Do you fancy one of life's more ultimate challenges, are you fit and willing to push yourself just that little bit further ? Then why not come, join us and commit yourself to this spectacular peak in the mighty Himalayas.
Situated at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier on the Classic Everest Trail, Lobuche Peak Climbing is a stunning example of what the Himalayas are all about, it sits a stone's throw away from the highest rung on the stairway to the heavens and as you would expect, like any caring big brother, mighty Mount Everest is with us all the way on our climb. You do not need to be an experienced mountaineer as you will receive training from our mountain Sherpas. However, you do need to be fit with enough stamina to reach the goal. Some previous experience in the use of crampons would be a bonus, in addition some knowledge in the use of ropes and fixed lines would also be useful. Whilst designated as a trekking peak, Lobuche is a testing climb that needs to be treated with respect.
At an altitude of 6,119 meters (20,075 ft) above sea level, Lobuche Peak is often used as acclimatization and practice by mountaineers before attempting a summit of Everest. It is technically more difficult and more strenuous than Island Peak, the reward is a very special one providing 360 degree out of this world vistas within a sea of white peaks stretching as far as the eye can see.
We begin this epic journey of Everest Base Camp with Lobuche Peak Climbing in the colorful, riotous capital Kathmandu where we have two days to adjust, explore and soak up the culture. A briefing is held to go through the itinerary in more detail and also to make any necessary last minute preparations for the challenge ahead. The fun really begins after boarding our small plane for the 35 minute flight along the spine of the Himalayas to land at Sir Edmund Hillary airstrip at Lukla, carved into the hillside. From here we embark on our journey as we move up the Khumbu Valley to reach our goal. The days are carefully crafted to allow our bodies to fully acclimatize on the way with rest days slotted in.
The Khumbu is a very special place enriched by the unique culture of its inhabitants, the legendary Sherpas. Devout Buddhists the trail to Everest Base Camp is laced with monasteries, chortens and colourful prayer flags. Trek alongside Yaks, Monks and the mountain expeditions heading for Everest and other great peaks. By the time we are at the base of Lobuche Peak Climbing we are more than ready for what is to come, a Himalayan summit experience that often shapes lives for many years to come.
Buzzing and often floating as make our way back down the trail to Lukla and eventually back to Kathmandu for a celebratory party.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Free day for final trekking preparation
Day 03: Kathmandu to Lukla by scenic mountain flight then trek to Phakding (2610m, 4/5 hrs).
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m, 6 hrs)
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche.
Day 06: Namche to Tengboche (3870m, 5/6 hrs)
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m, 6 hrs)
Day 08: Another acclimatization day
Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m, 6 hrs)
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5140m, 7 hrs) then hike to thrilling Everest Base Camp 5364m and back to Gorak Shep for overnight.
Day 11: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5550m), then descend to Lobuche (4940m, 5/6 hrs)
Day 12: Lobuche to Lobuche Peak High Camp (5400 m, 4 hrs)
Day 13: Lobuche Peak high camp to Summit (6119 m) then back to Lobuche (9/10 hrs)
Day 14: Reserve day in case of bad weather
Day 15: Lobuche to Phortse (3930m, 6/7 hrs)
Day 16: Phortse to Namche(3440 m, 5 hrs)
Day 17: Namche to Lukla (2840m, 7 hrs)
Day 18: Lukla to Kathmandu by flight then enjoy with massage final shopping, drinks etc.
Day 19: Departure
Welcome at airport and transfer to your hotel. An introduction to your trekking program then the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the sights, sounds and culture of Kathmandu.
Free day for preparation, team brief, guide meeting etc.
A magical scenic flight takes us to Lukla in the morning, and from there we begin our trek with a hike to the day's first destination, Phakding.
Our day starts by following the Dudh Koshi river and crossing over the Edmund Hillary suspension bridge, then heading towards Sagarmatha National Park and the checkpoint at Monjo. The path ascends markedly until it eventually leads us into Namche Bazaar, the regional capital for the Sherpa district.
A rest day to allow the body to acclimate to the high altitude conditions. Namche is perfect for the situation, as there's plenty to do in the scenic town including visiting Khunde Hospital, the local medical facility set up through Edmund Hillary's charitable work in the area, taking in the panoramas from Everest View Hotel, visiting the Sherpa Cultural Museum, or hiking up to Khumjung Valley and its monastery, complete with the display of its famous Yeti scalp.
The trail leads away from Namche Bazaar through a series of small villages and a suspension bridge en route to Phunki Tenga, then climbs through a series of switchbacks and dense rhododendron forests to Tengboche. The village is famous for its monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region, and justly known for its long association with mountaineering expeditions to the area.
We continue climbing steadily after our departure from Tengboche, making our way through scenic stretches of dense forest and across another of Nepal's ubiquitous suspension bridges until we ascend to Pangboche and hike on towards Sumare. After a pause to take in a meal we head out again on the final stretch to Dingboche, a sizable village noteworthy for its exceptional views of Ama Dablam, Tabuche and Cholatse.
Another mandatory rest day, with hikes to Chhunkung Ri, Nangar Dzong, or Dolma Ri providing ample opportunities to bask in the glorious panoramas of each viewpoint.
With plenty of rest from the previous day our bodies are fully prepared for the next stretch towards Thugla, where we pass numerous cairns and monuments dedicated to the many Sherpas and climbers who have perished on Everest's slopes. Further along on the trail through the barren terrain we come to Khumbu glacier at the foot of the famous mountain and marvel at the terrible beauty and chaos of the inexorable mass of ice. The day finishes up with our arrival at the jumble of buildings that make up the remote human outpost of Lobuche.
Our trek reaches its climax today with the much-anticipated arrival at Everest Base Camp, truly one of the most memorable experiences in Nepal. The morning is spent traversing Khumbu Glacier and heading to Gorak Shep, where we typically pause for a well-deserved meal and the extraordinary views before heading out again for the journey's reward, our arrival at the historic base camp, temporary home through the decades to some of the most legendary figures in the annals of mountaineering. After pausing to drink in the astonishing spectacle, and perhaps view the latest expeditions mounting their challenge, we reluctantly turn around and make our way back to Gorak Shep for our night's rest.
Everest may not be in our reach but Kala Patthar is on hand to give added meaning to the visit via unmatched views of the entire Khumbu basin and a sense of accomplishment in scaling the peak. After returning for breakfast and to retrieve our trekking gear we hit the trail once more for the pronounced descent to Lobuche.
The sense of genuine adventure builds as we work our way up the steep trail and passing by the moraine, we reach High Camp. Once we reach High Camp, our professional expedition Sherpa briefs us regarding climbing gears, safety, duration of climbing and commencing time for the following day.
It is a massive day of our entire trek. Early morning with a full of positive vibes and excitement our hike begins to our final destination of summiting Lobuche Peak. The trail leads a challenging path of ascending through rocky trails along with a view of stunning white Himalayas and shining stars on blue sky we reach to the top. Our dream turns into reality and we are greeted by a 360 degree snow capped towering Himalaya surrounding such as the top of the world Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Mt. Pumari, Ama Dablam and many more giant peaks then celebrate an exclusive moment and descend to Lobuche for an overnight.
Weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, so we deem it prudent to set aside an additional day at the base camp to maximize your chances of making a successful climb.
Descends to Phortse via the beautiful village Pheriche. Phortse is a beautiful Sherpa community village and offers a facilized tea house which can be a nice reward after such a challenging summit. The village is known as a hub of climbing Sherpa's community and leads through alternative and peace trail.
Though the trail is a familiar one the hike to Namche Bazaar provides a different perspective on the scenery, as well as the more relaxed journey that comes from a gradual descent.
Our final day on the trail, easing back to Lukla along the Dudhi Koshi and its suspension bridges. Once at Lukla we can finally throw off our backpacks, take a relaxing shower, and sit back to savor the heady accomplishment of making it to the foot of Everest.
After breakfast we take a flight to Kathmandu where you'll have enough time to savor the city's treasure's one last time before getting together for a farewell dinner with friends before departure.
Farwell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.
I contacted Nepal trekking Experts to organize Everest Base camp with Lobuche East climbing. From the beginning to the end of the trek it just went perfectly. The organization from Rajesh was effortless and the guide Prakash and porter Bal Rai were so helpful, very caring, flexible on plan, informative and knowledgeable.
While I did not have climbing experience, the climbing Sherpa Nima(met in Lobuche) did a great job too. He is local from the region and a very professional climber. He said he climbed Lobuche East more than 50 times. He is the real expert. I had provided all the necessary gears such as helmet, crampons, ice axe, rope, carabiner, jumar etc. The last part of climbing was so tough for me but of course it was rewarding and a lifetime memory.
Overall it was a great experience and I can’t wait to get back soon for the next trip.