# Lobuche East Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp

> Lobuche East peak climbing combines the classic Everest Base Camp trek with the ascent of Lobuche East (6,119 m), a trekking peak with one of the best summit views in the Khumbu. After acclimatising in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche and visiting Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), you climb from Lobuche High Camp up a snow ridge to a summit with views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Pumori.The 18-day Lobuche climbing package is ideal as a first 6,000 m peak or as preparation for bigger expeditions. It is graded strenuous, with fixed ropes on the upper ridge, and is best in April–May and October–November. We provide an experienced climbing Sherpa, the NMA peak permit, climbing training, high-camp tents, group climbing gear, Lukla flights and all meals.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 18 days
- **Difficulty:** Strenuous (technical)
- **Activity:** Peak climbing and trekking
- **Max altitude:** 6,119 m / 20,075 ft (Lobuche East summit)
- **Best season:** Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- **Group size:** 1–12 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges, tents at high camp
- **Meals:** All meals on the trek and climb
- **Price:** from US$2,490 per person
- **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/lobuche-east-peak-climbing
- **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=lobuche-east-peak-climbing

## Overview
**Quick answer:** Lobuche East is a 6,119 m trekking peak near Everest Base Camp. Climbing it with the EBC trek takes about 18 days, costs from US$2,490 per person with a climbing guide, and needs good fitness plus basic crampon, ice axe and fixed-rope skills, which we teach before the climb. The best seasons are April–May and October–November.

Lobuche East rises directly above the Khumbu Glacier, between Lobuche village and Dzongla. Although classed as a trekking peak by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, it is more technical than Island Peak: the route crosses rock slabs to high camp, then follows a steep snow and ice slope and an exposed ridge to the summit. Many climbers stop at the false summit, which still offers one of the best Everest views anywhere.

### Lobuche East climbing at a glance

Trip factDetailsDuration18 days from KathmanduSummitLobuche East, 6,119 m / 20,075 ftAlso includesEverest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m)GradeStrenuous, alpine grade PD+Technical sectionsSnow slopes up to 45–50°, fixed ropes, exposed ridgePermitsNMA peak permit, Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu local feeSummit day9–12 hours from high campBest timeApril–May and October–NovemberCostFrom US$2,490 per person### Why climb Lobuche East?

- **A true 6,000 m summit** in the heart of the Everest region.
- **One of the finest views of Everest**, plus Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Ama Dablam.
- **Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar** included for perfect acclimatisation.
- **A stepping stone** to Mera Peak, Ama Dablam or 8,000 m expeditions.

### How difficult is Lobuche East?

Lobuche East is **harder than Island Peak and Mera Peak**. You need to be very fit and comfortable walking in crampons, using an ice axe, clipping into fixed lines and descending by abseil or arm-wrap. Previous climbing experience is helpful but not essential: our guides run a training session at base camp. The altitude and a long summit day are the main challenges.

### Lobuche East climbing cost breakdown

Cost itemGuide priceFull climbing package (this trip)From US$2,490 per personNMA peak permitVaries by season, highest in spring (included)Climbing Sherpa and equipmentIncludedPersonal climbing gear rentalAbout US$80–120 in KathmanduSummit bonus for climbing SherpaCustomary, about US$100–150### Lobuche East vs Island Peak

**Island Peak (6,189 m)** is slightly higher but less technical, with a glacier crossing and a ladder or two. **Lobuche East** is steeper and more exposed and has better views of Everest. Choose Island Peak for a first climb, Lobuche East if you want more challenge.

## Highlights
- Summit Lobuche East (6,119 m) with ropes and a climbing Sherpa
- Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar sunrise included
- Close views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam
- Pre-climb training in crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes
- Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery and Sherpa culture

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meet our team at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Preparation and gear check in Kathmandu
Climbing briefing, gear check and rental, and permit paperwork.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
Early flight to Lukla and an easy walk to Phakding.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,840 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_

### Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Follow the Dudh Koshi and climb to Namche.
_Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche
Hike to the Everest View Hotel and Khumjung.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,880 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m)
Panoramic trail to Tengboche Monastery.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_

### Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)
Into the Imja valley below Ama Dablam.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,410 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Hike up Nangkartshang Peak (about 5,080 m).
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 5,080 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m)
Via Thukla and the climbers' memorials.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,940 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_

### Day 10: Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), night in Gorak Shep
Walk to Gorak Shep and on to Everest Base Camp.
_Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 5,364 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_

### Day 11: Kala Patthar (5,545 m), return to Lobuche
Sunrise on Kala Patthar, then descend to Lobuche.
_Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 5,545 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_

### Day 12: Trek to Lobuche Base Camp (4,950 m), training
Short walk to base camp and a practice session with crampons, ice axe, jumar and abseiling.
_Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 4,950 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Tent_

### Day 13: Climb to Lobuche High Camp (5,400 m)
Scramble up rock slabs to high camp for an early night.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 5,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Tent_

### Day 14: Summit Lobuche East (6,119 m), descend to Lobuche
Pre-dawn start up the snow slopes and ridge on fixed ropes to the summit, then descend to base camp and Lobuche.
_Walking: 10–12 hours · Altitude: 6,119 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 15: Reserve day for bad weather
Spare day for the summit if weather or conditions delay the climb.
_Altitude: 4,940 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
A long descent via Pheriche and Tengboche.
_Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 20 km_

### Day 17: Trek to Lukla (2,840 m)
Last day on the trail and celebration with your team.
_Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 2,840 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 19 km_

### Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu and departure
Morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer for your onward flight.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Return flights Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla
- Lobuche East NMA peak permit, Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu local fee
- Garbage deposit and liaison fees
- Teahouse lodges on the trek and tents at base camp and high camp
- All meals during the trek and climb
- Licensed trekking guide and experienced climbing Sherpa (1 climbing Sherpa for 2 climbers)
- Porters with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- Group climbing equipment: fixed ropes, snow bars, ice screws
- Climbing training at base camp
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,200 m, including climbing and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations
- Helicopter evacuation or charter
- Personal equipment and expenses
- Tips for your guide and porters
- Personal climbing gear (boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe), available to rent in Kathmandu
- Summit bonus for the climbing Sherpa

## Useful information
### Fitness and preparation

You need excellent fitness for a 10–12 hour summit day at over 6,000 m. Train for three to four months with long hill walks carrying a pack, stair climbing and cardio. Some experience with crampons and ice axe is useful; we teach fixed-rope techniques at base camp.

### Altitude sickness

This trek reaches 6,119 m on the summit, after acclimatising at Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you.

### Weather and temperatures

Summit days start well below freezing (−15°C to −25°C with wind chill). Spring has longer, warmer days; autumn brings clearer skies and colder nights.

### Domestic flights and baggage

The Lukla flight has a baggage limit of about 15 kg including hand luggage; climbing gear is carried by porters. Keep a spare day at the end of your trip for weather delays.

### Permits

The NMA peak permit, Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu local fee are included.

### Money, charging and Wi-Fi

Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money.

### Drinking water

Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water.

### Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 6,200 m, including climbing and helicopter rescue, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure.

### Visa

Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits.

## Packing list
### Clothing

- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks

### Footwear

- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges

### Equipment

- Sleeping bag rated to about −20°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Mountaineering boots (double or insulated)
- Crampons, harness, helmet and ice axe
- Ascender (jumar), descender and carabiners
- Expedition down jacket and mitts
- Glacier glasses

### Personal items

- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies

## Frequently asked questions
### How high is Lobuche East?
Lobuche East is **6,119 m (20,075 ft)**. Many parties stop at the false summit, slightly lower, depending on conditions.

### How difficult is Lobuche East peak climbing?
It is **strenuous and moderately technical** (alpine PD+), with steep snow slopes, fixed ropes and an exposed ridge. It is harder than Island Peak.

### Can a beginner climb Lobuche East?
Fit beginners with good trekking experience can climb it with our training and a climbing Sherpa, but Island Peak or Mera Peak is a gentler first climb.

### How much does Lobuche East climbing cost?
Our Lobuche East with Everest Base Camp package costs **from US$2,490 per person**, including the peak permit, climbing Sherpa, flights and all meals on the trek.

### How long does it take to climb Lobuche East?
The full trip takes **18 days** including EBC. Summit day is 10–12 hours from high camp.

### What permit do I need for Lobuche East?
An **NMA peak permit**, plus the Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu local fee. All are included.

### What is the best time to climb Lobuche East?
**April–May** and **October–November**, when the weather is most stable.

### Lobuche East or Island Peak: which is better?
Island Peak is higher and easier; Lobuche East is more technical with better views of Everest.

### What gear do I need?
Mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, ascender and descender, plus warm expedition clothing. Most can be rented in Kathmandu.

### Is there a summit success rate?
Success depends on weather, conditions and fitness; with good acclimatisation via EBC, most fit climbers reach the summit or false summit.

### Do I climb Everest Base Camp first?
Yes. Visiting EBC and Kala Patthar first gives excellent acclimatisation before the climb.

### Is Lobuche East the same as Lobuche West?
No. Lobuche West (6,145 m) is a more technical expedition peak; Lobuche East is the popular trekking peak.

### What is the guide ratio?
One climbing Sherpa for every two climbers on summit day, plus a trekking guide.

### Can I rent climbing gear in Kathmandu?
Yes, from reliable shops in Thamel; we help you choose it on day two.