“Embark on a 22-day Lobuche East and Island Peak Expedition in Nepal, a lifetime venture amidst giant Himalayan mountains and lovely mountain people. Test your endurance, push yourself and enhance your climbing skills with our expert on-field supporting crew.” Lobuche East and Island Peak expedition combines summits of two famous trekking peaks in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal. You’ll scale two 6,000 meters above peaks under the guidance of top climbers. Lobuche East (6,119m) and Island Peak (6,160m) both offer a great introduction to peak climbing in Nepal, especially to beginner climbers. You’ll need a high level of cardiovascular fitness to do the Lobuche East and Island Peak expedition for 22 days. The best thing about this climbing package is it doesn’t demand advanced mountaineering skills.
The Lobuche East and Island Peak expedition in Nepal will help you sharpen your climbing skills. You’ll learn a lot about technical climbing and test your endurance. Nature Fun Adventure’s advanced team will fix the ropes and give you pre-climbing training to boost your confidence. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced team, so you do not have to worry about anything in the mountains. Our team will take care of you and your needs. We’ll do our best to offer you a smooth peak climbing experience.
The initial part of the journey involves trekking through lush rhododendron and magnolia forests, picturesque Sherpa villages, lovely valleys, and verdant foothills. You spend nights in remote villages like Phakding (2,610m), Namche Bazaar (3,440m), Tengboche (3,860m), Dingboche (4,340m), Lobuche (4,940m), and Chhukung (4,730m). This part of the venture offers a good insight into the daily life of the locals and their rich cultural heritage. You’ll be visiting ancient monasteries like Tengboche and Pangboche.
Highlights
- Climb two famous trekking peaks in the eastern Himalayas: Lobuche Peak and Island Peak
- Enjoy breathtaking views of some of the highest mountains in the world
- Adventurous trek through remote mountain villages and dense forests
- Close encounters with locals, meet with Sherpas and see their lifestyle
- Catch gorgeous mountain panorama from Everest View Hotel and Kala Patthar
- Stand at Everest Base Camp, the lap of the highest mountain in the world
- Views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Ama Dablam and numerous others
Upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, do the custom and immigration obligations. You can see Nature Fun Adventure's airport representative at the terminal gate. He'll greet you and guide you to the hotel. After checking in and refreshing, you can relax in the hotel and explore the busy streets of Thamel in the evening. Later at the evening at your hotel, we will give you program briefing about the expedition. Meet with your climbing guide and review equipment. Discuss the itinerary and ask any questions you may have. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
The day begins early with a fantastic 30 minutes flight to Lukla, enjoying stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. Here, the supporting crew (porters) join us. On this day, we spend the night in Phakding village instead of Lukla to acclimatize better. Phakding is situated a few hundred meters below Lukla. The trail descends through small villages alongside the forested path and Dudh Koshi river. We'll cross a few bridges decorated with prayer flags on the way and get to see views of Kongde Ri. This gentle walk helps ease you into the trek. Overnight at tea house lodge.
On this day, we make our way to the biggest Sherpa settlement area called Namche Bazaar. From Phakding village, we trek to Monjo. On the way, we'll cross numerous suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river and pass remote villages. The trail goes through lush forests. From Monjo onwards, we walk inside the Sagarmatha National Park after registering our permits. We keep trekking via rhododendron and magnolia forests, cross many old bridges, and walk past villages. The final ascent to Namche Bazaar is steep with stunning mountain views if weather permits. Namche Bazaar is a vibrant Sherpa town nestled in a natural amphitheater. Overnight at tea house lodge.
We have an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, which is crucial for the success of our expedition. We'll hike to Hotel Everest View and have the option to continue the hike to Khumjung monastery. The hike gradually ascends along rock stair slabs and narrow, rough foothills. Upon reaching Everest View Hotel, we get to witness the stunning view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, and other magnificent peaks. We descend back to Namche Bazaar and explore the town. There are many shops, cafes, and restaurants around the town. We'll also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery to learn about mountaineering history and local culture. Overnight at tea house lodge.
You can notice the route getting steeper and rougher day by day. From Tengboche onwards, we begin to walk through lush forests of rhododendron, conifers and birch. We descend to Deboche and cross the Imja river on a suspension bridge. From here, we ascend to Pangboche village where you can visit the ancient monastery, and continue walking on terraced fields. The vegetation becomes sparse as we gain altitude. Further, we drop down to a river bed and walk on an uphill route to Dingboche village. Dingboche sits in a beautiful valley with stone-walled fields and spectacular views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. Overnight at tea house lodge.
As part of acclimatization before ascending higher than 4,400m height, we hike today to Nagarshan Hill (5,100m). Some trekkers prefer to go to Chhukung Valley as well for acclimatization. This acclimatization hike is crucial for the climbing portion of the expedition. We will come back to our tea house and relax. The hike follows the principle of "climb high, sleep low" which helps your body adjust to altitude. You can stroll around the village as it is the last large village on this route. Enjoy the mountain views and prepare mentally for the higher altitudes ahead. Overnight at tea house lodge.
The day begins with a slow ascend to Dughla where we stop for lunch. We have left the treeline behind and trek on rocky and glacial paths on this part of the route. Walking alongside the Khumbu Glacier, we steeply ascend to Chupki Lhara where memorial chortens honor climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives on Everest. The trail goes past arrays of stone memorials. We soon begin to walk by the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche village. The views of Pumori, Khumbtse, Chamlang, and Lingtren are stunning on the way. The landscape is increasingly barren and dramatic. Overnight at tea house lodge.
From Lobuche village, walk up to Everest Base Camp. Trekking past the memorial chortens, we ascend to Gorak Shep, the last settlement before base camp. Drop bags at the lodge and have lunch. From here, we walk following a steep, boulder-filled area. The route is open and goes amidst giant mountains across the Khumbu Glacier moraine. Upon reaching EBC at 5,364 meters, we'll spend some time looking around and taking pictures. Stand at the base of the world's highest mountain. The views of Nuptse, Pumori, Lhotse, Khumbtse, and the Khumbu Icefall are breathtaking from the base camp. Later descend to Gorak Shep to spend the night because there is no lodge at Everest Base Camp. Overnight at tea house lodge.
We'll wake up early in the morning today around 4 AM and depart for Kala Patthar. It is a short hike that also helps us in acclimatization, and the view of Mt. Everest from Kala Patthar is the best. The trail is steep and rugged through rocky terrain. Upon reaching the viewpoint at 5,545 meters, we get to see a gorgeous sunrise and snow-capped Himalayan giants. Watch as the first light illuminates Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and countless other peaks in golden hues. Soak in the view and take photos. Descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast. We'll retrace the trail back to Lobuche today for the night stay to prepare for tomorrow's climb. Overnight at tea house lodge.
Today, we will ascend to the Lobuche Base Camp and continue the climb to the Lobuche High Camp. From Lobuche village, we walk on a plain path that slowly gets steeper and more rugged as we approach Lobuche Base Camp. The climbing route passes by Lobuche Glacier. From the base camp, we walk on a rocky moraine to the high camp. We ascend a rocky surface up to 5,770m. From here onwards, we use ropes to walk on ice and cross crevasses. The guide will fix the ropes wherever needed for safety.
On this day, we pretty much wake up at midnight and get ready to push towards the Lobuche summit. As the day begins to break, the winds get stronger and make it impossible to climb. So, we start climbing at dawn around 2-3 AM. From the Lobuche High Camp, we walk on the rock surface and further climb on ice. We'll be using fixed rope as per the instructions of the team leader. The route includes crossing crevasses and climbing a steep ice wall with a 45-degree slope just below the summit. Upon reaching the summit at 6,119 meters, we can see the jaw-dropping panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumori, Cholatse, and countless other peaks. Celebrate your first summit success. We'll spend some time at the summit taking photos and embracing the achievement, then carefully descend to high camp and further down to Lobuche village for the night's stay. Overnight at tea house lodge.
After a successful summit push, we all will be feeling super excited, happy, and confident. The adventure is still left with another peak to climb. The route moves towards the Chhukung valley. We walk alongside the Imja Glacier, enjoying tempting views of the Himalayan mountains including Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak to Chhukung village. It is the last settlement area before we push towards the Island Peak summit. Rest well and recover from Lobuche climb.
We have an acclimatization day in Chhukung village. At this point, we need a full day of rest to get our bodies ready for upcoming peak climbing. If we feel energetic, we can go on a hike to Chhukung Ri at 5,546 meters for excellent views of the surrounding peaks and Island Peak route. Here you will meet our Sherpa climbing guide for Island Peak. If you wish to rent your personal climbing gears for Island Peak, you can rent here. Check all equipment and prepare for the climb. Overnight at tea house lodge.
The trail from Chhukung village follows a steep path to the Island Peak Base Camp. We walk south and then turn east to join the main valley. Further, we walk through the Lhotse Glacier moraine southern flank. The path is zigzag with cairns marking the route. On the southeast is the route to Amphu Labtsa. Soon, we pass by the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines crossing rocky and sometimes icy terrain. The trail ascends to a wide valley flanking the southwest side of Island Peak, which is the base camp at 5,200 meters. Set up camp and prepare for tomorrow's summit attempt. Our team will provide pre-climb briefing. Overnight in tent.
Today is another great day as we push to the summit of one of the most famous peaks in the Khumbu region, Island Peak at 6,189 meters. Like last time, we'll wake up super early in the morning (1:00/2:00 AM). After light breakfast and hot drinks, leaving the base camp, we ascend several hundred meters before walking off a steep hillside. The initial part of the trail is sandy and later turns boulder strewn.
We have kept a reserve day in case we see bad weather and don't get a summit window for Island Peak. This extra day will also come in handy if there is any delay or cancellation in the Lukla-Kathmandu flight. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable, and this buffer day ensures we can complete the expedition successfully. If everything goes as per our plan, we'll have an extra day in Kathmandu to spend exploring, shopping, or simply relaxing. Overnight at tea house lodge.
From today onwards, the trip gets easier because all we have left with is mostly a downhill walk. We collect all of our gear before leaving. The trail retraces back through a wide Chhukung valley. We further pass by small villages like Orsho and Shomare with their traditional stone houses. Upon reaching Pangboche village, we'll rest and visit the Pangboche monastery, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region. The monastery houses what is claimed to be a Yeti scalp. Enjoy the warmer temperatures at lower altitude. Overnight at tea house lodge.
The trail descends to the Imja Khola and goes through lush forests of rhododendron to Tengboche village for a final visit to the monastery. From here, we walk on the downhill trail to Imja Khola and cross a suspension bridge. Further, walking alongside the verdant foothills, we pass by Sansa village. It's a forested route up to Namche Bazaar. Along the way, we may get to see colorful pheasants and flowers. The descent is pleasant with fresh air and increasingly lush vegetation. Arrive back at Namche Bazaar in the afternoon. Overnight at tea house lodge.
Final day of trekking. We steeply descend alongside the foothill and enter a densely forested route. Walking through small settlement areas and crossing thrilling suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river, we reach Monjo village where we exit Sagarmatha National Park. From here, we continue walking on the same path as the beginning to Phakding and ascend to Lukla for the final climb. Celebrate the successful completion of your incredible expedition with your guides and porters. Traditional celebrations with music, dance, and local beverages. Share stories and photos from your amazing double summit adventure. Thank your team for their support throughout the journey. Overnight at tea house lodge.
We fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning from Lukla's dramatic mountain runway. Enjoy final aerial views of the Himalayas during the scenic flight. You have a full day in Kathmandu if the flight is on time. You can visit the spa to get a massage and relieve tired muscles, and do some shopping for souvenirs and gifts. Dine in as per your cravings and do not forget to explore the local market in Thamel. In the late evening, Nature Fun Adventure hosts a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances. Celebrate your extraordinary achievement of summiting two Himalayan peaks. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
It's your last day in Kathmandu. Today, our airport team will help you with check-out and airport departure. The journey has come to an end, and you'll fly back to your home with incredible memories of summiting Lobuche East and Island Peak. Please note that you have to be at the airport 3 hours before your flight time. Depart with pride in your accomplishment, new friendships, and unforgettable Himalayan experiences.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- All airport transfers by private vehicle
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Round trip flight ticket Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
- Tea house/lodge accommodation during trekking
- Tent accommodation at Lobuche High Camp and Island Peak Base Camp
- Experienced, Government Licensed English-speaking climbing guide
- Assistant climbing guides/Sherpas as per group size
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during trek and climbing
- All necessary trekking and climbing permits
- Sagarmatha National Park fee
- Climbing permit for Lobuche East and Island Peak
- Camping equipment (tents, kitchen equipment, dining tent)
- Climbing equipment (ropes, ice screws, snow bars, etc.)
- Pre-climbing training at high camps
- Guide and porter insurance, salary, meals, and accommodation
- First Aid kit and oxygen cylinder
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- All government and local taxes
Excludes
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel and climbing insurance (mandatory)
- Personal climbing equipment (boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, down jacket, sleeping bag - can be rented in Kathmandu)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, hot shower, WiFi, etc.)
- Hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) during trek
- Bottled drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides and porters (tipping expected)
- Emergency rescue evacuation if required
- Excess baggage charges
- Any expenses arising from unforeseen situations
- Services not mentioned in the 'Included' section
