Best Time for Lobuche Peak Climb and Everest Base Camp Trek
The best time for the Lobuche Peak Climb and Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer stable weather, clear skies, and the most favorable conditions for both trekking and climbing.
Spring features warmer days, blooming rhododendrons, and excellent mountain visibility, while autumn provides dry trails, fresh greenery after the monsoon, and breathtaking Himalayan views. Both seasons also coincide with local festivals and ensure a safe, comfortable, and rewarding Lobuche East climbing and EBC trekking experience, with fewer weather-related risks compared to summer or winter.
Spring and Autumn Seasons: In spring, March still has cold nights and some remaining snow, but April and May are ideal months for Lobuche East Peak Climbing. April is particularly popular due to mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and vibrant forests.
In autumn, September may start slightly wet as the monsoon ends, but the trails quickly dry and become colorful. October is widely regarded as the best month for the climb, offering clear skies, stable weather, and moderate temperatures. November is also excellent, although nights at higher altitudes can be very cold, making proper gear and experienced guidance essential.
Winter and Summer Seasons: Climbing in winter (December to February) or summer/monsoon (June to August) is possible but significantly more challenging. Winter brings extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and closed teahouses at higher elevations, making it suitable only for well-prepared and experienced climbers.
Summer is the monsoon season, with muddy trails, landslides, slippery paths, and reduced visibility. However, it offers lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. Winter, on the other hand, provides solitude and a true adventure experience. Both seasons require experienced guides, reliable porters, and high-quality climbing equipment to ensure safety and success.
Lobuche East Peak Climb and EBC Trek – Difficulty
The difficulty level of the Lobuche East Peak Climb (6,019 meters) combined with the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is considered moderately challenging in Nepal. This adventure is ideal for adventurous trekkers and beginner climbers who have good physical fitness, basic mountaineering skills, and strong determination.
While the trekking route itself is not highly technical, the climbing section involves rocky terrain, glacier crossings, and steep snow and ice slopes. Climbers must use proper equipment such as climbing boots with crampons, harnesses, helmets, ascenders, descenders, and fixed ropes. Prior experience in high-altitude trekking and basic training in rope handling and ice climbing is highly beneficial, although advanced technical climbing experience is not mandatory.
Additional challenges include walking 5 to 8 hours daily for around 13 days, often on steep ascents and descents at high elevations. For this reason, acclimatization days are essential, and our itinerary includes adequate acclimatization to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Weather conditions, such as snowfall or rain, can sometimes increase the difficulty, especially at higher altitudes.
Therefore, a strong fitness level, positive mindset, and determined attitude—along with experienced trekking and climbing guides, proper equipment, and porter support—are essential for a safe and successful summit. With proper acclimatization, suitable seasonal gear, and professional guidance, the Lobuche East Peak Climb can be completed smoothly and enjoyably without unnecessary challenges.
Lobuche Peak Climb & EBC Trek – Permits
The Lobuche Peak Climb combined with the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek requires several permits, as the route passes through Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in Nepal’s Everest region. Therefore, all trekkers and climbers must obtain and carry the following permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
- Lobuche East Peak Climbing Permit
The Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board (Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu). The Lobuche East Peak Climbing Permit must be issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Naxal, Kathmandu, through a licensed trekking agency such as High Pass Adventure. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit is purchased in Lukla after the trek begins.
You or your guide must carry all permits throughout the trek and climb, as they must be shown and registered at various checkpoints along the route. Attempting the trek or climb without valid permits, you may require you to purchase them on-site at double the cost as a penalty or may result in being denied access. Please note that the Lobuche East Peak Climbing Permit must be obtained in Kathmandu, and climbing without this permit is strictly prohibited.
Required Permits and Costs
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
- Cost: USD 30 per person per trek (foreigners)
- Cost: USD 20 per person (SAARC citizens)
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
- Cost: USD 20 per person per trek
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Cost: USD 30 per person per trek (foreigners)
- Cost: USD 15 per person (SAARC citizens)
Lobuche East Peak Climbing Permit
- USD 125 per person: December, January, February, June, July, August
- USD 175 per person: September, October, November
- USD 300 per person: March, April, May
Lobuche Peak Climb and EBC Trek – Accommodation
Accommodation along the Lobuche Peak Climb and Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek route is generally basic but clean and comfortable, provided mainly by teahouses, guesthouses, and lodges due to the region’s remote and rugged nature. One night is typically spent in a tent camp at Lobuche East Peak Base Camp during the climbing phase.
Most lodges offer simple private rooms, usually with two beds for twin sharing, equipped with beds, blankets, and pillows. In some remote areas, teahouse options are limited and rooms are few, while in popular stops such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Dingboche, there is a wider range of accommodations, including some with more comfortable or luxury-style facilities.
Bathrooms are generally shared indoor facilities, often with squat toilets. Hot showers may be available for an extra charge and are usually powered by solar energy or gas geysers. Charging electronic devices is also possible in most lodges for a small fee, although carrying a power bank is highly recommended.
Every lodge has a communal dining area, often heated at higher altitudes, where trekkers can eat, relax, and socialize. During peak trekking seasons, accommodation availability can be limited in certain locations; however, experienced guides usually manage this by booking rooms in advance.
Lobuche Peak Climb & EBC Trek – Food
Food options along the Lobuche Peak Climb and Everest Base Camp (EBC) trekking route mainly include local Nepali and Sherpa dishes, along with some basic Western meals available at most teahouses, restaurants, and lodges. During the one night spent at Lobuche East Base Camp in a tented camp for the climb, meals are simpler and prepared by the guide and support staff.
Nowadays, every teahouse provides a food menu, and the items are generally similar across different locations. Trekkers and climbers can choose meals according to their preferences. The cooks are usually trained and often hired from urban areas to prepare quality meals for trekkers and climbers, although the taste may differ slightly from typical Western cuisine.
It is highly advisable to follow a vegetarian diet during the Lobuche East Peak Climb and EBC Trek, as obtaining fresh meat is difficult due to the region’s remote location.
Common Food Items Available
Local Nepali and Sherpa Foods:
- Dal Bhat: A staple meal consisting of rice served with lentil soup (dal), seasonal vegetables, and pickle.
- Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, cheese, eggs, potatoes, tuna fish, or mixed fillings, served with dipping sauce.
- Thukpa: A nourishing noodle soup with vegetables and sometimes eggs, flavored with local spices.
- Tibetan Bread: Fried or baked flatbread, often served with honey, jam, or butter for breakfast or as a snack.
- Tsampa: Roasted barley flour, eaten as porridge or mixed with butter tea (suja), commonly consumed by local Sherpa people.
Western and International Options:
- Pasta and Noodles: Available in most teahouses, prepared with local ingredients and sauces.
- Egg Dishes: Omelets, fried eggs, boiled eggs, or poached eggs, commonly served for breakfast with Tibetan bread or toast.
- Potatoes and Vegetables: Served as main dishes or side items, cooked in various styles with local spices.
Beverages:
- Hot Drinks: Tea, coffee, hot lemon, lemon ginger honey, and hot chocolate are widely available throughout the trek. Sugar is usually provided separately.
- Soft Drinks: Carbonated beverages such as cola and Sprite, as well as bottled water, are available along the trekking route.
Internet Service & Charging Points During the Trip
Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for an additional fee, but the signal is often weak and unreliable. Mobile data works in some areas, but coverage is limited along the route. We advise not to rely on internet access for communication during the trek, as connections are generally slow and inconsistent.
For mobile data, you can purchase an Ncell or Nepal Telecom SIM card, but network coverage is still limited in many parts of the trekking area.
You can charge your electronic devices at most lodges during the trek, though an additional fee is usually required, except at Lobuche Peak Base Camp. Charging options may be limited at higher elevations, as many lodges rely on solar power. However, below Pangboche, charging facilities are generally more accessible due to better electricity availability.
Therefore, we highly recommend bringing your own power bank or portable solar panel to keep your mobile phone, camera, and other devices charged while trekking in the Nepal Himalayas.
Travel Insurance and Required Medicines for the Trip
Travel insurance is essential for the Everest Base Camp Trek and Lobuche Peak Climbing, as this trip is challenging and takes place in remote areas. Your insurance must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation up to the maximum elevation of your trek, including 6,091 meters for Lobuche East Peak.
If needed, we can recommend reputable travel insurance companies to ensure you are fully covered and secure during your adventure.
You should also bring basic and prescribed medicines from your home country for the Everest Base Camp Trek and Lobuche Peak Climbing. Since the trekking routes are remote, medical facilities are very limited, and local medicines may not be effective for everyone.
If you have any allergies or existing medical conditions, it is important to consult your doctor or a healthcare professional before traveling. They can advise you on the necessary medications based on your health condition and the high-altitude environment of the trek.
Tipping Information for Trip Staff
Tipping guides, porters, and climbing guides is customary and expected in Nepal. They truly appreciate tips, as these team members play a vital role in the safe and successful completion of your trek and climb. Tipping is a meaningful way to recognize their hard work, dedication, and support throughout the journey.
As a general guideline, tipping around 10–15% of the total trip cost is recommended. Tips are usually given at the end of the trip and shared among the trekking and climbing staff. Tips are generally given in cash, preferably in US dollars or Nepalese rupees, and small denominations are recommended for easier distribution.
Suggested tipping rates:
- Guide: US$12–15 per day
- Climbing Guide: US$80 total
- Porter: US$8–10 per day
- Assistant Guide: US$8–12 per day
These tips are highly recommended to motivate the team and reward them for their outstanding service, contributing to a memorable and inspiring trekking and climbing experience.
Required packing list for Island Peak Trekking and Climbing
Travel equipment is essential to pack before your trip. Below is the recommended packing list. We understand it may seem like a lot to carry from home, so we suggest packing light and bringing only the necessary items. If you’re missing something, you can hire or buy it in Kathmandu, especially around Thamel.
These general items are suitable for all seasons while trekking in Nepal, but the list may vary depending on the season and the duration of your chosen trek. Therefore, it’s important to ask your trekking organizer for a detailed packing list specific to your trek. They will provide you with clear information about what to bring.
Climbing gears
- Climbing Boots: Should be insulated, waterproof, sturdy, and good ankle support
- Crampons: Make sure, compatible with your climbing boots and in good condition.
- Ice Axe: A basic ice axe is essential for traversing snow and ice sections.
- Harness: A comfortable and adjustable climbing harness is necessary for safety.
- Helmet: A climbing helmet to protect your head from falling rocks and ice.
- Ropes: You might need a rope for glacier travel and crevasse crossings. It will be provided by your trekking agent (High Pass Adventure).
- Carabineers: A mix of locking and non-locking carabineers for various purposes.
- Ascenders and Descenders: These are used for ascending and descending on ropes
Climbing clothes
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking base layers (both top and bottom) to keep you warm and dry.
- Insulating Layer: A good quality fleece or down jacket for warmth
- Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof shell jacket and pants.
- Gloves: Layered gloves including thin liners and thick, insulated gloves for cold weather.
- Hat and Balaclava: For warmth and protection against the cold.
- Gaiters: To keep snow and ice out of your boots.
Necessary Trekking gear
Documents:
- Passport and 4 passport size photos
- Travel insurance details (in case an emergency evacuation if needed)
- Boarding passes for flights
- Driver’s license (if needed)
- Cash USD
- Credit/Debit Card (Ensure you have $500 on your card incase an emergency helicopter evacuation is needed)
Sleeping:
- Sleeping bag (Comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended)
- Sleeping bag liner (Optional)
Footwear:
- Trekking boots: one pair lightweight
- Sandals for city and tea house footwear
- Shoes for the plane and tea houses (Optional)
- Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
- Thin, lightweight inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Clothing for Body:
Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking:
- Base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)
- Fleece/Windproof jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Down jacket for warmth
- Underwear
- Base-layer trousers (optional)
- Waterproof trousers
- Trekking trousers
- Trekking shorts (Optional)
- Gloves and wool hat
- Bandanna or scarf
Health Requirements (Basic First Aid Kit)
- First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
- Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
- Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu
Others:
- Sunglasses and Sun cream
- Towel
- Book (reading and writing materials)
- MP-3 /Music, headphones and ear plug (who know some people on group are snoring) as optional.
- Travel wash
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes
- A day bag: 35 liters
- A duffel or rucksack with straps to go over your back (Max 12 kg of weight for porters to carry)
- Dry Liner or Dry Bag
- Water bottle/thermos/ camel bag: At least 2 L. Nalgen bottles best.
General Toiletries
- Toilet papers/ tissue
- Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed)
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soaps (preferably biodegradable)
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror
- On Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Anti-bacterial hands wash
Others (optional)
- Trekking Poles
- Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside your kit / duffel bag
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, and scrabble. (For luxuries)
- Binoculars (for luxuries)
- Trail Map/Guide book (if you are alone)
High altitude sickness information
Mountain sickness is another name for high altitude sickness. You must be aware of high altitude sickness symptoms since they arise rapidly if you hike or ascend to a higher elevation. Here are some details if you're curious as to why it occurs. The air pressure is the main cause of altitude sickness. Your body needs time to adapt to the shift in air pressure when you travel to higher elevations since the air pressure decreases and there is less oxygen present. According to doctors, If you are at sea level, it begins at 8,000 feet (2400 meters).
Types
There are three types of altitude sickness:
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): it is very common and symptoms feel like a tiredness, dizzy, headache, thirsty, muscle aches, nausea
- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): it is effect in the lungs, which can be very dangerous and hard to do life threatening
- High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): it is effective in the brain and most difficult to treat and you need to go to hospital attention the right way.
Cause
Following are the causes of high altitude sickness:
- Generally living near sea level and travel to a high elevation
- Had the sickness before
- Climbing quickly
- Not being acclimatized to the altitude
- Drinking alcohol when you ascend
- Medical problems of heart, nervous or lungs
Symptoms
These symptoms will appear depending on your speed to climb and how hard you push. Symptoms range from normal to serious. They can affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles, and heart.
Here are symptoms of High Altitude Sickness:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid Pulse (Heart Rate)
- Short breath with action
- Blue color of skin or gray soft skin
- Chest tightness or blocking
- Confusion
- Dry cough or coughing with blood
- Cannot walk in a straight line
Prevention
Important keys to preventing of High Altitude Sickness are:
- Climb the mountain gradually.
- Stop every 2,000 feet (600 meters) of climb above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) and one or two nights sleep there.
- Sleep at a lower altitude when possible.
- Make sure that you have the ability to quickly descend if needed.
- Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness.
- If you plan on climbing quickly, or climbing to a high altitude, ask your provider about medicines that may help.
- If you are at risk for a low red blood cell count (anemia), ask your provider if your planned trip is safe. Also ask if an iron supplement is right for you. Anemia lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood. This makes you more likely to have mountain sickness.
While climbing, you should follow these rules:
- Drink plenty of water
- Climb slowly.
- Take it easy
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Eat regular meals that are high in carbohydrates.
- Sleep lower elevation
- Take a medication (diomax) according to doctor
USD 2250
