Lobuche East Peak Climbing — 16 Days
Duration
16 days
From
$3,200/person
Max Altitude
6,119 m
Difficulty
Extreme
Starts
Lukla (fly from Kathmandu)
Group Size
2–6 People
Stay
Tea House + High Camp
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Best Season
Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary(16 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 6,119 m · Day 12Lobuche East (6,119 m) is a technical trekking peak at the heart of the Khumbu — reached via the classic Everest Base Camp approach and rising directly above the Khumbu Glacier moraine at Lobuche village. The summit is a knife-edge ridge of ice and mixed ground that requires crampon technique, jumar skills, and comfort with exposure. The view from the top — across the entire Khumbu icefall to the west face of Nuptse and the summit pyramid of Everest above — is one of the most dramatic in the Himalaya accessible to non-professional climbers.
The 16-day itinerary includes the full EBC acclimatisation approach (Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche) before branching to Lobuche Base Camp (4,940 m) and High Camp (5,600 m) for the summit bid. The approach trek doubles as acclimatisation — by the time trekkers reach Lobuche village at 4,910 m, they have been above 4,000 m for six days. Our summit success rate on Lobuche East is 74% — the mountain has a sharper technical learning curve than Mera Peak, which is why we recommend it for trekkers with prior technical climbing experience or completion of a basic mountaineering course.
Full climbing gear (crampons, ice axe, harness, jumar, helmet) is included, along with one climbing Sherpa per two trekkers on summit day, base camp and high camp tents, and -20°C sleeping bags.
Is Lobuche East Harder Than Island Peak?
Both are 6,000 m technical trekking peaks requiring crampon work and jumar technique. Lobuche East has more mixed ground (rock and ice) on the approach to high camp, and the summit ridge is more exposed than Island Peak's headwall. Island Peak's fixed-rope headwall is steeper in places but more direct. Our guides characterise Lobuche as "more committing" — you are farther from the valley floor and the terrain above high camp has less margin for error. For this reason we recommend prior 5,000+ m trekking experience before attempting Lobuche East.
Best seasons: October–November and April–May. Permit: Lobuche East climbing permit (included). Summit altitude: 6,119 m.
What's Included
Included
- Lobuche East climbing permit ($250 spring / $125 autumn)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
- TIMS card
- Government-certified senior guide + high-altitude climbing Sherpa
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu round-trip flights
- All teahouse accommodation on approach; base camp and high camp tents
- 3 meals per day throughout
- Altitude illness kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen
- Climbing equipment rental (harness, crampons, ice axe, jumar)
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
- Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency helicopter evacuation (mandatory for climbing)
- Personal climbing gear not listed in included items
- High-altitude medication beyond the included kit
- Tips for guides, climbing Sherpas, and porters (USD 10–15/day for climbing Sherpa)
- Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Costs from extended summit bids, weather delays, or early descent
Best Time to Go
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Best season. Extra day built in for optimal acclimatisation and a strong summit bid.
Spring (Mar–May)
Excellent season — the 16-day schedule gives maximum flexibility for weather windows.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Not recommended. Extreme cold and high winds.
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Not recommended. Heavy snow and poor visibility on upper slopes.
Permits Required
What to Pack
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
On the Trail
See it in motion
$3,200
/ person · all-inclusive