Lobuche Peak Climbing- 20 Days

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you’ll come across one of our representatives waiting to guide you through the bustling streets of Kathmandu City via a private vehicle. During this initial drive, you’ll be subjected to a culture shock from the first-hand experience of this Himalayan nation. Following the check-in, you can freshen up and repose in your room, enjoying the amenities offered by your hostel. Or, head out to observe the prominent landmarks and monuments of this culturally rich city. At the end of the day, take a walk around the vibrant Thamel Bazaar, aka the tourist hub, to revel in its delightful atmosphere.

In the company of a seasoned guide, you’ll set out for a Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour but if you prefer to explore time-honoured Kathmandu Valley on your own; we’ll provide your necessary tips and guidance before you proceed. Meantime, we’ll complete all the necessary paper works and other preparations required for Lobuche Peak Climbing. You can begin your jaunt from the Holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Afterwards, explore the sacred Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, which are widely celebrated as the centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Check out the ancient architecture and fine arts exhibited by Kathmandu Durbar Square complex to conclude this wonderful day out.

This morning, we’ll step aboard a domestic flight destined for one of the world's most extreme airports. But in the course of this 35-minute scenic flight, you can take a look at the terraced fields, valleys, sparkling rivers, sublime snowscapes and lofty summits below. After a dramatic landing at Lukla Airport, we’ll start off our trekking venture and then advance on the well-marked trail across the rugged terrain. Along the left bank of the untamed Dudh Koshi River, we’ll continue through the picturesque landscape; past the monasteries, Mani stones, prayer flags, and Sherpa villages of Chheplung (2,660m), Thado Koshigoan (2,580m) and Nuring (2,492 m) to reach Phakding (2,652m).

Today, the trekking route progress through many suspension bridges above the Dudh Koshi River; crossing and re-crossing this large natural stream several times. As we walk beyond the rustic Sherpa villages like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chhamuwa as well as the dense forest of pine, fir, and rhododendron, we’ll arrive at Monjo (2,835m). We need to display our permits at the checkpoint situated here. Moving uphill to the other side of Jorsalle (2,740m), we’ll witness Kongde Ri (6,187m) at a distance then traverse seductive woodland within Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO natural world heritage site since 1979). We’ll now cross a high suspension bridge to make a precipitous ascent to Namche Bazaar. In clear weather, we catch the first sight of Mt. Everest looming in between Nuptse and Lhotse.

Often known as “Sherpa capital” or “Gateway to Mt. Everest”; Namche Bazaar at 3,440m asl is a prosperous Sherpa town that provides an excellent place to trekkers for acclimatization purposes. The process of acclimatization carries a great significance for the individuals going towards higher elevations where the levels of oxygen are quite low. Greater the altitudes, more the human body is susceptible to Acute Altitude Sickness (AMS), which ultimately results in death. While adjusting to the mountainous environment, you can perceive the lifestyle of Sherpa natives as well as their culture and traditions. For that, you may explore the town and pay a visit to Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Centre or Sherpa Museum.

Leaving Namche, we’ll follow the well-worn trail that contours around the valley side high above the Dudh Koshi River. En route, we’ll get the splendid outlooks of snow-clad peaks including Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. Progressing further into Dudh Koshi Valley, we’ll make it to Phungki Thanka (3,260m). Afterwards, we’ll pass by numerous small tea shops then range over the Dudh Koshi River and steeply ascend to Tengboche (3,870m). Explore the Tengboche Monastery and witness its magnificence. In addition, try out the delicious cake at the Tengboche Bakery. At the height of the tourist season, it is indeed a busy place!!

This day, we’ll drop down to the river and stay with the rough path to the Deboche (3,820m). Covered by rhododendron woods, the trail traverses a suspension bridge over Imja Khola then continues further to Pangboche (3,900m). Revel in the heavenly vistas of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse and other adjacent peaks. Keeping on with the trek, we’ll re-cross the river turn up at Imja Valley. Subsequently, we’ll emerge at Dingboche (4,410m). From here, we’ll take a long walk up above the valley to Pheriche (4,240m). You’ll find an HRA health post staffed by foreign and Nepalese doctors where you’ll attend a seminar about high altitude acclimatization.

It is extremely important to adapt to the surrounding atmosphere especially when we are heading out to higher elevations. Therefore, we have this second Acclimatization Day. As Pheriche is at the doorstep of the Everest Base Camp and homes a well-equipped health post specializing in health problems related to high altitudes, it is best for trekkers to acclimatize here at Pheriche. We’ll spend the day, preparing ourselves to the challenges lying ahead.

With a pleasant uphill walk, we’ll gradually get to Dughla (4,620m). From this point onwards, the pathway begins to climb abruptly alongside the glacial moraine. Accompanied by snow-capped mountains which now appear in close proximity, we’ll move along the beaten track to Lobuche (4,940m), a small settlement comprising a bunch of teahouses. We’ll stay here overnight and carry on with the progressive acclimatization.

With our backpack ready and shoelaces tighten, we’ll resume our trek and ascend on an upward slope following the craggy route that comprises a plentiful of glacial moraines (mass of rocks and sediment carried down and deposited by a glacier). We’ll find pleasure in the magnificent vistas of glacial ponds and icebergs down below the Khumbu Glacier as we advance further. Despite difficulties presented by the high elevations and exhausting climb; we'll overcome the last of the rocky moraine dunes then move downhill to Gorakshep (5,180m). Thereafter, we’ll keep moving up the rocky path that twist and turn along the Khumbu glacier to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). We’ll return to Gorakshep after we spend a wonderful time here praising the marvellous Khumbu glacier and icefall. 

Prior to break of the day, we’ll make an ascent to the top of Kala Patthar. Acclaimed as one of best Everest viewpoint in existence, we’ll observe a mesmerizing moment when the sun slowly rises and illuminate the snowy landscape ending the hours of darkness. Capturing this pleasant outlook in our mind and cameras, we’ll retrace our steps back to Gorakshep then steadily descend through Lobuche Pass (5,110m) to arrive at Lobuche (4,940m).

In Day 12, we’ll carry out a relatively short uphill hike to Lobuche Base Camp (4,865m). The trail initially consists of a moderate incline but quickly turn out to be rocky and precipitous as we reach Lobuche Glacier. We can contemplate the panorama which includes snowy mountaintops of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Cholatse, Pumori and Tawache. Rest of the day, you’ll have pre-climbing training provided by a climbing guide during which you’ll learn peak climbing techniques and operation of climbing gears.

We’ll ascend to Lobuche High Camp (5,600m) early in the morning so that we can have enough time to rehydrate and prepare for an ascent on Lobuche the next day. The lovely high Himalayan sunset views will make our stay at Lobuche High Camp comforting and blissful.

It is the day when you’ll drive your fantasy into the real world. Before the appearance of the daylight, we’ll execute a strenuous attempt to the apex. For a successful summit ascend we are required to advance to our ultimate goal at a slow yet steady pace. At the elevation of 6,119m asl, you’ll be surrounded by the incredible Himalayan panorama, the one that truly rewards the back-breaking journey to the summit. We’ll eventually move back to Lobuche High Camp (4,865m).

We should always be preparing for the worst case scenario! If we couldn’t make it to the summit on day 14 as planned due to bad weather conditions or any other reasons then we can try again in day 15, which is allocated as the reserve day. The terrain and weather in the Himalayas are unforgiving; thus, this reserve day prevents our efforts to go in vain by bestowing a second chance to conquer the Mt. Lobuche East. Given that the weather is quite unfavourable, it is wise to put off our endeavour to set our feet at the highest point of the mountain. 

The conquest of Lobuche will undoubtedly render you the joy that will steer you down the path to Pangboche (3,930m). It is evident that the very exhilaration will make your descent easy! We’ll backtrack to Pheriche, navigate via Pheriche Pass (4,270m) and continue alongside the Imja Khola (a tributary of Dudh Koshi River) to Pangboche (3,930m) passing by teahouses as well as the Sherpa settlements of Somare and Orsho.

We’ll recommence our downward climb by the side of Dudh Koshi River in day 17 of our escapade. Past Tengboche (3,860m) and Pungki Thanka (3,260m), we’ll encounter a steep descent to Kyangjuma (3,550m). From this point onwards, the route to Namche comes to be fairly easy. On the way, we’ll see the exquisite vistas of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega, and Thamserku.

Beyond the Sherpa settlements, verdant terrain, suspension bridges, monasteries, and mani walls, we’ll proceed down all the way to Lukla (2,800m). Today marks the end of your adventure to the mountains; so, relax and let your body recharge its batteries.

We’ll take a 30 minutes flight back to Kathmandu. The views of the countryside and snow-clad mountaintops below seem to be amazing as always. Once at Kathmandu, you may travel through some striking marketplaces to purchase some souvenirs or rest in your living space at the hotel.

We enjoy your stay with us and hope the mutual feeling from your side if you are fully satisfied with our services and hospitality. Either you can explore more of Nepal; we are there to aid you! Or, you can fly back to your home. One of our representatives will transport you to the airport three hours earlier than your scheduled flight. Cheers!!