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18 days
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Everest
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Strenuous
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6,119 m
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From 1 person
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Peak climbing
Highlights
- Summit of Lobuche East (6,119 m) with views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Two acclimatization days before the climb
- Training with crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes before summit day
- Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery and the Khumbu Glacier
- A reserve day in case of bad weather on summit day
Overview
Lobuche East (6,119 m) is a popular climbing peak in the Khumbu, rising above the village of Lobuche and the Khumbu Glacier. This trip combines the climb with the classic trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, which gives you time to acclimatize before summit day.
After acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, you visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), then return to Lobuche and climb directly to High Camp (5,400 m). Summit day starts in the dark and follows rock slabs and a glacier to a steep fixed-rope snow slope and the summit ridge, with views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam.
Know before you go
Best time to go
The climbing seasons are spring (April to May) and autumn (late September to November). Autumn usually has the most stable weather and the clearest views, while spring is slightly warmer on summit day.
Winter brings severe cold and strong winds high on the mountain, and during the monsoon the views are poor and snow conditions unreliable. We only run climbs in the main seasons.
Difficulty and fitness
Lobuche East is a strenuous climb and more technical than Island Peak or Mera Peak. Summit day takes ten to twelve hours from High Camp, with steep snow and ice on fixed ropes and an exposed final ridge.
You should be in very good physical condition and comfortable with long days at altitude. Previous experience with crampons and an ice axe is a clear advantage.
Preparation and equipment
Before summit day our climbing guide runs a training session on using crampons, ice axe, harness, ascender and fixed ropes.
You need warm layers, a down jacket, mountaineering boots and personal climbing gear (harness, crampons, ascender and helmet), which can be rented in Kathmandu. We check your equipment with you before departure. Cardio training, long hill walks and strength exercises in the two to three months before the trip are strongly recommended.
Permits
You need a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit and a Lobuche East climbing permit.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Your climbing guide checks your gear, helps arrange any rental equipment and completes the climbing permit, followed by a briefing on the climb. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
An early-morning mountain flight takes you to Lukla, with views of the Himalaya on the way in. After meeting the porters, you set off on a gentle three-to-four-hour walk down through Sherpa villages and along the Dudh Koshi river. Please note: in the main seasons (March–May and October–November), Lukla flights usually depart from Manthali airport in Ramechhap, about a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu, so the day starts very early. Overnight in a teahouse in Phakding (2,610 m).
Today the trail follows the Dudh Koshi, crossing several suspension bridges before a long, steady climb to Namche Bazaar, the main trading town of the Khumbu. Take the ascent slowly and drink plenty of water; the walk usually takes six to seven hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
A rest day in Namche is essential for acclimatization, following the rule of climbing high and sleeping low. A morning hike up to the Everest View Hotel gives you one of the first good views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, before you return to Namche to explore the town. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
A scenic trail contours high above the Dudh Koshi with views of Ama Dablam, Everest and Lhotse, before dropping to the river and climbing to Tengboche. The village is home to the famous Tengboche monastery, and the evening light on the peaks is memorable. Overnight in a teahouse in Tengboche (3,860 m).
The trail descends through rhododendron forest, crosses the Imja Khola and climbs gradually past mani walls and small settlements into open alpine country. Dingboche sits in a wide valley of stone-walled fields beneath Ama Dablam and Island Peak. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
A second acclimatization day helps your body adjust before the higher ground ahead. Your guide leads a hike to a viewpoint above the village, following the principle of climbing high and sleeping low, before you return to rest in Dingboche. Overnight in a teahouse in Dingboche (4,410 m).
The trail climbs gradually across open terrain and then beside the Khumbu Glacier towards Lobuche, with Pumori and Nuptse rising ahead. Walk at a steady pace and keep drinking; the air is noticeably thinner now. Overnight in a teahouse in Lobuche (4,910 m).
A short walk along the Khumbu Glacier moraine brings you to Gorak Shep, where you drop your bags and have lunch. In the afternoon you continue to Everest Base Camp, with close views of the Khumbu Icefall, before returning to Gorak Shep. Overnight in a teahouse in Gorak Shep (5,164 m).
An early start takes you up Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for sunrise over Everest and the surrounding peaks. After breakfast in Gorak Shep you walk back down along the glacier to Lobuche, where you can rest for the climb ahead. Overnight in a teahouse in Lobuche (4,910 m).
From Lobuche you walk past Lobuche East Base Camp and climb rocky slabs and boulder terrain to High Camp, a steep but short day. In the afternoon your climbing guide runs a training session on fixed ropes, ascenders, crampons and abseiling, and goes over the summit plan with you. Overnight in a tented camp at High Camp (5,400 m).
You leave High Camp in the pre-dawn hours, roping up and using crampons and fixed ropes on the snow and ice towards the summit (6,119 m), with wide views across the Khumbu. After a careful descent to High Camp, you continue down the valley to Pheriche, a long day of ten to twelve hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Pheriche (4,240 m).
A spare day in case bad weather or snow conditions delay the summit. If it is needed, you climb today and descend to Pheriche; if the climb went to plan, you rest in Pheriche and recover. Overnight in a teahouse in Pheriche (4,240 m).
A short walk down the valley brings you to Pangboche, with views of Ama Dablam and time to visit its old monastery. The thicker air and an easy day help you recover after the climb. Overnight in a teahouse in Pangboche (3,930 m).
The trail descends past Tengboche to the Dudh Koshi before climbing to the balcony trail and on to Namche Bazaar. The thicker air makes the walking easier, and the town is a good place for a hot shower. Overnight in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
On the final trekking day you retrace your steps down the Dudh Koshi valley, crossing suspension bridges before a last climb up to Lukla. It is a good evening to thank your guide and porters and enjoy a relaxed dinner together. Overnight in a teahouse in Lukla (2,860 m).
An early-morning flight takes you back from Lukla to Kathmandu, with a final look at the mountains from the air. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free to relax, explore or celebrate with your team. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
