Lobuche East Peak Climbing

Today presents the chance to meet your guide and inquire about any aspects of your climb and trek that you’d like to discuss.

Today, you’ll catch an early morning flight from the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan Airport, heading towards the Everest Region. During this flight, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of hills and the Himalayan mountains. Upon arrival at the high-altitude Lukla airport, you’ll organize your equipment and then set off on a 3 to 4-hour hike to reach Phakding. This will be your first night in the Khumbu, also known as the Everest, Region.

You’ve entered the Sagarmatha National Park. Ensure you have your permits ready as there’s a check post ahead.

Today’s trek involves primarily uphill terrain, with an elevation gain of about 800 meters or 2,624 feet. As you approach Namche, anticipate encountering numerous trekkers and climbers. Namche is a hub where many gather to acclimatize for their journeys or celebrate the completion of their trips.

Now that you’ve reached a considerable altitude, and with more elevation to come, it’s imperative to take an acclimatization day in Namche. However, this doesn’t mean a day of complete rest. The best way to acclimate is to stay active.

You have various options for activity. You can explore nearby Sherpa villages, visit the school and health post established by Sir Edmund Hillary for the locals, or enjoy a cup of coffee at the aptly named Everest View Hotel. Here, you can also observe helicopters bringing in visitors on the Everest for Breakfast Heli Tour.

It’s advisable to take this opportunity to stock up on snacks if you didn’t have time in Kathmandu, as there won’t be any chocolate shops along the trail from here on. Additionally, don’t underestimate the comfort and nourishment that comes from having familiar and comforting food in high and cold conditions.

The trails and Namche itself showcase the profound influence of the prominent Buddhist culture in this region. During today’s journey, you’ll encounter numerous stupas (Buddhist shrines), mani walls (stone walls etched with Buddhist mantras), prayer flags, and other symbols of this rich culture and religion.

Tengboche Monastery, the highest monastery in the area, is a significant stop. It’s home to a community of devoted monks. If you’re there at the right time, there’s an opportunity to quietly partake in a puja (worship) or light some butter lamps. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, the breathtaking panoramic views from Tengboche, which include sights of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse, are truly otherworldly.

The trail takes a descent towards Dingboche, then continues along the ridgeline with the Dudh Khosi River flowing below in a relatively level stretch.

As you approach a junction in the trail, you’ll arrive at the village of Pangboche. If luck is on your side, the bakery might be open. It’s a wonderful spot to pause for lunch or pick up a sweet treat for the journey ahead.

At this point, it’s important to be vigilant for any potential signs of altitude sickness and promptly communicate this to your guide. This ensures that any necessary precautions can be taken to ensure your well-being.

In Pheriche, you’ll find the Himalayan Rescue Association’s Pheriche Aid-Post, which primarily serves trekkers and mountaineers dealing with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and other mountain-related health issues. Their services extend to assisting locals, guides, and porters, and they also provide valuable information about AMS.

Additionally, it’s possible to arrange a talk on this subject from the staff at the aid-post. This can be a productive way to spend your acclimatization day, gaining crucial knowledge about altitude-related health concerns and precautions.

Today’s path will lead you over several boulders, navigating half-frozen streams in expansive valleys. Despite being surrounded by mountains, the valley’s hidden sun means it will be quite cold. While the instinct may be to walk faster to generate warmth, the altitude will naturally slow you down. It’s important to be patient.

Along the trail, you’re likely to come across yak trains. In the villages, consider stopping for a warm cup of tea or soup before encountering a line of chortens. These chortens serve as tributes to the many individuals—guides, mountaineers, and trekkers—who have lost their lives in the Everest Region. Additionally, prayer flags pay homage to all those who have passed, including Scott Fisher, an American guide whose story is recounted in the book and film ‘Into Thin Air’. With the towering mountains surrounding you, it’s an incredibly evocative and atmospheric place.

Today’s journey takes you to Gorakshep, where you’ll be spending two nights, allowing for some fantastic excursions. As you walk along the Khumbu Glacier, you’ll encounter some steep sections of the trail, but with the majestic Mt. Everest in full view, the effort is truly worthwhile. Once you pass the glacier, you’ll reach Gorakshep. Here, you’ll have lunch before embarking on an extraordinary journey to the ‘Everest View Point,’ famously known as Kala Patthar.

Climbing up this ‘black rock,’ named for its appearance, brings you as close to Everest as possible. At this vantage point, you’ll witness unparalleled views of Everest and the surrounding mountains. After soaking in this breathtaking mountain panorama, you’ll return to Gorakshep for the night.

Following breakfast, you’ll begin your journey to Everest Base Camp. It’s noteworthy that the base camp for trekkers is distinct from that of mountaineers. However, you’ll have the opportunity to catch sight of the mountaineering expedition camps just a short distance ahead.

In contrast to the astounding views from Kala Patthar, you might find the base camp a bit underwhelming in terms of scenery. Due to the proximity to Everest, the vantage point doesn’t offer the best views. Nevertheless, this spot holds great significance and will be a cherished memory for you. Following this visit, make your way to Lobuche, where you’ll spend the night.

The journey to High Camp takes about 3 hours, which may feel longer due to the thin air at this altitude. Once there, tents are arranged, and climbing equipment is thoroughly checked in preparation for tomorrow’s ascent. It’s a crucial step to ensure safety and readiness for the climb ahead.

This demanding day kicks off with an early 3 am departure. As you reach the snowline, crampons are secured to provide better traction on the slippery terrain. Ropes and ice axes will be essential tools, along with the guidance of your experienced guide, for the climb.

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the entire Everest Region. Take a moment to savor the crisp mountain air and revel in your remarkable achievement. Afterward, make your way back to Lobuche Base Camp. This climb is a significant accomplishment and an experience to be cherished.

After yesterday’s strenuous climb, start your morning with a hearty breakfast to replenish your energy. Descend gradually to Lobuche village for lunch, and then continue on to Pheriche village. By this point, you’ve become accustomed to the spectacular presence of the Himalayan mountains all around you. Today, you’ll also appreciate the lush greenery and vibrant juniper and Rhododendron forests that adorn the landscape. It’s a refreshing change of scenery along the journey.

Today brings a relatively easier trek through Sherpa villages, with the towering peaks of Thamserku, Nuptse-Lhotse, and others always in sight above, and the valleys of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers below.

Finally, you’ll arrive at Namche Bazaar, a place to contemplate the incredible journey and the experiences you’ve just undertaken. Tonight, why not celebrate with a couple of well-deserved beers and share stories with your fellow trekkers? And of course, don’t forget to call home and share the news of your successful adventure!

Today marks the final day of your trek, a bittersweet moment indeed. Bid farewell to the majestic mountains as you follow the familiar path back to Lukla. You’ll spend the night in Lukla, preparing for your morning flight back to Kathmandu. It’s a time to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve had in the heart of the Himalayas.

You’ll take one last flight over the mountains to return to Kathmandu, undoubtedly tired but brimming with the vibrancy of your experiences. You’ll have some time for souvenir shopping, a wonderful way to bring back pieces of this memorable journey. Later, enjoy another celebratory dinner, a fitting finale to your remarkable adventure in the Himalayas.

We wish you a safe onward journey if you leave Nepal today. If not, we can help you organise another adventure.