Lobuche Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek – 19 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport with a placard showing your name. Upon warm welcome, you will be transferred to the hotel in the central part of Kathmandu. Thamel street, dotted with trekking shops, cafes, and handicraft outlets, lies at your door. The day remains open for relaxation and getting rid of any jet lag. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short guided tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square or enjoy the local cuisine in the evening.

After breakfast, your climbing guide will present a full pre-expedition briefing on the trekking schedule, safety protocols, altitude acclimatization, and skills needed for summit climbing. Your gear and climbing equipment will be thoroughly checked; missing items may be rented or purchased in Thamel. The day may also be utilized to visit UNESCO World Heritage monuments including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, or Pashupatinath Temple. Evening: Be hosted to a classic Nepali welcome dinner with music and dance that will introduce you to Nepal's rich cultural heritage.

Your trekking adventure starts with a scenic mountain flight to Lukla, one of the most thrilling airstrips in the world. From the plane, enjoy your first close-up views of Everest, Nuptse, and other Himalayan giants. In Lukla, you’ll meet the local Sherpa crew who will assist throughout the trek. After a light tea break, descend gradually along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through pine forests and chortens adorned with prayer flags. The trail to Phakding is easygoing, making it a gentle start to your journey. Overnight at a quaint teahouse overlooking the river.

This is a longer and tougher trek. The path we follow hugs the Dudh Koshi with a number of suspension bridges to negotiate, the most renowned of which is the Hillary Bridge. When you reach Jorsalle, you are inside Sagarmatha National Park, and your tickets are checked. From here, the route steeply ascends for nearly two hours through pine and rhododendron forest until Namche Bazaar comes into view as a splash of color amphitheater carved into the hillside. Namche is the Sherpa capital, with cafes, bakeries, shopping areas, and internet cafes, a vibrant synthesis of tradition and contemporaneity. First good glimpses of Mount Everest, Thamserku, and Kusum Kanguru make today more than worthwhile.

Acclimatization is key to success at high altitudes. Trek in the morning to the renowned Everest View Hotel, one of the world's highest-altitude hotels, with breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Along the way, you may pause at Khumjung Village, where there is the Hillary School and the Khumjung Monastery that houses a relic believed to be a Yeti scalp. Return down to Namche for lunch after the acclimatization hike. Visit the Sherpa Museum or have an afternoon break in a café.

From Namche, the trail follows the mountainside with continually breathtaking views. A leisurely walk leads you to Kyangjuma and then down to the river. Walk across the Imja Khola Bridge and climb slowly through lines of rhododendron and fir trees up to the Tengboche Monastery, spiritual hub of the Khumbu region. The monastery is occupied by chanting monks and is a pilgrims' stop for climbers before ascending to Everest. After looking at Ama Dablam standing in sudden splendor over the monastery, take a short descent through woods to reach Debuche, another peaceful village with fewer crowds. 

The day continues on the trail deeper into alpine terrain. Cross the Imja Khola again before climbing to Pangboche, the highest permanent Sherpa habitation. The trail gradually picks up altitude, offering breathtaking views of Ama Dablam dominating the horizon. With higher altitude, vegetation becomes scarce and the landscape unfolds to offer stone-walled fields of Dingboche. The village is popularly known as the "summer valley" and is beautifully surrounded by such gigantic peaks as Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Lhotse. Dingboche is a point of acclimatization that is necessary prior to attempting Everest Base Camp and Lobuche Peak.

To adapt further to the altitude, you’ll spend a second acclimatization day. A recommended hike is to Nangkartsang Peak (5,083 m), a high ridge offering panoramic views of Makalu (8,463 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the Imja Valley. The hike takes 4–5 hours and significantly aids in oxygen adaptation. The afternoon is free for rest, reading, or short strolls around Dingboche’s traditional stone-walled fields.

Breakfast, then climb gradually up to Dughla (4,620 m), a village where some trekkers stop for tea. Climb up to the Thukla Pass, a ridge topped with stone memorials for those who have lost their lives in Everest climbs. It is a moving and uplifting place, reminding climbers of the courage required in the Himalayas. Along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with views of Pumori, Lingtren, and Nuptse. Ultimately reach Lobuche, a small village that has very few teahouses but excellent proximity to Everest and the Khumbu Icefall.

The path winds along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, with Nuptse and Pumori appearing all along. Thinner air and more difficult terrain call for patience and steady breathing. After 3–4 hrs, arrive at Gorakshep, the final village preceding Everest Base Camp. Take a brief rest break, then trek to Everest Base Camp, a mythical place alive with multicolored expedition camps in climbing season (spring). Stand at the base of the world's highest mountain, with Khumbu Icefall and mountains looming all around. Although Everest itself cannot be seen from Base Camp, the sense of being here is exhilarating. Back to Gorakshep for the evening.

Early morning before dawn wake-up for Kala Patthar sunrise hike, which is one of the treks' most cherished experiences. The hike is very steep but worth the effort as the sun's golden rays kiss the summit of Everest, making it receive a fiery orange hue. From here, you’ll enjoy the best close-up views of Everest (8,849 m), Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. After soaking in the moment and taking photos, descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast, then retrace the trail to Lobuche. This return trek helps in positioning for the upcoming Lobuche Peak climb.

This is the beginning of your climbing period. After breakfast, hike for 2–3 hours on rocky ground to arrive at Lobuche Peak Base Camp, set in a broad meadow by a glacial lake. Climbing practice includes for the rest of the day. Your guide will run training sessions on the techniques of ice axe, crampon, harness, rope, and ascender use. For most trekkers, this practice instills confidence in reaching the summit. Early dinner and sleep comfortably in tents in preparation for higher altitude the next day.

After a satisfying breakfast, ascend through a steep rocky trail to Lobuche High Camp. Altitude is demanding but the view of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, and the Khumbu Glacier is invigorating. After setting up tents, your guide will organize a final practice session on fixed ropes, knots, and glacier travel techniques. The afternoon is kept short to conserve energy. 

This is the highlight of the entire expedition. Wake up around 2–3 AM for an alpine start. Equipped with headlamps, begin ascending steep rock sections before moving onto snowy ridges. The route involves fixed ropes, crampon work, and steady pacing on the glacier. After 6–7 hours of strenuous climbing, you’ll finally reach the summit of Lobuche East Peak (6,119 m). From the summit, there is a 360° panorama view of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, described by many mountaineers as more breathtaking than from Everest itself. Return safely after photo and celebration to High Camp and then Base Camp for well-deserved rest.

After the climb rush, begin descending to lower altitudes where one can easily breathe. Descend via the established route to Pangboche, past Dingboche and lush valleys. Pangboche is home to one of the Khumbu's oldest monasteries, where climbers generally get good-luck blessings prior to an expedition. The village is quieter than Namche, offering a peaceful overnight camp with views of Ama Dablam's famous ridges.Day 16:

The journey descends through suspension bridges and forests. When you return, you'll feel the way the landscape now appears so different, greener, warmer, and vibrant. There's a festive atmosphere approaching Namche from the secluded high-altitude villages. Indulge in some Himalayan bakery cake or a cup of hot beverage at one of the popular cafés in Namche.

Your final day of trekking is a prolonged but rewarding return via Monjo, Phakding, and into Lukla. Your final evening with your trekking staff is special, usually marked with a farewell dinner, Sherpa songs, and celebrations. The evening is an evening of thanksgiving and jubilation, as you reflect on the successful summit and Everest Base Camp adventure.

Wake up early for your flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. The short but scenic flight retraces the path above the Himalayan ridgelines, offering one last glimpse of Everest and surrounding peaks before landing in the capital. Once in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, perhaps take a hot shower, ease in comfort, or venture out and explore Thamel's vibrant streets lined with cafés, souvenir stores, and bakeries. In the evening, you can have a cultural dinner or simply unwind with your team.

Your Himalayan adventure concludes today. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport with unforgettable memories of your Everest Base Camp journey and Lobuche Peak summit. This marks the end of an adventure filled with challenges, breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and the pride of standing atop a Himalayan peak.