Lobuche East Peak Climbing and Everest Base Camp Trek – 19 Days

Detail Itinerary

Day 01:  Arrival Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel

You will be welcomed by the boss of  company at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1300m).After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our company display board at the arrival gate. You will be transfer to Hotel. After check in, you will visit our office; meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. Later in the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent Touristic Restaurant where you will enjoy  with a fine meal. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu (1300m): trip preparation

After breakfast we visit Love Nepal Treks office sometime in the afternoon today. At the office, meet our climbing guide and fellow climbers. Our guide or leader will check our set of equipment in order to make sure that they are in a perfect condition for the coming trip. In the short meeting, the Love Nepal Treks boss will also help us understand what we can expect throughout the trip so as to make us familiar of our days up in the mountain. We can spend rest of the afternoon resting and/or in leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m) then trek to Phakding (2,652m): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek

After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. On that day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 05: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): Acclimatization

This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m): 5- 6 hours

After breakfast, we trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of “outstanding universal value”), it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3pm so we reach it by three. And, if we are lucky, we might just be able to witness a religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m): 5-6 hours

We visit the beautiful Tengboche Monastery in the morning and take pictures of the amazing landscape surrounding it. Then we will take nice breakfast here and we begin our trek by walking through lush forests of birch, conifers and rhododendrons on an easy path. This picturesque trail then dips down to Debuche, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche. (We can either walk in the upper or lower Pangboche trails). We are most likely to choose the upper Pangboche trail as it provides a more pristine view of the Himalayas. We also visit the Pangboche monastery. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the climb up to Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 08: Dingboche: Acclimatization

After breakfast we begin today’s hike to Chhukung by walking through stone-walled fields, Imja Khola valley before walking in glacier moraines. On our walk, we will be surrounded by Lhotse and Ama Dablam mountains. Later, beyond Bibre village we see Island Peak soaring above us. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. We reach Chhukung, a small settlement in about half an hour from Bibre. From here, directly across the valley is the fantastic Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa mountains.

After having lunch in Chhukung, our climbing leader will check our items of equipment in order to make sure that they are in a good working condition. If not, we may have to  hire another set of equipment. In that case, the climbing leader will help us find the best pieces.  Chhukung is the best place for hiring equipment for Peak climbing.  After sorting it out, we descend to Dingboche to spend the night.

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m): 5-6 hours

After having breakfast, we start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.  Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m): 6-7 hours

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Day 11: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m) and back to Lobuche (4940m): 7-8 hours

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360-degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12: Lobuche to High Camp (5,400m): 3-4 hours

From Lobuche, we trek towards Lobuche base camp. After walking some distance on relatively flatter plane, the path to the Lobuche Base Camp gets steeper and rocky. We move forward along the Lobuche Glacier while enjoying great views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega and other Himalayas. From the base camp, we continue on a rocky moraine path to reach the High Camp. After reaching there, we set up our camp, take lunch and rest. For the climb, we usually will be climbing on rock surface for up to around 5770m. After that, we climb on ice and use ropes when necessary. However, the use of the rope and the length depends upon the season and the crevasses. Fixed rope is used most of the times whereas man rope is used when required.  The climbing leaders will decide what is best for when. Overnight in Lobuche East High Camp.

Pre-Climb Training: Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. We strongly believe that the training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience.

Day 13: Lobuche High Camp to Summit (6119m) and back to High Camp: 8-10 hours

We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the high lands might become a barrier for a successful summit.  We will most likely be walking on rock surface up to around 5700m after which we climb on ice. We use both fixed rope and man rope as per our leader’s instruction. The climbing surface as well as the length of the rope and depends on the time of the season and the crevasses. Lobuche East offers more panoramic views of the mountains than any other trekking peak. From the summit, you get to enjoy magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. We spend some time at the summit celebrating and taking pictures, then we get back to the High Camp again for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Contingency/reserve day

This is an extra day set aside to manage any unintended hindrances like flight delays or bad weather for climbing. Setting aside an extra day will ensure that even if  we were to face a day’s set back, the trip will continue thus guranteeing a successful climb.

Day 15: Lobuche High Camp to Pangboche (3930m): 8-9 hours

After taking our morning breakfast, we trek downhill from Lobuche High Camp and join the Everest Base Camp route at Lobuche again. We take our lunch at Lobuche. From Lobuche we again retrace our path to Pheriche. On the way to Pheriche, we get to enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Ama Dablam in the distance. From Pheriche, we continue to Pangboche. We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it’s spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Upon reaching Pangboche we may also consider visiting the famous Pangboche Monastery.

Day 16: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar: 4-5 hours

From Pangboche, we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 17: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6-7 hours

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 19: Final departure

Your adventure in the mountain ends today. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

Important Note

Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Love Nepal. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Please note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits both at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both! We do our best to avoid such delays, and secure you the next flight. However, we suggest you to be prepared for possible delays/cancellation, and if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. We also organize heli rescue in such conditions, if it’s available and upon request by our clients. The helicopter charges around USD 5000 and it can lift 4-5 people per flight. If everything runs smoothly and if interested, you can also enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting, wildlife activities, shopping, etc during your buffer days.

In case, the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip: such as trekking in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other regions. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for the trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla. However, please note that there will be no refund, if you lose your time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancelation after the trek ends, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc) included in the package that you would not use later.

Included in the Cost

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• Star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• Tented accommodation during the climb
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader) and assistant guides
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)

Accommodations

We will be accommodated in  Mukhum International Hotel or Similar in Kathmandu (3 nights), standard teahouses during trekking (12 nights) and tents when climbing (3 nights). Most teahouse accommodation will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodation, foam mattress will be made available. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodation are on twin-shared basis. However, single room will be provided on request and by paying a single supplement of USD 465. Also, understand that there are several places that do not allow single room accommodation. On paying single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu but sometimes it is feasible only up to Namche Bazaar. Above Namche Bazaar single accommodation is not always feasible.

Meals

During our trip, we can enjoy Nepali, Tibetan, Indian as well as the more common continental cuisines. Breakfast(only) will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be available during the trek and climb. While trekking, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be made for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During climbing session, hygienic freshly cooked food will be provided. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.

Notice on Domestic Flight (Kathmandu – Lukla)

The Government of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Most of the flights to Lukla will commence from Ramechhap until further notice to avoid the heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport. The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive).

Alternatively, helicopter arrangements can be made on 5 people sharing basis with the addition of USD 500 for one way flight per person to change your airplane flights to the helicopter. We will try to coordinate and form groups at the airport for this arrangement, but we cannot guarantee it. The drive to Ramechhap and flight to Lukla is almost always guaranteed unless the flight is canceled due to bad weather conditions.

Travelers are suggested to advise us on the preferred alternatives for the flights to/from Lukla affected due to possible delays or disruptions.

• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• All necessary paper work; trekking permits and Island Peak climbing permit
• Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
• Group mountaineering (climbing) equipments
• Medical kit (carried by your guide)
• All government and local taxes

Not Included in the Cost

• Nepalese visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet,  laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Personal climbing equipment
• Personal climbing guide if requested
• Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
• Tips for guides and porters
• Services not listed in the ‘What Is Included’ section

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