Lobuche Peak and Island Peak Climbing

Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400 meters 

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representative. Look for our representative holding a placard with your name, waiting to pick you up.

You will be given a warm welcome after a brief meet and greet and then taken to your city-center hotel. Chill for some time, freshen up and soak in the atmosphere of Nepal’s capital city before your Himalayan adventure begins.

You will become familiar with the group tonight and have a welcome dinner in a local Nepalese restaurant.  It is a great opportunity to become acquainted with your travel companions and guides. You will also enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine accompanied by a cultural performance of local music and dances.

The day begins with a guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley. You will visit the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites today which are rich in history, culture and spirituality. Today’s highlight consists of Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square of the capital city. 

Subject to time, you will also explore the nearby cities of Bhaktapur and Lalitpur and gain a perspective into their stunning temples, lively markets and living traditions that have captured the rich cultural tapestry of the Kathmandu Valley. The old temples with exquisite designs and courtyards provide a wonderful feel of Nepal’s religious and cultural heritage.

After your cultural tour, you will visit our expedition office for your comprehensive trip briefing. Here you get to meet your guides and other expedition crew, receive the plan in detail for the journey and have any questions answered. This briefing sets you up adequately informed and prepared mentally for the two summits of Island Peak and Lobuche.

Later during the day, we will conduct a thorough gear check to make sure you have all the equipment required for this high altitude adventure. Anything extra can be rented or purchased in Thamel, Kathmandu’s trekking gear hub. With all things done and last-minute logistics taken care of, you will be ready to embark on your Himalayan adventure with confidence.

Lukla Altitude: 2,860 meters 
Phakding Altitude: 2,610 meters 
Flight Duration: 45 minutes 
Trek Distance: 8 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 4 hours 

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the most thrilling air journeys on the planet. The 45 minutes flight gives you breathtaking views of the Himalayas and valleys a thousand feet beneath you. Upon landing in Lukla Airport, you will meet the rest of your expedition staff and take a few minutes to get familiar with the mountainous altitude and environment. 

After gear coordination and a short rest, you will head towards Phakding. The trail is generally easy, passing Sherpa villages and mani stones with fluttering prayer flags. The final walk is beside the milky Dudh Koshi River. When you arrive at Phakding, you will stay at a teahouse, enjoy a hot meal and rest for the rest of the journey deeper into the Khumbu valley. 

Namche Bazaar Altitude: 3,440 meters 
Trek Distance: 11 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 6 hrs

After an early morning breakfast at Phakding, we will hit the trail toward Namche Bazaar. On the basis of the Lobuche Peak and Island Peak climbing map, you will be walking over several suspension bridges and crossing the thundering Dudh Koshi River. 

Then, you will ascend the trail winding through pine forests and villages like Benkar, Jorsalle and Monjo. Monjo is where you will be entering the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail becomes steeper from there as you begin to climb a hill to Namche Bazaar.

Climb for a few hours up and you will get your first glimpse of Mount Everest visible through the ridges. It is a surreal moment for many trekkers. 

On arrival in Namche Bazaar, this vibrant Sherpa village welcomes you with its colourful houses, local stores, bakeries and breathtaking mountain views. Namche is the ideal place to acclimatize, unwind and get ready for higher altitudes ahead.

To facilitate your body to adjust to the increasing altitude, today is reserved for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar. Instead of remaining at rest, you will take a brief hike to higher elevations typically to the Everest View Hotel or neighboring Khumjung village. Sustained climbs and walk-downs on these brief outings exercise the body’s acclimatization to thinner atmospheres. 

Along the way, you will experience stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other majestic mountains. The trek also offers a chance to observe local Sherpa culture, visit monasteries and view the lifestyle of mountain villagers. The rest of the day is spent relaxing in Namche cafes or browsing local markets, so you are rested and ready for the trek to come.

Tengboche Altitude: 3,850 meters 
Trek Distance: 10 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs

After an acclimatization day in Namche, the walk goes on along a spectacular path with views of Everest, Kwangde Ri, Ama Dablam and other grand peaks. The trail then slowly descends through rhododendron forests before crossing the Dudh Koshi River and climbing steadily to Tengboche. This peaceful village has the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest and most spiritual one in the Khumbu area.

On your arrival, you may visit the monastery, take part in a prayer ceremony and bask in the serene atmosphere with beautiful Himalayan vistas all around. It is a most inspiring spot where you can unwind and refuel before going further up.

Dingboche Altitude: 4,410 meters
Trek Distance: 11 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs

Leaving Tengboche behind, the route takes a woodsy trail before it crosses the Imja Khola, a glacial river that descends from the Himalayas. The trek gradually rises past the picturesque village of Pangboche, with close-up views of Ama Dablam, arguably the most stunning peak in the region. 

As you ascend, the landscape begins to shift. It will give a way to alpine meadows and scrub replaces trees. This denotes that you have entered the wilderness highland areas.

Following the Lobuche Peak and Island Peak climbing map, a few hours of steady walking will take you to Dingboche. It is a scenic village in a wide valley and by the imposing mountains. Renowned for its stone pitched fields and stunning views of the mountains, Dingboche is a scenic spot for an overnight stop.

Lobuche Altitude: 4,940 meters 
Trek Distance: 8 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs

After spending a peaceful night at Dingboche, the trek continues with a steady climb to Lobuche. You will follow the trail that will take you gradually, above the Pheriche Valley. Along the way, you will get magnificent views of Taboche and Cholatse peaks. 

The higher you ascend, the more barren and rough the ground is and the thinner the atmosphere. Along the way, you will traverse the Thukla Pass (4,830 m). This is a memorial area set aside for the climbers who lost their lives heading toward Everest’s summit.

Moving on ahead, you will witness Lobuche. It is a tiny village surrounded by giant Himalayan mountains and glaciers. Here you will be spending a beautiful night in the shadow of towering high mountains.

Gorakshep Altitude: 5,170 meters 
Everest Base Camp Altitude: 5,364 meters 
Trek Distance: around 12 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 6-8 hrs

Tracing the Lobuche Peak and Island Peak climbing map, we will leave Lobuche for Gorakshep today. You will begin with a gradual climb on the trail leading towards the last settlement before the Everest Base Camp. 

The journey towards Gorakshep is characterized by rugged grounds, loose scree, rock fields and sparse vegetation. After reaching Gorakshep, we will rest for a while and have a delicious lunch before continuing onward to EBC. 

You will trek on a boulder-studded, glacier moraine path to the mythological foot of Everest. With spectacular ice walls, gigantic mountains and the Khumbu Glacier, the base camp moments are something that you will never forget. 

You will then spend some time immersing yourself in the atmosphere and taking pictures, before returning to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Kala Patthar Altitude: 5,554 meters 
Lobuche Altitude: 5,018 meters 
Trek Distance: 10-11 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 5-7 hrs

Today, you will take an early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters). It is one of the finest viewpoints for panoramic views of Mount Everest and the other surrounding high peaks. The trek is steep and demanding, particularly in the thin morning air, but the payoff is phenomenal.

As the sun rises over the Himalayas, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and other snow covered peaks sparkle gold in the gentle morning rays. This is a sight so spectacular that only very few locations on earth can rival it. Take some time to soak in the incredible views and take great photographs. Then we will backtrack to Gorakshep for breakfast.

Later, the trek goes on and drops down to Lobuche once more. You will take the same route back through the glacier valley with a lifetime of memories and accomplishment.

Lobuche Peak Base Camp: 4,950 meters 
Trek Distance: 3-4 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 2-3 hours

From Lobuche Village, you will follow a fairly uphill path to Thukla Pass. This section of the trek takes between 1 and 1.5 hours and passes by a notable memorial area for deceased Everest climbers once again. 

The mountain views progressively open up in grand style as you keep moving forward. The glimpses of high peaks such as Nuptse and Lobuche East start to become more apparent. The trail is tough, with rugged glacier moraine, loose rock and patchy snow cover.

Although physically demanding, this section gives you a close-up view of the Khumbu Glacier and the Lobuche ridgelines. As the path is not well defined, it is recommended to trek with a guide or closely adhere to trail markers and well trodden paths. Finally, you will arrive at the Lobuche Peak Base Camp. 

In this isolated tented camp, there is no permanent infrastructure. It is mainly used by climbing parties to rest, practice the use of gear and acclimatize before continuing to High Camp or attempting the summit.

Buffer days are built in to allow for weather delays and increase your chance of successful summits on both mountains without rushing. You will spend a day on the Lobuche Peak Base Camp rehearsing the use of technical gear like ropes, crampons and ice axes and letting your bodies get used to the altitude.

This extra day in the Lobuche Peak and Island Peak climbing itinerary has been incorporated for potential holdups due to bad weather conditions. At the high altitudes of the base camp, snowstorms, heavy snowfall or strong winds are common. The day provides leeway for acclimatization, rest or waiting out dangerous conditions prior to proceeding to High Camp. 

In case weather permits and no delay, the day can be spent on additional training and equipment inspection. Having this fall-back ensures safety and provides a better chance of a successful summit push. 

Lobuche Peak High Camp Altitude: 5,400 meters 
Trek Distance: 3 to 4 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 2 to 3 hours

From Lobuche Peak Base Camp, you will now proceed to High Camp. We will follow the trail according to the Lobuche Peak and Island Peak climbing map.

The trail to High Camp involves a steep climb on loose rock, scree and snowy ground. This section necessitates cautious steps and effective pacing, especially due to the thinner air at high altitude.

When you arrive at High Camp, tents are pitched and final preparations are made for the summit bid. We will pack equipment, inspect ropes, crampons, harnesses and practice safety procedures.

This is also a resting, hydrating and psychological preparation period for the early morning climb to the summit. An early evening warm meal is typically followed by resting in preparation for the alpine start, typically at around 1:00 – 2:00 AM.

Lobuche Peak Altitude: meters 
Total Duration: 10 to 12 hours
Distance Covered: 8-10 kilometers 

Lobuche Peak climbing in Nepal is an adventurous feat. Summit day is an early morning affair when the weather is stable and snow conditions are ideal. The climb from High Camp to the Lobuche East summit involves a mix of steep ice, rock steps and glacier traverse involving the use of fixed ropes, crampons and an ice axe. 

The final climb to the top is a steep snow ridge with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and the other Khumbu peaks.

You will only stop momentarily at the summit to take photographs and celebrate victory. Then, the descent continues slowly back down to High Camp and eventually to Base Camp on the same day. Round trip would take 10 to 12 hours, with good stamina, focus and caution on the way down, especially as you get tired. 

Chhukung Altitude: 4,730 meters 
Kongma La Pass Altitude: 5,535 meters 
Trek Distance: 10-11 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 7-9 hours

After conquering Lobuche Peak, we will proceed towards our second climb of Island Peak in the Imja Valley. On this day, we will descend from Lobuche Base Camp to Chhukung through the challenging Kongma La Pass. It is one of the three principal high passes of the Everest region. The route to the pass is tough and less frequent providing a genuine alpine adventure experience.

The day starts early with a careful ascent over loose scree and rock to the top of the pass. The views from the summit are spectacular, of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The descent to the village is long and tough crossing glacier ground and falling steeply to the Imja Valley. 

Having crossed the Khumbu Glacier and navigated the often-unmarked trail, you will finally reach Chhukung. It is a small settlement at the base of Island Peak. Due to its steep elevation, inaccessibility and technical sections, this path is solely for properly acclimatized, physically strong trekkers with adequate gear and guides.

Island Peak Base Camp Altitude: 5,087 meters 
Trek Distance: 4-5 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

From Chhukung, you will ascend to Island Peak Base Camp, the foot of Island Peak (Imja Tse). The trek continues steadily through alpine meadows and boulders with breathtaking views all the way. The huge summits of Ama Dablam and Lhotse form a constant panorama on the walk.

Certain trail sections require careful scrambling on loose rock and there are occasional patches of snow. At the Island Peak Base Camp, our expert Sherpa crew will set up camp and organize for the technical ascent ahead. This includes double checking equipment and taking acclimatization hikes. 

The base camp serves as the starting point for the summit push. It is a vital stopover before the challenging ascent of Island Peak that awaits.

It is essential to have a rest or standby day on high-altitude treks and climbs to enable unplanned weather delays such as snowstorms, strong winds or poor visibility. On this day, you will rest, drink plenty of water, take light exercise like short walks and an equipment checkup to remain fit, jolly and prepared.

In short, it is a day for further acclimatization and preparing psychologically and physically for the next peak climb. Including a stand-by day adds to the margin of safety and guarantees a successful, incident-free expedition.

Island Peak Altitude: 6,189 meters
Total Duration: 9-10 hours
Distance Covered: 8-10 kilometers 

Summit day of Island Peak begins very early, between 1:00 to 2:00 AM, so that you can take advantage of favorable weather and stable snow conditions. The ascent from Island Peak Base Camp to the summit involves glacier travel, steep snow gullies and fixed rope traverses with crampons, ice axes and harnesses. 

When you eventually reach the summit, there are great views of the panorama of the Himalayas, which include Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Baruntse, Taboche, Pumori, Thamserku, Kangtega and many more. 

It is something to be proud about to be able to achieve double summits in one trip. Take some time to celebrate your success with photos and basking in the sweeping views before heading back the same route to the base camp.

Dingboche Altitude: 4,350 meters
Trek Distance: 10 to 12 kilometers
Trek Duration: 4 to 6 hours

After ascending Island Peak successfully, the return journey begins. The route descends slowly from Base Camp, going along the route past Chukhung. On the way, you will get to enjoy the magnificent views of nearby mountains, such as Ama Dablam and Lhotse. 

The hike is easier on the lungs with thickening air but continues to be tough on tired legs, especially after the ascents of the summit. En route, you will pass through familiar yak grazing grounds, glacial rivers and stone-enclosed villages. 

After arriving at Dingboche, usually midday, it is a relief to return to the greater comfort of a lower elevation. At 4,410 meters, the air is richer and more breathable. It is a great place to rest, recharge and bask in the awe of having reached both Lobuche and Island Peak. 

Unwind in cozy teahouses, hearty meals and camaraderie of fellow travelers before resting in comfortable beds.

Namche Bazaar Altitude: 3,440 meters
Trek Distance: around 20 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 8-10 hours

Departing Dingboche, you will start out gently descending through forests of rhododendron and terraced fields. You can enjoy the increasingly verdant landscapes as you descend to lower altitudes.

You will walk past tiny Sherpa settlements, suspension bridges over thundering rivers and along shimmering streams. The hike is exhilarating, scenic and refreshing. You will also have the sight of great Himalayan giants like Ama Dablam and Thamserku.

At Namche Bazaar, the vibrant hub of the Khumbu, the tempo quickens with the hustle and bustle of markets, shops and cafes. It is here that you can relax, take hot meals and acclimatize for the final leg of your trek to Lukla.

Lukla Altitude: 2,860 meters 
Trek Distance: 18-20 kilometers 
Trek Duration: 8-9 hours

This final stretch is a reverse of your trek through Sherpa villages, dense forests and suspension bridges with chances to look back at your stunning achievement amidst the stunning Himalayan landscapes. 

Descending from Namche Bazaar to Lukla is all downhill. It is a welcome relief after days of toil on ascending to higher Himalayan zones. The hike goes through scenic Sherpa villages like Phakding and Monjo, where teahouses offer warm welcome and rest.

The trail traverses numerous suspension bridges over fast flowing rivers and offers breathtaking views of the Dudh Koshi River valley. The landscape becomes increasingly milder and softer as you make your way down to lower elevations.

Arriving in Lukla marks the end of the trekking experience in the Everest region. Reward yourself with a comforting hot meal after reaching your goal. Recall the wonderful mountain vistas you have experienced. Lukla makes for a pleasant final stop before departure with last minute shopping and cozy lodges.

Kathmandu Altitude: 1,400 meters 
Flight Duration: 45 minutes 

After your triumphant ascent of Lobuche East and Island Peak, following an experience of a lifetime in trekking in the Everest region, you will be on your way back to the capital.

From Lukla, you will fly over snow-tipped mountains and valley depths which you have recently explored on foot. The brief flight provides an unforgettable farewell to the peaks and a smooth transfer to the city’s urban hustle and bustle. 

When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be driven to your hotel to rest and celebrate the successful completion of your adventure before continuing your onward journey.

In the evening, there is a farewell dinner from our side. You are kindly requested to join us for the dinner and celebrate the completion of the journey together.

As our Lobuche Peak and Island Peak climbing adventure has come to an end, it is time to say goodbye to Nepal. Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport. We will come to pick you up following your flight schedule. This ensures a comfortable and timely arrival for your departing flight.

You will check in for onward or return travel at the airport with recollections of stunning mountain scenery, tough ascents and warm Nepalese hospitality. We look forward to more adventures with you very soon.