Lobuche Peak Climbing – 17 days

Trip Information

Best Time

Nepal has four unique seasons throughout the year, but spring and autumn are particularly notable for their reliability in supporting mountaineering and trekking activities across various regions. Most people choose spring for climbing because the weather remains warm and dry, making the trails accessible. Similarly, blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers make the trail alive, which offers an unforgettable experience.

In the same way, autumn is also the peak climbing and hiking season, as the skies are clear, the weather is dry, and the temperature is mild. Visitors will be able to see the crisp mountain views without any obstruction. Planning an expedition this season for climbing will be less risky and increase the likelihood of successfully summiting Lobuche Peak without encountering any unforeseen issues.

Summer is the least favorable time to plan the climb in the Everest region because heavy rain can wash out trails and trigger landslides, making the journey even more strenuous. On the other hand, winter is also not suitable for travel, especially if you are climbing Lobuche East Peak, as winter causes extreme cold temperatures at high altitude, as this Lobuche Peak Climbing takes place above 4000 meters in most of its itinerary.

Elevation and distance

Your Lobuche Peak climbing with the EBC trek adventure begins from the peaceful town of the Khumbu region, Lukla, sitting at the height of 2860 meters. This means after flying from Kathmandu city to Lukla, you will have already gained an elevation of 1400 meters. As you continue your journey through Phakding at 2610 meters, you will acclimate at 3880 meters in Namche Bazaar.

Then, after the first acclimatization stop, you will continue your journey through Tengboche at 3870 meters, and you will again acclimate at 4360 meters in Dingboche as a second acclimatization point. After that, you will head through Gorak Shep at 5170 meters, which is the highest altitude settlement in the Everest region, to reach the Everest Base Camp (EBC), at an elevation of 5364 meters.

Similarly, you will watch the sunrise standing at 5545 meters in Kala Patthar, which will be one of the highlights of your excursion. Then, you will stop at Lobuche High Camp at 5600 meters, which is the second highest point of this expedition, for preparation. Finally, you will reach the highest point of this expedition, standing at 6119 meters in Lobuche East Peak Summit above sea level.

During this 17-day itinerary in the Solu Khumbu region, you will trek a total estimated distance of 125 kilometers, or 77.7 miles, to complete this trekking expedition. From Lobuche High Camp, you will have to push yourself to make the ascent of 2.2 kilometers to conquer the Lobuche East Peak.

How difficult is Lobuche Peak Climbing?

The 17-day Lobuche Peak Climbing expedition is considered one of the most challenging climbs, depending on trekkers’ past trekking and mountaineering experience. Although achievable, it requires considerable effort, mental strength, basic mountaineering skills, and physical endurance.

Each day, you can expect walking hours of 5 to 6 hours on uneven, steep, and tiring trails. Once you pass Lobuche Village, the route becomes more technical and rougher. The climb to Lobuche East Peak is not easy; you will have to put your climbing skills to use and test your limits, facing any sort of obstacles during the final push to the summit.

Altitude Sickness

Another high risk that anybody has to face when climbing the peak is altitude sickness, which is also called acute mountain sickness (AMS). The common symptoms include shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and so on, which can arise within 6 to 24 hours when ascending to high elevations.

To slash the risk of altitude sickness, it’s best to stay hydrated, avoid harmful substances like smoking and alcohol, eat well, and ascend gradually with breaks. If you follow all standards and follow your guide protocols, you are less likely to suffer from AMS. While climbing the peak, porters will also carry oxygen to use when needed.

Maximum and minimum walk per day

This 17-day Lobuche Peak Climbing itinerary expedition will require you to walk atleast 6 hours daily on a mix of steep uphill and downhill sections. So, you must be physically fit before planning this adventurous journey in the mountains. The minimum walking time per day is approximately three to four hours on the fourth and eleventh days, when you take a side hike to Everest View Hotel from Namche town and trek to Lobuche High Camp from Lobuche Village.

Likewise, the highest trekking duration per day is about 7 to 10 hours on day 12 of the itinerary when you push for the Lobuche East Peak Summit (6119 m) from Lobuche High Camp and then descend to the village of Thukla for an overnight stay. Therefore, this is not just an ordinary trek in the Himalayas, so travelers should come prepared, bringing their A-game to accomplish this trip successfully.

Accommodation, Food and Drink

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a nice standard hotel located in Thamel, ensuring easy access to nearby places and attractions. However, a local lodge or a teahouse will be your stay during the Lobuche Peak Climbing adventure. Generally, these teahouses are comfortable places with basic facilities and are a good place to refresh after a day of trekking.

However, if you want to use Exeter services in teahouses, like device charging, hot showers, and laundry services, you will need to have some extra Nepali rupees. So, having cash in hand will be handy for your extra expenses while trekking, especially in high-altitude destinations.

Similarly, your package includes three hearty meals a day throughout the journey while trekking in the Solu Khumbu region. The teahouse typically serves a variety of options, including eggs, muesli, toast with jam, and more. Meanwhile, lunch and dinner options consist of dal bhat, momos, chowmein, pasta, sandwiches, thukpa, and others. However, you are responsible for your own drink expenses.

Your Extra Expenses

If you plan to embark on the Lobuche Peak Climbing Package, it is crucial to consider the additional costs beyond the package price. During your stay in Kathmandu, you have to pay for your lunch and dinner on your own, as meals are not provided. A Nepal entry visa that can be easily issued on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport costs $30 for fifteen days, $50 for thirty days, or $125 for ninety days.

Besides that, you need to budget for international airfare, take a medical if required, and have a travel insurance policy, which is compulsory. During your trek, you’ll incur personal expenses, such as hot showers, device charging, drinks (like soup, bottled water, etc.), and sweets like chocolate and desserts at teahouses. Please note that none of these are added in your package.

It is usual to tip your guide, porter, and driver. On the other hand, if the weight of your Lukla flight baggage exceeds 10 kg, a charge will apply for the extra weight. If you fall ill and need to leave early, any unused services will not be refunded, and you will be responsible for any expenses incurred in Kathmandu.

Preparation and fitness

The fitness level is primarily determined by the adventure that you have chosen, however if you intend to complete the Lobuche Peak Climbing Package, you must be fit and in good physical condition. These treks are long walks that take 6 to 7 hours each day, cover a variety of terrains, and include climbs and descents of 500 meters or more.

The elevation can exceed 5500 meters, and the trails range from dirt roads to icy and rocky terrain. Come prepared and begin training at least four months before your trip. You can spend 3-4 hours per week doing aerobics activities such as hiking, running, swimming, or cycling, as well as strength training to refine your endurance.

Practicing with a weighted backpack similar to your trekking gear is the most helpful for the hike. The target is not speed but stamina. In addition to making your journey more pleasurable, increasing your endurance will keep you safe when traveling at high elevations.

Transportation

The Lobuche Peak Climbing Package includes the airport pickup from your hotel location. Similarly, the package also covers the cost of the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back, or from Ramechhap to Lukla and back during the busier trekking season. However, helicopter evacuation is not included in the package in case of an emergency, so you should ensure your travel insurance covers this.

During an emergency, your guide will contact the rescue helicopter company directly, and your insurance details will be verified. Then, you will be airlifted to a well-equipped hospital in Kathmandu for immediate treatment. Our company also offers sightseeing tours following a 17-day adventure in the Everest region, with an additional cost for our private car.

What to expect from this Lobuche Peak Climbing?

Experience an unparalleled 17-day Lobuche Peak mountaineering trip, combining trekking and climbing in Nepal’s most famous region, the Khumbu. Taking a nice flight to Lukla, you will journey through the colorful Sherpa villages, such as Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, and visit the legendary Everest Base Camp. Kala Patthar will be your destination to enjoy the stunning sunrise views.

The journey to Lobuche East Peak unfolds the real adventure. After you have undergone your basic training at the High Camp, you will experience the summit glory when you start the climb attempt at around 4.30 a.m. and reach 6,119 meters. The view will be of the total 360 degrees, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and all the other peaks, which are very high.

Moreover, the trip is complete with Sherpa tradition and culture, peaceful Buddhist temples, and safe acclimatization in beautiful high mountains. Despite having less technical aspects, the climb still requires a high level of mental and physical toughness.

Such challenges require a lot of bravery to confront, and in a way, they bring a lot of satisfaction because they represent a high adventurous spirit. It is a real Himalayan experience that provides one with stunning views, an enriching cultural understanding, and a feeling of accomplishment.