Why Many Climbers Attempt Both Summits
Lhotse is the 4th highest mountain in the world, and it sits right next to the Mount Everest summit. In fact, they share the same route up to Camp 3. Many ambitious climbers now attempt a 'double summit' on a single expedition.
Because the permit for Lhotse is cheaper and the route is shared, it makes logistical sense to climb both. You use the same Base Camp, the same Icefall route, and the same acclimatization schedule on your Mount Everest expedition.
The routes split at the Yellow Band. While Everest climbers head left to the South Col, Lhotse climbers head right up a steep, narrow couloir. It is arguably a steeper technical challenge than the upper slopes of Everest.
Climbing two 8,000m peaks back-to-back requires immense stamina. Most climbers summit Everest first, return to the South Col, and then attempt Lhotse the next day. It is the ultimate test of high-altitude endurance.
If you are strong enough, tagging two 8,000m peaks in one week is the pinnacle of Himalayan mountaineering.
