Lobuche East and Island Peak Climbing

Revel in delightful aerial vistas as soon as you fly above in the Nepalese skies. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you’ll meet one of our representatives waiting to escort you to your hotel through swarming alleys of Kathmandu City via a private vehicle. After checking in at the hotel, freshen up and provide rest to your jet-lagged body. Once settled in, you can check out the monuments and historical buildings near to your living space. Don’t forget to wander around the radiant marketplace of Thamel in the evening. Also well-renowned as the ‘tourist hub’, it is an initial stopover of almost all the tourist visiting Nepal.

You’ll have a day out. If you want to explore the time-honoured Kathmandu Valley on your own then we are here to provide you vital assistance as well as useful words of advice; otherwise, we can arrange you a guided sightseeing day trip in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide. Get going with a visit to holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Thereafter, steer towards the sacred Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath to experience the true essence of spirituality. Take a look at the Basantapur Durbar Square at the end of the day to witness the craftsmanship, architecture and artistic skills of Nepal’s ancient craftsmen. In addition to this joyous jaunt, you must make preparations for your upcoming escapade.

This morning, you’ll board a domestic flight bound to Lukla. In the course of this 30 minutes long scenic flight, you can observe picturesque landscapes together with sublime outlooks embracing snow-capped mountains. Subsequent to a dramatic landing at Lukla Airport, we’ll start off our trek and follow a rough yet well-marked path adjacent to the banks of Dudh Koshi River. Keeping our eyes on Mt. Nupla (5,885m) and Mt. Kusum Kanguru (6,367m); we’ll proceed through dense woods, monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags passing by the settlements of Chheplung (2,660m), Thado Koshigoan (2,580m), and Nuring (2,492m) to arrive at Phakding (2,652m).

We’ll climb across the enchanting woodland of pine and rhododendron, rustic villages as well as a few suspension bridges. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas including Mt. Kongde Ri (6,187m), the route gradually makes an ascent in the direction of Monjo Village (2,835m) aka the entrance gate to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO natural world heritage site. With our permits examined in the check post, we’ll progress through the vicinity of National Park thriving with green wood to Jorsalle (2,740m). Crossing a high suspension bridge, we’ll move on a steep uphill path to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). We can watch the first glimpses of Everest on the way as it emerges in-between Lhotse and Nuptse as long as the weather is clear.

Proper acclimatization in higher altitudes is the key to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness which can be fatal if not treated correctly and quickly. At the elevation of 3,440m encircled by snowy summits, Namche Bazaar is one of the most admired places for trekkers and mountaineers to adapt in a new climate with low oxygen density so that they can stay healthy throughout this Himalayan adventure. We’ll familiarize ourselves with the surrounding here at Namche Bazaar. You can have a walk around this Sherpa town and visit Sherpas Museum and Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Centre in order to get acquainted with local culture and traditional lifestyle. On the other hand, you may like a hike to nearby tourist attractions such as Hotel Everest View or Kunde Village for magnificent mountain panoramas.

Freshened and reenergized, we’ll advance out of Namche Bazaar then stay with the windy pathway. We’ll traverse the pinewoods and proceed to Sanasa past Kenjoma (3,550m). The trail splits into two. One leads to Gokyo Valley (to the right) and another to Everest Base Camp. Advancing uphill across a suspension bridge to Phunke Tenga (3,260m), we’ll scramble up steeply through the woodland and water-driven prayer wheels to reach Tengboche (3,870m). En route, we can enjoy the lovely views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Taboche. Pay a visit to Tengboche Monastery and observe the soul-steering sunset over the peaks of Ama Dablam, Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse.

We’ll depart from the village of Tengboche to encounter a gentle descent to Deboche (3,820m). Navigating past the great boulders prayer stones and chortens, we’ll cross a suspension bridge at Milingo (3,750m) then forge ahead up to Somare (4,010m) and continue to Pangboche (3,930m). We’ll probably get a sight of exciting wildlife while on the move; so, keep your eyes open. The trail now leads along the Imja Khola above treeline, passing by the alpine vegetation and smaller hamlets to Dingboche (4,360m). Take a good look around this splendid settlement and feel the majesty of the snow-clad mountains. 

With a gradual climb, we’ll make our way out of Dingboche and pursue the Himalayan path on the other side of pasturelands and alpine vegetation dominated by grasses, herbs or sedges to Dughla (4,620m). We’ll discover the splendid panoramas including the elegant Ama Dablam, Taboche, and Cholatse along the way. Thokla Pass (4,830m) now lies ahead of us. While negotiating this precipitous pass, we’ll come across memorials dedicated to fallen mountaineers during Everest expeditions. Accompanied by views of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and other neighbouring peaks, we’ll trek on lateral moraines of the Khumbu glacier to Lobuche (4,940m).

Overlooked by lofty Himalayan Range, the route now guides us down the Italian Pyramid (4,970m) to Lobuche Pass (5,110m). In the quest to travel over this high pass, we’ll overcome a twisting course on rugged terrain full of boulder beyond the formidable Khumbu Glacier; finally making it to Gorakshep (5170m). We can actually hear the creaking and cracking as these monstrous frozen glaciers move towards a lower position shaping up the deep mountain gorges.  Subsequently, we’ll trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) following the trail that progresses along glacial moraines and sometimes over the glacier itself. Witness the beauty, majesty, and vastness of the world’s highest mountain from its foothills. EBC also accommodates numerous colourful camps belonging mountaineers during peak climbing season. You may interact with them for some helpful tips. We’ll eventually return to Gorakshep.

Before the crack of dawn, we’ll ascend the Kala Patthar peak to see the sunrise over the magnificent Mt. Everest. An iconic vantage point adorned with prayer flags at 5,545m asl, Kala Patthar (translates into Black Rock) extends spectacular outlooks of the Khumbu Glacier and close up views of the sun rising over the lofty mountaintops. After capturing these wonderful moments in our mind and cameras, we’ll head back to Gorakshep for some refreshment prior to our further advancement. Thereafter, we’ll walk down through Lobuche Pass and get to Lobuche (4,940m).

We’ll be on our way up to High Camp (5,400m) earlier than the daybreak so that we can utilize our maximum time preparing ourselves for what lies ahead. With our experienced climbing guide by your side, you’ll undergo pre-climb training during which, you’ll acquire skill in climbing techniques and operation of various mountaineering gears. Apart from that, we can gaze at the soul-stirring sunset views in the evening.

You’ll realize half of your lifelong dream today by conquering the Lobuche Summit. Gradually, we’ll overcome many technical difficulties and move closer to the top at a steady pace. Once we reach 6,119m asl, the highest point Mt. Lobuche; we’ll feel as if our endeavour is finally recognized by Mother Nature as we are rewarded with 3600 vistas. Feel the Himalayan grandeur i.e. bestowed upon us by the glittering ivory peaks. At long last, we’ll go backtrack to High Camp.

Today, we’ll make it past the Kongma La Pass (5,535m) to end up at Chhukung (4,730m).  Because of multiple precipitous ups and downs, the journey through this high pass is demanding and requires us to negotiate moraines from Khumbu glacier. Traditionally, Chhukung used to be a yak pasture with no permanent habitation but now it is a popular resting place for climbers going for Chhukung Ri and Imja Tse (Island Peak). Positioned in the lap of Himalayas, this serene village offers a pleasing view surrounding mountains with snowy tops as well as a comfortable place for an overnight stay to exhausted individuals.

For acclimatization purpose, we’ll set off for a short hike to Chukkung Ri (5,550m). It lies to the North of Chhukung Village and takes approximately 3-4 hours of strenuous effort. We won’t have any Everest sightings from Chukkung Ri; that’s the reason why this hiking route is a lot quieter than Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. Nevertheless, we’ll observe fantastic vistas encompassing Imja Tse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Lhotse wall, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Nuptse that we won’t get anywhere else in the entire planet. If you don’t prefer this acclimatization hike then you can rest in the teahouse at Chhukung.

We’ll take our steps deep into the Imja Valley this morning. Staring at the skyline dominated my graceful Ama Dablam; we’ll trek along the rugged path and get over several steep ascents passing by a lot many glacial moraines from Lhotse Glacier. We’ll now enter the sand flats at Pareshaya Gyab.  Continuing a little further, we’ll arrive at Island Peak Base camp (5,200m) at around the mid-afternoon.

The strategy of the climb and its systematic execution rest upon the shoulders of climbing Sherpa leader who takes every group members as well as other inevitable factors such as climate and snow conditions into account while making the final decision. All said and done, we’ll commence our summit attempt with the aim to turn our ultimate fantasy into a reality that features a triumph over two Himalayan peaks at once (first one being the Lobuche East). Even though it is not a technically difficult peak to climb, the crevassed snow slopes and a fairly steep headwall presents a challenge to the climbers. Thus, we’ll fix ropes on the summit headwall for safety during both ascent and descent. Our willpower and stamina are tested to the limit as we proceed to the vertex (6,189asl) where we can gaze at the utterly sublime views of snow giants such as Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu and Baruntse. Experience the feeling of great accomplishment that you just achieved! We’ll then descend back to base camp.

In case the conquest of Island Peak is delayed by furious natural elements, bad climate or deteriorating individual health; we’ll have this reserved day that allows us to re-attempt our ascent to the summit. We can reach the top in a single day presuming that the weather is good and clear but anything can happen in the high elevations; so, it is better to be prepared in order to counter the unwelcomed situations rather than regretting later for an unsuccessful escapade.

Succeeding the triumphant over the mighty mountains, we’ll climb down across moraines to Chhukung.  We’ll carry on our downward movement along Imja Khola to Bibre and meet up with the primary Everest trail. Afterwards, we’ll reach Dingboche then move downhill past the Sherpa villages to set our feet at Pangboche (3,985m).

We’ll resume our trek down the mountainous trail that guides us to Tengboche. If you have not visited the Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu Region; then, now is your golden opportunity! Finding our delight in the mountain vistas of mountains and snowscapes along the way, we’ll progress beyond the dense forest, high suspension bridges and quaint settlements to make an appearance at Namche Bazaar.

Past the mani walls, prayer flags and rustic Sherpa villages, we’ll trek on the route alongside the Dudh Koshi River and retrace our steps to Lukla. A relatively easy day, you can repose and rest at the remaining time of the day. Get your mind lost in the reminiscence of the feat you have just pulled off!

From Lukla, you’ll go on broad of a flight destined to Kathmandu. With the last sightings of the snow-clad mountaintops, you’ll land up at the capital city. Here, relax in your hotel room. Or, have a walk around the vivid marketplaces to reward yourself with a fine Nepalese lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to buy yourself and your loved ones a souvenir from Nepal.

The day twenty-two marks the end of your adventures in this captivating South Asian nation enclosed by the planet’s highest mountains. We hope you are satisfied with our services and expect to see you again at the time of your next Nepal travel. One of our representatives will transport you to the Airport in a private vehicle three hours prior to your scheduled flight. Farewell! Cheers!!