A summit straight off the Everest Base Camp trail, with the whole Khumbu laid out below you at first light.
Lobuche East stands directly above the classic Everest trail, which makes it one of the most convenient real summits in the Khumbu.
The trek follows the famous route through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche to Everest Base Camp, then climbs Kala Patthar for the view of Everest that most people come to the Khumbu for. Only then, already acclimatised and a fortnight into the walking, do you turn off towards Lobuche East Base Camp.
At 6,119 metres the climb involves snow, ice, glacier terrain and fixed ropes, depending on the conditions of the season. It is a serious mountaineering day at the end of a serious trek, and the reward is a summit view across Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Pumori that no trekking viewpoint can match.
Our local staff are paid a decent living wage, get provided with all the right gear and are always well looked after. We pride ourselves on this.
You climb with a climbing Sherpa alongside your trekking guide, and spend a full day at base camp on training and equipment before the summit attempt. No previous mountaineering experience is needed. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.
Highlights
- Lobuche East Peak at 6,119 m
- Everest Base Camp at roughly 5,364 m
- Sunrise on Kala Patthar at roughly 5,545 m
- The mountain flight in and out of Lukla
- Namche Bazaar and the Sherpa heartland
- Tengboche Monastery
- Sagarmatha National Park
- Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Pumori
- The Khumbu Glacier and the high moraine country above Lobuche
- Climbing preparation and technical training at base camp
- An experienced local trekking and climbing team
- Acclimatisation and contingency time built into the itinerary
Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu 1400
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet your trekking team and complete the final preparations for the trek.
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding 2610
Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After meeting the local trekking team, begin walking towards Phakding through beautiful mountain scenery and small Sherpa settlements.
Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440
Cross several suspension bridges and follow the Dudh Koshi River towards Namche Bazaar. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful forest before reaching the famous Sherpa town.
Acclimatisation day at Namche 3440
A day spent acclimatising at Namche. A short hike to a higher elevation can be arranged to help your body adjust. There is time to explore the town and enjoy views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and the peaks around them.
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 3860
Trek along a beautiful ridge with views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, drop to the Dudh Koshi River, then climb through rhododendron forest to Tengboche. Visit the monastery, one of the most important in the Khumbu.
Tengboche to Dingboche 4410
Continue through beautiful mountain country, past traditional villages and Mani walls, gradually entering the higher alpine region before reaching Dingboche.
Acclimatisation day at Dingboche 4410
Another important acclimatisation day. A gradual hike to a higher elevation is recommended before returning to Dingboche for the night, which helps prepare your body for the elevations ahead.
Dingboche to Lobuche 4940
Continue towards the Khumbu Glacier. The trail climbs gradually to the terminal moraine and passes the memorials to climbers who lost their lives on Everest.
Everest Base Camp, night at Gorak Shep 5164
One of the highlights of the trek. Walk from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and continue along the rugged trail to Everest Base Camp, with views of the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding mountains, before returning to Gorak Shep.
Kala Patthar, descend to Lobuche 5545
Wake early and climb Kala Patthar, the most famous viewpoint in the Everest region, for spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Lhotse and the Khumbu Glacier. Afterwards, descend towards Lobuche.
Lobuche to Lobuche East Base Camp 5400
Leave Lobuche and trek towards Lobuche East Base Camp. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you enter the climbing area. At base camp your climbing guide will check your equipment and start preparing you for the summit attempt.
Climbing training and acclimatisation 5400
The day is spent preparing for the climb. Your climbing guide will run practical training on the appropriate use of crampons, harness, ice axe and climbing rope, on ascending and descending technique, and on basic glacier and snow travel.
The exact training and route depend on the conditions on the mountain that season.
Base Camp to High Camp 5700
Climb towards Lobuche East High Camp. The route steepens as you gain altitude. After reaching High Camp, rest and prepare for the early morning summit attempt.
Lobuche East summit, descend 6119
The most demanding day of the trip. The summit attempt starts very early and, depending on weather and conditions, may involve snow, ice and fixed-rope sections.
From the summit at 6,119 m there are spectacular Himalayan views before the descent to a lower camp.
Down the valley to Pangboche 3985
With the summit behind you, descend through the Khumbu Valley towards Pangboche. The lower elevation is a welcome chance to rest and recover.
Pangboche to Namche Bazaar 3440
Continue through beautiful forest and Sherpa villages towards Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2840
The final trekking day. Descend through the Dudh Koshi Valley and continue on to Lukla.
Fly back to Kathmandu 1400
Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, subject to weather and flight conditions. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in the city.
Departure from Nepal
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight.
How hard is it?
Lobuche East is a serious high-altitude climb rather than an extension of a trek. The summit reaches 6,119 m and the climb can involve snow, ice, glacier terrain and fixed ropes depending on the conditions of the season.
Good physical preparation, gradual acclimatisation, suitable climbing equipment and qualified climbing support are all essential. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.
Best time to climb
The main climbing seasons are spring, March to May, and autumn, September to November. These months generally provide better conditions and clearer mountain views, although weather in the high Himalaya can change quickly.
Our support
Our experienced local trekking and climbing team supports you for the whole journey, from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar and through the Lobuche East climbing section.
We believe in proper acclimatisation, flexible planning and careful decisions based on the actual conditions on the mountain. Our guides will never rush you towards a summit. The safety of our clients always comes first.
What it costs
US$3,000 per person, all inclusive. Permit requirements, climbing regulations, fees and route conditions can change, so we confirm what is current before your departure.
What's included
- Airport pick up and drop off in Kathmandu
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- Flights to and from Lukla
- All required trekking and climbing permits
- Climbing gear
- Guide and porter
- Climbing Sherpa
- Insurance for your guide and porter
- Three meals a day, hot drinks and accommodation throughout the trek and the climb
What's not included
- International flights and Nepal visa fees
- Trekker's travel insurance, which must cover climbing at altitude
- Cold drinks and alcohol
- Bottled water
- Hot showers
- Tips for your guides and porters
