steep ice walls. Lhotse's prominence is 2,360 meters (7,743 ft). Climbers often use the standard route on Everest, which also allows access to Lhotse.
The first ascent was in 1956 by Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger.
info Lhotse Specifications
| Location | Himalayas, Nepal/Tibet border |
| Elevation | 8,516 m (27,940 ft) |
| Prominence | 2,360 m (7,743 ft) |
| Coordinates | 27°5742N 86°5559E |
| Parent Peak | Mount Everest |
| First Ascent | May 18, 1956 (Fritz Luchsinger, Ernst Reiss) |
| Global Ranking | 4th highest mountain |
| Mountain Range | Mahalangur Himal |
| Standard Route | South Face via Western Cwm and Geneva Spur |
| Climbing Season | May (pre-monsoon window) |
balance Lhotse Pros & Cons
- Fourth highest mountain globally at 8,516m, offering elite prestige for climbers
- Connected to Everest via South Col, allowing combination expeditions and shared logistics
- High prominence of 2,360m ensures standalone peak significance and dramatic views
- Established standard route with proven climbing infrastructure and support systems
- Steep technical ice walls provide advanced climbing challenges for experienced mountaineers
- Part of Mahalangur Himal range with access to world-class Himalayan scenery
- Extreme altitude above 8,500m poses severe health risks including HAPE and HACE
- Technical difficulty on ice walls requires advanced skills and specialized equipment
- Cost of commercial expeditions typically ranges from $30,000-$100,000+
- Short climbing window in May due to monsoon and extreme weather conditions
- Crowding on standard route increases summit congestion and safety risks
- High accident rates comparable to other 8000m peaks
help Lhotse FAQ
How tall is Lhotse and what is its ranking among the world's mountains?
Lhotse stands at 8,516 meters (27,940 feet), making it the fourth highest mountain on Earth after Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga. Its prominence is 2,360 meters.
When was Lhotse first successfully climbed?
Lhotse was first summited on May 18, 1956, by Swiss climbers Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss. The first ascent of the more challenging South Face occurred in 1986.
What is the difficulty level of climbing Lhotse compared to Everest?
While sharing the same massif as Everest and using similar routes to Camp III, Lhotse presents greater technical difficulty due to steeper ice walls and more exposed climbing near the summit.
What is the death rate on Lhotse?
Lhotse has a death rate of approximately 6-7%, comparable to other 8000m peaks. The primary causes are falls, avalanches, and altitude-related illness during the technical descent.
How long does a typical Lhotse expedition take?
A standard Lhotse expedition lasts 60-75 days, including acclimatization rotations, weather waiting periods, and summit attempts. Most climbers spend 3-4 weeks above base camp.
What is Lhotse?
How good is Lhotse?
How much does Lhotse cost?
What are the best alternatives to Lhotse?
What is Lhotse best for?
Experienced mountaineers seeking to conquer an elite 8000m peak with technical challenges while building toward or complementing Everest expeditions.
How does Lhotse compare to Makalu?
Is Lhotse worth it in 2026?
What are the key specifications of Lhotse?
- Location: Himalayas, Nepal/Tibet border
- Elevation: 8,516 m (27,940 ft)
- Prominence: 2,360 m (7,743 ft)
- Coordinates: 27°5742N 86°5559E
- Parent Peak: Mount Everest
- First Ascent: May 18, 1956 (Fritz Luchsinger, Ernst Reiss)
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