Nepal's Lobuche Peak Summit Trek - 19 Days

Highlights

• Visit Kathmandu's historic plazas and temples, like Durbar Square
• Set off on mountain trails, crossing rivers as you ascend into the Himalaya
• Pass traditional villages and ancient shrines on your way to Everest Base Camp
• Summit Mount Lobuche on one of the most thrilling hikes in Nepal

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Optional Activities

Welcome to Nepal! The unspoiled beauty of this nation will announce itself even before you arrive, as flying into the capital, you'll be treated to expansive views of the Kathmandu Valley and mighty Himalaya peaks. After touching down in this city of around 1.5 million people, a driver will pick you up for the ride to your hotel. Then it's time to experience Nepal's rich culture.

Kathmandu is a melting pot of Indian and West Asian influences, which makes sense considering that it was a stopover on ancient trading routes. Over a hundred languages are spoken here, and locals practice many religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. The city itself was founded in 723 CE, and many historic landmarks remain. Perhaps the most famous is Durbar Square. This public space contains everything from 15th-century pagodas to the neoclassical Gadi Durbar Palace. The square suffered severe damage in the 2015 earthquake but is slowly being restored.

For dinner, you'll want to head to the bustling hub of Thamel to grab your first meal in Nepal. There's a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, offering both Western and local Nepali dishes. Then, if it's not too late, you can visit the busiest bazaar in the city, Asan Tole. It's lined with offers an authentic display of spice, produce, and curios vendors that make for great photo ops. It's also a good opportunity to practice some basic Nepali phrases as you chat with friendly locals.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing: Boudhanath & Pashupatinath

Before setting off on your grand trekking adventure, spend a day visiting the highlights in and around Kathmandu. First, meet your driver and travel about 5 miles (8 km) east of the city to Boudhanath. This is one of the largest stupas (Buddhist shrines) in the world, dating to the 14th century. At the top of it are renderings of four pairs of eyes staring in the four cardinal directions, eternally on the lookout for righteous behavior and human prosperity. The structure is part of the shared history of Nepal and Tibet, with Tibet having ruled the site until the last century.

Then, after returning to the city for a more formal tour of Durbar Square, you'll visit Pashupatinath. Dating way back to 400 CE, this is one of the holiest temples in the Hindu religion, regarded as the birthplace of Lord Shiva. It sits on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River and is the main cremation site for Hindus in the Kathmandu Valley. It's also a vital pilgrimage site, as Hindus are obligated to visit it at least once in their life. Like Boudhanath, Pashupatinath also enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Day 3: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (8,563 ft/ 2,610 m)

The first step on your journey to the Lobuche summit begins today! Rise early and meet your driver for the 4-5 hour trip out of Kathmandu and into the mountain district of Rammechap. There's a small domestic airport here, where you'll hop a plane for the 25-minute flight east to Lukla. You'll land on the steep mountain runway in this small town, which is a base for excursions to Mount Everest and other nearby peaks, including your destination of Lobuche. If you can, sit on the left during the flight, as you'll be treated to fine views of the Himalaya peaks and lower valleys.

Upon arrival, you'll meet your guide and begin the first hike of the trip. It's an easy route that covers 4.7 miles (7.5 km) and takes 3-4 hours to complete. As you go, you'll enjoy the beautiful scenery while encountering other trekkers, locals, and their trusty yaks. This is a nice warm-up for the more rigorous hikes to come. The journey will take you through the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail to the village of Phakding, where you'll stay overnight in a local teahouse.

Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,290 ft/ 3,440 m)

After breakfast in Phakding, set off on a steady and steep incline toward Namche Bazaar. It's a principal staging point for expeditions to Everest, Lobuche, and other Himalaya peaks. In fact, most Sherpas who work in Nepal's tourism business are originally from the Namche region. Know that this is a more challenging trek than the introductory hike you did yesterday. It covers roughly 7 miles (11 km) and takes about six hours to complete, and you'll really feel the thinner air as you ascend in altitude and cross high suspension bridges.

As for logistics, you'll pass the village of Monjo and arrive at the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, which was created to protect Himalayan peaks like Everest (your guide will cover your permit fees here). The trail gets steeper along the way, and if the weather is clear, expect to catch your first glimpses of Mount Everest.

Upon arrival in Namche, you'll settle into your teahouse and can then explore the town. You might want to take this opportunity to stock up on supplies from the many small shops selling snacks and trekking gear. If your visit falls on a weekend, stop by the Saturday market—a buzzing hub where you'll meet Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans from Tibet. 

Day 5: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day

Today is yours to sleep in, rest up, and relax. Take it easy and acclimate to the altitude as you kick back in tea shops and browse for souvenirs at local markets. You can also visit landmarks like Khunde Hospital (founded by Everest legend Sir Edmund Hillary) or take a brisk one-hour walk up to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views. You'll also find stunning vistas from the Sherpa Culture Museum that sits above the town.

Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (12,687 ft/ 3,867 m)

Enjoy an early breakfast in Namche, after which you'll hit the trail. Today's path runs 5.7 miles (9.2 km) alongside the valley high above the Dudh Kosi River. As you hike, you'll admire views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, passing by several villages and tea shops before descending to a bridge over the river. After a stop in a local village for lunch, continue on a final ascent through rhododendron forests to Tengboche, where you'll overnight. This village is famous for its legendary monastery (the largest in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal) and its grand Himalaya views.

Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (14,304 ft/ 4,360 m)

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Today's trek up to the Sherpa village of Dingboche is a little lighter than yesterday. The moderate trail covers 6.7 miles (10.8 km) and only takes about 3-4 hours to complete. It's a scenic route dotted with stupas, Mani stone walls, and quaint local villages. Stop for lunch at one such community, where you'll enjoy your meal amid fantastic views of nearby Mount Ama Dablam. After eating, continue on a trail beneath the north face of Ama Dablam, and from there, it's an easy hike through the Imja Valley to the Lobuche River. From the river, ascend on a steep climb up to Dingboche, where you'll overnight.

Day 8: Dingboche Acclimatization Day

Give your lungs a break as you take another day to rest up and acclimate. Enjoy a long, leisurely breakfast at the teahouse complemented by views of the surrounding peaks, followed by a nap (or two). If you're feeling restless, you can embark on an easy hike up the ridge behind the village. It features views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and Mount Cho Yu. To the west, you'll see Cholatse, Taboche, and your destination summit Mount Lobuche. In the afternoon, you can relax in the village, sip tea, and perhaps stop in at the local internet café.

Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (16,175 ft/ 4,930 m)

Fill up with a hearty breakfast in Dingboche, after which you'll set off on a full-day trek. This 7.5-mile (12 km) hike will take you up into a wide valley beneath the sharp peaks of Cholatse and Tawache. From there, it's a steep climb toward the foot of the Khumbu Glacier, where you can stop at a remote teahouse for lunch. Then the trail zigzags through a glacial moraine, at the top of which are stone cairns that serve as memorials to Sherpas who died while climbing Mount Everest. From here, the path climbs gently alongside the glacier to the small settlement of Lobuche, near Everest.

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep & Everest Base Camp (17,598 ft/ 5,364 m)

This morning you'll set off on a trek to one of the most famous destinations in the region: Everest Base Camp. It's another full-day hike (around seven hours) but divided into two sections. The first leg follows a 2.7-mile (4.3 km) trail along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep, a settlement adjacent to a frozen lake bed. The scenery on the way is incredible, as you'll be treated to views of Everest's north crest, as well as Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and other notable peaks. Once in Gorak Shep, you'll find yourself surrounded by soaring Himalayan peaks. 

During a break, you'll have time to rest and enjoy some refreshments before continuing 2-3 hours to Everest Base Camp. During this section, you'll pass rocky dunes, moraines, and mountain streams. Eventually, you'll find yourself at the official starting point for ascents up the world's tallest mountain (29,031 ft/ 8,848 m). Marvel at the views and snap plenty of pics before heading back down to Gorak Shep, where you'll spend the night in a teahouse. 

Day 11: Sunrise Trek to Kala Patthar (18,517 ft/ 5,644 m)

You've made the journey to the famed Everest Base Camp, but the real climax of the adventure is still to come. Rise before dawn and, after an early breakfast, set off on a .9-mile (1.5 km) side trek from Base Camp up to Kala Patthar, a mountain ridge sitting at 18,517 feet (5,644 m). This spot is famous for offering some of the best views of Everest and surrounding Himalaya peaks. Even better, you'll get to watch these landscapes come alive with the first rays of the morning sun. After time spent admiring the views, you'll trek back down to Lobuche, where you'll overnight.

Day 12: Trek to Lobuche High Camp (17,712 ft/ 5,400 m) & Summit Training

The final act starts this morning as you leave Lobuche on a trek up to the mountain High Camp. This is the last stop on the route to summit Mount Lobuche. It's a four-hour hike that starts off on a relatively flat plane but quickly gets steeper and rocky. As you skirt the Lobuche Glacier you'll enjoy fine views of surrounding Himalaya peaks. The first stop will be at Base Camp, and after a break there, continue on a rocky mountain path until you reach the High Camp.

Once there, you'll set up camp and break for lunch. Afterward, meet your guide for some training in the fundamentals of high-altitude mountaineering. You'll learn a few summit climbing techniques using specialized climbing gear, like an ice ax, crampons, and harnesses. Later in the day, you'll have dinner before retiring early to your tent and rest up for tomorrow's summit hike.

Day 13: Lobuche Summit Trek (20,070 ft/ 6119 m), Return to High Camp

This is it—the pinnacle of your grand Himalaya expedition! The adventure begins around midnight or 1 am as you leave camp on the final push to the Loboche summit. Really, the peak has two main summits: Lobuche West and Lobuche East—and you'll be hiking up to the latter. The out-and-back hike takes about 9.5 hours in total.

The early start is mandatory, as it's vital you reach the summit before noon to beat the strong afternoon winds. The route to get there will take you up rocky surfaces that eventually turn to ice and snow, at which point you'll need to break out the ice ace and crampons. Throughout the ascent, you'll be connected to fixed ropes as per your guide's instructions.

The arduous ascent culminates with your arrival at the Lobuche East summit, where you'll be rewarded with greater views of the surrounding Himalaya than any other trekking peak in the region. From the summit, you'll glimpse the tops of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. Spend some time at the top to savor your great accomplishment, then hike back down to High Camp, where you'll overnight back in the tent. 

Day 14: Summit Contingency Day

In the high Himalaya, nothing is guaranteed—certainly not the weather. If atmospheric conditions and/or inclement weather prevented you from summiting Lobuche yesterday, there's no need to worry. Today is reserved as a contingency day, so you'll have another option to summit the mountain. The day's itinerary follows the same schedule as yesterday, so plan on a 9.5-hour roundtrip hike.

Day 15: Descend to Pangboche (12,900 ft/ 3,930 m)

Wake up at a more reasonable hour this morning and enjoy a leisurely camp breakfast. Afterward, you'll grab your gear and make your way down the mountain, linking up with the Everest Base Camp route on a hike that takes about nine hours. Around midday, you'll arrive in the village of Lobuche, where you'll have lunch. Continue down to another village, Pheriche, which sits at an altitude of 14,340 feet (4,371 m). On the trail there, you'll be treated to incredible views of Ama Dablam in the distance.

From Pheriche, continue down to the day's final destination, Pangboche, a village that sits at 13,074 feet (3,985 m). The last leg of this hike will lead you down a hillside blanketed by rhododendrons and juniper trees. If it's spring, these flowers will be in full bloom, carpeting the surrounding landscape in dazzling shades of pink and red. Upon reaching Pangboche, you'll settle into your tea house and have the rest of the day free. If you like, you can visit the famous Pangboche Monastery.

Day 16: Descend to Namche Bazaar

After breakfast in Pangboche, leave on a six-hour hike, the first leg of which is a descent (be mindful of your footing). Then climb back up through lush birch and rhododendron forests as you return to Tengboche. From there, descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi River as you make your way back to Namche, where you'll overnight. 

Day 17: Trek to Lukla, Optional Activities

Wake up for an early breakfast in Namche, then retrace your steps back to Lukla following the Dudh Kosi river valley. It's a long day (around seven hours of hiking), but it won't be too difficult as it's mostly downhill. There's also much to see and do, as during this journey, you'll pass colorful villages on your way to the Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, signifying the end of the trek. Then, spend the rest of the day with some well-earned relaxation and fun in Lukla. There are plenty of shops here to browse—you can even get your caffeine fix at the Starbucks in town.

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu

After breakfast at the teahouse, you'll transfer to the airstrip and board the small plane for the 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Try to sit on the right-hand side, as on clear days you'll be treated to great Himalaya views. During the short flight, keep an eye on the mountain peaks and try to spot the routes you followed over the previous couple of weeks. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up for the ride to your hotel.

Day 19: Depart Kathmandu

You've summited one of the most iconic peaks in the Himalaya—now it's time to move on to the next adventure. Enjoy one more leisurely breakfast in Kathmandu and perhaps take a final stroll around Thamel or Durbar Square. Then, at the appropriate time, you'll transfer to the airport, where you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels!