Lobuche East (6,119m)
Step-up in technical difficulty. Steeper terrain and fixed lines, a rewarding alpine summit experience in the Everest region.
Days
17 Days
Difficulty
Very Challenging
Max Altitude
6,119 m
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Trip Overview
Lobuche East is a step-up in technical difficulty. Expect steeper terrain and fixed lines - a rewarding objective for climbers who want a more "alpine" summit experience in the Everest region.
Trip Information
- Day 1 : Arrival In Kathmandu (1,350m)
- Day 2 : Sight Seeing- Trek Briefing & Official Procedures (1,350m)
- Day 3 : Fly To Lukla & Trek To Phakding (3-4, 2,610m)
- Day 4 : Trek To Namche Bazaar (5-6, 3,440m)
- Day 5 : Acclimatization Day (3-4, 3,440m)
- Day 6 : Trek To Tengboche (5-6, 3,860m)
- Day 7 : Trek To Dingboche (5-6, 4,410m)
- Day 8 : Acclimatization Day (3-4, 4,410m)
- Day 9 : Trek To Lobuche (5-6, 4,910m)
- Day 10 : Trek To Lobuche East Base Camp & Climbing Training (3-4, 5,200m)
- Day 11 : Additional Climbing Training & Preparation Day (3-4, 5,200m)
- Day 12 : Lobuche East Summit Push & Return To Base Camp (9-11, 6,119m/5,200m)
- Day 13 : Reserve Day At Base Camp / Trek To Lobuche (2-3)
- Day 14 : Trek To Namche Bazaar (7-8, 3,440m)
- Day 15 : Trek To Lukla (6-7, 2,840m)
- Day 16 : Fly Back To Kathmandu & Explore (1,350m)
- Day 17 : Final Departure
Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! Step off the plane into Kathmandu's warm chaos, where a Meander Himalaya teammate will be waving you down at arrivals. Settle into your hotel and meet your guide over dinner, Lobuche East is a genuine step up in technical difficulty, and the next two and a half weeks will test you properly.
Day 2: Sight Seeing- Trek Briefing & Official Procedures
Altitude: 1,350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A day to prepare properly. Visit Boudhanath and Pashupatinath in the morning, then sit down with your guide for a full briefing on the climb ahead, fixed lines, steeper terrain, and what to expect from a more alpine-style summit. Double-check your technical gear today, this route demands more than a standard trekking peak.
Day 3: Fly To Lukla & Trek To Phakding
Distance: 8 km · Walking: 3-4 · Altitude: 2,610m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A scenic mountain flight drops you into Lukla, and from here the trail begins with an easy walk along the Dudh Kosi to Phakding. A gentle first day before the terrain, and the technical demands, start ramping up.
Day 4: Trek To Namche Bazaar
Distance: 11 km · Walking: 5-6 · Altitude: 3,440m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge and climb steadily to Namche Bazaar, catching your first glimpse of Everest along the way. Namche is a good spot to double-check any last gear before heading deeper into the Khumbu.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day
Distance: 4-5 · Walking: 3-4 · Altitude: 3,440m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A well-earned rest day. Hike up to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village for panoramic views and some smart altitude prep, with a technical 6,000m summit at the end of this trip, every acclimatization day matters.
Day 6: Trek To Tengboche
Distance: 10 km · Walking: 5-6 · Altitude: 3,860m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A beautiful walk with Ama Dablam's spire in view for much of the day, arriving at Tengboche in time for the monastery's evening prayer, a peaceful stop before the trail turns more demanding.
Day 7: Trek To Dingboche
Distance: 12 km · Walking: 5-6 · Altitude: 4,410m · Stay: Teahoused · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend through forest before climbing into the wide, dramatic Dingboche valley, with Ama Dablam looming closer than ever. Altitude starts to genuinely register here, good preparation for the physical and technical challenge still ahead.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day
Distance: 5 km · Walking: 3-4 · Altitude: 4,410m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb Nangkartshang Hill for a huge panorama of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, valuable altitude prep with a serious technical climb still ahead. Rest properly this afternoon.
Day 9: Trek To Lobuche
Distance: 9 km · Walking: 5-6 · Altitude: 4,910m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb past the Thukla Pass memorials, a quiet, moving stretch of trail, before reaching Lobuche village. Lobuche East itself now looms directly above, a sharper, more alpine-looking peak than most trekking summits in the region.
Day 10: Trek To Lobuche East Base Camp & Climbing Training
Distance: 4 km · Walking: 3-4 · Altitude: 5,200m · Stay: Camp · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short climb brings you to Lobuche East Base Camp, tucked beneath the peak's steep summit ridge. Spend the afternoon on technical training, fixed-line technique, jumaring, and steep snow and ice movement, this route demands more climbing skill than most trekking peaks, and this session matters.
Day 11: Additional Climbing Training & Preparation Day
Walking: 3-4 · Altitude: 5,200m · Stay: Camp · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A further day of technical preparation and equipment checks before the summit push, running through rope work and fixed-line technique until it feels second nature. This extra rehearsal time is exactly what makes Lobuche East a proper step up from Island or Mera Peak.
Day 12: Lobuche East Summit Push & Return To Base Camp
Distance: 7 km · Walking: 9-11 · Altitude: 6,119m/5,200m · Stay: Camp · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the big one. A pre-dawn start takes you up steep, exposed terrain and fixed lines to Lobuche East's summit, a genuinely alpine climax with jaw-dropping views over Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam. Descend back to Base Camp afterward, this is one of the most technically rewarding trekking peak summits in Nepal.
Day 13: Reserve Day At Base Camp / Trek To Lobuche
Distance: 4 km · Walking: 2-3 · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A built-in buffer day to absorb any weather delays on the summit push. If the climb went to plan, descend to Lobuche village to rest up and enjoy a proper meal, if not, this is your backup summit attempt.
Day 14: Trek To Namche Bazaar
Distance: 19 km · Walking: 7-8 · Altitude: 3,440m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With the summit behind you, enjoy the descent back through Dingboche and Tengboche toward Namche. Legs are tired but spirits are high, this was a genuinely technical, hard-earned climb.
Day 15: Trek To Lukla
Distance: 19 km · Walking: 6-7 · Altitude: 2,840m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The last full day of walking retraces familiar ground back through Phakding to Lukla. Tonight calls for a proper celebration, a hearty final dinner with the guides and porters who helped you up one of the Khumbu's more demanding summits.
Day 16: Fly Back To Kathmandu & Explore
Altitude: 1,350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Fly back over the mountains you just conquered and land in Kathmandu's warm, oxygen-rich air. Treat yourself to a hot shower, a proper bed, and a well-earned stroll through Thamel, few trekking peaks in Nepal demand the technical skill Lobuche East just asked of you.
Day 17: Final Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Time to say farewell to Nepal, at least for now. With Lobuche East's fixed lines, steep alpine terrain, and weeks of classic Khumbu trekking all behind you, our team will see you off at the airport for your onward journey. Namaste, and until next time!
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice.
Required equipment
- Backpack (30 to 40 liters) for daily use
- Duffel bag (provided by us)
- Sleeping bag rated for -20°C or lower (provided by us)
- Trekking poles (provided by us)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 to 3 liters)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Insulated high-altitude mountaineering boots, waterproof and broken-in
Clothing list
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece or wool mid-layers
- Insulated down jacket or down suit
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
- Trekking trousers, 2 to 3 pairs
- Warm hat, sun hat, and neck gaiter
- Gloves, lightweight and insulated pair
- Warm wool socks, 4 to 5 pairs
Personal items
- Passport (with visa) and passport-size photos
- Travel insurance documents (confirming cover to 6,200m)
- Cash (Nepali Rupees) for personal expenses
- Personal first-aid kit and any personal medication
- Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm with SPF
- Category 4 glacier sunglasses (mandatory)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Quick-dry towel
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Snacks or energy bars
- Camera (extra batteries, memory cards)
Technical climbing equipment
- 12-point crampons
- Technical ice axe
- UIAA-certified sit harness
- Ascender (jumar)
- Belay/descender device (ATC or figure-8)
- Locking and non-locking carabiners
- UIAA-certified climbing helmet
- All available to rent in Kathmandu if not bringing your own
Your trek cost includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (4-star, B&B basis)
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Farewell dinner to celebrate the successful climb
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek and climb, with tea/coffee included and fresh seasonal fruit served every evening
- Round-trip domestic flight, Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu, including airport taxes
- All ground transportation by private vehicle as per itinerary
- Lobuche Peak Climbing Permit (Nepal Mountaineering Association)
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
- Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking expedition guide
- Climbing Sherpa, 1 for every 2 climbers on summit day
- Assistant trek leader for groups of 4 or more trekkers
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, carrying up to 15 kg)
- Wages, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance, and transportation for all Nepalese staff
- 4-season expedition tents at Lobuche High Camp, twin-share, with kitchen and toilet tent
- High-altitude first-aid medical kit carried by the guide
- Oximeter checks twice daily to monitor pulse, oxygen saturation, and AMS symptoms
- Emergency helicopter rescue arrangement (cost covered by your travel insurance)
- Satellite phone with the guide for emergency communication (available for member use at an extra charge)
- Group technical climbing and rescue equipment: ropes, ice screws, snow bars, and pickets for the summit push
- Portable Altitude Chamber (Gamow Bag), on standby at High Camp during summit night
- Complimentary use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (returned after the trip)
- Meander Himalaya trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and detailed trekking map to keep
- Official Lobuche Peak Summit Certificate on successful completion
- All applicable Government of Nepal taxes and fees
- TIMS card
Your trek cost does NOT include
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport ($50 USD for 30 days; other durations available)
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except the welcome and farewell dinners), including in case of an early return from the trek
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, flight cancellations, or early return from the trek
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), must cover mountaineering up to 6,200m and helicopter evacuation
- Personal expenses: phone calls, internet, toiletries (soap, shampoo, tissue paper, etc.), laundry, battery charging, hot showers, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages (including mineral water, soft drinks, extra tea/coffee) purchased during the trek
- Personal climbing gear: harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, ascender, carabiners, and glacier glasses (rentable in Kathmandu if not bringing your own)
- Personal trekking gear: clothing, packing items, bags, and your own medical kit
- Excess baggage charges on domestic flights (beyond the 10 to 15 kg limit)
- Special permits and fees for filming, cameras, and drone use
- Tips for guides, climbing Sherpas, cook staff, and porters (expected and appreciated)
- Any other service or activity not explicitly listed under "Cost Includes"
1. How difficult is Lobuche East? Do I need prior experience?
Rated PD+ on the French Alpine Scale, a genuine step up in technical difficulty from Island Peak or Mera Peak. Expect fixed-rope sections, glacier travel, and snow and ice slopes up to 45 to 60 degrees. Summit day is a 10 to 12 hour round trip starting around 2:00 AM. Prior high-altitude experience above 5,000m is strongly recommended, ideally Island Peak or Mera Peak first if you're new to Himalayan climbing.
2. What permits do I need?
The Lobuche Peak Climbing Permit (Nepal Mountaineering Association), Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. All permits go through a registered agency, we handle this for you.
3. When is the best time to climb?
Spring (March to May) is the most popular, with stable weather and good summit windows. Autumn (September to November), especially October, offers the sharpest mountain views and lower permit fees.
4. What's the climbing route like?
The standard South Ridge route starts from Base Camp (around 4,950m), moves to High Camp (5,400 to 5,600m), then pushes to the 6,119m summit via glacier travel, fixed ropes, and mixed snow, ice, and rock terrain near the top.
5. What accommodation and food can I expect?
Teahouses along the approach through Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche, transitioning to expedition tents at Base Camp and High Camp with a dedicated cook team. Food ranges from dal bhat and momos lower down to hot camp meals and high-altitude rations near the summit.
Have more questions?
Reach out by email, phone, or through our website FAQ Page for anything on technical training, gear lists, insurance, or itinerary customization.
Have Additional Questions?
Our team can help with altitude safety, packing lists, insurance, or a custom itinerary.
