Also known as Lhotse II, Lho Tse Shar is a prominent subsidiary peak in the Lhotse mountain range. Ranking as the 11th highest peak on our planet, it reaches a staggering 8,400 meters (27,559 feet) in height. You can find this impressive peak within the Khumjung Village Development Committee's jurisdiction, under the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality in Nepal's Solukhumbu District, Eastern Development Region.
Lho Tse Shar resides in the Khumbu Himalayan Range and stands to the south of the world-renowned Mount Everest. Open to climbing expeditions, it usually takes around 56 days to ascend this challenging summit. Interestingly, the first successful ascent was achieved by Josef Mayerl and Rolf Walter on May 12, 1970.
The most common entry point for an expedition to Lho Tse Shar is a flight into Lukla. The journey from there takes climbers through picturesque locales such as Namche, Khumjung, Dingboche, Chukung, before ultimately reaching the Base Camp. Along with a 39.1 km caravan route via Dingboche, there's a shorter climbing-focused route that measures 12.1 km.
The nearest inhabited area to Lho Tse Shar lies in Dingboche at just 3.8 km away. Meanwhile, Namche houses the closest police station, army barracks, and health post – all situated about 22.1 km from the peak. Tourists will find a dedicated post nearby in Lukla at a distance of roughly 39.1 km.
Royalty fees for venturing up Lho Tse Shar differ depending on one's nationality and which season they choose to climb in. For Nepalese citizens, rates are as follows: Rs. 2,500 during Summer and Winter; Rs. 5,000 in Autumn; and Rs. 10,000 throughout Spring. For foreign climbers, fees amount to $450 in Summer and Winter; $900 in Autumn; and a more substantial $1,800 in Spring.
Playing a vital role in the Everest massif, Lho Tse Shar marks the tallest point of the Everest massif's vast horseshoe-shaped arc. While often overshadowed by its more well-known neighbors and less frequently climbed, due to its unique position and challenging nature, Lho Tse Shar has become a much-desired destination for mountaineers seeking to tackle a less-frequented path in the Himalayas.