12 Jul 2021 Prakash Devkota
With the glistening mountain ranges, vibrant valleys, dramatic landscapes, and gorges, Lobuche makes the most popular trek mountains in Khumbu. It offers impressive views of towering mountains like Ama Dablam, sheer glaciers, and snowy ridge to the visitors at the summit.
Check out our package Lobuche Peak climbing.
Lobuche is a moderate hiking mountain with fewer technical difficulties as compared to other snow peaks in the region. Its long-drawn trails passing through remote villages and rugged hills accommodate visitors all year-round. However, the number keeps fluctuating, with most travelers waiting for the best time to trek the mountain.
Lobuche weather varies season after season, with winter getting frigid cold and summer hot and humid. Spring is generally known for being the most wonderful time of the year to visit Lobuche, following lovely weather and stunning views.
Its warm weather with moderate temperature makes the hike less demanding and strenuous. Whenever autumn swings in the valley, trekkers fasten their seat belts and rush to the nearest town, Lukla, before heading uphill. It’s easy climbing the trails during this time as the weather is not too cold and not too hot.
Trekkers can ascend the steep hills and snowy mountain ridge without any stress and hassle. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go the same for Monsoon, which brings lots of showers and makes the trail murky. Heavy downpours and storm clouds often impede the path to the summit. It’s a bit cold in the season due to low precipitation, especially during the late evening and early morning.
Lobuche Weather
Weather in Autumn
Autumn is a prime trekking season for Lobuche as it has marvelous weather with breathtaking views. The stable weather with less swing in temperature following post-monsoon makes the season favorite among visitors.
The season starts from mid-September and lasts till November, offering climbers. Depending on the elevation, trekkers will experience a change in temperature and climate. Starting from October, the climate gets hotter in different parts of the region.
The weather at the lower base camp is warm and cozy, with beautiful sunshine filling the day. However, the morning and night are still cold, with a chilly wind blowing from the north. Unfortunately, in the wake of winter, the weather starts getting icy cold from early November.
Wind chills and low temperatures make things worse and create an inhospitable environment. The trails covered in fresh snow above the base camp make trekking difficult and sometimes even cause frostbite.
Therefore, trekkers climbing the mountain from late November will have to wrap themselves in warm clothes. To prevent the injury that might occur while climbing steep glaciers, they’ll have to wear crampons.
Weather in Spring
The weather is typically mild during this time, with mornings being slightly cold and days rather warm. As an after-effect of winter, trekkers can expect chilly wind with light snowfall at the start of the season, but with time, the weather gets a lot better.
There may be light snow showers at the mountaintop, but in the lower elevation, it’s warm and sunny. Trekkers won’t have much difficulty climbing the mountain during Spring as they don’t have to fight the slippery trails.
In fact, between April and May, trekkers will enjoy the hike due to mild weather. Climbing the mountain becomes relatively easier during Spring due to less snowfall and freezing wind. But, trekkers can’t always count on the weather as it’s unpredictable and varies from time to time.
In Spring, the wind blowing from west towards the mountain rouses white clouds, which then turn to storms. In such a situation, trekkers will have a hard time climbing the mountain. In the day, the temperature rises in the mountain, causing snow to melt, which is why trekkers begin ascending the mountain in the dark.
Weather in Summer & Monsoon
Summer in Lobuche is slightly hot at lower hills with radiant sunshine all day long. High humidity and increasing temperature cause the season to be warm in partial areas in Khumbu. However, at a higher elevation, the weather is still mild, with temperatures still below 0 Degree Celsius.
As a pre-monsoon season, summer doesn’t make quite the right time to hike Lobuche, especially during the day. The continuous rising temperature melts the snow and increases the possibility of an avalanche. This may cause injury to trekkers and even fatal casualties; therefore, climbers will have to be extremely careful.
However, as compared to Monsoon, Summer is still better with hot and dry weather. Trekkers won’t have to deal with the damp trek routes and even dench in the rain, making the trek still worthwhile.
June to August is Monsoon in Nepal and is marked by heavy rainfall, lightning, and tropical cyclones. Trekkers climbing Lobuche at this time around will struggle from slippery hills and filthy trails.
Monsoon clouds bring rainfall in several parts of Khumbu after May. The warm and wet wind often ignites violent snowstorms and makes trekkers descend the trail. The average temperature in Monsoon is normally at minus Degree Celsius.
Weather in Winter
Winter in Lobuche is hostile with increased snowfall and high winds. It doesn’t bring much joy to visitors with freezing cold weather and blizzards that are hard to resist for anyone. On several occasions, mountaineers will have to put off their trip or start hiking before dawn to avoid snowstorms.
As the temperature drops below freezing point, the weather becomes harsh on mountaineers. Even climbing the glaciers and steep rocks becomes extremely difficult and sometimes impossible due to severe weather.
As a result, most trekkers stop at the camp and wait for the weather to improve before heading up to the summit. It tends to get dark pretty soon in winter; therefore, mountaineers start climbing the peak early in the morning.
The average wind speed is 56km/h (36mph), which can rise instantaneously at any time on the mountain. Low precipitation with low barometric pressure often sees trekkers struggling from shortness of breath at the mountain.
Trekking Lobuche is extremely challenging in winter due to continuous snowfall and gradually decreasing temperature. Cold weather begins to set in from early December and lasts till February. Increased snowfall covers the trail during this time, making it incredibly hard to climb the peak.
Without crampons, trekkers won’t be able to make it to the summit of Lobuche. Similarly, fog and mist obstruct the visibility and make it hard to see through. Apart from that, what frustrates the climber is the temperature in the mountain that is normally below -15 Degree Celsius. It sometimes reaches a record low with sudden, unpredictable changes in the climate.
When is the best time for a Lobuche Peak?
Spring and Autumn make the perfect time for trekking to Lobuche as both these seasons have lovely weather that’s very much enjoyed by hikers. Climbing the mountain becomes relatively easier during this season due to the perfect cool temperature, breathtaking views, and beautiful daylight.
Autumn is quite a time for trekking to Lobuche as it offers warm and delightful weather to all the visitors climbing the mountain. The climate is at full steam from mid-November to January, with bright sunshine and warmth. Its temperate weather makes it easy for hikers to climb the mountain. Its days are hot but still bright and bearable with
Due to the variations in topography, trekkers may witness little changes in weather during the season. They may even have to put up with the snowfall on their way to the summit. But, it won’t be as extreme as that in the winter, with even the lowest temperature ranging from 0 to -1 Degree Celsius.
With the astonishing fall foliage and green terrains, Autumn makes a magical season. Trekkers will have a lot of interesting things to do during the hike to the mountain. On their way to Lobuche, they will get astounding glimpses of fall foliage and green terrains.
Due to the clear sky and high visibility, they’ll get to savor the stunning view of Mt. Everest along with Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Island Peak. While walking through the national park, they may encounter different wild species and birds, including musk deer, snow leopard, and Himalayan Thar.
Autumn is also a festive season in Nepal, so those who climb the mountain in the season will get to participate in the local festivals and know more about the local people and their community.
Like Autumn, Spring is another great climbing window for trekkers. It’s the right time to start taking the long walks to the Lobuche, perched at 20,075 ft. high. The season is as amazing as it can be with warm and comfortable weather.
The weather is at its finest in Spring with a beautiful atmosphere, crystal clear sky, and gentle wind that takes off the stress from hikers. Climbing the trail gets a lot easier due to the subtle climate, which barely sees rainfall or cold waves until the base camp.
After that, trekkers might encounter light snowfall, but it’s still acceptable. Hiking Louche is comfortable around this time due to perfectly balanced weather and temperature. Unlike winter, trekkers won’t have to combat snowstorms or chilly wind as they can easily make it to the crest.
The weather is endurable at this time of year, but as days pass, it starts getting hotter, with summer just around the corner. Mountaineers of Lobuche will get an awe-striking view of snow-capped mountains, unique landforms, and vibrant valleys.
They’ll also get to glance at the shimmering glacial lakes and deep gorges, which look spectacular. Spring also astounds its guests with impressive scenes of blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers throughout the forest.
Since its post-winter, the temperature starts to rise in Spring, but it still offers some fresh wind to hikers. The season also offers long daylight to visitors so that they don’t have to rush and gently climb the peak without any hassle.
How Difficult is Lobuche Climbing?
Lobuche trek is moderately challenging with not too many technical difficulties as that of Mt. Everest. But, that doesn’t mean trekkers will have an easy ride to the mountains. At 6,119 meters elevation, Lobuche tosses some extreme challenges to hikers, which even pro mountaineers struggle to overcome.
The trail stretching 31 km from Lukla has the climbers passing through remote villages and deep valleys. They will have to overcome rugged trails and steep hills to reach the base camp, which is not easy, especially in winter.
Unforeseeable weather and temperature will try every possible course to make the journey tough. At times, it tests the patience of hikers and ensures that they pull off from the trek. If that doesn’t make things worse, they’ll also have to ascend the steep glaciers and snowy ridge to arrive at the acme.
Trek from Lobuche Base Camp is incredibly difficult, which is why they’ll get training from trek guides. Sherpas will guide the mountaineers throughout the journey and even provide them needed instructions before heading up to the summit. To make the trip easy, they’ll set up camps and even place ropes to climb the ridge.
Apart from the snowy trail, mountaineers will have to handle low atmospheric pressure at higher elevations. Due to sudden exposure, there are greater chances of them suffering from altitude sickness during the hike.
Pro mountaineers might not show extreme symptoms other than headache and dizziness. But, newbie trekkers might suffer a lot and have extreme effects as bad as fatigue, insomnia, and hypoxia. Therefore, to minimize the risk, trekkers of Lobuche are recommended to acclimate at the base camp before scrambling up the snow peak.
Lobuche weather also demands them to get training before officially starting the trip. They are also suggested to follow intense workouts and have a bunch of both long and short hikes on different terrain.
It’s even better to climb the steep slopes so that they can get used to the climate and temperature at higher elevations. This will also help them withstand the poor weather at Lobuche and make it to the mountaintop.
In addition, they’ll also have to make the needed preparations for fighting the snowstorms, which often impedes the trek to Lobuche. Climbing Lobuche also sees trekkers suffering from frostbite, which is why they’ll have to be more careful while climbing the mountain.
Final Say
Lobuche has a harsh environment with low temperatures throughout the year. Unforeseeable wind storms and snowfall is normal in the region, mainly above the base camp. Changing seasons does have a huge impact on the climate as the weather is severely cold in winter while Spring and Autumn are mild.
Even the summers are quite cold in the mountains, with temperatures below 0 Degree Celsius. Winters never see snow off the ground, and it’s arctic cold in the morning and late evening. Spring and Autumn are a marvelous time to visit Lobuche as the temperature rises in the season, making everything look wonderful and gratifying.
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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.
