Ultimate Lobuche Peak Expedition

Ultimate Lobuche Peak Expedition
Hardcore Hardcore
6000m +
19 Days
£3,200pp

Trip Overview

Mobile Trip App & Personalised Planner

Mobile Trip App & Personalised Planner

Access maps of your trek, training plans, trip countdown timers, and 'EverTrekker favourite', a personalised trip planner landing on your doorstep a few months before your trek.

Lobuche Peak is positioned just above the Lobuche village in the Khumbu region of Nepal and is a very popular trekking peak.

Lobuche Peak is positioned just above the Lobuche village in the Khumbu region of Nepal is a very popular “Trekking” peak. You will be climbing Lobuche East, which was first climbed by Ang Gyalzen Sherpa and Laurence Neilson in 1984. You will follow the classic Everest Base Camp route all the way to EBC and after reaching EBC and climbing Kala Patthar you will have acclimatised and be ready to head for the summit of Lobuche.

Lobuche peak is approached from the south ridge and the summit presents awesome views of the Khumbu Valley, glaciers and most importantly the amazing views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Pumori.

Most Importantly, its necessary for any climber to plan the climb at the right time of the year. We suggest you climb Lobuche peak in Spring (April & May) and Autumn (October & November), as these seasons are very supportive in terms of temperature, weather and visibility.

Though difficult, the trek is not massively technical. A physically fit and mentally determined person can plan this trek and climb.

This trip requires a minimum number of 2 EverTrekkers to guarantee it goes ahead. We will notify you at the time full payment is due (6 months prior to trip start date) if the trip going ahead or if the minimum number of bookings has not been achieved.

- We therefore recommend you do not incur any non refundable expenditure until you have received confirmation that your trip is guaranteed to proceed.

- We recommend you read our minimum number T&Cs (Section 6c) before booking: https://evertrek.co.uk/index.php/about-us/terms-conditions

Equipment

We've put together this equipment list for our trekking peak trips like Mera Peak, Island Peak and others. Although this list is quite detailed there might be some bits you might also want to bring that form part of your expedition or trekking kit.


What's Included?
  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off
  • 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Full-day guided city tour
  • Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants with some traditional Nepalese dancing and music
  • Airport transfers for domestic flight
  • All Trekking permits
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight tickets
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • All accommodation whilst on trek (Lodge/Tea house) or Tent on request
  • Fresh fruit after dinner
  • Tea/Coffee
  • Filtered water on the entire trek (Save on plastic bottles)
  • All required local and government taxes
  • 3 days on camp during the climbing
  • One experienced Climbing guide for climbing section & One trekking guide for trekking Section
  • Porters (One porter for each 2 members) and his entire expenses
  • Insurance of Guide and Porter
  • Island Peak Special Climbing Permit
  • FREE 80ltr EverTrek duffel bag
  • EverTrek Trip Planner & Access to online programme
  • EverTrekker T shirt & Neck Buff
  • Oximeter & Heart Rate Monitor– To calculate Oxygen Levels and Heart rate to help with Altitude
  • Exclusive discounts with Cotswold Outdoor, Osprey, Snow and Rock
    and heaps more
What's Not Included?
  • International flight to Kathmandu
  • Nepal arrival visa ($40)
  • Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special meals
  • Personal expenses including soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, and beverages
  • Climbing gear (Climbing rope, ice axe, ice screws and snow bar) We will help you to hire or buy these before or in Kathmandu)
  • Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter Evacuation
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation
  • Any Staff Tips (We recommend 10% of total trip cost)

Itinerary

Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with EverTrek. Once you’ve passed through passport control and collected your bags, you’ll head out to the front of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to be greeted by one of our friendly team members - look for the EverTrek sign, you won’t miss them! They will be there to pick you up and transport you to your hotel in Thamel.

Today, the itinerary is clear, as EverTrekkers will be arriving throughout the day at differing flight times. This means that you will have a chance to rest and relax after your journey to Nepal, and may also have the opportunity to meet some of the team and fellow trekkers, to discuss details of your upcoming trek.

You will enjoy a group meal with your fellow trekkers. You'll be taken to one of the most popular local restaurants where you can enjoy Nepali food along with cultural music and ethnic dance.

Kathmandu Valley is a fantastic place with numerous natural, cultural and historical sites. Today, you will be taken on a tour around Kathmandu to visit some of these major attractions. Kathmandu lies at 1300m above sea level so it’s important to get out and about today and let your body acclimatise. After spending a few hours observing these wonderful sites, you will meet with the team and guides to finalise your equipment and trekking gear required during the trek, if you haven’t already checked these on Day 1.

Today also gives you the opportunity to grab any last-minute items in the trekking hub of Thamel and get an early night ready for the trek tomorrow.

*Something to note*

Due to ongoing development and important maintenance at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, your flight to Lukla may be rerouted to Ramechhap Airport. This is because the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) ruled that flights to and from Lukla during the 2019 post-monsoon season would operate through Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. This action has been prolonged longer than expected and the CAAN is looking at permanently moving all flights that go to Lukla from Ramechhap. While some flights will certainly still go from Kathmandu, they are not always guaranteed, even when booked in advance and can be subject to unplanned and prolonged delays.

If flying to Lukla from Ramechhap Airport, the journey to Ramechhap will start on day two of your itinerary. After a part-day tour of Kathmandu, you will drive for approx. four to five hours to the town of Mulkot where EverTrek will provide accommodation and your evening meal. As with all Nepalese roads, the journey will be a bumpy one, but it’s necessary to ensure your dream of Base Camp becomes a reality! It will be an early start on day three, as you wake up at 3:30/4:30 am and take a short 30-minute drive to the airport. The flight to Lukla is shorter from Ramechhap than from Kathmandu which means we can monitor the weather windows with greater accuracy. EverTrek will get you on one of the first flights to Lukla where you can have a hearty breakfast and celebrate the start of your trek!

On the return journey, you will fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and then take the long bumpy adventurous drive back to Kathmandu. The traffic going into Kathmandu can be severe, so this may take approximately six to seven hours (with breaks for food and a stretch).

Although this has been an enforced change for everyone from CAAN, our ultimate aim is to get you on the trek safely and to make it to Everest base camp so we have made plans to make sure there will be as minimal disruption as possible. We will provide all the additional staff and accommodation for the diversion, absolutely no cost will be passed onto you, our awesome EverTrekkers, but we do ask for your patience with the potential change with the itinerary.

You will grab an early flight to Lukla Airport - it all starts here! The flight to Lukla is one of our favourite parts of the trek. Experiencing the beautiful scenery of the Himalaya from above and landing at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla is on many peoples bucket lists. Upon landing, you will meet the remaining crew and porters, who will be assisting you throughout the trek. Shortly after this, you will start the trek on the stone paved trail through Lukla and pass prayer rocks, mani walls and small Sherpa settlements. Here you can sample some of the most beautiful rural scenes on the entire trek. This first walk is quite short as you descend down from Lukla towards Phakding. When you reach Phakding you will grab some lunch and have the afternoon to explore the village or even hike up to the nearby Monastery or 'Gompa'. The night will be spent in one of the lodges in Phakding.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

*note* See day 2 notes on Ramechhap

After having a delicious breakfast at your lodge in Phakding, you will leave the village and head towards your destination for today, Namche Bazaar. You will follow the train along the Dudh Koshi River, taking in the views and soaking up the energy of the Khumbu region. You will cross three suspension bridges and, with plenty of rest stops in local tea houses along the route, will hike uphill through the settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, all the way to Monjo. Monjo is recognised as the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park and here the group leaders and guides will take care of the necessary entry formalities whilst you enjoy a hot drink and the chance to browse the local shops. Once the formalities are completed, you will continue with your journey on a steep descent, passing over more suspension bridges until your trail starts to lead upward toward Namche Bazaar. It is a tough two hour hike to reach Namche Bazaar but here you will have your first view of Mt. Everest along with other incredible peaks like Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Kusum Khangru. The night will be spent in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Visiting small settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa and Monju, Sagarmatha National Park, small tea houses and shops, suspension bridges, steep trail, Namche Bazaar and the very first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Kusum Khangaru.)

This is the first day of two days set aside for acclimatisation. Namche is an essential acclimatisation stop so you will stay as active as you can. You can either head up to the beautiful village of Thame, which is an old Sherpa village, or the villages of Khumjung/Khunde/Khongde. Hotel Everest view is along this route and if the weather is clear, you will get a great view of Mt. Everest and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. If you have time, pay a visit to the Mountaineering museum or you can simply spend your time enjoying cafés, shops, bakeries and restaurants in Namche Bazaar. The night will also be spent in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Thame Sherpa village, Khumjung/Khunde/Khongde, Hotel Everest View, cafes, bakeries, shops, restaurant etc)

After breakfast, you'll depart Namche Bazaar and follow the flat trail that leads you to the village of Kyamjuma. You will then descend to the bottom of the valley where you'll enjoy lunch next to the Dudhkoshi River at 3250m. The views on this section of trail are some of the best on the trek. Enjoy views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Ama Dablam and a very close up view of Thamserku. After lunch, you will tackle the long climb up to Tengboche and visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. This zig-zagging route takes about 2-3 hours but the journey is so worth it. The night will be spent in a lodge in Tengboche or the small village 100m below called Deboche.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Great views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Thamserku, and Tengboche Monastery - The highest Monastery in the world.)

You will start the day's hike descending down to the riverside through lush woodland and cross the river on another suspension bridge. You will then spend the next two-three hours gradually climbing up the valley to the beautiful settlement of Pangboche (3,860m/12,664ft). Here you can spot several Chortens and Mani walls as you walk through the village. You can also get a close-up view the majestic Ama Dablam. After some lunch, you will ascend towards Dingboche where a fairly moderate walk leads you to the Imja Valley. Here, on climbing the last and steepest climb of the day, you will finally reach Dingboche. The night is spent in a lodge in Dingboche.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Lush forest, steep climbs, and magnificent Chortens and Mani walls.)

After a refreshing breakfast, you can climb the ridge on the north behind the village to appreciate the magnificent view of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse and numerous other peaks that are visible from Dingboche. The vantage point on the ridge also gives you a chance to observe Imja Khola Valley and the charming fields and pastures of Dingboche. Or, you can simply spend your day exploring Dingboche Valley. The night is spent at Dingboche.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today starts with the ascent through the Khumbu Khola Valley. The views of Cholatse and Taboche peak on your left are awesome and these mountains will keep you company for the majority of today. You will also get a glimpse of the Chola Lake and the majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7,138m/23,418ft). You will then make your way across the glacial river and stop for lunch in the tiny settlement of Dughla. After lunch you'll ascend for about an hour or so until you reach the memorial hill. It's a very powerful place with numerous memorials of Sherpas and other climbers who perished on Mt. Everest and the other surrounding peaks. You will stop here for 20 minutes or so before heading up the Khumbu Valley to reach the village of Lobuche.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: The view of Chola Lake along with Mt. Pumori, memorial hill, views of other peaks like Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Mahalangur Himal.)

This is it! Base Camp day!

This is probably the toughest part of the trek as you ascend over 5000m towards the historic Everest base camp. You will be up early so make sure you wrap up warm as the weather and temperatures will be freezing at this time of day. The trail gets a little difficult as you traverse the glacial moraine and find a route to the settlement of Gorak Shep. Here you will grab some lunch and fill up your water bottles before heading further up the valley. As you get closer and closer, you will spot the Everest peak and the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse and so on. Just a small ascent from here leads you to a 360-degree vista of snowy mountains - one of the most awe-inspiring views you will ever see. As you walk thought the rocky trail, you'll step onto the glacier and make your way over to Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,575ft).

You have done it! A massive achievement and something you will remember forever.

Once you've hugged your teammates and got those Base Camp photos that you'll treasure forever, you will head back towards Gorak Shep where you will stay for the night. (5,160m/16,929ft)

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Views of Mt Everest, reaching the historic Everest Base Camp and box ticked.)

If you're feeling up to it, you have the opportunity to wake up at 4:00am to make your way up to the summit of Kala Pattar at 5545m. This will take you a couple of hours of hard uphill hiking but what a reward - a sunrise view of Mt Everest! Watch the first rays of sunshine hit the summit on Everest and take in the views. Breathtaking! Once you descend and meet the other group members who opted for a lie-in, you will head back down the Khumbu Valley towards the village of Pangboche. This is a long day but as you descend you will notice the huge change in altitude and the increase in oxygen. We do sometimes stay in Pheriche instead of Pangboche depending on how the group is doing.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Sunrise view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and Ama Dablam, summit a 5500m peak, enjoy the Khumbu Valley on the descent)

You will set off from Lobuche base camp and start the climb of the south east ridge. The climbing is a mix of rock, snow and ice climbing and we will be making use of fixed ropes all while being assisted towards the top by your climbing guide. Your goal for the day is to reach the Lobuche high camp, some food and a quick rest before heading out again early in the morning for the summit!

You will set off in the early hours continuing the climb up the South East ridge to the summit of Lobuche. Immediately upon reaching the summit you will know why Lobuche East is a popular peak, the views are mind blowing. The views stretch across the highest peaks in the world, the always beautiful and the mighty 8000. Peaks of Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and of course Mount Everest.

After taking some photos, sharing a hug with your guide its time to descend back to Lobuche village to celebrate and have a well earned rest.

Cause its always best to be prepared!!

Today you will head back down the Khumbu Valley towards the village of Pangboche. This is a long day but as you descend you will notice the huge change in altitude and the increase in oxygen. You do sometimes stay in Pheriche instead of Pangboche depending on how the group is doing.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Sunrise view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and Ama Dablam, summit a 5500m peak, enjoy the Khumbu Valley on the descent)

Today you will follow the flat trail down towards Tengboche. If there is time you can visit the Monastery once again, or head for a tea break before you descend the steep section back down to the Dudh Koshi River. You will cross the first bridge over the river and climb for two hours back up towards Namche Bazaar. The walking definitely gets easier as you descend but the legs will be tired after the last eight days or so of walking, so you will take your time today and go easy. You will spend the night in Namche Bazaar celebrating with a visit to the worlds highest Irish Bar. The hot showers and home comforts provided in Namche Bazaar make this a great place to stop on the way back down.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Local Sherpa villages, Tengboche Monastery, Guinness at the worlds highest Irish Bar)

The final day of trekking and the long journey from Namche Bazaar back down to Lukla. You will retrace your steps back across the Hilary Bridge and through the local Sherpa villages before stopping for lunch in Phakding. Enjoy the last day of epic mountain views, pine forests, Sherpa villages, prayer stones, flapping prayer flags that can be found along the flat route back to Lukla. Once you pass through the Lukla trekking gate and reach your tea house, you will relax and enjoy the last day with the mountain team. You will share food with your porters and guides and celebrate the fantastic trek.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Flat trail, open plains, Rhododendron and Pine forests, Sherpa villages, prayer stones, and flapping prayer flags.)

Your group will aim to depart from Lukla early in the morning, and all going well, you will depart Lukla and the mountains and fly back to Kathmandu. Once you are back at the hotel, you will have a free afternoon for some souvenir shopping or a massage for those aching muscles. You will meet up in the evening for your last group meal together before packing your bags in preparation for tomorrow's flight back home.

Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: EPIC mountain views from the flight back to Kathmandu, free afternoon)

Today is the last day of your trip in Nepal with EverTrek. If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. If your flight is scheduled for later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around the shopping areas in Kathmandu.

If you have booked your flights with a spare day or two and have requested we arrange your additional accommodation for you, then you will be able to remain at the hotel until your day of departure and still benefit from the airport transfers. Alternatively if you have booked an additional trip add-on, such as Chitwan National Safari, it is on this day that you will travel to the park.

Dates & Prices

October 05 2024 - October 23 2024

£3,200pp

Or

£750 / 4 Months

12 Available Spaces

More Info

6000m Peak Essential Kit List

We've put together this equipment list for our trekking peak trips like Mera Peak, Island Peak and others. Although this list is quite detailed there might be some bits you might also want to bring that form part of your expedition or trekking kit.

While you can rent certain items in country, the quality and availability of items CANNOT be guaranteed, we therefore recommended you bring the following items yourself to avoid any issues in country...

  • High quality 4 season down sleeping bag, we recommend a rating for -20°.
  • Expedition down jacket for summit days (approx 800 fill specification)
  • Set of C1 trekking crampons compatible with normal hiking boots, these may be needed for approach and descent (not for summitting)
  • Bring your own winter B2 or B3 high altitude mountaineering boots (for Spring), or B3 boots (for Autumn).


Your Bags


Day Pack – This is your rucksack that you will use each day, we recommend a 25ltr to 35ltr, some
very popular brands are Osprey, Lowe Alpine, Berghaus.


Duffel Bag – This is the bag that will be carried by your porter and will contain the bulk of your
trekking gear, we recommend an 80ltr to 120ltr duffle bag. Popular brands are North Face, Mountain
Equipment, Osprey, Rab. For our trips in Nepal, we give you a free EverTrek 80L Duffel bag on arrival
in Kathmandu.


Dry bags and zip lock bags – These are good to keep clean and dirty kit separated and for
waterproofing your cameras and other electricals.


Sleeping Equipment


Sleeping bag – High quality 4 season down sleeping bag, we recommend a rating -20’c. to -25’c. We
do provide free rental of a down sleeping bag on arrival In Kathmandu if you don’t have your own.
For the rentals we do also recommend you bring a silk sleeping bag liner.

Note - If you're someone that feels the cold more than most it also might be worth looking at a 5 season sleeping bag for 6000m peaks or more as it can get windy and significant wind chill which you can still feel in your tents.


Sleeping mat – Inflatable sleeping mat with a pump and ideally a repair kit for any leaks. We
recommend Thermarest mats as they are light, compact and help retain your body heat while
camping at high altitudes.

Outer Insulation Layers


Down Jacket – A High-quality heavy down jacket, this is essential to keep warm in your tent and
especially on summit day. We recommend the Rab Neutrino Pro, Mountain Equipment Lightline or
something similar in specification. We provide free rental of a trekking down jacket on arrival in
Nepal but for 6000m peak climbing we would recommend you bring a larger jacket or one of the above especially if you feel the cold more than most.


Base Layers – We Recommend you bring a mix of thermal base layers and cooler base layers as the
temps on 6000m peaks can vary massively. We recommend Merino Wool base layers.


Mid Layers - Fleece mid-layer or a lightweight down gilet.


Outer Layers – A small packable soft shell wind stopper jacket.


Rain Gear


Waterproof jacket – A light waterproof jacket, Gore-Tex or similar with a hood and good ventilation.


Waterproof over trousers – Roomy enough to wear over your normal trekking trousers, again Gore-
Tex is recommended.


Lower Body


Trekking Trousers – lightweight trekking trousers and insulated winter trekking trousers.


Trekking shorts – Lightweight, you can even use convertible trekking trousers.


Thermals – Merino Wool leggings.


Underwear and socks – Merino Wool for both, min of 6 pairs each.

Face and Head


Sun hat – Baseball cap or bucket hat


Beanie – Warm beanie hat that can covers the ears


Buff / Neck warmers – We recommended you bring a lightweight buff and a warm insulated one.
Gloves


Lightweight gloves – liner gloves and a pair of lightweight gloves for trekking and keeping warm in
camp.


Mountaineering gloves – These should be high quality big and warm gloves designed to keep your
hands from getting frostbite in the coldest climates, especially at high altitude when there is a lack of
oxygen. Recommended you buy top of the range gloves or mitts.


Handwarmers – These are great to keep your hands warm on summit night or on cold nights in the
tent, can also be put into your boots.


Footwear


Trekking boots – Hiking boots suitable for rough trails. There are heaps of options like the Meindl Bhutan boots but check out this article for more in depth options.


Trainers / shoes – Light weight for walking around camp


Sandals – For walking to the toilet and crossing streams etc


Mountaineering Boots


For 6000m peaks such as Island Peak, Mera Peak.


A high quality pair of B2/B3 boots – Some boots we would recommend are: Scarpa Manta Tech
GTX, La Sportiva Karakorum HC GORE-TEX, Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GORE-TEX, La Sportiva Nepal Cube
GORE-TEX.


For Peaks Aconcagua


Double mountaineering boots – You need double-layered mountaineering boots that are suitable to
climb to 7000m above sea level. Some examples: LA SPORTIVA - G2 SM, Scarpa Men's Phantom
Tech.


Mountaineering Equipment


Crampons – 12-point crampons that fit the boots, Grivel G12 are a recommended pair.


Mountaineering Harness: (These can be provided by our team in-country)


Helmet – Mountaineering helmet (These can be provided from our team in country)

Ice Axe – A trekking ice axe a popular one amongst the Yeti’s is the Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
(These can be provided from our team in country)


Trekking Poles – Telescopic trekking poles, essential for keeping your stable on the rough terrain, uneven
sections and for reducing the stress on your joints, especially on long descents.


Head Torch – Battery powered and bring spare batteries.


Mountaineering Sunglasses – Category 4 sunglasses, Julbo are considered the best available
mountaineering glasses.

Personal hygiene and health


Sunscreen - Factor 50 sunscreen, also recommended you get a protective lip balm


Wet Wipes / Soap – essential for keeping good hygiene, put the used items in a dry bag and dispose
of correctly once off the mountain.


Towel – Small and packable.


Medications – Headaches require Ibuprofen and paracetamol, First Aid kit (your guide will also have
a fully equipped kit), Rehydration Powder: Dioralyte, Diarrhoea Treatment kit, Diamox For altitude.