Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak Climbing
-
duration 19 days
-
from usd 2,450
-
difficulty Hard
-
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
-
max altitude 6,119m / 20,075ft
trip overview
Two objectives. One expedition.
This 19-day expedition combines the classic Everest Base Camp trek with the technical ascent of Lobuche East Peak at 6,119m. You follow the standard EBC route through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, with acclimatisation days that are genuinely useful rather than padding. After reaching Everest Base Camp and watching sunrise from Kala Patthar, the expedition shifts into technical mountaineering: a tented camp approach to Lobuche East, a full day of climbing instruction, then a pre-dawn summit attempt on a glaciated peak at 6,000 metres.
Lobuche East is graded Alpine PD+. The route involves crampon work, fixed rope sections, and steep snow and ice terrain above 5,500m. Your climbing guide runs a complete technical training session at base camp the day before the summit. By the time you attempt the summit, you have spent nearly two weeks at progressively higher altitude and are as acclimatised as the itinerary can make you.
The summit delivers a 360-degree panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam. It is a genuine mountaineering achievement, not a walk-up.
Key Highlights
- Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) where Everest expeditions stage their summit attempts
- Summit Lobuche East Peak (6,119m / 20,075ft) with full technical guide support
- Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545m): closest Everest viewpoint available to trekkers
- Two strategic acclimatisation days for thorough altitude adaptation
- Full technical mountaineering training at base camp: crampons, ice axe, fixed ropes
- Trek through Sagarmatha National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual centre of the Khumbu
- 360-degree summit views: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam
- Small groups: max 10 participants
- Traditional farewell dinner in Kathmandu
This expedition is for experienced trekkers who want a real mountaineering objective on the same trip as Everest Base Camp.
You do not need prior mountaineering experience. Lobuche East (Alpine PD+) is achievable for fit trekkers with no climbing background: your guide runs a full technical training session at base camp the day before the summit. What you need is solid multi-day trekking fitness, comfort at sustained altitude, and the mental resolve for a long pre-dawn summit day in cold, technical terrain.
This is the right expedition if:
- You have completed a multi-day Himalayan trek and want to go further
- You want to stand on a genuine 6,000m summit, not just walk to base camp
- You want EBC and Lobuche East in a single 19-day trip
- You are prepared for a 19-day commitment at progressively high altitude
This is not the right trip if:
- Your primary goal is the EBC experience — the standard EBC trek (14 days) is the better fit
- You have never trekked at altitude before
- You have a non-refundable international flight booked the morning after your expedition ends
If your primary goal is a 6,000m summit and you want the most efficient route to it, see our Island Peak Climbing expedition (16 days) or the full High Passes + Island Peak circuit (23 days).
Detailed itinerary
-
day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)
A representative of Mountain Kick will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Rest overnight at your hotel and prepare for your Himalayan adventure ahead with comprehensive trip briefing and equipment check.
Activities: Airport transfer, hotel check-in, technical briefing, gear check
- Accommodation: Three star Hotel
-
day 02Fly to Lukla (2,840m/9,334ft) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft)
Your adventure begins with the spectacular flight to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, famous for its dramatic mountain runway. After meeting our trekking crew and porters, begin with a gentle warm-up trek downhill through traditional Sherpa villages to Phakding.
Note: During peak trekking seasons (March–May and October–November), your Lukla flight departs from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, not Kathmandu. This requires a 2:30 AM hotel departure for a 5–6 hour drive. mountainkick arranges all transport and handles any weather rebooking at no extra cost. Pack your flight bag the night before and get to bed early.
Flight: 30 minutes (Kathmandu to Lukla) or 20 minutes (Manthali to Lukla) | Trek Distance: 8km (5 miles) | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy (gentle downhill with some flat sections)
Points of Interest:
- Tenzing-Hillary Airport (one of the world’s most dangerous airports)
- Dudh Koshi River valley
- Buddhist prayer wheels and mani stones
- Accommodation: Hotel
-
day 03Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)
Today features the most significant elevation gain of the early trek. Cross dramatic suspension bridges and enter Sagarmatha National Park before the challenging final uphill climb to reach the gateway to the high Himalayas.
Trek Distance: 10-12km (6-7.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-7 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (significant uphill sections)
Points of Interest:
- Sagarmatha National Park entrance and permit check
- Hillary Suspension Bridge crossing
- First potential views of Mount Everest (weather permitting)
- Namche Bazaar – commercial hub of Khumbu region
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 04Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)
Crucial altitude acclimatization rest day following the mountaineering principle of “climb high, sleep low.” Take an acclimatization hike to higher elevation while returning to Namche to sleep, helping your body adapt and reducing altitude sickness risk.
Recommended Hike: Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village | Hike Distance: 4-6km (2.5-3.7 miles) round trip | Duration: 3-5 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate
Points of Interest:
- Everest View Hotel with panoramic mountain vistas
- Sherpa Culture Museum and visitor center
- Traditional Khumjung village and Hillary School
- Shopping and cultural exploration in Namche
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 05Trek to Tengboche (3,860m/12,660ft)
Journey to the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region. The trail offers magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam before descending to the Dudh Koshi River and climbing through pine forests to reach Tengboche Monastery.
Trek Distance: 10km (6.2 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (descent followed by steep ascent)
Points of Interest:
- Tengboche Monastery (established in 1916)
- Evening prayer ceremony (timing varies by season)
- Spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam
- Confluence of Imja River and Dudh Koshi River
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 06Trek to Dingboche (4,410m/14,470ft)
Enter the higher alpine zone as you follow the Imja River valley towards Mount Everest. The landscape becomes increasingly arid above the tree line, passing through Pangboche village with its ancient monastery before reaching Dingboche.
Trek Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Points of Interest:
- Upper Pangboche Monastery (oldest in the region)
- Spectacular views of Ama Dablam’s south face
- Traditional Sherpa agricultural terraces with stone walls
- First views of higher peaks ahead
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 07Trek to Chukhung (4,730m/15,518ft)
Continue following the Imja River towards the dramatic Chukhung Valley. Chukhung sits in a spectacular amphitheater surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks, placing you in the heart of the Himalayas.
Trek Distance: 8km (5 miles) | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate
Points of Interest:
- Spectacular amphitheater of peaks surrounding Chukhung
- Mount Lhotse and Mount Nuptse from the north
- Mount Cho Polu and Mount Baruntse from the east
- Mount Ama Dablam from the south
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 08Return to Dingboche (4,410m/14,470ft)
Return to Dingboche for continued acclimatization and strategic positioning for the Everest Base Camp approach. Rest day allows recovery before the challenging high-altitude sections ahead.
Trek Distance: 8km (5 miles) | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy (mostly downhill)
Points of Interest:
- Continued acclimatization at optimal altitude
- Views of surrounding peaks
- Rest and preparation for higher altitudes
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 09Trek to Gorakshep (5,164m/16,942ft) & Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft)
Today is the highlight of the trekking portion! Trek to Gorakshep, a village sitting on a frozen lake bed, then continue to Everest Base Camp. Stand at the foot of the world’s tallest peak before returning to Gorakshep for the night.
Trek Distance: Dingboche to Gorakshep: 8km (5 miles) | Gorakshep to EBC: 7km (4.3 miles) round trip | Trek Duration: 8-10 hours total | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging
Points of Interest:
- Khumbu Glacier and Icefall
- Everest Base Camp with prayer flags marking the site
- Views of Nuptse, Pumori, and Khumbutse
- Mountaineering expeditions and base camp atmosphere
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 10Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,519ft) & Trek to Lobuche (4,940m/16,210ft)
Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise views over Everest and the Khumbu Glacier. This is the highest point of the trekking portion, offering the best panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks. After the sunrise experience, descend to Lobuche village for strategic positioning before the technical climbing phase.
Wake-up Time: 4:00-4:30 AM for sunrise hike | Trek Distance: Kala Patthar: 2km (1.2 miles) round trip | Descent to Lobuche: 5km (3.1 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours total | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging (Kala Patthar), then Moderate (descent)
Points of Interest:
- Sunrise views from Kala Patthar – best Everest viewpoint
- Views of Khumbu Glacier and surrounding peaks
- Lobuche village – staging point for peak climbing
- Proximity to memorial chortens for climbers
- Strategic positioning for Lobuche Peak approach
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 11Trek to Lobuche Peak Base Camp (4,950m/16,240ft)
Begin the technical mountaineering phase with a challenging trek through steep and rocky terrain to Lobuche Peak base camp. Upon arrival, conduct comprehensive technical briefing and equipment checks in preparation for the summit attempt.
Trek Distance: 6km (3.7 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Challenging
Technical Activities:
- Comprehensive technical briefing and route planning
- Equipment check and fitting (crampons, harness, ice axe)
- Practice with climbing gear and safety protocols
- Review of technical climbing techniques
- Accommodation: Tented camp
- Meal: Dinner
-
day 12Summit Lobuche East Peak (6,119m/20,075ft) & Return to Base Camp
Summit day – the culmination of your technical mountaineering expedition! Lobuche East requires technical climbing skills with an Alpine PD+ difficulty grade. The route involves steep snow and ice terrain requiring mountaineering equipment and techniques.
Summit Start Time: 2:00-3:00 AM | Total Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) round trip from base camp | Summit Duration: 8-10 hours round trip | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging (Technical mountaineering)
Technical Requirements:
- Use of crampons, ice axe, and climbing harness
- Fixed rope sections with jumars/ascenders
- Steep snow and ice climbing with exposure
- Alpine PD+ grade technical terrain
Points of Interest:
- 360-degree panoramic views from 6,119m summit
- Views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam
- Technical mountaineering achievement on glaciated terrain
- Major Himalayan peaks visible to the east
- Accommodation: Tented camp
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
-
day 13Spare Day for Summit / Rest Day
Reserve day for summit attempt in case of poor weather conditions, or rest and recovery day after successful summit. Flexibility for weather-dependent mountaineering conditions.
Activities: Weather contingency day, rest, or celebration of summit success
- Accommodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
-
day 14Trek to Pangboche (3,985m/13,074ft)
Begin the triumphant return journey after achieving your mountaineering goal. Descend through challenging terrain with rewarding views of Mount Ama Dablam. Pangboche is famous for reported Yeti sightings and traditional Sherpa culture.
Trek Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (long descent)
Points of Interest:
- Spectacular views of Mount Ama Dablam
- Traditional Sherpa village culture
- Gradual return to tree line and vegetation
- Reflection on mountaineering accomplishment
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 15Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)
Return to civilization through rhododendron forests back to the bustling atmosphere of Namche Bazaar. The return feels like a homecoming after the challenging high-altitude mountaineering experience.
Trek Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (mostly downhill)
Points of Interest:
- Return to bustling atmosphere of Namche Bazaar
- Opportunity to celebrate summit success
- Internet connectivity and modern amenities
- Reflection on completed adventure
-
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 16Trek to Lukla (2,840m/9,334ft)
Final day of trekking as you return to where the mountain adventure began. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River through traditional Sherpa villages, now viewed with the satisfaction of having completed both Everest Base Camp and a technical summit.
Trek Distance: 18km (11.2 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (long distance with varied terrain)
Points of Interest:
- Final views of the Himalayan peaks
- Traditional Sherpa villages and cultural sites
- Celebration dinner in Lukla
- Reflection on completed mountaineering adventure
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
-
day 17Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)
Return to Kathmandu civilization after your technical mountaineering achievement. The 30-minute flight offers spectacular final views of the mountains and foothills. Morning flights are subject to weather conditions, so delays are possible.
Flight Duration: 30 minutes (weather dependent) | Activities: Airport transfer, hotel check-in, gear return
Note: During peak seasons, flights may operate via Ramechhap/Manthali Airport, requiring additional drive time.
- Accommodation: Hotel
-
day 18Leisure Day & Farewell Dinner
Spend the day exploring Kathmandu or relaxing after your mountaineering achievement. Visit heritage sites, shop in Thamel, or simply enjoy the comforts of city life. Celebrate your technical climbing success with a traditional farewell dinner.
Activities: Free time, shopping, optional sightseeing, gear shopping
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & Farewell dinner
-
day 19Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight home. Carry with you the memories and achievement of successfully reaching Everest Base Camp and summiting Lobuche East Peak.
Activities: Airport transfer (scheduled according to flight time)
- Meal: Breakfast
What's Included
- Airport transfers in private company vehicle
- Three-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin-sharing basis with breakfast included
- Guesthouse accommodation during trek on twin-sharing basis
- Tented camp accommodation at Lobuche Peak Base Camp with all meals included
- Government-licensed trekking and technical climbing guides
- Porter service (one porter for every two trekkers) and local support staff
- Sagarmatha National Park permits and Trekkers’ Information Management System cards
- Lobuche Peak climbing permit and fees
- Round-trip Kathmandu-Lukla flights with baggage allowance
- Private vehicle transfers as per itinerary (including Manthali transfers if applicable)
- Group technical climbing equipment including ropes, ice screws, and safety hardware
- Comprehensive mountaineering instruction and technical training at base camp
- Duffel bag, Mountain Kick cap and t-shirt as souvenirs
- Traditional Nepali farewell dinner with cultural show
- All government taxes, tourist fees, and official expenses
What's Not Included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fees
- All meals during trek at guesthouses (available for purchase at teahouses)
- Personal climbing equipment: mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Travel insurance (mandatory – must cover high-altitude climbing activities and rescue up to 6,200m)
- Personal expenses: alcohol, drinks, laundry, phone calls, internet
- Tips for guides and porters
- Additional accommodation due to early arrival, late departure, or trip extensions
- Helicopter rescue and emergency evacuation costs
- Excess baggage charges at airports
- Any services not specifically mentioned in inclusions
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)
- Hot showers and WiFi charges at higher elevations
- Personal medication and first aid supplies
- Travel delays due to weather conditions
- Single room supplements (available on request for additional cost)
Accommodation during the Trip
In Kathmandu
Hotel Standard: Three-star hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis with breakfast included
Key Facilities:
- Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms
- Hot showers, heating, and WiFi
- Laundry services and restaurant
- 24-hour front desk assistance
Upgrade Options: Four and five-star hotels available upon request for additional cost. Single rooms readily available in Kathmandu for additional charge.
During the Trek
Accommodation Type: Standard teahouse/guesthouse accommodation on twin-sharing basis
At Lower Elevations (Lukla, Namche Bazaar):
- Basic but clean rooms with beds, pillows, and blankets
- Shared or attached bathroom facilities
- Hot showers available (additional charge)
- Common dining areas with heating
- Electricity and limited WiFi (charges apply)
At Higher Elevations (Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep):
- More basic facilities with shared bathrooms
- Limited hot showers and intermittent electricity
- Common areas for meals and socializing
- Minimal or no internet connectivity
Single Room Availability: Available at lower elevations subject to availability, but increasingly difficult to find at higher elevations. During peak seasons, single rooms may not be available at all locations.
Lobuche Peak Base Camp
Accommodation Type: High-quality expedition tents on twin-sharing basis
Camp Facilities:
- Professional expedition tents with sleeping mats
- Dining tent with cooking facilities
- Toilet tent facilities
- All meals prepared by mountain cooks included
- Professional camp setup by experienced crew
Important Notes: Camping at 4,950m elevation with cold nighttime temperatures. No electricity or charging facilities available.
General Information
All accommodation is twin-sharing unless single supplement is paid. Facilities become more basic as elevation increases due to remote locations and logistics challenges. Hot shower and WiFi charges typically range from $2-5 per use. All arrangements subject to availability, especially during peak trekking seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How difficult is Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak?This expedition is rated as Very Hard, requiring exceptional fitness and previous high-altitude experience. The main challenges include:
- High altitude (reaching up to 6,119m at Lobuche East summit)
- Technical mountaineering skills required for Lobuche Peak
- Long daily hiking hours (8-10 hours on summit day)
- Extreme cold temperatures at high elevations
- Alpine PD+ grade climbing with steep snow and ice terrain
-
What technical skills are required for Lobuche East?Lobuche East has a difficulty grade of Alpine PD+ and requires:
- Basic mountaineering skills (use of crampons, ice axe, harness)
- Comfort with fixed rope sections and steep terrain
- Physical fitness for 8-10 hour technical summit day
- Experience with high-altitude conditions
- Ability to climb steep snow and ice slopes
-
What climbing equipment is provided?Group Equipment Provided:
- Climbing ropes and hardware
- Ice screws and snow anchors
- Group safety equipment
- Mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Helmet
-
What happens in case of an emergency?Medical Emergency Protocol:
- Immediate descent to lower altitude if altitude sickness occurs
- Helicopter evacuation available (weather permitting)
- Comprehensive first aid training for all guides
- Communication devices for emergency contact
- Evacuation insurance mandatory for all participants
- Flexible itinerary to accommodate weather delays
- Extra days built into schedule for contingencies
- Alternative routes available if conditions require
-
What physical preparation is needed?Training Required: 6-8 weeks of cardiovascular and strength training Experience Level: Previous multi-day trekking experience essential Medical Clearance: Consultation with doctor regarding high-altitude travel Fitness Level: Ability to hike 6-8 hours daily with a daypack
-
What about food during the expedition?Meals are not included during the trek portion, allowing you to purchase food at teahouses along the route. However, all meals are included during your stay at Lobuche Peak Base Camp. Tea-houses along the route offer: Breakfast Options ($8-14):
- Porridge, muesli, or cornflake
- Pancakes, Tibetan bread, or chapati
- Eggs prepared in various ways
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
- Dal Bhat (traditional Nepali meal with rice, lentil soup, and vegetables)
- Momo (Tibetan dumplings)
- Noodle soups and pasta dishes
- Fried rice or noodles
- Soups and stews
-
What is the best time for this expedition?Spring Season (March-May): Stable weather, clear mountain views Autumn Season (September-December): Excellent visibility, dry conditions Avoid: Monsoon season (June-August) and deep winter (January-February)
-
Can the itinerary be customized?Customization Options:
- Private departures with flexible start dates
- Itinerary modifications (add/remove days)
- Extensions to other regions
- Accommodation upgrades where available
- Special interest focuses (photography, culture)
-
Is travel insurance mandatory?Yes, comprehensive travel and rescue insurance is mandatory for all participants. Your insurance must cover:
- High-altitude trekking and climbing activities
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Medical treatment and repatriation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
-
How many people are in a group?We operate with small groups to ensure personalized attention and safety. Group sizes typically range from 2-8 people, with a maximum of 10 participants per departure.
-
What about altitude sickness?Our 19-day itinerary includes strategic acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to help prevent altitude sickness. We follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle and maintain conservative altitude progression. All guides are trained in altitude sickness recognition and treatment protocols.
-
How is altitude sickness managed on this expedition?Your guides carry supplemental oxygen, pulse oximeters, and a portable altitude chamber (Gamow bag) at all times above Namche. Two dedicated acclimatisation days are built in at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m), and the itinerary routes through Chukhung (4,730m) before the technical climbing phase — all deliberate altitude steps. Guides monitor every group member daily and make all descent decisions. For a full breakdown of symptoms, prevention, and what to expect at altitude, read our guide to altitude sickness on Nepal treks.
-
What is the summit success rate for Lobuche East?Lobuche East has a good success rate among 6,000m peaks in Nepal, typically ranging from 75-85% for properly acclimatized climbers. Our conservative 19-day itinerary with strategic acclimatization significantly improves your chances of success.
-
How long does the summit day take?Summit day typically takes 8-10 hours round trip from base camp to summit and back. We start at 2:00-3:00 AM to avoid afternoon weather and return to base camp by early afternoon.
-
What are the specific technical challenges on Lobuche East?The main technical challenges include:
- Steep snow and ice climbing requiring crampons
- Fixed rope sections on exposed terrain
- High-altitude mountaineering at 6,000m+
- Potential rockfall and icefall hazards
- Navigation in changing mountain conditions
-
What happens if weather is bad on summit day?Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions are unsafe, we will:
- Postpone the summit attempt until conditions improve
- Monitor weather forecasts continuously
- Make decisions based on wind speed, visibility, and storm systems
- Utilize our flexible itinerary to accommodate delays
-
Do I need previous technical climbing experience?While previous mountaineering experience is beneficial, it's not mandatory. However, you should have:
- Experience with crampons and ice axe use
- Comfort on steep, exposed terrain
- Basic understanding of rope work
- Confidence with technical equipment
-
How experienced are the climbing guides?Our climbing guides are highly qualified with:
- Government-issued climbing guide licenses
- Minimum 5+ years of peak climbing experience
- Training in high-altitude rescue techniques
- First aid and wilderness medical training
- Multiple ascents of Lobuche and other 6,000m peaks
- Fluency in English and local languages
-
Are there practice sessions before the summit attempt?Yes, we conduct comprehensive training at Lobuche Peak Base Camp including:
- Crampon and ice axe technique practice
- Fixed rope ascending and descending
- Equipment familiarization and safety checks
- Route briefing with detailed explanation
- Practice on nearby terrain features
-
How cold does it get during the climb?Temperatures vary significantly by season and time of day:
- Base Camp: -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) at night
- Summit Day: -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F) with wind chill
- Daytime: Can warm to 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) in sunshine
-
What communication options are available?Internet and telephone connections are available at most stops throughout the journey. Our guides also carry satellite phones for remote areas. Communication costs apply for personal use.
-
How much spending money should I bring?Approximately $50 daily in Kathmandu for meals and $45 daily during trekking for personal expenses and meals at teahouses. Costs depend on personal spending habits.
-
What visa requirements are there for Nepal?15-day $30, 30-day $50, 90-day $125. Available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or via online pre-application through Nepal's Department of Immigration.
-
Are tips expected for guides and porters?Tips are not expected but appreciated for excellent service. Follow your country's tipping customs (typically 10-15% of total cost) if you choose to tip.
Essential Trip Information
Medical consultation is essential before this expedition. Consult your doctor about Diamox (Acetazolamide) for altitude sickness prevention, and disclose all medications to your guides before departure. High altitude affects how medications work and how your body responds to physical stress. Recommended vaccinations for Nepal include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza — arrange these at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
This expedition reaches 6,119m on the Lobuche East summit and is rated Hard. You need solid multi-day trekking fitness, prior high-altitude experience, and comfort with technical climbing equipment. Lobuche East is graded Alpine PD+ and involves crampon work, fixed rope sections, and steep snow and ice terrain above 5,500m. No prior mountaineering qualification is required, but prior exposure to technical terrain is strongly recommended. Begin physical preparation at least 5 to 6 months before departure.
Technical climbing training is included and conducted at Lobuche Peak Base Camp the day before the summit attempt. Your climbing guide covers crampon technique, ice axe use, fixed rope ascending, and equipment safety protocols. The training session is not optional — it is the foundation for a safe summit attempt.
Build buffer days into your return travel. Schedule your international departure at least 2 to 3 days after your planned trek end date. Lukla flight delays due to weather are common, and a hard departure on Day 20 is a real risk. mountainkick handles all rebooking at no extra cost, but we cannot control weather.
During peak trekking seasons (March–May and October–November), your Lukla flight departs from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, not Kathmandu. This requires a 2:30 AM hotel departure for a 5 to 6 hour drive. mountainkick arranges all transport and handles weather rebooking at no extra cost.
Carry approximately Rs 100,000–140,000 (around USD 750–1,050) in Nepali Rupees for teahouse meals, daily expenses, and staff tips. Withdraw everything in Kathmandu before departure — ATMs beyond Namche Bazaar are unreliable or non-existent. Carry small denominations and inform your bank before you travel.
Specialized travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover technical mountaineering to at least 6,200m, emergency helicopter evacuation from remote terrain, and medical repatriation. Standard travel insurance excludes climbing above 6,000m — confirm this with your insurer explicitly before departure. Evacuation from high altitude costs USD 3,000–6,000 and must be covered in full by your policy.
If you have extra time in Kathmandu, the city rewards it. Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, and the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur are all within easy reach. mountainkick can arrange guided sightseeing on request.
Packing Checklist
Key items for EBC & Lobuche Peak include:
- Layered clothing system – Base, mid, and outer layers for adaptability to changing conditions
- Warm sleeping bag – Rated for at least -10°C (14°F)
- Mountaineering boots – For technical climbing sections on Lobuche Peak
- Technical climbing equipment – Crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet for Lobuche summit
- UV-protecting sunglasses – For protection against intense high-altitude sun
- Headlamp with spare batteries – Essential for navigating in dark conditions and early summit starts
- Water bottles/hydration system – For maintaining proper hydration at altitude
- Daypack – For carrying daily essentials while trekking
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
Customize your trip single
Photo Gallery
csr
As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.
READ MORE ABOUT CSRMore Trip Inspiration
Everest Base Camp with Island Peak
Island Peak Climbing
Everest High Passes with Island Peak
Tales from the Himalayas
Fresh stories and expert insights from our mountain adventures
Travel
Solo Female Trekking Nepal: Safety, Guides and What to Expect
Nepal is one of the best countries in the world for solo female trekkers. This guide covers safety on the trail, female guides, private accommodation, recommended routes and how MountainKick organises solo female private trips.
Travel
Altitude Sickness on Nepal Treks: Symptoms, Prevention and What to Do
Altitude sickness is the most common reason trekkers don't complete their route in Nepal. This guide covers symptoms, prevention, acclimatisation, and exactly what MountainKick guides do when AMS strikes on the trail.
Travel
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost 2026: The Complete Breakdown
The most common question before booking the Annapurna Base Camp trek: how much does it actually cost?