There are two main summits to Nepal’s Lobuche East, the Far East, a trekking peak, 6,119m, Alpine Grade ‘Peu Difficile’/not very difficult, and the East, 6,145m, an Expedition Peak and Alpine Grade ‘Difficile’. The two are separated by a tricky ridge with several false summits and some steep ice-covered slopes. The easier Far East peak is the one we (normally) aim for. To confuse matters further Lobuche East is sometimes referred to as just Lobuche or Lobuje.
Lobuche Far East trekking peak requires a camping expedition, though we could stay in tea-houses most of the way, and is best done in October to mid-November, though it can be done in April to early May. It’s not the easiest of the trekking peaks, but it’s loadsa fun and the views and the trek, which is identical to the Everest Base Camp Trek, are great.
As of May 2022 the trekking permit is US$ 250 in March to May, US$ 125 from September to November and US$ 70 any other time of year. We will include permit fees in any price quote.
If you have the time we would strongly recommend flying in lower down the valley to Phaplu and spending an extra three days trekking up to Lukla. This is a great little add-on and gives you more time to get used to trekking and to adjust to altitude. Alternatively we could get a bus (12-14 hours) (or private transport) to Shivalaya and trek in to Lukla in 6 days.
Day 1 | Kathmandu via Lukla to Phakding (2,650m) Your trekking guide will come to your hotel and, after breakfast, we take a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, perched at 2,860m in the Khumbu Valley, with unforgettable views of the terraced landscape and river valleys below, as well as close-ups of some of the world’s highest mountains. We then take a short trek to Phakding passing mani walls (rocks with carved Buddhist prayer inscriptions), small villages and terraced hillsides. (40 minute flight and 3 hour trek). |
Day 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,450m) The trek meanders up the Dudh Kosi (river) valley before we begin a steep hike up from where we’ll get our first view of Thamserku (6,623m), a peak rising to the east of Namche Bazaar. From the pretty village of Benkar the trek heads back to cross the Dudh Kosi before we hike up through magnificent forests of rhododendron, magnolia and fir interspersed with villages. The trek descends dramatically to recross the Dudh Kosi and from the confluence of the Dudh and Bhote Kosi we begin a 2 hour hike up through dense pine forests to Namche Bazaar, a busy attractive little trading town with shops, tea-houses, e-mail cafes etc. (6 hour trek). |
Day 3 | An Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar Enjoy the beauty of this quaint village as well as the friendliness and hospitality of its people. Trekkers may visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mt Everest region. Other options include a 3 hour return trek to Chhorkung, a 6 hour return trek to Thame or a 4 to 5 hour round trek through the villages of Zarok, Shyangboche, Khunde and Khumjung with their awesome mountain backdrops. Ask your guide for advice and company. On Saturday mornings there is a bigger market. |
Day 4 | Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m) We begin our trek with unforgettable views of Mts Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cholatse, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, considered the most beautiful of them all, and Thamserku. The first 3 hours, to Phunki, is an easy hike and is followed by a 3 hour trek up to Tengboche. The gompa (monastery) here is a World Heritage Site which can be visited for self-purification (go on you need it). (6 hour trek). |
Day 5 | Tengboche to Pheriche (4,370m) We trek through forests filled with of a variety of trees; birch, conifers and rhododendron. This picturesque hike dips down to Devuche, we then cross the Imja River before trekking up to Pheriche. It can get a bit cold here so we might need our down jackets. (6 hour trek) |
Day 6 | An Acclimatization Day in Pheriche Follow the guide while taking a side-trek to Dingboche and Chhukung up the Imja Khola (river) Valley for views of Lhotse’s massive south wall in particular. |
Day 7 | Pheriche to Lobuche (4,930m) We trek up to Dughla and then hike across the desolate gravelly moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing memorials to those who have perished, like Chukpilhara, which is in memory of 6 Sherpas who died as the result of an avalanche at Lobuche. (5 hour trek). |
Day 8 | Lobuche via Kala Pattar to Gorak Shep (5,160m) We hike for 2 hours to Gorak Shep, where we are treated to more views of Everest and Pumori, then trek another 2 hours to reach the mound of rubble called Kala Pattar, (5,545m at the summit). We hike up this small hill, it is the best place for views of Everest, before returning to Gorak Shep to sleep. (6 hour trek) |
Day 9 | Gorak Shep via Everest Base Camp to Lobuche (4,930m) We trek along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp (5,380m), the closest we can go to the mountain without a permit. Here there are spectacular views of the Khumbu Icefall. We hike down to Lobuche for the night. (6 hour trek). |
Day 10 | Lobuche to Lobuche Peak Base Camp (4,950m) After trekking ½ way on the flat we hike up a steep rocky path alongside Lobuche Glacier. While trekking you can enjoy spectacular views of Cholatse, Tawache, Ama Dablam, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega and others. Lobuche Base Camp is just above a small lake, Tsho La Tso. (5 hour trek) |
Day 11 | Lobuche Peak Base Camp via Lobuche Far East Peak (6,119m) to Lobuche Peak Base Camp (4,950m) We start early in the morning, hiking up the slabs, terraces and ramps to the south ridge. We trek along the snow line above the steep east flank then hike northwest along the ridge to Lobuche Far East peak. At the summit we will catch panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Cholatse, Pumori and more. After summiting we trek back to Base Camp. (10 hour trek, depending on the weather). |
Day 12 | Spare day in case of bad weather. |
Day 13 | Lobuche Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (4,000m) We trek back to Pangboche. (7 hour trek). |
Day 14 | Pangboche to Namche Bazaar We trek back to Namche Bazaar, once again hiking through the beautiful, pristine forests of blue pine and rhododendron. (6 hour trek). |
Day 15 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla An easy trek down to Lukla for the final night’s stay in the Khumbu Valley. Now it’s time to reflect on our adventures, we hope you’ve had a great trek, a successful summit and look forward to trekking with you again on your return to Nepal. (6 hour trek). |
Day 16 | Lukla to Kathmandu A hair-raising take-off down the runway commences the return flight to Kathmandu. Don’t worry though, it’s not true that the planes take off and glide before starting the engines!
We hope you’ve had a great trek, some exhilarating adventures, have some fond memories to take home and we look forward to trekking with you again on your return to Nepal. |
Ballpark price; US$ 2,600 per person for a group of 4 (more for fewer people and less for more) plus accommodation in Kathmandu. |
Price includes airport pick-ups and drop-offs. All inclusive trek costs; camping equipment and/or accommodation in twin bed rooms, breakfast, lunch, dinner, trekking and park permit fees, climbing equipment, guide and necessary porters and all their costs such as transportation, accommodation, food, equipment, insurance etc. The flights between Kathmandu and Lukla. |
Price excludes food and accommodation in Kathmandu, alcoholic beverages, tips, your insurance and personal expenses. |
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