A Chinese mountaineering team operating under 8K Expeditions has successfully summited Mount Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest mountain, just two days after climbing Mount Everest. The remarkable back-to-back ascent was completed on May 22, marking one of the season’s notable high-altitude achievements in the Himalayas. According to Lakpa Sherpa, the China Dingfeng Team first summited Everest on May 20 before immediately continuing their push toward Lhotse, reaching the summit in the early hours of May 22.
Extraordinary Endurance at Extreme Altitude
Expedition officials described the achievement as a powerful demonstration of endurance, discipline, teamwork, and determination under some of the harshest climbing conditions on Earth. From the Khumbu Icefall to the steep summit ridge of Lhotse, climbers faced difficult terrain, freezing temperatures, and the physical strain of operating continuously above 8,000 meters. The successful double ascent highlighted the team’s resilience and coordination during consecutive summit pushes on two of the world’s tallest mountains.
Chinese Team and Nepali Climbers Reach Summit Together
The Chinese team that successfully reached the summit of Lhotse included:
- Tian Yungui
- Zhang Xuchai
- Zhao Meilin
- Fu Jiaming
Chinese Team were accompanied by an experienced Nepali climbing team consisting of:
- Pema Chhiring Sherpa
- Dawa Ongju Sherpa
- Mingma Dorchee Sherpa
- Dawa Nurbu Sherpa
- Nang Tenzi Sherpa
Pema Chhiring Sherpa Adds Another Milestone
Leading the expedition on both Everest and Lhotse was veteran guide Pema Chhiring Sherpa, who recently made history by becoming the only IFMGA-certified mountain guide in the world to summit Everest 25 times.
According to Tulsi Gurung, no other IFMGA-certified guide among more than 7,000 certified guides across 28 countries has climbed Everest more times than Pema Chhiring.
Originally from Gaurishankar Rural Municipality in Dolakha district, Pema first climbed Everest at the age of 17 in 2001. He later received mountaineering training from the Nepal Mountaineering Association in 2009 and achieved IFMGA certification in 2018.
Dawa Ongju Sherpa’s Remarkable Climbing Record
The expedition also featured veteran climber Dawa Ongju Sherpa, who has built an extraordinary Himalayan climbing career. According to expedition officials, Dawa Ongju has successfully summited 45 peaks above 8,000 meters, along with 88 ascents of 6,000- and 7,000-meter mountains across Nepal, China, and Pakistan.
Historic Moment for Himalayan Mountaineering
The back-to-back Everest-Lhotse success is being celebrated as a major accomplishment in the 2026 spring climbing season. Mountaineering experts note that completing consecutive climbs on Everest and Lhotse requires exceptional acclimatization, physical endurance, and mental strength due to prolonged exposure to extreme altitude. The successful expedition also reflects the growing collaboration between Chinese climbers and Nepali expedition operators in Himalayan mountaineering.
Team Safely Descending to Base Camp
According to 8K Expeditions, all climbers are currently descending safely toward Base Camp following the successful summits. Expedition organizers congratulated the team for completing the rare double ascent and praised the efforts of the Sherpa guides and support staff who played a crucial role throughout the expedition.
