What documents and permits are required to climb in the Himalayas?

Requirements vary by country: a standard tourist visa for Nepal, a climbing permit issued for each peak by Nepal's Department of Tourism, a Tibet Travel Permit and an Aliens' Travel Permit alongside a Chinese visa for a Tibetan peak, and a permit from the Gilgit-Baltistan Council for any ascent above 6500 m in Pakistan. For Kun in India (Ladakh), a specific permit is required for certain areas near the border. Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check with the relevant authority for each destination and with your own country's consulate before booking. Permit paperwork is handled on your behalf, but a passport valid for several months beyond the return date is required.

How much do climbing permits cost for an 8000-metre peak in Nepal?

Fees are set by the Nepalese government and vary by peak, season and group size. Since 2025, the Everest royalty has been set at $15,000 per foreign climber for the spring season; other 8000 m peaks follow their own scale, generally lower. Verified on 07/08/2026 against Nepalese government sources and specialist press; these amounts are revised periodically.

What are the administrative specifics for climbing from the Tibetan (north) side?

Climbing from the Tibetan side requires a Chinese visa, a Tibet Travel Permit, an Aliens' Travel Permit and a climbing permit issued by the China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA). The CTMA requires a full medical file and a certificate of a previous ascent at an altitude close to the target peak (no more than 1000 m lower). Permit costs generally range between $25,000 and $40,000 depending on the peak.

What formalities apply to an expedition in Pakistan's Karakoram?

Any ascent above 6500 m in Pakistan requires a permit from the Gilgit-Baltistan Council, with a royalty that increases with the altitude of the target peak. A trekking permit for regulated areas and a waste-management fee for peaks within Central Karakoram National Park also apply. These amounts are revised periodically by the Pakistani authorities.

How is acute mountain sickness prevented and recognised during an expedition?

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is prevented through gradual acclimatisation, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle, with adaptation stages before each move to higher altitude. Early symptoms (headache, nausea, insomnia) should be taken seriously and can require halting the ascent. A supporting treatment such as acetazolamide may be prescribed by a doctor, but never replaces acclimatisation paced to each individual. Weather routing and a medical hotline accompany every expedition.

What insurance is essential for a very high-altitude expedition in the Himalayas?

Insurance specifically covering search, rescue and evacuation costs in the mountains is essential; evacuation at very high altitude relies on helicopter where the operating ceiling allows, otherwise on ground portage. Many standard travel insurance policies, particularly those linked to a bank card, exclude these costs, so checking the policy wording before departure is essential. Medical repatriation cover is also recommended for Nepal, Pakistan and India.

What is the security situation in the areas these expeditions pass through (Nepal, Pakistan, Ladakh)?

The security situation may vary between countries and regions. For more than 30 years, we have safely led expeditions across the Himalaya and Karakoram thanks to our extensive field experience, trusted local partners, and continuous monitoring of local conditions. Every itinerary is reviewed before departure and adapted whenever necessary.

What mountaineering experience is expected before attempting a peak above 7000 metres?

High-altitude mountaineering experience is expected before attempting a 7000 m Himalayan peak: use of an ice axe and crampons, roped travel, and nights spent at altitude camps on previous treks or climbs. Each programme's technical grade (from easy to difficult) gives a first indication of the level required. Any doubt about your level should be discussed with the organising team before booking.

Do you need to have already climbed an 8000 m peak before attempting Everest?

It depends on the side chosen. On the Tibetan side, the CTMA requires a certificate of a previous ascent at an altitude close to Everest's. On the Nepalese side, a new regulation that took effect in 2026 makes the permit conditional on a prior ascent of a Nepalese peak above 7000 m. Verified on 07/08/2026; this recent regulation may still evolve.

What do the technical grades (easy, fairly difficult, difficult) shown on each programme mean?

These labels follow the French alpine grading scale (PD for “peu difficile”/easy, AD for “assez difficile”/fairly difficult, D for “difficile”/difficult), which rates the technical engagement of the terrain (slope, exposure, rock or glacier sections) independently of altitude. An 8000 m peak graded PD remains a physically extreme expedition even where the technical terrain is moderate.

Is a medical certificate required to register for an expedition?

A medical certificate of fitness for exertion at altitude is required before departure, and some permit authorities (such as the CTMA on the Tibetan side) require a full medical file dated within the last three months. A cardiology check-up and a specialist mountain-medicine opinion are recommended for projects above 7000 m.

Which Himalayan zones does the catalogue cover, and how do you choose between them?

The catalogue covers peaks in Nepal (most of the 8000 m and 7000 m summits, including Everest's south side), Tibet (Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Everest's north side), Pakistan (K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and II, Nanga Parbat, in the Karakoram) and India, in Ladakh (Kun, at 7077 m). The choice depends on the technical level targeted, access logistics (permits are longer and more expensive on the Tibetan and Pakistani sides) and the desired season.

What is the best season to attempt a Himalayan summit?

Most expeditions take place in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), outside the monsoon. The exact choice depends on the peak and the side climbed: the guaranteed departure dates shown on each programme reflect the windows selected for that route.

How long does a Himalayan expedition typically last?

Durations observed in the catalogue range from 29 days for a technical 7000 m peak to 63 days for the most demanding 8000 m peaks, including approach, acclimatisation and altitude rotations. A 6000-7000 m peak with more direct access can be completed in three to five weeks.

What budget should you plan for a Himalayan expedition?

In the observed sample, listed prices range from around €11,500 for a 7000 m peak in Nepal to around €59,000 for Everest's north side in Tibet, with the Tibetan side and the most expensive permits (K2, Kangchenjunga) pulling the range upward. These figures reflect the programmes currently listed and may not cover the full catalogue, since some expeditions only appear after clicking “Load more”.

Is the international flight included in the listed price?

No, the international flight is not included in the listed prices for any Himalayan expedition in the catalogue observed, regardless of the country.

What is generally included and excluded from the price of a Himalayan expedition?

The listed price generally covers logistics organisation, guiding, climbing permits and on-mountain services (portering, camps, altitude sherpas depending on the programme). Left to the participant: the international flight, personal technical gear, search-rescue-evacuation insurance and, in some cases, supplementary oxygen or a personal sherpa. The exact breakdown varies by programme and is detailed on each technical sheet.

What supervision (guides, sherpas, medical support) is provided during the expedition?

Expeditions are led by French and local expedition leaders and guides experienced in high altitude, supported in Nepal by sherpa teams whose quality is central to the safety and comfort of the climb. Personalised weather routing and a 24-hour medical hotline accompany every programme. Group sizes generally range from 1 to 10 participants depending on the peak.

Can an expedition be privatised, or can you go with a very small group?

Several programmes list groups open from as few as one or two people, and a private or custom-built option allows an expedition to be organised among friends or solo with support, outside the fixed group departure dates. The exact terms (surcharge, lead time) depend on the peak and are discussed at the quote stage.

What sets these Himalayan expeditions apart, and what is the environmental commitment on these summits?

Access to fourteen peaks above 8000 m and to summits still unclimbed sets this catalogue apart, with Franco-Nepalese high-altitude leadership recognised in the field. On the environmental side, permit royalties include waste-management fees, notably within Central Karakoram National Park in Pakistan, and local authorities' protocols (waste management, access quotas) are followed on every route.

15 expeditions found

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Expeditions over 8000 meters

Alpinisime expédition au Manaslu au Népal

Ascension du Manaslu à l'auomne au Népal

Himalayas

Climb Manaslu at 8163 meters in Nepal

For many mountaineers, the mythical 8000-meter mark is a goal, the dream of a lifetime. Our Manaslu expedition offers the best possible chance of success. Its relatively low technical difficulty…

Duration: 45 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Little Difficult (PD)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Guaranteed next departure on 31/08/2026

price from€23,000

International flight not included

Ascension du Cho Oyu à 8188 mètres par le versant tibétain

Himalayas

Climb Cho Oyu at 8188 meters in Tibet

Cho Oyu, first 8000er. The sixth highest peak on the planet, Cho Oyu (8188 m) is the ideal summit to climb among the fourteen 8000ers or as a good test before going higher.

Duration: 44 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Little Difficult (PD)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Guaranteed next departure on 31/08/2026

price from€40,500

International flight not included

Himalayas

Climb Lhotse at 8516 meters in Nepal

Lhotse (8516 m), the fourth highest peak on the planet, is often overlooked. It represents a major objective for any mountaineer wishing to climb several 8000-meter peaks. The ascent route is the…

Duration: 60 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Difficult (D)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Guaranteed next departure on 01/04/2027

price from€52,500

International flight not included

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Ascension du Dhaulagiri à 8167 mètres au Népal

Himalayas

Climb Dhaulagiri at 8167 meters in Nepal

We set off to climb Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest peak on the planet. A beautiful route, along the northern ridge, fairly direct, but technical due to the steepness of the slopes. The ascent of the…

Duration: 52 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Difficult (D)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Guaranteed next departure on 04/04/2027

price from€31,000

International flight not included

Himalayas

Climb Kangchenjunga at 8586 meters in Nepal

Here we are on the slopes of Kangchenjunga, the third highest peak on the planet at 8586 metres, a real challenge for seasoned mountaineers. The route is very demanding and requires a great deal of…

Duration: 63 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Difficult (D)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Guaranteed next departure on 04/04/2027

price from€54,500

International flight not included

Himalayas

Climb Shishapangma at 8027 meters in Tibet

The Shishapangma (8013 meters) is the only summit over 8000 meters entirely located in Tibet and the first peak to exceed the fateful bar of 8000 meters. Its isolation in the middle of communist…

Duration: 44 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Little Difficult (PD)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Guaranteed next departure on 08/04/2027

price from€40,500

International flight not included

Ascension du Makalu cinquième 8000 de la planète au Népal

Alpinisme au Makalu à 8485 mètres au Népal

Ascension du Makalu à 8485 mètres au Népal

Himalayas

Climb Makalu at 8485 meters in Nepal

For this extraordinary adventure, the ascent of Makalu to 8485 meters, we are guided in a small group by a mountain guide highly experienced at high altitude. "Makalu, a magnificent pyramid isolated…

Duration: 51 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Difficult (D)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Guaranteed next departure on 10/04/2027

price from€35,000

International flight not included

Ascension du Broad Peak au Pakistan en juillet 2024

Himalayas

Climb Broad Peak at 8047 meters in Pakistan

We attempt to climb Broad Peak, the twelfth highest peak on earth, at a slightly higher technical level than the ascent of Gasherbrum II. The direct route to the summit avoids spending a long time in…

Duration: 43 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Fairly Difficult (AD)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Guaranteed next departure on 13/06/2027

price from€35,500

International flight not included

Ascension de l'Annapurna à 8091 mètres au Népal

Himalayas

Climb Annapurna at 8091 meters in Nepal

We are off to climb Annapurna, 8091 meters above sea level. The ascent of the tenth highest peak on the planet is for experienced mountaineers, well aware of the risks in the Himalayas. The ascent of…

Duration: 44 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Difficult (D)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Next departure on 24/03/2027

price from€44,500

International flight not included

Ascension du K2 à 8611 mètres au Pakistan

Himalayas

Climb K2 at 8611 meters in Pakistan

We set off on the slopes of K2 “the wild mountain”, the second highest summit on earth and the culmination of a career as a Himalayan climber. This expedition has all the hallmarks of the ultimate…

Duration: 53 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Difficult (D)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Next departure: ask us

price from€39,500

International flight not included

Himalayas

Climb Gasherbrum II at 8034 meters in Pakistan

We attempt to climb Gasherbrum II, or K4, the thirteenth highest peak on earth. Technically a little more difficult than Cho Oyu, but less exposed to objective risks. Its main attraction lies in its…

Duration: 43 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Little Difficult (PD)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Next departure: ask us

price from€35,500

International flight not included

Himalayas

Climb Gasherbrum I at 8080 meters in Pakistan

We set off to climb Gasherbrum I (8080 m), or K5, the eleventh highest peak on earth. Better known as Hidden Peak, due to its position at the bottom of the Baltoro glacier, hidden behind Gasherbrum…

Duration: 43 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Fairly Difficult (AD)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Next departure: ask us

price from€35,500

International flight not included

Expédition lors de l'ascension de l'Everest nord

Himalayas

Climb mount Everest at 8849 meters North Tibet side

Here we set off on the ultimate expedition, the one many dream of completing: climbing the roof of the world via the Tibetan side, a mythical route on which the British launched no less than seven…

Duration: 60 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Fairly Difficult (AD)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Next departure: ask us

price from€59,000

International flight not included

Himalayas

Climb Nanga Parbat at 8126 meters in Pakistan

We set off to climb Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain on earth. It is the only summit over 8000 meters high to be climbed from a completely different side and by a completely different route…

Duration: 49 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Difficult (D)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Next departure: ask us

price from€37,500

International flight not included

Ascension de l'Everest sud et montée au sommet

Sommet de l'expédition au col sud de l'Everest

Himalayas

Climb mount Everest at 8849 meters South Nepal side

We are off to climb the roof of the world at 8848 meters on its southern Nepalese side. The route follows the one successfully climbed in May 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, and…

Duration: 60 days

Physical difficulty:Extreme

Expedition:Exclusive

Technical difficulty:Climbing - Fairly Difficult (AD)

Activity:Mountaineering

Group size:from 1 to 10 participants

Next departure: ask us

price from€65,000

International flight not included

Frequently asked questions to prepare your trip en Expeditions over 8000 meters

What is an 8000 meter challenge?

THe expedition goes over 8000 meters

Yorick Vion au sommet de l'Everest à 8848 mètres

Climbs above 8000 meters

Expeditions to peaks over 8000 meters, Everest climb from the Nepalese and Tibetan sides, Manaslu, Cho Oyu...

Expeditions Unlimited guides you on the climb of mount Everest (8848 m), the world's highest mountain and often the goal for most high-altitude mountaineers. It can be climbed from either the southern Nepalese side or the northern Tibetan side. But we also offer the other 13 peaks over 8000 meters: expeditions to climb your first 8000, such as Manaslu (8163 m) in Nepal, Cho Oyu (8188 m) or Shishapangma (8027 m) in Tibet, Broad Peak (8047 m) and Gasherbrum II (8034 m) in Pakistan. In a second category of difficulty and engagement, we propose the climb of Makalu (8485 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and Lhotse (8516 m) in Nepal, and Gasherbum I (8080 m) in Pakistan. And for the more experienced, the climb of Annapurna (8091 m) and Kangchenjunga (8586 m) in Nepal, K2 (8611 m) and Nanga Parbat (8126 m) in Pakistan.

All 8000 climbs require extensive mountaineering experience and, for the most part, an expertise in rock, glacier and mixed mountaineering techniques. The strategy of acclimatization to the hypoxia of high altitude becomes one of the keys to success. These expeditions are supervised by recognized and experienced French and local expedition leaders. Each mountaineer has his own selected guide. On each of these expeditions, we offer personalized weather forecast services and a H24 medical hotline. Together, we build your route to your first 8000 meters. We offer refresher and advanced mountaineering courses in our Adventure School, as well as an unrivalled range of expeditions to 5000, 6000 and 7000-meter peaks, enabling you to progress serenely towards the expedition of a lifetime.

Our participants’ reviews

Global rating: (3 reviews)

09/04/2025

Himalayas Climb Makalu at 8485 meters in Nepal

We left in April May 2024 for the French base camp of Makalu (8483 m) and we climbed this summit on May 12, 2024 (the only French people in 2024) The ...

François-Paul E.

22/12/2022

Himalayas Climb Manaslu at 8163 meters in Nepal

Of course, any amateur aspiring to climb an 8000 can book with a Nepalese agency, as it's cheaper. I didn't make that choice, preferring to go with Ex...

Patrick B.

04/12/2021

Expeditions Unlimited has become the reference agency in France for major Himalayan ascents. It relies on serious upstream preparation with Iffremont,...

Jérôme P.

Climbs above 8000 meters

Expeditions to peaks over 8000 meters, Everest climb from the Nepalese and Tibetan sides, Manaslu, Cho Oyu...

All our climbs over 8000 meters in Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan

Our participants’ reviews

15 expeditions found

Himalayas

Climb Manaslu at 8163 meters in Nepal

Himalayas

Climb Cho Oyu at 8188 meters in Tibet

Himalayas

Climb Lhotse at 8516 meters in Nepal

CAN’T FIND THE EXPEDITION
OF YOUR DREAMS?

Himalayas

Climb Dhaulagiri at 8167 meters in Nepal

Himalayas

Climb Kangchenjunga at 8586 meters in Nepal

Himalayas

Climb Shishapangma at 8027 meters in Tibet

Himalayas

Climb Makalu at 8485 meters in Nepal

Himalayas

Climb Broad Peak at 8047 meters in Pakistan

Himalayas

Climb Annapurna at 8091 meters in Nepal

Himalayas

Climb K2 at 8611 meters in Pakistan

Himalayas

Climb Gasherbrum II at 8034 meters in Pakistan

Himalayas

Climb Gasherbrum I at 8080 meters in Pakistan

Himalayas

Climb mount Everest at 8849 meters North Tibet side

Himalayas

Climb Nanga Parbat at 8126 meters in Pakistan

Himalayas

Climb mount Everest at 8849 meters South Nepal side

Frequently asked questions to prepare your trip en Expeditions over 8000 meters

What is an 8000 meter challenge?

Activity

Explore other mountaineering expeditions

Climbs above 8000 meters

Expeditions to peaks over 8000 meters, Everest climb from the Nepalese and Tibetan sides, Manaslu, Cho Oyu...

All our climbs over 8000 meters in Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan

Our participants’ reviews

15 expeditions found

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

CAN’T FIND THE EXPEDITIONOF YOUR DREAMS?

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Himalayas

Frequently asked questions to prepare your trip en Expeditions over 8000 meters

What is an 8000 meter challenge?

Activity

Explore other mountaineering expeditions

CAN’T FIND THE EXPEDITION
OF YOUR DREAMS?