15 Sep 2022 Prakash Devkota
The Lobuche peak is a mountain range of Everest that lies near the Khumbu Glacier. The mountain has two significant peaks: Lobuche east and Lobuche west. These peaks are 6,145 meters and 6,119 meters, respectively. A long and deep-notched ridge separates the two peaks. A very steep drop and a significant distance also lie between the peaks.
Due to its location in the Khumbu region, the Lobuche mountain gives excellent views of the Everest region. So the answer to “Can you see Everest from Lobuche?” is a definite yes.
The expedition to Lobuche is a popular means to experience the entirety of Everest. People call Lobuche East the “trekking peak,” whereas Lobuche West is an “expedition peak”. The reason for this is that the East peak is climbed more frequently. The east peak is also comparatively easy to climb.
Lobuche Peak expedition Highlights
- Observe the breathtaking Himalayan view from the summit of Lobuche
- Heavenly views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, Mount Nuptse, Mount Amadablam, Mount Pumori, and other peaks will leave you utterly satisfied.
- Reaching Lobuche Peak’s summit will be exhausting but a very thrilling experience.
- Trek along the most well-known Everest Base Camp Trek route up to Lobuche.
- Pass right by the Khumbu Glacier, one of the tallest glaciers on earth.
- Learn about the distinctively positioned Sherpa settlements and their culture.
- Visit the Tengboche monastery within the Buddhist settlement area before reaching Lobuche.
- Trek past prayer flags, monasteries, gompas, suspension bridges, and dense forests are a significant part of this trip.
What permits do you need for the Lobuche expedition?
Trekking and mountain climbing around Nepal require you to obtain specific permits. These permits are necessary for the betterment of the trekking region. It helps boost the region’s economy and helps better the condition of the locals. The Lobuche expedition is no different; it also imposes specific permits. You will need three different types of permits for the Lobuche expedition. They are as follows:
- Lobuche peak expedition permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
- Everest Base camp trek permit.
How hard is it to climb Lobuche?
Lobuche is an alpine mountain climb that requires passing through complex glaciers. It would help if you did some technical climbing to reach the peak. Alongside the mountain climb, you also need to do a short trek of the Everest region prior.
The route to Lobuche Peak has been among the category to have a moderate level of difficulty. The peak’s course has a myriad of uphill and downhill landforms you need to pass. You must walk for 5 to 7 days to reach your expedition destination. Some of the roads are off-beaten and need to have trekked with caution. But overall, the trek is relatively easy and can be done by novices.
Peak climbing, on the other hand, might be very harsh for amateurs with no prior mountain climbing experience. But the experts will find this climb a piece of cake. So, if you wish to do the Lobuche peak expedition, you should have mountain climbing experience. These experiences will include knowing how to climb on snow/ice with an axe and crampons and rock scrambling.
How do you reach Lobuche?
The journey to reach Lobuche starts with a short flight leaving Kathmandu to reach Lukla. After getting Lukla, you ought to trek towards Namche Bazaar through Phakding. From Pakhding, you will pass through Tengboche and Dingboche to reach Lobuche. This route to Lobuche is the basis for the Everest Base Camp trek. The Everest Base Camp trails take a route towards Gorakshep. But the Lobuche expedition will move towards Lobuche Base Camp. The Everest Base Camp is very near to Lobuche’s vicinity as well. It is merely 8.5 kilometers southwest of the Lobuche village. People often combine the Lobuche expedition with the Everest Base Camp trek due to this reason.
After separating from Everest Base Camp trekking trails, you will approach the base camp of Lobuche. The Lobuche base camp lies at an altitude of 4,950 meters. The road leads you towards the Khumbu Glacier to the Lobuche High camp.
Summiting the Lobuche peak is just one long step away from the Lobuche High Camp. The route will turn steeper after you pass the high camp. You will find sharp snow ridges as you head for the summit. You will also find snow bumps and hills as you go higher to the northwest of the peak. After that, you need to take a few final steps towards the steep of the summit point.
When should I do the Lobuche peak expedition?
Certain times around the year make trekking and mountain climbing better. The Lobuche expedition is no different. Although you can climb Lobuche peak any time of the year, spring and autumn are the most suitable times. The spring in Nepal falls from March to May and autumn from September to November. These seasons make for the best time to trek or do mountain climbing.
Both spring and autumn bring rain-free, snow-free stable weather with moderate temperature—such weather factors to a successful trekking or climbing experience. The excellent weather is less likely to lead to postponements or cancellation of plans. The skies are clear, and the views are spectacular. You can see the top of the world at its best during these seasons.
On the other hand, the winter and monsoon make the Lobuche expedition a nightmare. The monsoon season brings heavy rainfalls that make the roads very slippery. They damage the walking trails and increase the chances of accidents. The same goes for the winter season’s snowfall. Snowfall also makes the road tricky and increases the chances of avalanches in high-altitude places. The winter’s climate is also very harsh and not suitable for expeditions.
Moreover, many accommodating lodges and tea houses are not running during monsoon or winter. These seasons are considered off-season as fewer tourists come by. So, it is very likely that you will not find easy and accessible accommodation facilities this time of the year.
Prakash Devkota
Managing Director and Team Leader
Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota is an established name in the Tourism Sector in Nepal. He is a focused individual gifted with a brilliant mind. He is also hugely dedicated to social work. Born in the Gorkha district, a beautiful hilly region of Nepal, he first entered the tourism industry as a guide in 1997. He has gained extensive experience in almost all the trekking and climbing routes like Mera, Island, Lobuche and, Ama Dablam, etc.
He registered Nepal Guides Treks & Expedition in 2009 AD. Due to his passion for adventure and efforts to provide quality personalized service to his clients, he has established himself as a successful tourism entrepreneur. He has dedicated most of his time working diligently to elevate the tourism industry and collected more than 15 years of experience in organizing trekking and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. He believes in the power of the tourism industry and the employment opportunities that can be created through it. He constantly looks for innovative ways to run the company.
Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices. He believes promoting eco-tourism will preserve natural resources and positively impact the environment.
