Introduction
Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Lobuche Peak are two popular destinations in the Everest region of Nepal.
As mentioned before, Everest Base Camp, is the starting point for mountaineers who aim to climb Mount Everest. It is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) in the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek to Everest Base Camp and Lobuche peak is a famous and iconic trek that takes trekkers through beautiful Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
The trek to Everest Base Camp usually begins from Lukla, which can be reached by a short flight from Kathmandu. The duration of the trek is typically around 10 to 14 days, depending on the specific itinerary and acclimatization breaks. Along the way, trekkers enjoy stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other majestic peaks of the Himalayas.
Reaching Everest Base Camp is a significant achievement in itself, allowing trekkers to experience the atmosphere of the mountaineering community during the climbing season and get up-close views of Mount Everest. However, it’s important to note that climbing Mount Everest from the base camp requires specialized mountaineering skills, experience, and proper permits.
Lobuche Peak is a popular trekking peak located in the Everest region of Nepal. It has two main summits: Lobuche East (6,119 meters/20,075 feet) and Lobuche West (6,145 meters/20,161 feet). Lobuche East is the more frequently climbed of the two peaks and is considered a challenging yet achievable climb for climbers with basic mountaineering experience.
To climb Lobuche Peak, trekkers usually follow the Everest Base Camp trek route until they reach Lobuche Village, which serves as the base for Lobuche Peak expeditions. From there, climbers move to high camps and make their summit attempts. The climb involves technical sections, including steep snow and ice slopes, as well as some rock scrambling.
The ascent of Lobuche Peak generally takes around 1 to 2 days, depending on the weather and the acclimatization schedule. Climbers are required to have proper mountaineering equipment, including crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and ropes. It’s advisable to be accompanied by experienced guides or join organized expeditions to ensure safety and success on the climb.
Lobuche Peak offers stunning panoramic views of the Everest region, including Everest itself, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and other surrounding peaks. It provides a great opportunity for trekkers to experience high-altitude climbing and gain valuable mountaineering experience without attempting the significantly more challenging summit of Mount Everest.
Both the Everest Base Camp trek and the climb of Lobuche Peak require physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and adequate preparation. It’s crucial to consult before climbing Everest Base Camp and Lobuche Peak with experienced trekking companies or guides who can provide the necessary support and guidance for a safe and successful adventure in the Everest region.
DETAILS ITINERARY:
DAY 01: KATHMANDU – LUKLA – 2700M – PHAKDING 2600, 4 HRS
Early morning transfer to the airport to fly toLukla (2880m) This 35 minute flight provides a magnificent entry to the trek. It highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights in the world. Upon arrival, meet the Sherpa team and while the team reassembles the equipment for the distribution to the Porters and Jhopke (a cross between and cow and a Yak used to carry loads), there will be a short lunch break. During this break, the guests are welcome to explore this bustling town on top of a hill with rows of houses, hotels and shops lining both sides of cobbled street.
After lunch, the trek starts by following the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. The trek this day is a very easy one and ultimately descends to the river at Phakding (2652m). Flight- 35 min. Trek- 3 hours.
Dinner and Overnight at Phakding.
DAY 02: PHAKDING – NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440M, (6 HRS)
We continue north following the Dudh Kosi river and on to Jorsale where we enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. From here it is a short walk to the confluence of two rivers, the lmja Drangpa (Imja Khola) and the Nangpo Tsangpo (Bhote Kosi) followed by a steep climb (for about 2hrs.) to Namche Bazaar, the main town in the Khumbu region. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre with a weekly Saturday market. Overnight.
DAY 03: NAMCHE BAZAAR – TYANGBOCHE, 3860M, (6 HRS)
From Namche, the trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. Now we get our first really good views of the great peaks of the Khumbu including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an excellent lunch spot, and here we can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Although tiring, the hike up the zigzag path has numerous distractions, with rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. We stay near the monastery with Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam framed in the doorway of our guest house. Overnight.
DAY 04: TYANGBOCHE, 3860M, (6 HRS) REST DAY – AND MEDIDATION ON TENGBOCHE MONASTERY;
DAY 05: TYANGBOCHE – DINGBOCHE, 4300M, (6HRS)
After breakfast we head up to Dingbuche. On the way the majestic Amadablam over shadows our day. On the way we meet a little Sherpa village called Pangbuche continue to Dingbuche for overnight.
Day 6: Dingboche (4410 m). – acclimatization day.
As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most of the people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 14,000 ft. Thus it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent.
A trekkers’ aid post operates at the settlement of Pheriche which can be reached in 1 ½ hours from Dingboche. The Aid post is supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association and Tokyo Medical College. A western physician is usually in attendance during the trekking season. This establishment, and the doctors who operates it, specialize in the study and treatment of altitude sickness and strive to educate trekkers in the dangers of too fast an ascent to high altitudes.
Also, another option is to take a walk towards the beautiful Chukung Valley for acclimatization and walking in high altitudes.
Dinner and overnight at Dingboche.
DAY 07: DINGBOCHE – LABUCHE 4930M, (6 HRS)
We continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and climb more steeply towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier.At the top of this climb there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche. Overnight.
Day 08: LABUCHE TREK TO GORAKPSHEP 5170M, (2 AND HALF HRS) KALAPATTAR (5500M) – GORAKSHEP 3 HRS, TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP 5300M AND BACK TO GORAKSHEP AND OVERNIGHT
Gorakshep We continue our trek along the Khumbu Glacier. We will reach our destination quiet early but you can spend rest of the days for acclimatization & preparation for the next day adventure and Hike to Kalapatthar or Everest base camp and Overnight at Gorakshep.
Day 09: GORAKSHEP – KALAPATTAR (5500M) – TREK TO LOBUCHE (7 HRS)
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.
Day 10: Lobuche to High Camp – 3 to 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 11: Lobuche High Camp to Summit and back to High Camp- 8 to 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 12: 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 13: LOBUCHE HIGH CAMP TO PANGBOCHE- 8 to 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 14: PANGBOCHE –NAMCHE BAZAR 3860M, (5 to 6 HRS)
We continue to follow the river and, after crossing it, climb back up through birch and rhododendron forest to Khumjung. Overnight.
Day 15: NAMCHE BAZAR – PHAKDING 3440M, – LUKLA 2840M, (7 TO 8 HRS)
From Phakding the trail descends steeply to the village of Jorsale. Passing the villages of Phakding (2640m) From Khumjung we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki where there are water driven prayer wheels, then climb and contour around the hillside to Phakding.
From Phakding Passing the villages of Phakding (2640m) and Choplung, we reach Chaunrikharka and the trail that cuts up to the airstrip at Lukla. Overnight.
DAY 16: LUKLA- KATHMANDU
Early morning flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. End of Trek.