Everest Base Camp & Labuche East

  •   Duration: 20Days
  •   Activities: Climbing
  •   Country: Nepal
  •   Trip Grade: HARD
  •   Price:2800 USD

Overview

Our superb itinerary gives you the combined adventure of Lobuche or Lobuche East Peak Climb (6119m) with Everest Base Camp.  Mt. Lobuche climb is certainly a bit more challenging than another popular climb to Island Peak. However, the magnificently panoramic views from the Lobuche summit prove the attempt worth undertaking. Not only the gorgeous Mt. Everest, you will also be able to see many mountains of the Rongbuk side of the Tibet, even those which are not visible from Island Peak. Besides, the mountains we also visit villages and monasteries to marvel at how human resolve can surpass even the harshest of environment. At first we trek to Everest Base Camp which not only gives you a chance to spend some time of your life among the high mountains, but also prepares our bodies to acclimatize, so that our bodies will easily adapt to the atmosphere while climbing Lobuche. The bliss you will experience after scaling the Lobuche Peak will certainly remain with you forever.  And don’t forget the speed shoot – taking photos by, among others, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Lobuche and with your friends!

 

The journey begins with a mountain flight to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla of the National Geographic fame. The trek starts from Lukla up through the Sagarmatha National Park all the way through the colorful landscapes. As we take steep ascent to Namche Bazaar, the capital of Sherpas, we are greeted by spectacular mountain vistas.  We continue to follow the trail to a famous vantage point, Kala Patthar, where a marvelous 360-degree panorama awaits. Mt. Kala Patthar, as the name suggests, is a “black rock” among the eternal whiteness around in the embrace Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and many more. From Everest Base Camp, we trek down to Lobuche and head toward the Lobuche Base Camp. After summiting the Lobuche East we retrace our steps to Lukla again for a return flight to Kathmandu.

Outline Itinerary

DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)

DAY 02:  Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

DAY 03:  Kathmandu – Lukla (2,860 m – Phakding (2,690m) 3 – 4 hours

DAY 04:  Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): 6- 7 hours

DAY 05:  Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day

DAY 06:  Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,860m)  7 hours

DAY 07:  Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m)  6 hours

DAY 08:  Dingboche (4,360 m): Rest Day

DAY 09:  Dingboche – Lobuche (4930m) 6 hours

DAY 10:  Lobuche – Gorak Shep  (5180m) 4hours Everest Base Camp (5365m) 3 hours – Gorak Shep: 2 hours

DAY 11:  Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5545m) – Lobuche (4940m)   6 hours

DAY 12: Lobuche – Lobuche Base Camp (4865m)  3 Hours

DAY 13:  Lobuche Base Camp to Lobuche High Camp (5,600m)  5-6 Hours

DAY 14:  Summit Day: Lobuche Peak (6119m) Summit & back to Base Camp   7-9 hours

DAY 15:  Base Camp to Pheriche   4 hours

DAY 16:  Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazzar (3,440 m):  5-6 hours

DAY 17:  Namche Bazaar-Phakding (2690m)

DAY 18: Phakding – Lukla (2860m)

DAY 19:  Fly Back to Kathmandu

DAY 20:  Final Departure

 

DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Sherpa Holidays’  display board at the arrival gate and you will be picked up by one of our representative or your trip leader.You will be then transferred to hotel.After check in, you can either take a rest, wander around in the city,it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program followed by a set Nepali dish(Dal Bhat) for dinner.

 

DAY 02:  Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast your trek leader will introduce you to rest of the members of the group and brief you about the trek . After the group briefing, you will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour to two of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Both of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the famous Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After lunch you have an opportunity to prepare yourself for the entire trip and next day’s flight to Lukla.

 

DAY 03:  Kathmandu – Lukla (2,860 m – Phakding (2,690m) 3 – 4 hours 

After an earlybreakfast, you will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

 

DAY 04:  Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): 6- 7 hours

Today’s our trek starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk today is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. We cross more bridges and reach entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep record of trekkers and local trekking staffs as well. A descend and a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar. The walk is enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up hill towards Namche Bazzar, closer and magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains will be viewed closely. We stop at Chautara to admire the view. Finally, we reach the colorful village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of Khumbu region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

 

DAY 05:  Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day

This is the scheduled ‘acclimatization’ day for this trek. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes,Wi-Fi, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize.Sherpa Holidays’ guide take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung. We further climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche and go further to one of the tea house for a tea break with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School which is loacted at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazzar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

 

DAY 06:  Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,860m)  7 hours

After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests while before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in Khumbu region. We pay our visit to the monastery the same day at around 4p.m. to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region. Over night stay at lodge at Tengboche.

 

DAY 07:  Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m)  6 hours

With mountains at its backdrop, the monastery at Tengboche looks more spectacular in the morning. At this juncture, we can take pictures of the monastery and the scenery around and as usual start the day journey. We choose the upper trail for better views on the way to Pangboche village. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. The place where we stop for lunch not only serves delicious food but also allows a fantastic close-up view of Mt Ama Dablam. In the afternoon, we walk north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Mt Ama Dablam. From here onwards, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. On arrival at Dingboche, we will see beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight at Dingboche.

 

DAY 08:  Dingboche (4,360 m): Rest Day 

We spend our second day of acclimatization at Dingboche. A refreshing breakfast while admiring a looming Ama Dablam (6856m/ 22493 ft) to the south is really fantastic. To better appreciate Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Lhotse and numerous other peaks visible from Dingboche, we climb the ridge on the north behind the village. This willbe an ideal acclimatizing excursion. Upon this juncture, we can see three of the world’s six highest peaks, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Cho Yu. To the west, loom the towering peaks of Cholatse (6440m) and Taboche (6542m). As we look northwest, we see an array of peaks rising at the head of the Khumbu Khola valley. The Lobuche West and Lobuche East peaks are most dominant along with Lhotse which stands over 8500 meters (8501m). From a vantage point high on the ridge, we can scan the sweeping Imja Khola valley as well as the picturesque fields and pastures of Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche.

 

DAY 09:  Dingboche – Lobuche (4930m) 6 hours

We start the day with a climb to Duglha through the Khumbu Khola valley. The walk along the arid terrace is rewarding with awesome views of mountains on all sides. As we come to a yak herder’s place called Dusa, the valley begins to narrow and we continue through Phulung Karpo, the camp site of the first successful Everest Expedition in 1953. Above Phulung Karpo is Chola Lake. As we move on, the majestic view of Mt. Pumori (7138 m/ 23418 ft) comes into view. As the trail descends and curves, Mt. Pumori disappears from view and we come across a roaring stream. After crossing a small wooden bridge, we ascend to Duglha. We can see the tip of Mt Nuptse from here as well as Mt Cholatse, Mt Thamserku, and several other magnificent peaks.Beyond Duglha, we climb up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountain views. At the top of the ridge, we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 12 times Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (a Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves facing several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains elusive. Mt Nuptse towers to the right as the trail crosses the Khumbu Glacier. As we pass along a murmuring stream leaving the Khumbu Glacier behind, we now begin to feel a little out of breath due to high altitude. Overnight at Lobuche.

 

DAY 10:  Lobuche – Gorak Shep  (5180m) 4hours Everest Base Camp (5365m) 3 hours – Gorak Shep: 2 hours

The trail to Gorak Shep goes ahead through the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the pyramid sign post. Ahead on the trail we see crest of north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mt. Mahalangur, Mt. Lingtern, Mt. Khumbutse, Mt. Nuptse, etc. A small ascent would take us to Thangma Riju from where we perceive 360 degree vista of snowy mountains. Climbing steeply up to the top through the torrent of Changri Glacier, we catch our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, a grey-green knoll beneath the Mt. Pumori. As we reach Gorak Shep, we will find snow-capped mountains looming all around us including the top of the world – Mt. Everest. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer’s tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the Spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. Everest actually is not visible from here. By now we have met the ultimate objective of our trip. Overnight at Gorak Shep

 

DAY 11:  Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5545m) – Lobuche (4940m)   6 hours

 

We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature departure beforehand. Plus there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From here we scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks our eyes taking in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can with our camera and take the in view with our mind’s eye to last lifetime.And then after getting back to the tea house,we have our breakfast.After breakfast we slowly head down to Lobuche.Overnight at Lobuche.

 

DAY 12: Lobuche – Lobuche Base Camp (4865m)  3 Hours

 

After late breakfast we start the trek to Lobuche Base Camp.After walking some distance on relatively flatter plane, the path to the Lobuche Base Camp gets steeper and rocky. and our kitchen crews will be there to welcome you with a hot tea,followed by lunch. After lunch our guides will also explain you the peak climbing techniques and using climbing gears such as ice axe, climbing boot, harness, jummer, and how to go up and down using ropes for the summit day.

 

DAY 13:  Lobuche Base Camp to Lobuche High Camp (5,600m)  5-6 Hours

Today, after breakfast we make a hike from Lobuche Base Camp to the Lobuche High Camp. The climb takes for about 4 hours. The High camp is located at 5,600m/18,368 ft. From Base Camp, we hike on a rocky moraine path to reach the high camp. Upon reaching the high camp, we set up our camp, take lunch and rest. You can also walk around for some time that would also help in acclimatization.

 

DAY 14:  Summit Day: Lobuche Peak (6119m) Summit & back to Base Camp   7-9 hours

 

Today is our cherished day for the summit. We start early in the morning for the summit endeavour. Lobuche east offers more panoramic views of the mountains that other popular peaks such as Island Peak. Once upon the Lobuche summit, you would enjoy magnificently panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. We spend some time at the summit celebrating and taking pictures, then we get back to the Base Camp again.

 

DAY 15:  Base Camp to Pheriche   4 hours

Today after a late breakfast we start defending down to Periche and it’s an easy walk downhill.Before we get there to Pheriche we get to see the yak breeding farm with many baby yaks.The town is in the valley so it would be windy for last couple of hours of walk.Overnght at Pheriche.

 

DAY 16:  Pheriche-Pangboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazzar (3,440 m):  5-6 hours

 

Today, we trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If it is spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Depending on our hunger and condition, we either have our lunch in Pangboche or wait until we reach Phunki Tenga for lunch. After crossing the prayer flag festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River trail then follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. We stop at Kyangjuma (3570 m) for a relaxed lunch. We unknowingly appreciate the gorgeous Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse with every bite. Following lunch, the trail to Namche Bazaar clings to the steep wooded slope beyond Kyangjuma, winding through several bends. We keep a lookout for wild life such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest by the trail. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. At this point, we would like to take a long last look (and picture!) back to Lhotse, the tip of Everest and Tengboche. On reaching our lodge, we take a nice hot shower and have very relaxed sleep in our room in Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

 

DAY 17:  Namche Bazaar-Phakding (2690m)

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. By today we start to get warmed up by the light breeze. Any remaining sore throats and colds will be gone by today as we pass through this charming mountain air. Although we are travelling the same route down, we feel completely different views. We snap a mixture of open plains, rhododendron and pine forests, and in the distance snow covered peaks. We walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages.we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. We experience the culmination of a fantastic trek on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smile on faces! Overnight in Phakding.

 

DAY 18: Phakding – Lukla (2860m)

Today we enjoy the last walk at lower altitude in the Everest region. Most tracks today is flat although we will have some descends ascents in the end. As we walk through the Sherpa villages, we notice impressive display of faith in Buddhism and cultural practices associated with it as prayer stones dot the landscape and prayer flags flap in the wind. We cross the Dhud Koshi River three times through the prayer flags strewn suspension bridges and also cross one of its tributary, Thado Koshi once. The final ascent of about 45 minutes from Chheplung takes us to Lukla, where we stretch our fatigued legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Our fantastic trek culminates on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with faces that show happiness! This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity to spend some relaxing moments with whole crew as the porters will not accompany with us to Kathmandu. Overnight at Lukla.

DAY 19:  Fly Back to Kathmandu 

Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu.You can rest and relax throughout the day at hotel. If you are interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives,you can visit to some nearby shops or vendors in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods.If you are still keen on exploring any other areas in Kathmandu,you can talk to your leader and he will organize it for you accordingly.

 

DAY 20:  Final Departure

The journey within the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today!If you have more time then you can do some shopping or just wander around Thamel and relax before your flight. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, your leader will escorts you to the airport.

  • All airport/hotel transfers within Nepal
  • Accomodation in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis
  • Flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu.
  • Transportation enrolled for sightseeing and transfers
  • All meals on trek and Climbing periods.
  • Accommodation throughout the trek
  • All trekking and climbing permits
  • Experienced and English speaking trekking/climbin guides
  • Trekking and teahouse arrangements on full board basis on trek/Climbing duration
  • All your climbing gears ( ascender,descender,ice-axe,figure 8,helmate)
  • Group gears and supplies ( ropes,ice screws,snow bars)
  • Insurance for all Nepalese staffs
  • All camping equipments (kitchen tent,dinning tent,toilet tent,table,chair and kitchen utensils) for our clients and Nepalese staffs
  • Base camp crew
  • Emergency equipment like medical oxygen, Gamow bag,comprehensive medical kit, etc
  • Satellite Phone incase of emergency
  • All government taxes and agency service charge
  • Sherpa Holidays’ duffel Bag for the trek
  • Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket (Puffy jacket)
  • Personal trekking gears
  • International roundtrip airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Lunch and evening meals in the city(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Nepal Visa fee
  • Tips for Guides and other staffs
  • Personal communications (Satellite phone, phone, fax, email)
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottle water, shower, heater, etc.)
  • Personal travel /medical/cancellation/rescue insurance
  • Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the expedition
  • Helicopter or charter flight

NOTE:

You can bring your personal clothing if you already have them with you,if not it’s worth buying all below mentioned clothing and equipments here in Kathmandu in good rates and your guide will help you with it.You will have plenty of time before the trek to buy stuffs in Kathmandu(thamel).

PERSONAL EQUIPMENTS FOR TREKKING

TREKKING

  • Fleece beanie
  • sun glasses
  • Chapstick / Sunscreen
  • Face mask or Scarf
  • Hand towel
  • Wind stopper / waterproof top and bottom
  • Cold weather down jacket below waist
  • Fleece jacket and trouser
  • Trekking trouser
  • T-Shirts(short or long sleeves) dry fit is better
  • Polypropylene thermal tops and bottom, at least 2pairs,
  • Wind stopper and fleece gloves
  • Socks and under wears (expect not to be able to wash at least for week)
  • Trekking boot (covering ankle, double check the size, foot swell up after a long walk)
  • Snow Gaiter (optional)
  • Running shoe or sandal for camps
  • Head torch
  • Personal medical kit (Gastrointestinal and Respiratory disease are common)
  • Water Bottle/Camel Pak
  • Trekking / Ski pole (optional. Handy for anyone with knee problem)
  •  Spare batteries for Camera andflash light. Check charging facility along your journey
  •  Day pack  Minimum25L with side pocket for water bottle

 

MOUNTAINEERING EQUIPMENT ONLY FOR THE CLIMBING GROUP.

 

 

  •  All equipments as in trekking equipment list except 25L day pack. Need a 40L+ day pack.
  •  Snow Gaiter (compulsory)
  •  Snow Goggles
  •  Head torch
  •  Thick socks at least 3 pairs
  • Gloves, thin thermal layer and thick down or acrylic filled wind and waterproof outer layer
  • Wind stopper Top /Wind stopper bottom
  • Ruck-Sack minimum 40L+, should have loop to hold Ice-Axe, pole and side pocket to hold water bottle

 

 (PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENTS WHICH WILL BE PROVIDED BY SHERPA HOLIDAYS

 

  • Harness:  Black Diamond on high quality
  • karabiners: Two pieces Screw Gate “D” Shaped and two plain
  • Tape Sling: Two meters 1inch wide tape sling with free ends
  • Ice-Axe: Choice depends on use. Generally length between your ankle and finger tips on stretched body (60cm to 70cm).This is the choice of shaft length to go for.
  • Climbing boots
  • Crampons: Quick clip on and release design having detachable anti balling plate and a size to fit your boot.
  • Jumar /Ascenders: This is a device for climbing up on a rope and is a must in steep climbing section.
  • Descender: This is a device to climb down a rope safely. Figure of eight and ATC are other names.
  • Sleeping bag: Good sleeping bag of 80% – 90% down, 1000gm filled to use above base camp & normal trek,
  • Down Jacket: A good down filled jacket to use above base camp n normal trek.
  • Duffel bag : trekking/Mountaineering Basics 85 litter water proofs.
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