DIFFICULTY
Moderate
DURATION
18 Days
BEST TIME
April – May
Sept – Oct
COST
INR 2,60,000 + 5% GST
OVERVIEW
Located in the renowned Khumbu region of Nepal, Lobuche East stands at an impressive elevation of 6,119 meters (20,075 feet). Situated just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Mount Everest, Lobuche East shares the same spectacular vistas and rugged terrain as its famous neighbor. The mountain’s strategic location and stunning surroundings make it an ideal choice for climbers looking to combine the allure of high-altitude mountaineering with breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks.
Lobuche East presents mountaineers with a range of technical challenges, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to test their skills and push their limits. The ascent typically requires a combination of rock climbing, glacier travel, and snow climbing. The mountain’s slopes vary in steepness, demanding climbers to exhibit precision and expertise in their movements. With the right training, experience, and support, climbers can overcome these obstacles and reach the summit, where a sense of accomplishment and awe awaits.
One of the highlights of the Lobuche East expedition is the opportunity to explore the stunning Khumbu Valley. This region is home to the legendary Sherpa people, renowned for their mountaineering prowess and warm hospitality. As climbers trek through the picturesque landscapes of the Khumbu Valley, they will encounter vibrant Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks. The journey to the base camp of Lobuche East is not just a physical challenge but also a cultural immersion, allowing climbers to experience the rich traditions and way of life of the local communities.
Safety is paramount during any mountaineering expedition, and Lobuche East is no exception. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are crucial to ensure climbers can withstand the altitude and demanding conditions. It is advisable to embark on the expedition with an experienced guide or a reputable mountaineering company who can provide necessary support and guidance throughout the journey. These professionals are well-versed in the challenges of Lobuche East and will help climbers navigate the mountain safely, mitigating potential risks.
Embarking on a Lobuche East expedition is a life-changing experience that pushes the boundaries of physical and mental endurance. It offers the thrill of conquering a majestic peak in the heart of the Himalayas, coupled with the opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique culture of the Khumbu region. Standing atop Lobuche East’s summit, gazing at the awe-inspiring panorama of the Himalayan range, is a moment that will forever be etched in the memories of those who dare to undertake this extraordinary adventure.
INCLUSIONS
- Guides & Porters (English & Hindi speaking)
- All necessary airport arrival & departures
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with a bed and breakfast plan
- 2 Nights camping at Lobuche base camp & high camp.
- Flight fare from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu for members
- Flight fare from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu for guides, porter
- Domestic airport departure taxes
- English-speaking trekking guide and his salary
- City tour transport, tour guide, and entry permit in Kathmandu as per itinerary
- Best available tea house accommodation & food. Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) a day during the trekking period (open menu to choose any one item per meal from the menu). Order more at your own cost.
- All necessary permits required for trekking
- B&C Merchandise – Buff, Duffle bag, Tshirt/Fleece, Certificate, Medal, and more
- Insurance for B&C staff.
- Porter/Yak for load carrying during the trek.
- Certificate.
- Participants will get an exclusive discount on all Fast&Up products.
EXCLUSIONS
- International flight tickets.
- Nepal Entry Visa fee (to be applied for 30 days).
- Heli services in Nepal during trekking.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner).
- Boiled water, beverages, and alcoholic drinks.
- Emergency medical evacuation.
- Tips for staff.
- Personal expenses and extra services beyond the itinerary.
- Personal gear, including sleeping bag (available for hire) and trekking equipment.
- Travel, medical, and emergency rescue insurance.
- Phone calls, internet, battery recharge, laundry, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffee or espresso drinks.
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES
- ₹3,000 extra (one side) will be charged if the Lukla flight takes place via Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu.
- An additional charge of ₹5,000 per person will apply for each extra day spent in Kathmandu or Lukla due to flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
- If any member of your group requires additional transfers beyond those organized, supplementary charges may be applicable.
- Room Upgrades: Guests will be charged for room upgrades as per the hotel policy.
- Early Check-in/Late Check-out: Additional charges may apply for guests arriving before the designated check-in time or departing after the scheduled check-out time.
- Helicopter Returns: If any participant returns by helicopter, no deductions will be made as all services are prepaid.
PREPARATION GUIDE
- Have some previous trekking/mountaineering Experience.
- Weight train the body. Walk uphill or stairs steps with a weighted backpack.
- Strength training for the lower body and core. Do planks, crunches, and cycling.
- Trekking to EBC requires a fit body and a conscious mind. One needs to be exercising regularly for the past 3-4 months.
- Any high-altitude trek requires you to build a good amount of cardiovascular endurance. Jogging is the best exercise to increase your stamina.
- You need strong legs to successfully finish a high-altitude trek. Squats are the best way to build leg strength quickly—especially your thighs, glutes, and knees.
- For detailed advice and coordination, we’ll have a WhatsApp group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1) Why does the EBC itinerary have a buffer day?
The one extra day in the itinerary is there to cater for weather/health-related eventualities. If not used during the trek, people prefer spending an extra day either in Namche or Kathmandu to relax and do local sightseeing.
Q2) What extra preparation do I need for the EBC + Gokyo Lake?
In terms of days, trek to Gokyo and back is 3 days extra over the EBC only itinerary. You cross a 5000 + meter pass on way to Gokyo. Overall, for both EBC and EBC + Gokyo, we recommend to maintain good fitness levels which prepares you to walk for 6–7-hour long days throughout.
Q3) Do we need sleeping bags? What kind of accommodation do we get during the trek?
Throughout the EBC & EBC + Gokyo trek, you will be staying in proper guest houses with beds and attached bathrooms. You will be provided with warm blankets / sleeping bags. However, if you prefer not using the blanket / sleeping bag which may be used by other fellow travelers and prefer your own, you may carry your personal sleeping bag.
Q4) What kind of gear is mandatory?
Check our itinerary pages that have links to the brochure. The file lists the mandatory gear in detail. That is all that you will need. Personal preferences may be extra
Q5) Can I buy clothing & other gear from Kathmandu?
You may only get half a day in Kathmandu before flying out to Lukla. Time to shop and explore will be short. Also, stock of the items / sizes you are looking for may not be available. Hence, we always recommend landing in Kathmandu fully prepared with your gear.
Q6) How long will each day be during the trek?
Most days going UP towards the Everest Base Camp, the duration will be 6-7 hours when walking in a group.
Q7) What are the chances of the Lukla flight getting cancelled, do we keep more buffer days?
In our experience, this is really unpredictable. Be ready for any and all kinds of delays in getting to Lukla. On occasions, we have also faced 2-3 day-long delays in getting to Lukla. Irrespective of the delay you face, our plan will always be to go as per schedule keeping in mind our return flights.
Q8) How cold will it be during the trek?
April & May will be cold at altitudes above 4000 meters. Be prepared to face heavy snow, and blizzards which can take temperatures as low as Minus 15-20 C. On good weather days, during the trek, it will be pleasant and you can comfortably walk in 2 layers – A full sleeves T-shirt & light outer layer.
Q9) How much cash should I carry for the trek?
Depending on your needs and wants, extra spending other than what’s covered in the trek cost can range from 5,000-10,000 ₹ to ten times these amounts or even more. 1 Indian ₹ is equivalent to 1.6 Nepalese ₹. Items like charging the phone/camera batteries are charged @ 200 ₹ per hour. Laundry can be as high as ₹ 400 per piece, in places close to the base camp.
Q10) What kind of things are chargeable during the trek that are not included in the cost?
These are items are not included in the trek cost – Laundry, mineral water bottles, electronic equipment charging, additional food purchases during the stay (packet food), and additional gear purchases in Kathmandu & Namche.
Q11) Should we buy or rent hiking poles?
Trek poles should be bought, these are not expensive. Renting for 15-18 days will cost you more.
Q12) What are the water arrangements during the trek?
All members are required to carry a filter water bottle (Panny, lifestraw, Eureka). This will solve the purpose and cut out the need for buying expensive plastic bottles.
Q13) Do we get to take a bath during EBC?
We don’t recommend this.
Q14) Do we stay in tents during the EBC?
No. The stay will be arranged in proper tea houses in buildings
Q15) What kind of insulation / down jacket do I need?
Carry a down jacket that can keep you warm in Minus 20-25 C temperatures.
Q16) What kind of trekking shoes should I wear? How many do I need?
Mid – high ankle length, water proof trekking boots are required for the EBC. One pair is enough if conditions of the shoes are good.
Q17) Do we get cellphone network on the route?
We recommended that you take NCELL SIM card once you land at Kathmandu airport and get it charged. This will work in MOST of the places on the route.
Q18) Is WIFI available during the EBC trek?
WIFI is there at ALL places of stay during the EBC, and its extra chargeable.
Q19) Do we get laundry service during the trek?
You can get your clothes washed at – Namche & Dingboche.
Q20) Which sunscreen do you recommend?
Minimum SPF 50 will be needed for the EBC.
