Trek Details
Lobuche Peak Climbing
- Everest Region
Duration
15 Days
Difficulty
Medium
Best Time
Spring Autumn
Max.Altitude
6,119 m
Overview
Recognized as a trekking peak by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Lobuche Peak stands among Nepal’s most climbed peaks, alongside Mera and Island Peaks. It ranks as the second most popular trekking peak after Island Peak.
Located in the Khumbu region, Lobuche features two prominent summits—Lobuche East (6,145 m) and Lobuche West (6,119 m). Lobuche East is often chosen by trekkers as a non-technical climbing peak, while Lobuche West is approached more as a full expedition. The ascent is considered relatively straightforward, making it achievable with proper guidance and basic training.
The trekking route closely follows the classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) trail, offering trekkers a cultural and scenic journey through Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, suspension bridges, and alpine landscapes. Climbers also visit both Everest Base Camp (5,150 m) and Kala Patthar (5,644 m), making this expedition a perfect blend of peak climbing and EBC trekking.
Stunning panoramic views, sacred monasteries, and an unforgettable glimpse of the Everest region’s highest peaks have made Lobuche East especially popular. The peak gained attention after Laurence Nielson and Ang Gyalzen Sherpa first summited it on April 24, 1984. Since then, it’s been used as a training ground by climbers preparing for higher Himalayan ascents.
The summit views from both peaks are jaw-dropping. Lobuche West offers vistas of Cholatse (6,440 m), Tawoche (6,494 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Pokalde (5,806 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), and Kangtega (6,782 m). Meanwhile, from Lobuche East, you can see Everest (8,848 m), Makalu (8,481 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and more.
Since the trail overlaps with the popular Everest route, expect crowds during peak seasons—spring and autumn. Still, witnessing Mount Everest up close and experiencing the magic of Kala Patthar and EBC makes the journey well worth it.
Highlights of Lobuche Peak Climbing:
Follows the iconic Everest Base Camp trail, combining trekking and climbing adventures.
Unforgettable summit views from both Lobuche East and West.
Cultural immersion through monasteries, chortens, and Sherpa traditions.
Diverse landscapes—forests, rhododendron hills, glaciers, and traditional settlements.
Suitable for climbers with basic training and physical preparedness.
Best Time to Climb Lobuche Peak
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the best weather for climbing, with clear skies and stable conditions—perfect for panoramic Himalayan views. These are also the busiest times on the trail.
Monsoon and winter seasons are less favorable due to slippery, muddy trails and unpredictable weather. In winter, freezing temperatures can lead to hazards like frostbite and altitude-related issues, making climbing riskier.
Required Permits
Permit costs vary by season:
Spring: USD 250 per person
Autumn: USD 125 per person
Winter: USD 70 per person
Additionally, you’ll need to pay:
Sagarmatha National Park entry
Local area permit
TIMS card fee
These average around USD 60 combined. Travel insurance is mandatory for the permit process.
How Difficult is Lobuche Peak?
Lobuche Peak is classified as a moderate climb. While not highly technical, it requires familiarity with climbing gear such as crampons, ropes, and trekking poles. Prior experience and physical conditioning are important.
Due to the high altitude (over 6,000 meters), the risk of altitude sickness (AMS) is significant. Proper acclimatization and rest are crucial. First-time or solo climbers are strongly advised to go with experienced guides for safety and support.
Itinerary
Day1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860 m) and trek to Phakding (2610 m)
We take an early morning flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. A 35-minute flight will grant us an alluring and enchanting view of the Himalayas, like Mt. Everest. After landing in Lukla, we continued our journey to Phakding and spent the night there.
On our route, we pass through several small settlements and villages, pine forests, and Rhododendron-filled hills. Also, we traverse through rivers and waterfalls of the Khumbu region. We have to walk for 2-3 hours, which is relatively straightforward. We will stay for a night in Phakding.
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
After an early breakfast, we start our trek towards Namche Bazaar. Enjoying the spellbinding views of the grand Himalayas, waterfalls, and lush green vegetation, we will walk forward to reach the Sagarmatha National Park. We will keep up our hike only after showing our permits and documents to the officials.
After that, the scenery gets even more alluring because of the exotic floras and fauna inside the national park. Moreover, this trek is also used for the Everest Base Camp trek, so we may meet many trekkers along the way. Finally, after crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge, we will be welcomed by a famed world village, Namche Bazaar. We will spend the night there.
Day 3: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
On our third day, we will rest for acclimatization purposes as it is vital to adjust our heart and lungs to higher altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. We will hike towards the nearest viewpoint, called the Syangboche viewpoint, to further adapt our bodies.
The landscapes and the panoramas of the Himalayas seen from the top will take our breath away. After that, we can indulge in the local culture, taste Sherpas’s unique cuisines, and explore the place. This village is also known as a gateway to the Everest region. After wandering around the valley, we will spend our night in a lodge.
Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867 m)
As usual, our day commences with a nice cup of tea and breakfast towards Tengboche. Leaving behind monasteries, Chortens, and Gompas, along with a scenic view of the Himalayas, we pass through the Mong-La pass situated at 3975 meters to reach Tengboche. Similarly, the top of the pass allows us to perceive the astounding vistas of the high Himalayas, such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Aba Dablam.
Tengboche carries a religious significance for the Sherpa community because of the Tengboche Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region. The paths near the Tengboche are full of prayer flags. Moreover, we get a peek at the Buddhist culture and various rituals practised by the locals. We will stay overnight in this place.
Day 5:Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 m)
As on any other normal day, we will get up early to observe the beautiful sunrise view from the Tengboche Monastery. After breakfast, we will give continuity to our expedition by indulging in the spellbinding views of mountains, pasturelands, and landscapes. After crossing the Imja River, we will be welcomed by a gorgeous view of an Ama Dablam, agricultural fields and grazing animals.
Day 6:Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m)
As on any other normal day, we will give continuity to our expedition further towards Lobuche. We will cross the steep moraine of the Khumbu glacier and reach Chupki Lara passing where memorials of some of the renowned mountaineers are kept. After that, we will walk further towards our next stop relishing in the beautiful scenic views of the Himalayas like Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We will spend our night in a tea house in Lobuche.
Day 7:Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) via Gorak Shep
After an early breakfast, we will commence our journey towards one of the most popular trekking camps, Everest Base Camp but before that, we have to pass through Gorak Shep. Traversing through the steep paths of the Khumbu glacier, we will reach Gorak Shep. The views from the place are out of the world as we are welcomed by the mountains in all directions including Everest.
Similarly, we trace our walk further towards base camp but we will explore the Gorak Shep Lake first. Finally, the Everest Base Camp will hug us with mesmerizing views of many high Himalayas such as Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori.
However, the close-up view of Everest is not accessible from this place. The hike to Everest Base Camp will further provide a boost and experience to mount Lobuche Peak. We will trace our hike back towards Gorak Shep and spend the night there.
Day 8:Trek from Lobuche to Lobuche High Camp ( 5600 m)
As usual, we will start our journey after a healthy breakfast. Enjoying the beautiful sunrise view along the way and observing the vistas of the Himalayas of the Khumbu region we will ascend towards Kala Pathar sitting at an altitude of 5545 meters. We will pass through several viewpoints on our uphill towards the Kala Pathar so, we can snap pictures along the way.
After soaring to the top, the scenery perceived is something words aren’t enough to portray. The captivating and enthralling view of Mount Everest along with its surrounding mountains will blow our minds away. The Kala Patthar trek will further provide a boost and experience to mount Lobuche Peak later. After that, we descend towards Lobuche to spend our night.
Day 9: Trek to Kala Patthar (5545 m) back to Lobuche
After an early breakfast along with a beautiful sunrise view, we will move towards Lobuche Base Camp. We will walk along the Lobuche Glacier while enjoying the astounding panoramas of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega, etc. and halt our journey in Lobuche Base Camp. The majority of the climbers will opt to spend the night here but we will head further towards high camp.
The high camp is located at an altitude of 5600m so, we should keenly focus on our health as well as follow the lead of our guides. Finally, we will settle here and set up a camp for our sleep.
Day 10: Acclimatization and Preparation day
Our 10th day is a free day partitioned for the acclimatization purpose. Since we have ascended the 5500m plus altitude, there is a slight chance of altitude sickness. So, we adjust ourselves in the base camp.
Furthermore, our guides will brief us about the usage of tools and gears needed to mount the peak and the ways of fixing ropes in glaciers and crevices. They will interpret the possible dangers ahead and train us to use the equipment efficiently.
Day 11:Summit the Lobuche Peak (6119 m) and Back to Base Camp (4865 m)
Today is the day, we have been eagerly waiting for so, we start our climbing early in the morning. Following the lead and abiding by the suggestions of other experienced climbers, we will slowly ascend towards the Lobuche east. The Lobuche east provides more expansive views of mountains than the Island and Mera Peak.
When we put our foot on the summit of Lobuche Peak, we will be hugged with an outstanding grand view of the Himalayas like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and other nearby peaks. This is the moment when we will realize that our sweat and struggle along the whole expedition is worthwhile. With a proud heart and a sense of achievement for reaching the summit, we will descend down towards Base camp where we will stay overnight.
Day 12: Trek from Lobuche Base Camp to Dingboche (4410 m)
After a historic accomplishment for us, we trace our way along the same previous route. We will be encompassed with a beautiful breathtaking view of the Himalayas, farmlands, villages, and monasteries along the way. We may opt to celebrate the achievement with the locals and may even try locally prepared alcoholic beverages and cuisines. We will stay overnight in Dingboche.
Day 13:Trek from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
After an early breakfast, we head back towards Namche Bazaar. We will pass through religiously and culturally enriched Tengboche. The mesmerizing view along the way will become pretty standard up to this day.
Finally, we will halt and stay overnight at Namche Bazaar. If we have spare time, we can explore the place and buy souvenirs for our loved ones.
Day 14: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla Village (2860 m)
After an early breakfast, we descend further down towards Lukla, where we will spend the night. We will observe breathtaking views of some of the peaks of the Everest region, such as Cho Oyu, Kongde Peak, etc. We will spend our night in Lukla Village.
Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Altitude: 2,874 meters (9,429 feet)
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (7-8 hours).
Pass through lush forests and traditional villages.
Have Any Question?
Ask anything. Whether big or small, we’re always happy to assist and make your trek memorable.
