lobuche-climbing

Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak Climbing

●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviews

Trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, then summit Lobuche East at 6,119m, a technically harder objective than Island Peak and far less crowded.

Duration 19 Days
Difficulty Expedition What does this mean?
Max Altitude 6,119m (Lobuche East Summit) 20,075ft
Best Season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
From USD $2,450 Check Dates & Price

On The Trail

What It Really Looks Like
18 photos
Tribhuvan_International_Airport
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Namche Bazar View
Namche bazar view from the top
Tengboche Monastary
VIew around Dingboche
Chhukung acclimatisation day
Dingboche hike
Everest base camp signage in gorakshep
Summit Kala Patthar, Descend to Lobuche
Lobuche trail
View on the way to Lobuche
Pangboche Village on the way back to Namche
Namche bazar beautiful view during night
Suspension bridge on the way to Namche
Lukla Airport
Tourist enjoying rickshaw ride in Kathmandu durbar square in Nepal tour
Welcome dinner with Mountainkick client for Annapurna circuit trek
Trip Overview

Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak Climbing — What to Expect

19 days · 6,119m (Lobuche East Summit)

Summit Lobuche East 6,119m

A technically harder objective than Island Peak with a less crowded summit and a full 360 degree Everest panorama

EBC and Kala Patthar First

Reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before the technical climbing phase begins

Licensed Climbing Sherpa

One dedicated climbing Sherpa on the rope with you from base camp to the summit and back

Two Acclimatisation Days

Namche and Dingboche rest days plus the Chukhung approach for thorough altitude preparation

Lobuche East (6,119m) sits directly above the Khumbu Glacier, 8 kilometres southwest of Everest. It is classified as a trekking peak by the Nepal Mountaineering Association but do not let that mislead you. Lobuche East is technically harder than Island Peak. The route involves steep snow slopes, glacier traverses, a rocky ridge, and fixed rope sections on exposed terrain above 5,500m. The summit success rate among properly acclimatised climbers with good guide support runs between 75 and 85 percent.

This 19-day expedition follows the classic EBC route through Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche, then branches into the Chukhung Valley for altitude exposure before returning to the main corridor for Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m). After the pre-dawn Kala Patthar sunrise, the expedition shifts into technical mountaineering. You descend to Lobuche, establish base camp at 4,950m, complete a full technical training session, then attempt the summit from a 2:00 AM start. Summit day is 8 to 10 hours round trip.

No prior mountaineering experience is required but prior high-altitude trekking experience above 4,500m is strongly recommended. If you want a less technical 6,000m objective, the Island Peak expedition (16 days) is the right booking. If you want Island Peak combined with EBC, see EBC with Island Peak (20 days). Lobuche East is the right choice if you want a genuine step up in technical difficulty on the same Khumbu approach.

Teahouse meals during the trek are on your own account. Base camp meals and Kathmandu hotel breakfasts are included. Every group is led by a licensed Sherpa guide from the Khumbu. No outsourcing, no contractors.

See Available Dates
The Full Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

19 days · Guided by local Sherpa

Altitude Profile
6,119m 3,659m 1,200m
Summit
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 D14 D15 D16 D17 D18 D19
Altitude profile
Summit — 6,119m (Lobuche East Summit)
Hover/tap for details

Arrive in Kathmandu

International Airport → Hotel 1,400m / 4,593ft

A MountainKick representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. That evening your climbing guide runs a full pre-expedition briefing covering the 19-day route, the Lobuche East summit sequence, gear check, permits, and Lukla flight logistics.

Day Stat Transfer day · +0m gain
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Tribhuvan_International_Airport

Early morning flight to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport. The trail drops gently alongside the Dudh Koshi River through pine forest and Sherpa settlements to Phakding. Easy first day by design. During peak season (Mar–May, Oct–Nov) flights depart from Ramechhap, requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure.

Day Stat 8km · 3–4 hrs · -230m net
Stay Teahouse, Phakding
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River crossing suspension bridges before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The final two hours are a steep sustained climb into Namche. On a clear day you catch your first view of Everest above the ridge before reaching town.

Day Stat 11km · 5–7 hrs · +830m gain
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazar View
Namche Bazar View

First acclimatisation day using the climb high, sleep low principle. We hike to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m with clear sight lines to Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, then return to Namche to sleep lower. Time to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or browse the Saturday market.

Day Stat 6km · 3–4 hrs · +440m gain, sleep low
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar view from the top

The trail drops to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga then climbs through rhododendron forest to Tengboche Monastery, founded in 1916 and the spiritual centre of the Khumbu. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse fill the ridge. Evening prayers are worth attending.

Day Stat 10km · 5–6 hrs · +420m net
Stay Teahouse, Tengboche
Tengboche Monastary
Tengboche Monastary

The trail passes through Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, then climbs into the open Imja Valley above the tree line. Lobuche Peak appears on the horizon as the valley widens. Dingboche sits on the bank of the Imja River surrounded by ancient stone-walled fields.

Day Stat 12km · 5–6 hrs · +550m gain
Stay Teahouse, Dingboche
VIew around Dingboche

The trail follows the Imja Valley into a dramatic high-altitude amphitheatre ringed by Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam. This is a deliberate altitude step built into the itinerary to prepare your body for the technical climbing ahead. Optional hike to Chukhung Ri (5,546m) in the afternoon for well-acclimatised trekkers.

Day Stat 8km · 4–5 hrs · +320m gain
Stay Teahouse, Chukhung
Chhukung acclimatisation day

Second acclimatisation day using the descent principle. After sleeping at 4,730m in Chukhung, returning to Dingboche at 4,410m gives your body time to consolidate altitude gains. Rest, eat well, and prepare for the push to Gorakshep and EBC tomorrow.

Day Stat 8km · 3–4 hrs · -320m descent
Stay Teahouse, Dingboche
Dingboche hike

A long and demanding day. The trail climbs through Lobuche to Gorakshep at 5,164m on a frozen lakebed. After lunch, continue to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall where every Everest summit attempt begins. Return to Gorakshep before dark.

Day Stat 19.5km · 8–10 hrs · +754m gain
Stay Teahouse, Gorakshep
Everest base camp signage in gorakshep

4:00 AM start for Kala Patthar at 5,545m, the best elevated view of Everest’s southwest face at sunrise. Return to Gorakshep for breakfast then descend to Lobuche, the staging point for the technical climbing phase. The trekking section ends here. Tomorrow the mountain begins.

Day Stat 7km · 5–6 hrs · +381m then -605m descent
Stay Teahouse, Lobuche
Summit Kala Patthar, Descend to Lobuche
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A short approach from Lobuche village to base camp through rocky moraine terrain at the foot of Lobuche East. On arrival your climbing guide runs the full technical training session covering crampon technique, ice axe arrest position, ascending and descending fixed ropes with a jumar, and rope team protocol on steep terrain. Early dinner at 5:00 PM. Alarm goes off at 1:30 AM.

Day Stat 3km · 2–3 hrs · +10m net
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Expedition tent, Lobuche East Base Camp
Lobuche trail

Alarm at 1:30 AM. Depart base camp by 2:00 AM. The route climbs steep rocky moraine to the glacier, then ascends through snow slopes and a technical rocky ridge with fixed rope sections. The final push to the summit at 6,119m is steep and exposed with mixed snow and ice terrain. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam fill the horizon from the top. Lobuche East is technically harder than Island Peak and the summit ridge demands focus in both directions. Return to base camp after the summit.

Day Stat 5km round trip · 8–10 hrs · +1,169m gain then full descent
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Expedition tent, Lobuche East Base Camp
View on the way to Lobuche

Built-in contingency day for weather delays or a second summit attempt if conditions prevented the climb on Day 12. If the summit was completed yesterday this day is for rest and recovery before the long descent begins. Weather above 6,000m changes fast and this buffer exists to give you the best possible chance at the summit without compromising safety.

Day Stat Rest or second summit attempt
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Expedition tent, Lobuche East Base Camp

The long descent begins. Drop from base camp through Lobuche and back down the main EBC corridor through Thukla and Pangboche. Losing nearly 1,000m of altitude in a single day is felt immediately. The air gets richer with every hour of descent. Pangboche with its ancient monastery is a welcome stop after the intensity of the high camps.

Day Stat 14km · 5–6 hrs · -965m descent
Stay Teahouse, Pangboche
Pangboche Village on the way back to Namche

The trail passes back through Tengboche Monastery and drops through rhododendron forest into Namche. The same path you walked on Day 5 but completely different in feel. A 6,000m summit and EBC separate you from that first ascent. Namche offers the first proper hot shower and sit-down meal in days.

Day Stat 15km · 5–6 hrs · -545m descent
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar beautiful view during night

Final day on trail. Descend steeply from Namche through Monjo, past the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint, through Phakding and back to Lukla. Familiar ground that moves fast. Celebration dinner with your guide and crew tonight.

Day Stat 18km · 6–7 hrs · -600m descent
Stay Teahouse, Lukla
Suspension bridge on the way to Namche
Suspension bridge on the way to Namche

Morning flight back to Kathmandu, weather-dependent. MountainKick handles any rebooking at no extra cost. First of two built-in buffer days for Lukla delays. If the flight operates as scheduled, the afternoon is yours for Kathmandu sightseeing or rest.

Day Stat Flight day · -1,440m
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Lukla Airport

Free day in Kathmandu. Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, or the Durbar Squares, or simply recover. This is also the backup buffer if the Day 17 flight was delayed. That evening your MountainKick guides join you for a traditional Nepali farewell dinner.

Day Stat Rest day
Meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Tourist enjoying rickshaw ride in Kathmandu durbar square in Nepal tour

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Hotel checkout at 12:00 PM. Luggage storage available if your flight departs later. Your NMA summit certificate for Lobuche East is handed over before departure if not already collected.

Day Stat Departure day
Meals Breakfast
Welcome dinner with Mountainkick client for Annapurna circuit trek
Visualise The Route

3D Route Map

Explore the full trek in 3D — drag to rotate, scroll to zoom, tap any marker for location details.

3D satellite terrain with interactive route
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Summit / Key waypoint
Camp / Overnight stop
Trek route
Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom · Tap markers for details
What's Covered

Includes & Excludes

Everything in your package — and what to budget for separately

What's Included 20
  • Airport and hotel transfers Both directions, private vehicle
  • Hotel in Kathmandu, 2 nights 3-star, twin-sharing, breakfast included
  • Teahouse accommodation, 15 nights Twin-sharing throughout
  • Expedition tents at base camp, 2 night Professional setup with dining tent, toilet tent, and cook
  • All meals at base camp Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for both base camp days
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal on return night
  • Kathmandu to Lukla return flights Includes Ramechhap ground transfers in peak season
  • Trekking guide Government-licensed, full time from arrival to departure
  • Dedicated climbing Sherpa One certified climbing Sherpa for the full summit attempt
  • Assistant climbing Sherpa Added for groups of 4 or more
  • Porter service One porter per two trekkers, 20kg load limit strictly enforced
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit Arranged by MountainKick
  • TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System card
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit Required for all Khumbu trekkers since 2023
  • Lobuche East climbing permit Official NMA permit, arranged and paid by MountainKick
  • Group technical climbing equipment Fixed ropes, ice screws, snow anchors, group safety hardware
  • Mountaineering training at base camp Crampons, ice axe, jumar, fixed ropes, and crevasse rescue
  • NMA summit certificate Issued on successful summit, collected by MountainKick
  • Duffel bag Yours to keep
  • All government taxes and fees Nothing hidden
Not Included 11
  • All teahouse meals during trek Budget $25 to $35 per day. Ordered directly from teahouse menus.
  • Meals in Kathmandu Except farewell dinner on Day 19
  • International flights To and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa 30-day on arrival $50 USD, bring cash and two passport photos
  • Personal climbing equipment Mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet — all rentable in Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance Must cover mountaineering to 6,200m and helicopter evacuation
  • Personal expenses Hot showers, WiFi, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry
  • Hot showers, WiFi, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry Customary but not mandatory, 10–15% of trip cost is the general range
  • Helicopter rescue costs Must be covered by your travel insurance before departure
  • Supplemental oxygen Available at base camp for emergencies only
  • Extra Kathmandu nights If Lukla delays extend beyond the two built-in buffer days
Why we don't bundle trek meals Teahouse menus are open, fixed and fair — dal bhat costs the same whether you book with us or walk in alone. We'd rather you order what you want, when you want it, than pay upfront for meals you might skip at altitude. Budget $25–40 per day for food on trek.
Optional Upgrades

Enhance Your Trek

Hotel upgrade in Kathmandu 4 or 5-star property for pre and post expedition nights On request
Single room supplement Private room throughout, subject to teahouse availability above Namche On request
Kathmandu Sightseeing Full day guided tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. +$85 per person
Complimentary Services

We Handle the Details — At No Extra Cost

Gear Shop Guidance Free
We take you to the right rental shops in Kathmandu. No tourist traps and no overpriced gear.
SIM Card Coordination Free
We help you get a local SIM in Kathmandu so you are connected from day one.
Luggage Storage Free
Leave your city bags with us while you trek and collect on return.
Airport Pickup and Drop Free
Private vehicle. We meet you at arrivals and see you off at departure.
Pre-Trek Briefing Free
In-person gear check and full route briefing the evening before your trek begins.
Questions about what's included? Our team replies within a few hours — happy to clarify anything before you book.
Ask Kumar a Question →
Accommodation & Food

Where You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat

Honest information about accommodation and food on this trip — so you know exactly what to expect and how much to budget.

Where you'll stay

In Kathmandu you stay at a 3-star hotel in Thamel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Single supplement available on request. Upgrades to 4 or 5-star properties can be arranged.

On the trek you stay in teahouses for 15 nights. Rooms are simple — a bed, blankets, and a window. Shared bathrooms at most stops. Hot showers available at Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche at an extra charge of $3 to $5. Above Lobuche facilities reduce significantly. Gorakshep teahouses are the most basic on the route — cold nights, thin walls, limited hot water. Chhukung teahouses are functional and comfortable for a high-altitude settlement.

At Lobuche East Base Camp you sleep in expedition tents on twin-sharing basis for two nights. A dedicated cook prepares all meals in a dining tent. Toilet tent on site. No electricity at base camp. Keep your power bank in your sleeping bag overnight. Nights at base camp drop below -20°C. An expedition-weight sleeping bag rated to -20°C minimum is required.

Single rooms are limited above Namche during peak season. Book ahead through your guide.

Food & daily budget

Breakfast included in Kathmandu only, plus farewell dinner on the return night. All trek meals are on your own account, ordered from teahouse menus. Base camp meals are included for both base camp days.

Dal bhat is the best option at every stop. Pasta, noodles, eggs, and soup available everywhere below Lobuche. Menus simplify and portions shrink above Lobuche. Avoid meat above Namche. Budget $25 to $35 per day for three trail meals.

Breakfast $6–10
Lunch $8–12
Dinner $8–12
Hot shower $3–5
WiFi where available $2–5 per day
Hot drinks $2–4 each
Bottled water $2–3 above Namche
Charging devices $2–5 per device
Real Trekkers · Verified Reviews

What Our Trekkers Say

4.9
★★★★★ 50+ reviews on TripAdvisor Read all reviews →
These reviews are from verified trekkers who completed this trip with MountainKick. 50+ reviews · 4.9 average on TripAdvisor.
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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything trekkers ask us before booking the Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak Climbing — answered honestly.

Experienced trekkers who want a genuine 6,000m technical summit on the same trip as Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. No prior mountaineering qualification is required but prior high-altitude trekking above 4,500m is strongly recommended. Lobuche East is technically harder than Island Peak so physical preparation matters more here than on any lower objective. If you want a less technical 6,000m peak, the Island Peak expedition (16 days) is the right booking. If EBC alone is the goal, the standard EBC Trek (14 days) is the better fit.

Lobuche East is graded Alpine PD+ and rated Level 5 Expedition on our scale. It is widely considered technically harder than Island Peak. The route involves steep rocky moraine, glacier travel, a technical rocky ridge with fixed rope sections, and mixed snow and ice terrain on an exposed summit ridge at 6,119m. Daily trekking before the summit runs 5 to 7 hours. Summit day is 8 to 10 hours round trip from base camp starting at 2:00 AM. Prior high-altitude experience makes a significant difference on this peak. See our full difficulty guide.

Both are graded Alpine PD+ but Lobuche East is the harder climb. Island Peak has a more straightforward glacier approach and a steep headwall. Lobuche East adds a rocky technical ridge above the snow slopes with more exposed mixed terrain near the summit. The summit success rate for properly acclimatised climbers runs 75 to 85 percent on Lobuche East, slightly lower than Island Peak. Lobuche East also sits directly on the EBC corridor rather than requiring a separate valley approach, which makes it a natural add-on to the EBC route. If this is your first technical Himalayan peak, Island Peak is the more accessible starting point. See our Island Peak expedition.

Alarm at 1:30 AM. Depart base camp by 2:00 AM. The route climbs steep rocky moraine to the glacier line, then ascends through snow slopes and a technical rocky ridge with fixed rope sections above 5,500m. The final push involves mixed snow and ice terrain on an exposed ridge before the summit at 6,119m. Crampons, ice axe, and jumar on fixed ropes are used throughout the upper mountain. From the top: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam in every direction. Descend in full to base camp the same day. Total round trip 8 to 10 hours.

No prior mountaineering qualification is required. Your climbing guide runs a full technical training session at base camp on Day 11 covering crampon technique, ice axe arrest position, ascending and descending fixed ropes with a jumar, and rope team protocol on steep terrain. Prior exposure to technical terrain is a significant advantage on Lobuche East given the rocky ridge section. What you bring to base camp is fitness, altitude experience, and determination. Your guide provides the technical instruction.

You should be comfortable hiking 5 to 7 hours a day carrying a 5kg daypack across two weeks at altitude. An 8 to 10 week preparation plan is recommended: cardio 4 to 5 times per week including hiking with elevation gain, leg and core strength training twice a week, and at least 3 to 4 practice hikes of 6 or more hours with a loaded pack including some back-to-back days. Summit day is the hardest single day with 8 to 10 hours of technical climbing starting at 2:00 AM. Arriving physically prepared is non-negotiable.

Group equipment including fixed ropes, ice screws, and snow anchors is provided. Personal technical gear including mountaineering boots, 12-point crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, and jumar is not included but all items are available to rent in Kathmandu for approximately $100 to $150 for the full set. Mountaineering boots are the most critical item — rigid-soled, crampon-compatible, and insulated to -20°C minimum. Boot sizes above 12 are not available to rent in Nepal so bring your own if you have large feet. MountainKick connects you with trusted rental shops at the pre-expedition briefing.

Base camp meals and Kathmandu hotel breakfasts are included. Teahouse meals across 15 trekking days are on your own account, ordered directly from menus. The farewell dinner in Kathmandu is included. Budget $25 to $35 per day for three trail meals. If you want full meal inclusion for the teahouse section, this can be added as an upgrade before booking.

Among properly acclimatised climbers with experienced guide support, the summit success rate for Lobuche East runs 75 to 85 percent. Our 19-day itinerary with two acclimatisation days and the deliberate Chukhung altitude step gives you the best preparation available. Weather is the main variable. One buffer day is built into base camp for a second attempt if conditions are unsafe on Day 12.

Safety is non-negotiable. If conditions are unsafe on summit day your climbing guide postpones the attempt. Day 13 at base camp is built in specifically for this scenario. Summit decisions are made based on wind speed, visibility, temperature, and route conditions on the night before. Turning back is always the right call and your guide makes it without hesitation.

Two structured acclimatisation events are built in before the technical climbing phase. Day 4 in Namche: hike to 3,880m, sleep at 3,440m. Day 7 to 8: trek to Chukhung at 4,730m then return to Dingboche at 4,410m to sleep lower. The route then pushes to Gorakshep (5,164m), EBC (5,364m), and Kala Patthar (5,545m) before descending to Lobuche for the climbing phase. By summit day you have spent nearly two weeks progressively above 3,400m.

Your climbing guide carries supplemental oxygen, a Gamow bag, and a pulse oximeter at all times above Namche. Oxygen saturation is monitored daily. Two acclimatisation days and a carefully paced elevation profile reduce risk significantly. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,000m, and tell your guide immediately if you develop a persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. Read our altitude sickness guide for a full breakdown.

Three permits are required and all are arranged by MountainKick as part of the package: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, and the Lobuche East Climbing Permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Bring your passport and four passport-sized photos. Climbing permits require more documentation than standard trekking permits.

Round-trip Lukla flights are included. During peak seasons (March to May and October to November) flights operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, a 5 to 6 hour drive from Kathmandu requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure. MountainKick arranges all transport and handles weather rebooking at no extra cost. Two buffer days are built into Days 17 and 18. Schedule your international departure at least 2 days after Day 19. More detail in our Ramechhap flight guide.

Mandatory. Your policy must specifically cover high-altitude mountaineering to at least 6,200m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance excludes climbing above 6,000m. Check the altitude ceiling in your policy before leaving home. Helicopter evacuation from the Khumbu costs $3,000 to $6,000 and requires pre-authorisation before dispatch. Insurance cannot be purchased in Nepal.

Budget $25 to $35 per day for 15 teahouse meal days plus $10 to $20 for personal extras. Last reliable ATM is in Namche Bazaar. No cash machines beyond Namche on this route. Carry enough rupees from Kathmandu to cover the full expedition. Card payments are not accepted at teahouses. Total personal spending runs approximately $450 to $600 for the full expedition.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). October and November give the most stable weather, clearest skies, and best conditions on the Lobuche East ridge. March and April are warmer with rhododendrons in bloom on the lower approach and Everest expedition teams active on the mountain. Avoid monsoon (June to August). Winter departures (December to February) are possible but base camp temperatures drop below -25°C and the technical ridge conditions become significantly more serious.

Tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. For a 19-day expedition get the 30-day visa minimum to include buffer days. Current fees: 30-day $50 USD. Bring USD cash, two passport-sized photos, and a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Still Have Questions? Kumar answers personally — usually within a few hours. No call centres, no scripts.
Book Your Spot

Departure Dates & Pricing

Fixed group departures run year-round. Can't find your date? Every trip runs privately on dates that work for you.

No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.

Payment Schedule
  • 1
    20% Deposit — Due on booking Secures your place on the departure. Refundable within cancellation window.
  • 2
    80% Balance — Due on arrival Pay the remainder in Kathmandu before the trip begins. Bank transfer, card, or cash accepted.
  • 3
    Bhutan & Tibet — Full payment 20 days prior Full balance required at least 20 days before departure for Bhutan and Tibet tours.
Cancellation Policy
30+ days before departure Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full
15–29 days before departure 50% of total trip cost charged
Under 15 days No refund
MountainKick cancels trip Full refund or reschedule
Full Terms & Conditions →
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MountainKick Expert-led Himalayan Treks · mountainkick.com Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak Climbing — Packing List
Be Prepared

Packing List

This list covers 19 days of trekking and climbing to 6,119m including Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before the Lobuche East summit. Personal technical climbing gear can be rented in Kathmandu. Lobuche East is technically harder than Island Peak so do not cut corners on mountaineering boots, crampons, or gloves. Items that touch your skin, base layers, socks, gloves, should be personal not rented. Teahouse meals are on your own account so budget $25 to $35 per day for trail food.

Footwear 8 items
Item Qty Note
Waterproof trekking boots, high-ankle 1 pair For the full trekking approach Lukla to Chhukung. Well broken in, deep-cut traction sole.
Mountaineering boots, double or triple layer 1 pair Rigid sole, crampon-compatible with toe and heel welts, insulated to -20°C minimum. B3-rated recommended. Rentable in Kathmandu.
12-point steel crampons 1 pair Must be compatible with your mountaineering boots. Test fit together before the expedition. Anti-balling plates essential. Rentable in Kathmandu.
Full-length waterproof gaiters 1 pair Keeps snow and debris out of both boot types on approach and summit day
Camp sandals or flip flops 1 pair For teahouse evenings and base camp downtime
Hiking socks, merino wool 4 to 5 pairs Avoid cotton. Merino regulates temperature and resists odour.
Heavyweight expedition socks 2 pairs For summit day inside mountaineering boots and cold base camp nights
Liner socks 3 pairs Blister prevention on long descent days
Two separate boot systems are required. Trekking boots for Days 2 to 9. Mountaineering boots from crampon point on summit day. Both must be broken in before you arrive. Do not attempt to summit in trekking boots.
Item Qty Note
Thermal tops, synthetic or merino 3 One to trek, one to sleep, one spare. Never cotton.
Thermal bottoms 2 Sleep in one set, trek in the other
Fleece jacket 1 Main mid-layer for trekking below Dingboche
Down jacket, 700 fill or higher 1 For teahouse evenings on the approach section
Expedition down parka, 800 fill minimum 1 Essential for base camp nights and summit day. Standard trekking down is not enough at -20°C. Rentable in Kathmandu.
Insulated down pants 1 For base camp nights and the pre-dawn summit departure. Significantly warmer than softshell alone.
Waterproof shell jacket, Gore-Tex or similar 1 Must have a hood. Used above Namche and on summit day
Waterproof shell pants, full side zip 1 Wind and precipitation protection on the upper mountain
Softshell pants 1 pair For trekking above Namche and base camp daytime
Trekking pants, quick-dry 1 pair For the lower approach section below Namche
Sun hat, wide-brimmed 1 UV is extreme above Namche
Temperature at base camp drops below -20°C overnight. An expedition-weight down parka is required, not a standard trekking down jacket. The layering system is non-negotiable at this altitude.
Item Qty Note
Warm beanie 1 For cold mornings and teahouse evenings on approach
Balaclava 1 Full face protection for the 2:00 AM summit departure and headwall section
Neck gaiter or buff 2 Wind, dust, cold, and the Khumbu Cough
Liner gloves, touchscreen compatible 1 pair For trail use and phone access
Insulated fleece gloves 1 pair Main trekking glove above Namche
Waterproof shell mittens with down liner 1 pair For summit day. Liner gloves alone are not enough at the headwall.
Polarized sunglasses, Cat 3 to 4 1 pair For the trekking approach and lower glacier sections
Glacier goggles, Cat 4 1 pair For white-out conditions and high wind on the upper glacier and headwall. Essential, not optional.
Wind chill at the headwall can reach -30°C before dawn. Expedition mittens are not optional. Glacier goggles are separate from sunglasses and required for white-out conditions.
Item Qty Note
Climbing harness, alpine style 1 Adjustable, fits over all clothing layers. Must be able to put on and remove without stepping through leg loops at 2:00 AM in the dark.
Helmet, lightweight climbing 1 Under 400g, secure adjustment with gloved hands. Protects against falling ice on the headwall.
Ice axe, 60 to 70cm 1 Standard mountaineering axe for self-arrest and front-pointing on steep snow. Steel head, ergonomic grip.
Ascender (jumar), left or right hand 1 For climbing fixed rope sections above crampon point. Your guide shows you the technique at base camp.
Locking carabiners, pear-shaped 3 For clipping into anchors and fixed lines. Screwgate only, not auto-lock.
Non-locking carabiners 4 General mountaineering use
Belay/descend device, ATC or figure-8 1 For controlled descent on fixed ropes. Covered in base camp training.
Prusik cord, 6mm, 4 to 5 metres 1 For backup knots and crevasse rescue. Bring as one piece, do not cut.
Ice axe leash 1 Prevents losing the axe on steep sections
Group equipment (fixed ropes, ice screws, snow anchors) is provided by MountainKick. All personal technical gear below must be sourced by you. Rental in Kathmandu costs approximately $100 to $150 for the full set. Inspect all rental gear carefully before accepting it.
Item Qty Note
Daypack, 35 to 50L 1 Larger than standard trekking daypack to accommodate technical gear on summit day
Sleeping bag, rated to -20°C minimum 1 Standard -10°C bags are not enough for base camp nights. Down fill, not synthetic.
Sleeping bag liner 1 Adds 3 to 5°C warmth across 16 nights
Trekking poles, collapsible 1 pair For the approach and descent. Leave at base camp on summit day.
Headlamp and spare batteries or USB rechargeable 1 Essential for 2:00 AM summit departure. Cold destroys batteries at 5,000m. Keep spare set in sleeping bag.
Insulated water bottles, 1L wide-mouth 2 Standard bottles freeze above 5,500m. Insulated sleeves or vacuum-insulated bottles only.
Water purification tablets or UV purifier 1 Saves money and reduces plastic across 14 trekking days
Power bank, 20,000mAh 1 No charging at base camp. Cold kills phone batteries. Keep in sleeping bag overnight.
Dry bags 3 Electronics, documents, and spare dry clothes inside duffel
Pack rain cover 1 For daypack on approach days and summit day
Small padlock 1 For duffel bag at teahouses
Pee bottle with wide mouth 1 For base camp nights when temperatures drop below -15°C. Leaving the tent at 2:00 AM is not pleasant.
Your porter carries the duffel to base camp. Yaks or additional porter carry duffel from Chhukung to base camp. Keep your daypack under 6kg for summit day — you are carrying technical gear on top of the usual kit.
Item Qty Note
Personal first aid kit 1 Blister treatment, second skin, antiseptic, bandages, ibuprofen, Imodium
Sunscreen SPF 50 2 Reapply every 2 hours above Namche. Glacier reflection doubles UV intensity. Bring a spare.
Lip balm with SPF 2 Cold air, wind, and altitude will crack your lips within days.
Electrolyte powder sachets 20 to 25 Hydration at altitude is harder than it sounds. Mix into water daily throughout the expedition.
High protein snacks As needed Trail mix, protein bars, energy gels for summit day. Teahouse food is carb-heavy.
Throat lozenges 1 pack The Khumbu Cough is common above 4,000m. Dry cold air at base camp is particularly harsh.
Hand and toe warmers 10 pairs For summit day and base camp mornings. Stock up in Kathmandu.
Anti-nausea medication 1 pack Altitude can cause nausea on summit day. Discuss options with your doctor.
Your climbing guide carries supplemental oxygen, a Gamow bag, and a pulse oximeter. This is your personal kit for day-to-day needs. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. We do not provide or recommend it ourselves.
Item Qty Note
Quick-dry towel, microfiber 1 Teahouses do not provide towels
Pillowcase 1 14 nights of shared teahouse pillows. A personal pillowcase is worth it.
Hand sanitizer 3 small Water freezes at base camp. Sanitizer is your hygiene backup for two nights.
Biodegradable wet wipes 3 to 4 packs No showers at base camp, limited above Dingboche. More packs for a 16-day expedition.
Toilet paper 4 to 5 rolls Toilet tent at base camp, teahouses can run out on the approach.
Earplugs 2 pairs Teahouse walls are thin. 14 nights of shared accommodation.
No showers at base camp. Wet wipes are your hygiene solution for two nights on the glacier. Quick-dry fabrics only across 16 days.
Item Qty Note
Passport, valid 6 months minimum 1 Keep a photocopy separate from the original
Passport photos 4 extras For permits and NMA registration. More photos required for climbing permits than trekking only.
Travel insurance document 1 Must cover mountaineering to 6,200m and helicopter evacuation. Print a hard copy.
Cash, Nepali rupees As needed Budget $25 to $35 per day for teahouse meals plus $10 to $20 for personal extras. Last ATM in Namche. Total personal spending runs $450 to $600 for the full expedition.
Trek and climb permit copies 1 set We handle all permits. Carry your copies on trail.
All meals are included so daily cash needs are minimal. ATMs in Lukla, Namche, and Khumjung. No ATMs beyond Namche on this route. Budget $10 to $20 per day for personal extras only.
Item Note
Expedition down suit or onesie At -30°C wind chill on the headwall, layered down parka and pants may not be enough. A one-piece suit is the safest option in winter.
Extra hand and toe warmers Double the quantity for winter departures. Temperatures at base camp can reach -25°C.
Neoprene face mask Balaclava alone is not enough at -30°C wind chill on the exposed summit ridge
Insulated water bottle with additional sleeve Water freezes faster at winter temperatures. Double insulation required.
Item Note
Rain cover for backpack Your daypack will get completely soaked on the approach
Heavy waterproof gaiters Upgrade from standard for mud and standing water below Namche
Extra dry bags Everything inside the duffel needs waterproofing during monsoon
Extra quick-dry layers Nothing dries overnight during monsoon at any altitude
Monsoon is not recommended for Lobuche East climbing. The technical ridge becomes a serious mixed climbing problem with unstable ice and poor visibility, approach trails above 4,000m are hazardous, and Lukla flights get delayed frequently. Spring and autumn are the only reliable seasons.
Rent or Buy in Kathmandu

Crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, jumar, glacier goggles, mountaineering boots, sleeping bags, and down parkas can all be rented in Kathmandu or Chhukung. A full personal technical climbing kit rents for approximately $100 to $150 for the expedition. If your shoe size is 12 or above, bring your own mountaineering boots as larger sizes are not available to rent in Nepal. MountainKick connects you with trusted shops at the pre-expedition briefing. A duffel bag is provided to every climber as part of the package.

Leave These at Home

What Not to Bring

Jeans and cotton clothing Cotton stays wet and causes dangerous chilling above 5,000m
Trekking boots above crampon point You need two boot systems. Attempting the headwall in trekking boots is dangerous.
Standard -10°C sleeping bag Base camp drops below -20°C. Minimum -20°C rated bag required.
Standard trekking down jacket only Not enough for base camp nights. An expedition parka is required.
Laptop No need and the weight is punishing on summit day
Valuables and jewellery Leave at the hotel in Kathmandu
Print / Download Checklist — to save as PDF, choose Save as PDF in the print dialog
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