Lobuche east

Height: 6,119 m
Duration: 18 days
Country:
Nepal flagNepal
Lobuche East is a challenging and exhilarating climb that is perfect for those who crave an adrenaline-fueled adventure in the Himalayas. Towering at an impressive height of 6,119 meters, this peak promises stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making every step worth the effort. The climb combines trekking through stunning landscapes and testing your mountaineering skills, offering a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Nepalese Himalayas. Lobuche East is a perfect choice for those seeking to push themselves beyond their limits, embrace the unknown and emerge with a sense of pride and accomplishment like no other.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you embark on one of the world’s iconic climbs. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Route

  • 3,279 m gain over 18 days
  • Starting and ending in Lukla
  • approach: walk in

Walk in

  • +2,100 m over a 60 km approach
  • 7 - 9 days in
  • 3 - 5 days out

Climb

  • +1,229 m over 2 days.
  • 1 high camp. There is one high camp at around 5400m which is typically used.

Difficulty

  • PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)
  • AD: Fairly hard (alpine grade 3)
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When to go

  • April and May
  • October and November

Permits

  • 3 permits are needed
  • costing around $224 total

Guide mandatory?

  • no

These are pictures taken while climbing Lobuche east. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Lobuche east, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Lobuche east. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Lobuche east. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
GuideInfoCost
Nepal Nirvana Trails view guides trip webpage from $600
Nepal Wilderness Trekkingview guides trip webpage from $800
Wilderness Excursionview guides trip webpage from $879
SWS Mountain Guidesview guides trip webpage from $995
Destination Himalaya Treks & Expeditionview guides trip webpage from $1,799
Mountain Gurusview guides trip webpage from $1,995
Magical Nepalview guides trip webpage from $2,060
Magical Nepalview guides trip webpage from $2,060
Marvel Adventureview guides trip webpage from $2,150
Exciting Nepal Treks & Expeditionsview guides trip webpage from $2,160
Nepal Climbing Adventureview guides trip webpage from $2,190
Nepal Climbing Adventure Pvt. Ltd. logoNepal Climbing Adventure Pvt. Ltd.view guides trip webpage from $2,190
Nepal High Trekview guides trip webpage from $2,199
Annapurna Foothillsview guides trip webpage from $2,200
Eco Holidays Nepalview guides trip webpage from $2,450
Discover Altitudeview guides trip webpage from $2,450
Higher Path Treks & Expeditionsview guides trip webpage from $2,490
14 Summits Expeditionview guides trip webpage from $2,600
Nepal Hiking Pvt. Ltdview guides trip webpage from $2,610
Nepal Pyramids Trekking & Climbingview guides trip webpage from $2,690
Mission Summit Treks & Expeditionview guides trip webpage from $2,690
Monterosa Treks & Expeditionview guides trip webpage from $3,000
Highland Expeditionsview guides trip webpage from $4,200
Namas Adventureview guides trip webpage from $4,550
RMI Expeditionsview guides trip webpage from $7,500
Madison Mountaineeringview guides trip webpage from $7,750
The climbing itinerary for Lobuche East includes a base camp at 4,940 meters, a high camp at 5,450 meters, and the summit at 6,119 meters. This challenging route is suitable for experienced climbers seeking stunning panoramic views.

base-camp
Lobuche Base Camp

The starting point of the climb, located at an altitude of 4,940 meters.
4,940 m

high-camp
High Camp

A campsite situated at an elevation of 5,450 meters, serving as an intermediate point before the summit push.
5,450 m

summit
Lobuche East Summit

The ultimate goal of the climb, reaching an elevation of 6,119 meters. The summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
6,119 m
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Lobuche east. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.

Lobuche east weather

How is the weather on Lobuche east, and when is the best time to go.

The best time to climb Lobuche East is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is relatively stable and dry, making it easier to climb. However, be prepared for cold temperatures and occasional snowfall at higher elevations.

The best time to climb Lobuche east is in these months:

  • Apr
  • May
  • Oct
  • Nov

Lobuche east Services

Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation

The Lobuche East route is a popular trekking route, so it offers a wide range of services to trekkers, such as accommodation, food, guides, porters, medical services, gear rental, transportation, communications, ATMs, and shops.

Accommodation

Teahouses are available along the route offering basic accommodations with shared bathrooms.

Food

Food is available on the route, mostly basic meals such as rice, lentils, and vegetables, with some Western options as well.

Guides

Guides are available and it's recommended to hire one, costing around $25-30 per day.

Porters

Porters are also available for hire, costing around $15-20 per day for carrying up to 30kg of load.

Medical facilities

There are basic medical services available at some villages on the route, but it's recommended to bring your own first-aid kit.

Gear rental

Equipment can be rented in Kathmandu, including sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles. It's recommended to bring your own climbing gear.

Transport

The trek usually starts and ends in Lukla, which can be reached by a short flight from Kathmandu. Private transportation can be arranged as well.

Internet / Phone

Connectivity is limited along the route, with spotty phone signal and occasional access to wifi at some teahouses. It's recommended to bring a satellite phone if you need to stay connected.

ATMs

There are no ATMs along the route, so it's recommended to bring enough cash for the trek.

Shops

There are small shops along the route, selling basic items like snacks, drinks, and trekking gear.

Lobuche east permits

What permits are needed for climbing Lobuche east

Permits are required for the Lobuche East climb, and can be purchased in advance or on-site.

1. Sagarmatha National Park entry permit

  • $30 (~3,395 in the local currency)
  • Required for entry into Sagarmatha National Park
  • Can be obtained in advance or in-person at the entry gate

2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit

  • $18 (~2,000 in the local currency)
  • Required for entry into the Khumbu region
  • Can be obtained in advance or in-person at the municipality office in Namche Bazaar

3. Lobuche East climbing permit

  • $176 (~20,000 in the local currency)
  • Required for climbing Lobuche East
  • Can be obtained in advance or in-person at the Nepal Mountaineering Association office in Kathmandu or on-site in Lobuche

Lobuche east access - getting there

How to get to Lobuche east

  • Flight: The most common way to reach the starting point of the Lobuche east climb is by taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla airport.
  • Helicopter: Another option is to hire a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla or directly to the starting point of the trek.
  • Bus: From Kathmandu, you can take a bus to Jiri and start the trek from there.
  • Taxi/Jeep: It's also possible to hire a taxi or jeep to reach the starting point of the trek from Kathmandu or other nearby cities.
  • Trek: For those who prefer a more adventurous approach, it's possible to trek to the starting point from Lukla or Jiri.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Lobuche east. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Lobuche east video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.

What you can see from the summit of Lobuche east. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.


These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.

Kongma La Pass

add 1 extra day

This variation takes you over the Kongma La Pass (5,535m) and adds an extra day of acclimatization, providing stunning views of the Himalayas and an adventurous trekking experience.

Lobuche east questions

What to know about climbing Lobuche east

Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.

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