Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak Climbing
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsTrek 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.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak Climbing: What to Expect
A technically harder objective than Island Peak with a less crowded summit and a full 360 degree Everest panorama
Reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before the technical climbing phase begins
One dedicated climbing Sherpa on the rope with you from base camp to the summit and back
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.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
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.
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
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.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
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.
Acclimatisation Day in Namche
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.
Trek to Tengboche
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.
Trek to Dingboche
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.
Trek to Chukhung
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.
Return to Dingboche
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.
Trek to EBC via Gorakshep
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.
Summit Kala Patthar, Descend to Lobuche
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.
Trek to Lobuche East Base Camp, Technical Training
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.
Summit Lobuche East, Return to Base Camp
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.
Buffer Day at Base Camp
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.
Descend to Pangboche
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.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
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.
Trek to Lukla
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.
Fly to Kathmandu (Buffer Day 1)
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.
Leisure Day and Farewell Dinner (Buffer Day 2)
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.
Final Departure
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.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport and hotel transfers Both directions, private vehicle
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Hotel in Kathmandu, 2 nights 3-star, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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Teahouse accommodation, 15 nights Twin-sharing throughout
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Expedition tents at base camp, 2 night Professional setup with dining tent, toilet tent, and cook
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All meals at base camp Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for both base camp days
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal on return night
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Kathmandu to Lukla return flights Includes Ramechhap ground transfers in peak season
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Trekking guide Government-licensed, full time from arrival to departure
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Dedicated climbing Sherpa One certified climbing Sherpa for the full summit attempt
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Assistant climbing Sherpa Added for groups of 4 or more
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Porter service One porter per two trekkers, 20kg load limit strictly enforced
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Sagarmatha National Park permit Arranged by MountainKick
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TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System card
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Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit Required for all Khumbu trekkers since 2023
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Lobuche East climbing permit Official NMA permit, arranged and paid by MountainKick
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Group technical climbing equipment Fixed ropes, ice screws, snow anchors, group safety hardware
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Mountaineering training at base camp Crampons, ice axe, jumar, fixed ropes, and crevasse rescue
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NMA summit certificate Issued on successful summit, collected by MountainKick
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Duffel bag Yours to keep
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All government taxes and fees Nothing hidden
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All teahouse meals during trek Budget $25 to $35 per day. Ordered directly from teahouse menus.
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Meals in Kathmandu Except farewell dinner on Day 19
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International flights To and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa 30-day on arrival $50 USD, bring cash and two passport photos
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Personal climbing equipment Mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet — all rentable in Kathmandu
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Travel insurance Must cover mountaineering to 6,200m and helicopter evacuation
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Personal expenses Hot showers, WiFi, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry
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Hot showers, WiFi, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry Customary but not mandatory, 10–15% of trip cost is the general range
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Helicopter rescue costs Must be covered by your travel insurance before departure
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Supplemental oxygen Available at base camp for emergencies only
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Extra Kathmandu nights If Lukla delays extend beyond the two built-in buffer days
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
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.
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 |
What Our Trekkers Say
“EBC and Lobuche Peak was an amazing experience”
We had a fantastic time doing Everest Base Camp and climbing Lobuche Peak with MountainKick. Kumar was a great trekking guide and looked after us throughout the route, while Furi took over for the climbing section and was excellent, calm, experienced, and confidence-inspiring on the mountain. The climb itself was…
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this expedition designed for?
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.
How difficult is Lobuche East?
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.
How does Lobuche East compare to Island Peak?
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.
What does summit day involve?
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.
Do I need prior climbing experience?
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.
How fit do I need to be?
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.
What personal climbing gear do I need?
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.
Are meals included?
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.
What is the summit success rate?
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.
What happens if weather prevents the summit?
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.
How is acclimatisation structured?
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.
How is altitude sickness managed?
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.
What permits do I need?
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.
What about the Lukla flights?
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.
What travel insurance do I need?
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.
How much cash should I carry?
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.
When is the best time for this 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.
What visa do I need?
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.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ 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.
Clothing and Layers
ⓘ 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.
Head, Hands and Neck
ⓘ 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.
Technical Climbing Gear
ⓘ 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.
Gear and Equipment
ⓘ 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.
Health and Hydration
ⓘ 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.
Toiletries
ⓘ No showers at base camp. Wet wipes are your hygiene solution for two nights on the glacier. Quick-dry fabrics only across 16 days.
Documents and Money
ⓘ 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.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ 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.
Leave at home
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Jeans and cotton clothing Cotton stays wet and causes dangerous chilling above 5,000m
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Trekking boots above crampon point You need two boot systems. Attempting the headwall in trekking boots is dangerous.
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Standard -10°C sleeping bag Base camp drops below -20°C. Minimum -20°C rated bag required.
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Standard trekking down jacket only Not enough for base camp nights. An expedition parka is required.
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Laptop No need and the weight is punishing on summit day
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Valuables and jewellery Leave at the hotel 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.
Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak Climbing
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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