Lobuche East Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek-19 days Trip Introduction Lobuche lies close to the Khumbu Glacier and has two main peaks, Lobuche Far East and Lobuche East. At 6,145 meters, Lobuche East is 26 meters higher. Although the Lobuche East climb is a bit more challenging than Island Peak climb, it is equally rewarding. From the peak you get amazing views of Everest alongside Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Pumori. The 19-day Lobuche East Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek combines Lobuche East Peak climbing with the classic Everest Trek. The trip will also take you to some of the most popular places in the Everest region like Kala Pathar, which provides an excellent view of Everest along with other high mountains. Day to Day Itinerary Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take us to Hotel Shanker or another hotel of a similar category. After checking in, we may take a rest or visit Himalayan Glacier’s office. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine with a brief cultural program. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:D Day 02: Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft): Sightseeing and Preparation Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. After the tour, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at Himalayan Glacier’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:B Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding. Included meals:BLD Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours After breakfast, we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. On that day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. Included meals:BLD Day 05: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region. For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar. Included meals:BLD Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5- 6 hours After breakfast, we trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of outstanding universal value”), it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3pm so we reach it by three. And, if we are lucky, we might just be able to witness a religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche. Included meals:BLD Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 5-6 hours We visit the beautiful Tengboche Monastery in the morning and take pictures of the amazing landscape surrounding it. Then we begin our trek by walking through lush forests of birch, conifers and rhododendrons on an easy path. This picturesque trail then dips down to Debuche, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche. (We can either walk in the upper or lower Pangboche trails). We are most likely to choose the upper Pangboche trail as it provides a more pristine view of the Himalayas. We also visit the Pangboche monastery. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the climb up to Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche. Included meals:BLD Day 08: Dingboche: Acclimatization Day Dingboche is a popular stop for trekkers and climbers headed to Mount Everest, Ama Dablam or Imja Tse. The village is beautiful with an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals. We spend a day at Dingboche for acclimatization. We take day hikes to Ama Dablam base camp, Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache and Ama Dablam. Overnight in Dingboche. Included meals:BLD Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 5-6 hours We start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche. Included meals:BLD Day 10: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,594ft) and back to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft): 6-7 hours We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good nights rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep. Included meals:BLD Day 11: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft] and back to Lobuche (4940m/16,207ft): 7-8 hours We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360-degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good nights rest. Overnight in Lobuche. Included meals:BLD Day 12: Lobuche to Lobuche Base Camp (4,950m/ 16240ft): 1-2 hours From Lobuche, we trek towards Lobuche base camp. After walking some distance on relatively flatter plane, the path to the Lobuche Base Camp gets steeper and rocky. We move forward along the Lobuche Glacier while enjoying great views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega and other Himalayas. Overnight in Lobuche East Base Camp. Pre-Climb Training: Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. We strongly believe that the training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. Included meals:BLD Day 13: Lobuche Base Camp to High Camp (5,400m/17,712ft): 3-4 hours From Lobuche Base Camp, we continue on a rocky moraine path to reach the High Camp. Upon reaching the High Camp, we set up our camp, take lunch and rest. It is important that we take rest after fixing the camp as it will prepare us for the next days long climb. Overnight in Lobuche East High Camp. Included meals:BLD Day 14: Lobuche High Camp to Summit (6119m/20,070 ft) and back to High Camp: 8-10 hours We wake up early today at around 2 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the high lands might become a barrier for a successful summit. Lobuche East offers more panoramic views of the mountains than any other trekking peak. From the summit, you get to enjoy magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. We spend some time at the summit celebrating and taking pictures, then we get back to the High Camp again for an overnight stay. Included meals:BLD Day 15: Lobuche High Camp to Pangboche (3930m /12900 ft): 8-9 hours After taking our morning breakfast, we trek downhill from Lobuche High Camp and join the Everest Base Camp route at Lobuche again. We take our lunch at Lobuche. From Lobuche we again retrace our path to Pheriche. On the way to Pheriche, we get to enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Ama Dablam in the distance. From Pheriche, we continue to Pangboche. We trek down through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. If its spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers ablaze our surroundings. Upon reaching Pangboche we may also consider visiting the famous Pangboche Monastery. Included meals:BLD Day 16: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar: 4-5 hours From Pangboche, we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. Included meals:BLD Day 17: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6-7 hours The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla. Included meals:BLD Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the climbers’ successful summit of the Island peak. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:BD Day 19: Final Departure Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home youll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. Please note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits both at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both! We do our utmost to avoid such delays, and fix you on next flight. Still, we suggest you to be prepared for possible delays/cancellation, and if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. We also organize heli rescue in such conditions, if its available and upon request by our clients. The helicopter charges around USD 3500 and it can lift 4-5 persons per flight. If everything runs smoothly and if interested, you can also enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting, wildlife activities, shopping, etc during your buffer days. In case, the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip: such a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other regions. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for the trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla. However, please note that there will be no refund, if you lose your time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancelation after finishing of the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc) included in the package that you would not use later. Included meals:B Important Note : Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required. What Is Included Pickups and drops from hotels and airports Accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, teahouses and tents during trekking and climbing All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicles All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museums Services of English speaking, trained and experienced staff including Tour guide, trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader), assistant guides and porters including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging All domestic flights (Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu) Welcome and farewell dinners Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals in mountain Porter services for trekking All necessary paper work; trekking permits and Lobuche Peak climbing permit Good quality Tents and Kitchen utensils for camping Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Himalayan Glacier Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion) Group mountaineering (climbing) equipments Medical kit Travel and rescue arrangements Company services and all required government taxes/royalties What Is Not Included Nepalese visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs) International airfare to and from Kathmandu Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg) Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary) Travel and rescue insurance Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower, heater, etc.) Personal climbing equipment Personal climbing guide if requested Optional trips and sightseeing if extended Tips for guides and porters Services not listed in the ‘What Is Included’ section The Climbing Group For the Lobuche East climbing trip, there will be one leader, one cook, assistant leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter), other helpers (1 trekker: 2 helpers). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Lobuche East Climbing trip for at least a group of two, and include maximum of twelve people only, as weve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if youd like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too. Accommodations We will be staying in Hotel Shanker, a four-star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights), teahouses during trekking (12 nights) and tents when climbing (3 nights). Most teahouse accommodation will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodation, a 4 season sleeping bag and foam mattress will be provided. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodation are on twin-shared basis. However, single room will be provided on request and by paying a single supplement of USD 400. Also, understand that there are several places that do not allow single room accommodation. On paying single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu but sometimes it is feasible only up to Namche Bazaar. Above Namche Bazaar single accommodation is not always feasible. Meals During our trip, we can enjoy typical Nepali food, different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisines (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and breakfasts will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu. During trekking/climbing, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be made for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During climbing session, hygienic freshly cooked food will be provided. Health and Experience Requirements Lobuche East is a little bit technical compared to Island peak but they are both categorized as easy peaks in the climbing category. No prior climbing experience is required; however previous rock climbing and high altitude trekking experiences will still be an asset. There will also be a pre -ice climbing training for participants in the Island Peak base camp. The training will mostly be about using climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, harness, crampons. Lobuche East Peak climbing usually requires 5-6 hours of walking every day. In the summiting day however, you will be required to walk for 8-10 hours. Therefore, it is advised that you prepare yourself by jogging or walking 12 km every day for around 3 months before your actual trip. Understand that by choosing Lobuche Peak trip, you are considering walking in high altitude and remote areas for many days. In order to make your Lobuche Peak climbing successful you must have lots of willpower, the ability to tolerate harsh weather conditions along with reasonable fitness and stamina. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also important that you consult your doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for your trip. Himalayan Glacier reserves the right to require a medical certificate prior to booking your trip. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. Travel Insurance It is a condition upon joining any of Himalayan Glaciers trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we dont arrange or sell insurance.For more information Acclimatization Lobuche East Peak climbing with Everest Base camp Trek’s itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above of 5000m, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with less-oxygen. During this trip, a separate day is set aside (in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche) for acclimatization. Also, the visit to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar will help you acclimatize to the high altitude. Himalayan Glacier advises guest(s) with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Check out Altitude illness by Dr Jim Duff. . Himalayan Glaciers itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS as much as possible. But, it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others. Equipment and Packing List While packing for Lobuche East Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trips comprehensive checklist. Leader(s) and Staff Arrangements The most significant thing that makes this trip enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful leader(s) and the crew members with ability of operating our days in the mountain smoothly. Our trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of Himalayan Glaciers leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities, Himalayan glacier only employs local staff who have adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of their local region/s. The trek and expedition leaders have undergone the following trainings: Intensive Wilderness First Aid Trekking Guide Training Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet English Language Conservation and Biodiversity Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (for expedition leaders) email: [email protected] Skype: honesttours Twitter: @HonestTreks phone no:+977-061523808 Cell no:+977-9851140110 honesttoursntravels
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 12:33:19 +0000
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