NEPAL TRAVELLER
Lobuche peak consists of two main peaks - Lobuche East Peak and Lobuche West Peak. Lobuche West is considered somehow difficult and dangerous then Lobuche East so east peak is more popular among the first time climbers in Nepal. Lobuche east peak, situated at height of 6,119m, is a challenging and exciting summit to ascend. It is located next to the path of Mount Everest Base Camp and Chola pass. It is very close to the Khumbu glacier region. Lobuche, being closed to Everest Base Camp, is climbed by climbers who are attempting to ascend Mt. Everest to hone their skills. Lobuche East has a very dramatic edge to the east, forming a three-ridged pyramid.
THINGS TO OBSERVE
From the summit of Lobuche you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Everest Region along with stunning views of mountains like Lhotse Face, Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest and many other 6000m peaks situated in Khumbu region. On the approach to climb Lobuche peak, you will take the traditional Everest Trail, leaving from Lukla and heading up the impressive Khumbu Valley. Along the trail you will spend some nights on Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Region where you can explore different cultures, religion and tradition. You will also get impressed by the warm greeting and hospitality of sherpa communities. The innocent smiles of different ethnic groups offer you a good memory. You will also visit impressive monasteries and view remarkable scenery as you pass numerous seven and eight thousand meter peaks on the trail. Lobuche climbing trail goes through the scenic range of Sagarmatha National Park, full of flora and fauna, landscapes, ethnic settlements, customs, culture and heritage.
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT
The first ascent of Lobuche East was made by Laurence Nielson and Sherpa Ang Gyalzen on April 25, 1984 via the South East ridge. This route gained wide popularity after their first success and became a standard route which was followed subsequently by other climbers.
BEST SEASON
The perfect season for climbing Lobuche East Peak is from March to May (Spring) and from September to November (Autumn). However, the winter is also a great time to climb if you are well prepared for the cold weather. In the crisp and cold month of December, the views of mountains are crystal clear and there are only fewer tourists around which will keep the place protected from over crowds and offers you a serene beauty.
TIME DURATION
In total, the Lobuche East expedition takes a total time of 16 to 21 days. However, It may vary because of the weather conditions. The time also varies and depends on peak location and peak elevation.
TOTAL COST
The Lobuche East Peak climbing cost depends largely on how long you'll stay in the region. The longer your itinerary, the more you'll be owing to your travel agency. And also your accommodation and hotels rating varies the cost. However, on normal, with basic services and facilities, the total cost for climbing Lobuche East comes around USD 2,100.
REQUIREMENTS
To summit this peak you need to have a high level of physical fitness and moderate level of technical climbing.
Experienced- Climbers should have successfully completed a minimum of 3 Day Mount Rainier or Mount Baker Climb (or have similar experience).
Mental Ability- Climbers must be mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes.The requirements are also based on your desire to have similarly skilled team members.
Travel Documents: PP size photos, valid passport, insurance paper, family members contact address etc.
Mountaineering equipments- Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Jummer, Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer etc.
Clothing and Wears- Snow google, Wool cap, Thermal Underwear, Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest,Neck Gaiter, Gloves etc.
Gadgets- Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight etc.
Other equipment: Sleeping bags, Bag packs, Sun stuff, Medical, Eating and Drinking stuffs, Toiletries, Fleece hats and so on.
PERMIT AND REGULATIONS
For climbing Lobuche East peak, you need to have following permits;
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)- NRS 1000 (USD 9) per person if they have come in a group and NRS 2000 (USD 18) per person if they have come individually.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit- For entering the Sagarmatha National Park, the park that is home to the Mount Everest Region, for Everest Base Camp, you need to obtain an entry permit. This permit costs 30 USD + government tax.
Lobuche East Peak Climbing Permit- USD 250 during spring, USD 125 during autumn and USD 70 during winter/summer.
Permit should be taken from Nepal Mountaineering Association since height above 5800m and below 6584m peaks permit are given by them. This permit will be taken by your trekking company and will charge a specific amount of money. Without a valid permit you are not allowed to climb Lobuche East Peak. Also, one needs to pay fees for Liaison Officer, his/her insurance, food allowance, Insurance of whole Nepali staff including porters in order to obtain permit and Garbage Deposit at ministry.
RESTRICTIONS
In Nepal, climbing Lobuche East peak imposed certain kind of age, health restrictions and they are;
Age- Minimum 16 and no restriction has been set in upper age till now
Health- Should have a strong body, risk taking mindset and health should be free from any kind of sudden attack diseases.
NOTE: Till now in Nepal, permits to climb mountains in Nepal are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to 33 peaks and rest of others permits are issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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