Everest Base Camp Trek with Lobuche Peak Climbing 18 Days

The flight starts with a scenic flight to the main gateway of the Everest region, Lukla. The departure could be from Kathmandu or Ramechhap depending on the flight schedule and operating conditions. The duration of the flight is about 30-40 minutes and offers green hills, deep valleys and views of the Himalayan peaks. Lukla (2,860m /9,383ft) is where you will meet with the local trekking crew and prepare for the walk.

The trail descends slowly to Chaurikharka and then on the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding. Pass through small settlements of Sherpa people, stone walls, mani stones, prayer wheels and suspension bridges with prayer flags of various colours. Alongside parts of the route are pine forests and terraced fields, introducing you to the topography and Buddhist culture of the area.

The town of Phakding is a peaceful riverside village where you can take a rest, have a hot meal and get ready for the harsher terrain to come.

Duration

3 to 4 hours

Max altitude

2,860 m (9,383 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Following breakfast, the journey will continue along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing the suspension bridges and passing through the woods of the Khumbu Valley. The trail goes through villages like Benkar and Monjo where you join the Sagarmatha National Park upon both registration and completion of the necessary procedures. It is an area of protection that features alpine forests, glacial terrain and mountain life.

The trail continues beyond Monjo, through Jorsalle and then to the renowned Hillary Suspension Bridge. The trail from here is steeper, leading to the Namche Bazaar. It’s going to take time to get up,  in thin air. You will get your first far view of Everest on some clear days in this area.

Namche Bazaar is located at (3440 m / 11286 ft) in a natural amphitheatre of the mountain. The settlement is an important trading centre for the Sherpa people and houses are built on the hillside, alongside shops and bakery stalls.

Duration

5 to 7 hours

Max altitude

3,440 m (11,286 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Today will be dedicated to getting used to the higher altitudes. Instead of stopping, you will slowly ascend above Namche Bazaar and then head back to the village for the night. This is similar to the usual pattern of rising during the day and descending at night.

The path might extend to the Everest View Hotel (3880 m / 12,730 ft) from where the weather is clear and you can see Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and other surrounding peaks. From here you can move on to Khumjung, a traditional Sherpa village where you can see stone houses, potato fields and the Himalayan mountaineers in action.

There is also a monastery and the Hillary School in Khumjung, which was set up as a result of the work of the Himalayan Trust. Your guide will be able to tell you about the local customs and traditions, the Buddhist customs and the difficulties of living in a high mountain community. Explorers should then return to Namche in the evening.

Duration

3 to 4 hours

Max altitude

3,880 m (12,730 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

From Namche Bazaar, you will take a walk along the mountainside, which offers a view all across the Dudh Koshi Valley. This walk goes through open areas of land and through woodland and offers views of the Himalayas on clear days. From Kyangjuma, the track heads towards Sanasa where it slowly descends to cross the river near Phunki Tenga.

This is followed by a long climb uphill through pine and rhododendron wood. In spring, flowering rhododendrons brighten up the woodland but birds and sometimes wildlife can be spotted along less busy stretches. Avoid overexertion, make frequent breaks and work at a comfortable rate as you rise in altitude.

Located at around (3,860 m / 12,664 ft), Tengboche has the area’s significant Tengboche Monastery. The monastery is a place of learning and living for Tibetan Buddhism. You can watch its calm atmosphere and find out about the religion of the local area if open and activities allow. The village also offers extensive vistas of Ama Dablam and other peaks of the Himalayas.

Duration

5 to 6 hours

Max altitude

3,860 m (12,664 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

This day starts with a hike down through the woods towards Deboche, where one can see mani walls, prayer flags and small religious buildings. You will cross the Imja Khola, then ascend to Pangboche. As you move out of the denser woods, the scenery is gradually altered with the appearance of shrubs and stone houses, along with grazing land.

Pangboche is an important Sherpa community where the Buddhist tradition has been practiced for a long time. The monastery and its traditional architecture illustrate the close ties between mountain communities and their religion. Your guide may highlight some of the area’s features and talk about how local people use farming and livestock to fit their short growing season.

The trail from Pangboche leads through the Imja Valley to Shomare and Orsho, leading to Dingboche. Stone walls enclose the village and keep the wind and grazing animals from harming crops, especially barley and potatoes. As you near this high-altitude settlement, Ama Dablam and the surrounding mountain peaks stand out more and more.

Duration

5 to 6 hours

Max altitude

4,410 m (14,469 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

This is an acclimatisation day to prepare you for the higher section of the Everest Base Camp trek and the next trek to Lobuche Peak. Following breakfast, you’ll take a gradual uphill climb past Dingboche. As elevation increases, the trail also becomes steeper and more challenging so it’s essential to take a break and go at a slow pace.

The trail up to Nangkartshang Peak passes along an exposed ridge, offering progressively wider vistas of the Imja Valley. Your guide will select a turnaround location based on your speed, the weather and how your body reacts to the altitude. The upper hike can be completed to a maximum elevation of about (5,083 m / 16,677 ft), although the higher you go is not required in order to successfully acclimatize.

Ama Dablam, Island Peak and the snow-clad mountains can be seen from the hillside. A treeless plain with scattered rocks and alpine growth. After hike, you will head back down to Dingboche and spend the rest of the day resting, drinking fluids and getting ready for the next leg of the journey.

Duration

3 to 5 hours

Max altitude

5,083 m (16,677 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

From Dingboche, the path heads up the upper Khumbu Valley towards Dusa and Dughla. The landscape becomes more rugged and there are fewer plants, rocks and open mountain vistas. It can be more difficult to walk around due to the lower air pressure and so it’s important to take it slow and follow your guide’s directions.

After Dughla, you will head up a steep ascent to the memorial area in the vicinity of Thukla Pass. In the stone memorials, climbers and Sherpas who died on the mountains of the Himalayas are remembered. The site offers a tranquil environment to think about the dangers of climbing and what local climbing communities have done to make it a great sport.

Then the trail runs along a rocky area, next to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Glacial debris, ice-shaped slopes and distant views of peaks above the valley may be seen. Lobuche is a small village that serves as a starting point for trekkers and climbing groups going to Everest Base Camp and other climbing routes. This can cause changes to appetite and sleep patterns, especially at about 4,940 m / 16,207 ft; sleep and rest are of particular importance, as is hydration.

Duration

5 to 6 hours

Max altitude

4,940 m (16,207 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

After breakfast, you’ll get a briefing and depart Lobuche on the path leading to Gorak Shep, crossing rocky terrain and glacial moraine. The route is not smooth and may be slow as a result of the altitude. Once you have arrived at Gorak Shep (5,164 m / 16,942 ft), you will take a short rest before making your way towards Everest Base Camp.

The trail meanders along the rim of the Khumbu Glacier in a rocky terrain of stones, gravels and glacial moraines. The land is seasonal and may be rutted. From Everest Base Camp (5364m / 17598ft), you can see the glacier, the surrounding mountain walls and the area where climbing teams stay during the Everest climbing season. The tents in the camp are seasonal and vary during the year.

Once at Base Camp, you will be moving back to Gorak Shep. The round trip is strenuous, especially at this elevation and your guide will plan the pace and rest stops accordingly.

Duration

7 to 9 hours

Max altitude

5,364 m (17,598 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The hike will begin before sunrise to reach Kala Patthar, a rocky viewpoint that offers a close-up of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks of the Himalayas. The trail climbs steeply from Gorak Shep and the cold, thin air may make it physically demanding. Take it easy, dress in layers and listen to your guide’s instructions on how far to climb.

Kala Patthar reaches approximately 5,545 m / 18,192 ft). Under sunny conditions, the early morning sun can rise over Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and the glacial scenery. The viewpoint offers another angle from the Everest Base Camp, which is less defined due to the summit of Everest not being as obvious.

At the viewpoint, you will start to descend to Gorak Shep, pick up your gear and head back towards Lobuche. A high ascent and considerable descent on a long day – good food, fluids and a controlled walking pace is important. The night will be spent in Lobuche before you head into the dedicated climbing section.

Duration

7 to 9 hours

Max altitude

5,545 m (18,192 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Following breakfast, you will head from Lobuche village to Lobuche Peak Base Camp. It is the last stage of the trek before the mountaineering section of the trip. The path moves across rough and rocky terrain and glacial ground; the terrain becomes increasingly open as you move toward the base camp area.

Although Lobuche Peak is a popular trek in the Everest region, one must possess more than just basic trekker’s fitness. Sections with technical climbing gear may be necessary, steep slopes, varying snow conditions. The conditions will be assessed and a suitable route to camp will be chosen by your climbing guide.

The team will set up the tents or other facilities needed at base camp (4,950 m / 16,240 ft). You’ll get some time to get your gear spread out, to read through the climbing plan and to discuss the next day with your guide. Do not start technical training until after the team has given you any advice on how to hydrate, how to rest and what symptoms to expect from altitude.

Duration

3 to 4 hours

Max altitude

4,950 m (16,240 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Today is about acclimatisation and preparation for ascent to the summit. You will stay at base camp for more time to allow your body to acclimatise before heading higher. The climbing guide will examine your gear and teach you the basics of the important gear you need for climbing.

Training may involve a climbing harness, helmet, fixed rope and working with a climbing system like a jumar or ascender. The team might also practice snow or ice movement and use of crampons, depending on the conditions. These exercises will make you more comfortable with the gear before you go onto steeper ground.

The guide will teach you rope techniques, communication signals and safety guidelines for above base camp climbing. The summit schedule, weather forecast and emergency procedures will also be reviewed. If training is scheduled, the day should not be considered a full rest day but training will be customized to how you feel and the weather conditions.

Duration

2 to 4 hours

Max altitude

4,950 m (16,240 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

In the morning, you will take your leave of base camp and head towards Lobuche Peak High Camp. The path winds up into rocky hills and more open areas. The team may have to cross parts of loose rock, snow or ice, depending on the route they choose and the weather. The air gets thinner toward the higher elevations and so progress may be slow.

Normally, High Camp will be set up at around (5,400 m / 17,717 ft) but may be located at a different point depending on snow conditions, route selection and the judgment of the climbing team. Your guides will choose a place and set up camp accordingly for the summit attempt.

When the tents are up, you will have time to plan your climbing gear and do a final review of the morning departure plan. The guide will inspect your harness, helmet, crampons, headlamp and other critical equipment. Early dinner and good sleep are essential as the ascent to the top is typically started early in the morning. The team will also check the weather and determine if weather conditions are suitable to continue.

Duration

3 to 4 hours

Max altitude

5,400 m (17,717 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Climbing outings take place in the morning, typically before dawn, when the air is cooler and it is a better time to climb. You will ride along with your climbing guide on the designated route with proper climbing gear. Depending on conditions, the climb might involve steep snow or ice slopes, fixed ropes and careful movement across exposed areas.

Lobuche East reaches approximately 6,119 m / 20,075 ft. The ascent will take a long time, good weather and extreme care taking the guide’s instructions. Clear skies can afford views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and other ranges of the Himalayas from the top. No summit is guaranteed and the guide may turn the team around if the conditions become unsafe or a climber’s health.

Following a brief time at the summit, you’ll carefully descend to High Camp and then to base camp. It is physically demanding, especially after a few hours of climbing in the high altitude. The team will have a watchful eye on everyone during the return trip, before organizing a meal and much-deserved rest at camp.

Duration

8 to 12 hours

Max altitude

6,119 m (20,075 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

This reserve day is included in case the planned summit attempt cannot proceed because of poor weather, strong winds, unsafe snow conditions or other climbing concerns. The weather is often extreme at high altitudes and a flexible schedule enables the climbing team to wait for better weather conditions or simply to avoid attempting to reach the summit when it is too unsafe.

If the summit has been made, the day can be spent at base camp to rest, to review equipment and to prepare for the descent. Your guide will evaluate the team’s condition physically and discuss any problems that arose during the climb. This time is also available for the team to pack up the camp and arrange for their return to the trekking route, depending on the situation.

There may not be a summit opportunity available on the reserve day. The climb may be cancelled if the weather conditions are not ideal or the guide feels it is not safe to go. Safety is paramount and until one goes to the top, that’s it. After the climbing team has reached a consensus that it is OK to climb down, you’ll get ready for the trip back through the Khumbu Valley.

Duration

Varies

Max altitude

6,119 m (20,075 ft), if a summit attempt takes place

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

After completing the climbing section, you will begin the descent through the Everest region towards Pangboche. The trail is the same as going to Lobuche to the memorial area and then down the upper Khumbu Valley to Dughla. Lowering to the lower altitudes will ease breathing but it may be tiring after the climbing days.

It will be a rocky slope, a glacial area and high mountain settlements that you have to go through before you arrive in the wider valley of Pheriche and then onward to Pangboche. The slope gradually transitions from exposed alpine ground to areas where there are more shrubs, grazing areas and scattered trees. Views of Ama Dablam and surrounding peaks continue to be a regular occurrence.

Pangboche is a traditional Sherpa village with stone houses, agricultural fields and has had a long Tibetan Buddhist history. The village is famous for its monastery and its contribution to the local community. Following the rugged ascent, come back to the teahouse for a cozier and more tranquil evening.

Duration

7 to 9 hours

Max altitude

4,940 m (16,207 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Following breakfast, you’ll head out of Namche Bazaar and embark on the last full day of trekking. The trail heads down to the Dudh Koshi Valley, through known settlements, forested slopes and suspension bridges. You will pass the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then head through Jorsalle and Monjo, following the river through the national park area.

The terrain gets greener and the air becomes less thin, as you approach. The everyday life and Tibetan Buddhism of the villages of the Khumbu are captured in small villages, terraced fields, prayer wheels and mani walls. Local porters can be seen carrying goods while yaks or dzopkyos are used to transport goods between settlements.

It passes the village of Phakding, then is followed to the village of Lukla. Much of the day is spent getting down but there are a few short sections uphill which can be exhausting after the day’s previous days. After reaching Lukla, the trekker can enjoy enjoying the achievement of the trekker and the climbing route with his/her group at the lodge. Prepare things for the next day’s flight.

Following breakfast, you’ll head out of Namche Bazaar and embark on the last full day of trekking. The trail heads down to the Dudh Koshi Valley, through known settlements, forested slopes and suspension bridges. You will pass the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then head through Jorsalle and Monjo, following the river through the national park area.

The terrain gets greener and the air becomes less thin, as you approach. The everyday life and Tibetan Buddhism of the villages of the Khumbu are captured in small villages, terraced fields, prayer wheels and mani walls. Local porters can be seen carrying goods while yaks or dzopkyos are used to transport goods between settlements.

It passes the village of Phakding, then is followed to the village of Lukla. Much of the day is spent getting down but there are a few short sections uphill which can be exhausting after the day’s previous days. After reaching Lukla, the trekker can enjoy enjoying the achievement of the trekker and the climbing route with his/her group at the lodge. Prepare things for the next day’s flight.

Duration

6 to 8 hours

Max altitude

3,440 m (11,286 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Following breakfast, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu via Lukla Airport. The flight time is typically about 30-40 minutes depending on operating conditions. On the descent from the mountain airstrip, you will notice the green valleys, deep river gorges and rugged Himalayan terrain that you traversed on foot while traveling.

Weather and visibility are two crucial factors for flights in the Everest region. However, depending on the timing and airline arrangements some services may go through Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu or departures may be delayed or rescheduled. Having some flexibility in your travel arrangements is a good idea, especially if you have an international flight to catch.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll be driven to your hotel or other pre-arranged accommodation (depending on your package). The rest of the day may be devoted to organizing your photos and contemplating the journey to Everest Base Camp and the ascent of Lobuche Peak. You end up with a memory of the landscapes of the Himalayas, the Sherpa culture and the difficulties of high mountain climbing.

Duration

30 to 40 minutes by flight, excluding airport transfers and delays

Max altitude

2,860 m (9,383 ft)

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Local Teahouse