• Are You Lhotse-Ready?

    The CTSS Expedition Readiness Test

  • At 8,516 meters (27,940 ft), Lhotse is the world’s fourth-highest mountain and one of the great 8,000-meter expeditions of the Himalaya. Sharing much of its route with Everest through the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, and Lhotse Face, Lhotse demands the same serious preparation for extreme altitude, technical terrain, and weeks of expedition life before climbers take on its steep upper mountain.

    We do not accept climbers without a well-rounded resume of climbing experience. If you are unsure whether you have the requisite experience, we can help answer your questions and create a custom progression for you.

    Our CTSS Lhotse Readiness Test will help you measure where you stand across the six areas that matter most: fitness and endurance, technical skills, big mountain experience, expedition mindset, gear systems, and your No D*ckheads factor.

    Instructions: 

    • For Sections 1 - 5, rate yourself on each statement from 1 (Not at all true) to 5 (Absolutely true).

    • For Section 6 (Pre-Requisites & Experience), check all that apply. Each selection adds points toward your total. In addition, please add addition details about your experience below so we can make recommendations tailored to you. 

    • Your answers will be scored automatically, giving you a result out of 100 points and showing which category you fall into.

  • Section 1: Fitness & Endurance

    Lhotse is a serious 8,000-meter expedition requiring an extremely high level of fitness. No trick, technique, or technology can make up for a lack of fitness on the mountain. You need to simulate long physical days; traditional gym routines aren't enough; your training has to mirror the mountain.g.

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  • Section 1: Fitness & Endurance

    Lhotse requires proven confidence with crampons, fixed lines, and mixed terrain. The Khumbu Icefall, Lhotse Face, and steep upper mountain demand technical competency, not just familiarity.

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  • Section 3: Expedition Mindset

    You will spend 6–8 weeks on Lhotse, far from home and in a sustained, high-altitude expedition environment. Patience, adaptability, and psychological resilience are not optional. The mountain decides the schedule, and there is no rushing it. Success is about flexibility, positivity, and remembering that the summit is never guaranteed.

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  • Section 4: Gear Systems

    At 8,000 meters, every system has to work. Your boots, down suit, glove setup, and layering system must be tested and dialed before you arrive. Gear failures at altitude can end a climb or cause serious injury.

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  • Section 5: No D*ckheads Factor

    Weeks at altitude will test even the strongest relationships. Lhotse is no place for egos. The best teams operate with humility, mutual support, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed.

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  • Section 6: Big Mountain Experience:

    Lhotse is a serious 8,000-meter undertaking, and previous big-mountain experience is required to ensure you'll be safe and successful.

    Check all that apply:

  • I have completed an Ecuador Volcanoes program (Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and/or Chimborazo) or climbed other large glaciated peaks that involve extensive cramponing and rope team travel.*
  • I have climbed Denali, Vinson, or an equivalent lengthy high-altitude expedition that requires weeks in a tent at altitudes of 16,500 ft / 5,000 m.*
  • I have climbed Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, or an equivalent 7,000-meter (or more) peak to gain experience at extreme altitudes.*

  • Ready to see your score?

    Enter your email address below to unlock your Everest Readiness results, along with a personalized plan for your next steps.

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