Lobuche East Peak, located in the Everest region of Nepal, stands out as a prominent and captivating mountain. Rising majestically above the town of Lobuche, in close proximity to Mount Everest, it serves as a significant attraction for climbers. Comprising two distinct summits, namely Lobuche East (6119m) and Lobuche West (6145m), interconnected by a 1.8km Southeast-Northwest ridge, these peaks offer an alluring challenge. While Lobuche East is easily accessible as a trekking peak, Lobuche West, with its greater technical difficulty, is a popular choice for peak expeditions.
The climbing route to Lobuche East commences from the village of Lobuche, proceeding via the South Shoulder and South Ridge. Both Lobuche peaks showcase stunning aesthetics, sharing a similar three-ridged pyramid geometry. They command attention along the Everest Base Camp trek, especially as one approaches Lobuche village at the base of the Southeast shoulder of Lobuche East Peak. The South and Southeast Ridges create a distinctive rock triangle, extending to the Khumbu Glacier lateral moraine, easily recognizable from the trek and particularly prominent from the hill adorned with stone memorials.
Overview
| Duration: | 21 days | Trip Grade: | 5 (Light Mountaineering) |
| Country: | Nepal | Activitty: | Trekking and Hiking |
| Arrival on: | Departure From: | ||
| Attractions: |
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – 1,300m/4,264 ft
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Climb
Day 03: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3/4 hrs
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11,280 ft): 5/6 hrs
Day 05: Acclimatization Day to Namche Bazaar: 3,440m/11,284ft
Day 06: Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5/6 hrs walk
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 5/6 hrs
Day 08: Dingboche to Dughla (4,600 m/15,090 ft): 3/4 hrs
Day 09: Duglha to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 2/4 hours
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft) to Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17,594 ft) to Gorak Shep : 7/8 hrs
Day 11: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545 m/18,192 ft) to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 5/6 hrs
Day 12: Lobuche to Lobuche East High Camp (5,400m/17,712ft): 4/5 hrs
Day 13 Lobuche High Camp to Summit (6119m/20,070 ft) Summit & back to High Camp: 8/10 hrs
Day 14: Reserve Day for Contingency
Day 15: Lobuche High Camp to Pangboche (3930 m / 12900 ft): 8/9 hrs
Day 16: Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazzar (3,440 m/11,280 ft): 5/6 hrs
Day 17: Namche Bazaar-Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6/8 hrs
Day 18: Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 19: Final Departure
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – 1,300m/4,264 ft
Upon reaching Kathmandu airport (KTM), you will receive a warm welcome from a representative of BG Travel. Once you’ve completed your custom formalities, including obtaining your visa, retrieve your luggage and keep an eye out for our representative holding a display board with “BG Travel and Trek” at the arrival gate. Our representative will then transfer you to your hotel. Upon check-in, you will have the opportunity to visit our office, where you’ll meet your trekking guide and fellow participants. Later in the evening, we have planned a “Welcome Dinner” for you at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with a delightful meal.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Climb
Take a day to rest, get acclimated, and embark on a sightseeing tour to explore Kathmandu’s World Heritage Sites. This day will also be dedicated to finalizing any official procedures and making necessary arrangements. During this time, you will receive a briefing on the expedition’s nature, the required equipment, and the composition of the team. Additionally, you can use this day for any last-minute purchases of personal items, as you will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow. This day serves as a combination of Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for the upcoming climb.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3/4 hrs
Following breakfast, we proceed to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), serving as the gateway to our trek. The 40-minute flight offers a thrilling experience as we soar above stunning green and white mountains, ultimately landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Renowned as one of the most beautiful air routes globally, the journey concludes with a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Upon arrival, we meet the rest of our crew, and after some packing and arrangements, we commence our trek through the vibrant village of Lukla, eventually reaching Phakding. To facilitate acclimatization, we undertake a short hike today. For those interested in additional activities, there’s an option to take a side trip to a nearby monastery.
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m/11,280 ft): 5/6 hrs
As we stroll through a picturesque pine forest, the path guides us alongside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing numerous suspension bridges, including the renowned Hillary Suspension Bridge. Our journey begins with a splendid view of the shimmering Mt. Thamserku (6618 m). Passing through the settlements of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, we reach the check post and the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. The trail takes us through the final village of Jorsale before arriving at Namche Bazaar. Ascending through forests and crossing bridges, we reach the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. Following a steep ascent of approximately two hours, we are greeted with our first glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Taking a moment at Chautara to admire the view, we still have about 1.5 hours of hiking left to reach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and the primary trading center of the region.
Day 05: Acclimatization Day to Namche Bazaar: 3,440m/11,284ft
This day is set aside for acclimatization during the trek, and health experts advise staying active. Options include a day hike to Thame, a visit to Khunde, or exploration of Namche Bazaar. Namche, the central hub of the Everest region, boasts government offices, ATMs, shops, restaurants, and a lively market. Staying active with a moderate trek during the day aids proper acclimatization.
Guides may lead us to the Tourist Visitor Center, providing insights into Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture, and the region’s flora and fauna. Another excursion leads to Khumjung, where we climb to the Everest View Hotel for stunning mountain vistas. The Khumjung valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, hosts a revered monastery with a supposed yeti scalp. After exploring and having lunch in Khumjung, we descend to Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5/6 hrs walk
After breakfast in Namche, our trek towards Tengboche begins, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the close-up beauty of Thamserku. The trail unfolds with a gradual incline, presenting a panorama of the magnificent Himalayas. Throughout the journey, wildlife sightings are possible, including pheasants, musk deer, and Himalayan Thar herds. The path descends gently to Kayangjuma and eventually reaches Sansa, a crucial trail junction for both Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp.
Continuing through pine forests and crossing a bridge adorned with prayer flags over the Dudh Koshi River, we arrive at Phunki Thenga. After a leisurely lunch in this small settlement nestled amidst alpine woods, the trail becomes challenging with a steep ascent through pine forests leading to Tengboche. Renowned for its close-up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest, Tengboche is home to the largest Buddhist Monastery in the Khumbu region. Arriving in Tengboche, we visit the monastery around 3 p.m. to witness the ceremonies in this principal and renowned monastery of the Everest region.
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 5/6 hrs
Set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, the Tengboche Monastery is particularly captivating in the morning light. After capturing picturesque scenes of the monastery and its surroundings, we commence our day’s journey. Opting for the upper trail for enhanced views, we make our way to Pangboche village and its ancient Monastery. Along the route, we pass through Chortens, Mani walls, and small villages, savoring lunch with breathtaking close-up views of Ama-Dablam.
In the afternoon, we head north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Ama Dablam. The walk becomes moderately easy as we enter the Imja Valley, with the landscape gradually unfolding. Approaching the confluence of the Lobuche River, we descend to the river and face the last and steepest climb of the day, leading us to Dingboche. Upon reaching Dingboche, we are greeted by a beautiful panorama of fields enclosed by stone walls, protecting crops like barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the harsh winds and grazing animals.
Day 08: Dingboche to Dughla (4,600 m/15,090 ft): 3/4 hrs
Our day kicks off with a climb to Duglha, following the Khumbu Khola valley. The trek along the arid terrace treats us to breathtaking views of mountains in all directions. Passing through a yak herder’s place named Dusa, the valley starts to narrow, and we continue through Phulung Karpo, one of the camp sites during the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. Beyond Phulung Karpo lies Chola Lake, and the majestic sight of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/23418 ft) comes into view as we proceed with our trek.
As the trail descends and curves, Mt. Pumori momentarily disappears, and we encounter a lively stream. Crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend to Dugla, where the tip of Nuptse becomes visible, along with Cholatse, Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks. Spending the night in Duglha is ideal for acclimatization purposes, preparing us for the challenges ahead in the high-altitude terrain.
Day 09: Duglha to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 2/4 hours
Continuing beyond Duglha, our trek leads us up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Navigating through the boulder-strewn slope, we ascend Chupki Lhara, a ridge top with a haunting atmosphere and spectacular mountain views. At the ridge’s summit, we encounter a collection of stones adorned with prayer flags, serving as memorials to Scott Fischer, the American mountaineer, and Babu Chiri Sherpa, a Nepali mountain guide who summited Everest 10 times but tragically lost his life on an expedition.
Descending to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves in close proximity to several impressive peaks, including Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and the Mahalangur Himal. Despite being near Everest, the iconic mountain remains concealed. Nuptse stands prominently to the right as the trail traverses the Khumbu Glacier. Alongside a babbling stream, the Khumbu Glacier is hidden from view by its lateral moraine wall, and the high altitude starts to become more noticeable as we continue our trek.
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft) to Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17,594 ft) to Gorak Shep : 7/8 hrs
The trail to Gorak Shep proceeds along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing the pyramid signpost. Along the way, the north ridge of Everest, along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, and Nuptse, becomes visible. A short ascent to Thangma Riju offers a 360-degree panorama of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply through the Changri Glacier torrent, we catch our initial glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath Mt. Pumori. Upon reaching Gorak Shep, snow-capped mountains surround us, including the majestic Mount Everest.
After a brief lunch and rest, we embark on the trail to Everest Base Camp, passing the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. At Everest Base Camp, we marvel at the challenging route Everest climbers take through the Khumbu icefall, with views of Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori in the backdrop. While Everest itself is not visible from base camp, we return to Gorak Shep for a restful night. Interestingly, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is often considered more awe-inspiring than the sunrise. The setting sun’s rays striking the snow-capped mountains create an indescribable scenery. For those trekkers eager to continue, our guides and Sherpas may arrange a hike to Kala Patthar for a stunning sunset view on the same day rather than waiting until the next.
Day 11: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545 m/18,192 ft) to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 5/6 hrs
Today marks the pinnacle of our journey as we rise early to experience the breathtaking views from Kala Patthar, capturing the first light of day ill