Lhakpa Ri: Your First Step Into the Himalaya

For anyone who’s thought about climbing Everest someday, the north side of Tibet holds a lot of curiosity. The road to base camp, the feel of the mountain, the exposure to altitude — it’s all part of the Everest experience. But there’s another peak, standing right next door, that gives you that same exposure without the full Everest commitment: Lhakpa Ri.

The Everest Experience Without the Everest Price Tag

Our Lhakpa Ri Rapid Ascent follows the same itinerary as our Everest expeditions right up to the foot of the mountain. You’ll fly into Tibet, drive across the plateau, and reach the iconic North Side Base Camp of Everest. From there, instead of moving up the North Col and higher onto Everest, we set our sights on Lhakpa Ri (23,113 ft / 7,045 m) — an achievable 7,000-meter peak that rises directly across the glacier.

The climb is challenging but accessible. You’ll use crampons, an ice axe, and fixed lines, all under the close guidance of our IFMGA-certified guides. For anyone considering Everest down the line, Lhakpa Ri is the perfect way to see if the Himalayan environment and climbing style fit what you’re looking for.

A True Himalayan Summit

While it’s a logical “warmup” to Everest, Lhakpa Ri is a worthy objective in its own right. At over 23,000 feet, it offers everything you’d expect from a Himalayan peak: stunning ridgelines, sweeping glaciers, and a true sense of scale. It’s one of the few 7,000-meter summits that can be climbed directly from an established base camp, which makes it both efficient and rewarding.

Skiing Lhakpa Ri

For strong ski mountaineers, Lhakpa Ri also offers a rare opportunity: skiing from 7,000 meters. Conditions vary, but when it lines up, you can ski a Himalayan face with Everest towering across the valley. It’s one of the most unique ski descents on the planet, and it adds an entirely different layer to the expedition.

Why Lhakpa Ri Works

• Everest base camp experience: You’ll see and feel exactly what life is like on the north side.
• Efficient itinerary: Our Rapid Ascent approach, with pre-acclimatization at home, keeps the trip short and focused.
• Versatility: Whether your long-term goal is Everest or you just want a big Himalayan peak, Lhakpa Ri delivers.
• Optional ski mountaineering: For advanced skiers, it’s one of the most extraordinary lines in the world.

The Takeaway

Lhakpa Ri sits in the shadow of Everest, but it deserves its own spotlight. It’s a serious climb at 23,000 feet, an introduction to Himalayan logistics, and a chance to see what it really feels like to live and climb in Tibet. For anyone curious about Everest — or anyone simply looking for a high, beautiful, and challenging peak — Lhakpa Ri is the right place to start.

Get in touch with our team to learn more.