20 Day Lobuche East Summit Expedition
€2850
(One tour per person)
Lobuche East Peak Expedition
A 17-Day High-Altitude Challenge Through the Heart of the Khumbu
Introduction: So You Fancy a Proper Mountain Adventure?
Ever stared at a photo of the Himalayas and thought, “I could take on something like that”? The Lobuche Peak Expedition is your chance to prove it. At 6,119 metres, Lobuche East stands tall just a stone’s throw from Everest, offering stunning views of the world’s highest peaks—without the Everest price tag or overcrowded summit selfies.
This is a guided expedition for those who crave more than just a scenic stroll. You’ll be trekking, climbing, acclimatising, and learning mountaineering skills, all while immersed in one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. It’s tough, it’s technical, and it’s wildly rewarding.
The Setting: Deep in the Khumbu
The Khumbu region of Nepal isn’t just famous because Everest lives there—it’s a place of staggering natural beauty and raw Himalayan culture. You’ll walk through rhododendron forests, suspension bridges, and centuries-old Sherpa villages. You’ll meet the locals, visit sacred monasteries, and acclimatise gradually as you follow the trail to Everest Base Camp and beyond.
This is more than just a climb. It’s a full-on expedition into the soul of the Himalayas.
What to Expect on the Lobuche Peak Expedition
A Journey That Begins in Kathmandu
You’ll arrive in Nepal’s buzzing capital, Kathmandu, where ancient temples and honking mopeds set the scene. After a gear check and team briefing, we take the short—but hair-raising—flight to Lukla to begin the trek into the Khumbu.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
The approach trek follows the world-famous Everest Base Camp route. You’ll pass through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche—places that read like a greatest hits of Himalayan trekking. We visit Everest Base Camp itself, giving you a front-row seat to the madness of 8,000-metre expedition logistics. From here, the real climbing begins.
Climbing Lobuche East Peak
Lobuche East is a proper alpine ascent—think steep snow slopes, fixed lines, crampons, and summit ridges with drop-offs to make your stomach flutter. This is where all your preparation, training, and mental grit come into play.
You’ll climb with professional guides, using fixed ropes and high-altitude mountaineering techniques. And when you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best panoramas in the Himalayas: Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Makalu all in one sweep.
Technical but Achievable
While Lobuche is a technical climb, it’s within reach of fit trekkers who’ve put in the effort. We’ll train you on the use of crampons, ice axes, abseiling, and fixed rope systems before summit day. If you’ve got the drive, we’ll give you the tools.
When to Go
Autumn (September to November)
The most popular season. Clear skies, crisp views, and relatively stable weather make autumn a superb time to climb. Trails are lively, tea houses are open, and conditions on Lobuche are generally favourable.
Spring (March to May)
Spring rivals autumn for popularity. You’ll get blooming rhododendrons in the lower valleys, stable climbing conditions, and an energised mountaineering scene in the Khumbu.
Not Recommended: Winter and Monsoon
December to February brings sub-zero temps and brutal wind. June to August is monsoon season—wet, leechy, and generally miserable. We won’t stop you, but we won’t recommend it either.
Why Climb Lobuche with Summit Mountaineering?
- UK-based pre-trip support: We help you train, prep, and panic less before you even leave Heathrow.
- Guided by Himalayan experts: Our Nepali IFMGA-trained guides know every ridge, crevasse, and bad tea stop in the Khumbu.
- Full training included: We don’t expect you to be a pro. We’ll teach you the ropes—literally.
- No shortcuts: Proper acclimatisation, full summit support, and ethical logistics.
- Optional training hikes in the UK: Think British grit meets Himalayan goals.
The Challenge: What You’re Signing Up For
High Altitude
At over 6,000 metres, Lobuche isn’t forgiving. Acclimatisation is key, and our itinerary is designed to give your body the best chance to adapt. Altitude sickness is a risk—respect it, listen to your guides, and don’t rush.
Technical Terrain
The summit push involves roped snow climbing, steep slopes, and exposed ridges. You’ll need a head for heights, good fitness, and the ability to follow mountaineering commands under pressure.
Mental Grit
Cold mornings, tough climbs, basic toilets. This isn’t a luxury holiday. But if you thrive under challenge, you’ll walk away changed.
FAQs
Do I need prior climbing experience?
Not essential, but strong fitness and some trekking experience are a must. We’ll teach you how to use crampons, fixed lines, and ice axes during the expedition.
Is this harder than Everest Base Camp?
Yes. EBC is a trek; Lobuche is a mountaineering objective. You’ll need to climb steep snow and ice to summit. It’s the real deal.
Will I get altitude sickness?
Maybe. But our itinerary includes multiple acclimatisation days, gradual ascents, and experienced guides who know how to manage the signs and symptoms.
What gear do I need?
We’ll send a full kit list upon booking. You’ll need proper boots, layering systems, mountaineering gear (some of which can be rented in Kathmandu), and a solid sleeping bag.
How dangerous is the climb?
All mountain climbing carries risk. That said, we take every precaution: experienced guides, safety gear, fixed lines, and contingency plans. Your safety is our top priority.
How long is the expedition?
The full trip is 17 days, including arrival and departure days, acclimatisation treks, summit attempt, and return to Kathmandu.
Can I train with you before the trip?
Yes. We offer optional pre-expedition training hikes in the UK to help you prepare physically and mentally.
Ready to Summit?
If you’re looking for a real adventure—one that pushes your limits, takes you far from comfort, and rewards you with the kind of views you’ll never forget—then this is your moment. The Lobuche Peak Expedition isn’t for everyone. But it might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
INCLUDED
- All Airport Transfers in Kathmandu
- 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu at a 3 star hotel (sharing)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek (notice the words ‘on the trek’)
- Travel lodge accommodation during the trek
- Tented accommodation at Leboche Base Camp
- Dry one liners to motivate you up the mountain. We only allow 3 jokes per hour. Extra jokes cost a beer for pack of 10.
- Government licensed Trek/climbing guides, plus experienced porters (including their food, salary, accommodation, equipment, medicine and insurance)
- Return flights from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
- All necessary permits and entry fees including climbing permit for Island Peak and Everest Base camp trek
- All government taxes
- Day tour of Khathmandu
- Our loving and kind motivational speeches to get your ass up the mountain
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals in Kathmandu. (Breakfast in the hotel is included)
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee ($40)
- Your travel insurance (should include your medical and helicopter rescue).
- My wife
- Climbing equipment (harness, ice axe, crampons, boots etc)
- Any personal expenses like shower and battery charges in the mountain
- Bar bills
- Advice on the stock exchange fluctuations and how they will affect the global economy.
- Any extra night’s accommodation in Kathmandu if we get down early. (We have included extra days in case of bad weather. If all goes according to plan, then we will be back down early. So maybe keep a few dollars spare in case)
- Any abuse about how horrible we are for not telling you about the difficulty of the climb which usually starts in at about 5,967m at 3:45 am. And of course, we would have told you how difficult it CAN be, but you would have forgotten by then. Poor us.
- Staff tipping
Lobuche Peak Expedition Itinerary
18 Days | From the UK to the Summit and Back
Day 1: Depart the United Kingdom
Begin your journey from London or your nearest major UK airport. This is your international travel day to Nepal. Expect one or two layovers, and take the opportunity to rest, hydrate, and prepare mentally for the challenge ahead.
Day 2: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Touch down in the vibrant capital of Nepal. You’ll be met at the airport by our team and transferred to a comfortable hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist district. Spend the rest of the day settling in, exploring the local streets, or recovering from the flight.
Day 3: Welcome Briefing, Gear Check, and Permits
Today is all about preparation. We’ll run a full expedition briefing, go through your gear piece by piece, and ensure all official paperwork and permits are sorted. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or just enjoying a quiet coffee in the chaos of Kathmandu.
Day 4: Fly to Lukla (2,860m), Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
We board an early flight to Lukla—the infamous mountain airstrip perched on a cliff edge. From here, our trek begins. It’s a short and gentle walk to Phakding through pine forests and across prayer flag-strewn bridges. Approx. 3–4 hours walking.
Day 5: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
A solid trekking day as we follow the Dudh Kosi River and cross several suspension bridges, including the dramatic Hillary Bridge. The final two-hour climb to Namche is steep and demanding, but rewards you with the first real taste of high-altitude Sherpa culture. Namche is the gateway to the Khumbu.
Day 6: Acclimatisation Day in Namche
To help your body adapt to the altitude, we hike up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for commanding panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We also visit the Sagarmatha National Park museum to learn about the mountain environment and Sherpa history. The rest of the day is for leisure and rest.
Day 7: Trek from Namche to Debuche (3,820m)
Today’s trail is full of mountain drama. We follow a high route with Ama Dablam in constant view, descend to the Imja River, then climb again through forest to Tengboche Monastery. We continue on to Debuche for a quieter and more sheltered overnight stop. Monastery visit optional but recommended.
Day 8: Trek from Debuche to Dingboche (4,410m)
Cross the suspension bridge over the Imja River and walk through Pangboche village, home to one of the oldest monasteries in the region. We then continue into more barren, glacial terrain as we gain altitude and reach Dingboche, where the air gets thinner and the mountains closer.
Day 9: Acclimatisation Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,000m)
Another critical acclimatisation day. We make a steady climb to Nagarjun Hill, a rocky outcrop with stunning views over Island Peak, Lhotse, and the entire Imja Valley. The altitude here will test your lungs, but it pays dividends for your summit success. Afternoon at rest in Dingboche.
Day 10: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)
We climb to Dughla, then make a steep push to the Thukla Pass, where memorials to fallen Everest climbers serve as a sobering reminder of the region’s seriousness. The trail then follows the Khumbu Glacier’s edge to Lobuche. Temperatures drop, and the terrain grows more dramatic.
Day 11: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
A big day. We follow the glacial moraine to Gorak Shep for a brief rest before pushing on to Everest Base Camp. The terrain is rugged and barren, and the air thin, but the goal is inspiring. After photos and celebrations at EBC, we return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Day 12: Early Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), Trek to Lobuche
We rise before dawn and climb Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Mount Everest at sunrise. Watch as the peaks glow gold and pink in the early light. We then descend all the way back to Lobuche for a proper rest and prep for the climb ahead.
Day 13: Trek to Lobuche Base Camp (4,950m)
A short but demanding trek up steep scree and grassy slopes brings us to Lobuche Base Camp. Here we meet our climbing Sherpa team, settle into expedition tents, and begin preparations for summit day.
Day 14: Pre-Climb Training and Rest
Today is devoted to technical training on snow, ice, and rope systems. You’ll review crampon technique, fixed rope ascents, ice axe arrest, and summit day protocol. The rest of the day is for rest, hydration, and mental prep. Early night—tomorrow’s the big one.
Day 15: Summit Day – Lobuche East (6,119m) and Trek to Pheriche (4,240m)
We begin under starlight with a 2am alpine start. The route takes us over steep snow and ice slopes with fixed rope protection, leading to the exposed summit ridge. The views from the top are phenomenal—Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and more. After photos and a moment to soak it in, we descend carefully and continue down to Pheriche for a warm bed and well-earned food.
Day 16: Contingency Day
A buffer day built into the itinerary to account for bad weather or delays. If unused, it becomes an extra rest or sightseeing day in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
With the summit behind you, the walk becomes a celebration. We drop back into warmer altitudes and greener trails. Tonight in Namche, you can enjoy a proper coffee, hot shower, and maybe even a celebratory drink or slice of cake.
Day 18: Trek from Namche to Lukla
Our final trekking day follows the Dudh Kosi River valley back to Lukla. We cross familiar bridges and villages, now with a deep appreciation for where we’ve been. It’s the end of the trail—time for team farewells and a well-earned rest.
Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
An early flight returns us to the noise, colours, and warmth of Kathmandu. The afternoon is free—perfect for souvenir shopping, massages, or relaxing in a café. In the evening, we’ll gather for a final farewell dinner to toast your achievement.
Day 20: Final Departure – Fly Back to the United Kingdom
Transfer to the airport and fly home. You’ll arrive in the UK with tired legs, incredible memories, and a summit story that few can match.
