Lobuje East Peak - 21 Days

Duration:

21 Days (17 Days trek and climb and rest of the time in Kathmandu and traveling)

Our program total duration is spending few days in Kathmandu, then trek to Everest Base Camp for acclimatization and reaching the base camp of the world’s highest peak then 4 days of climbing.

Grading: Strenuous Grade Alpine grade PD

Nepal Mountaineering Association regards this as a trekking peak but one needs to understand that Lobuje East Peak is a bit more a technical climb then Island peak, Mera peak involves rappelling down the notch and following steep snow/ice on the far side.

Acclimatization and Safety:

Since this tour will take you to an elevation of 6,119 meters, there is a chance that you will experience altitude issues. This poses a serious problem for climbers. As a result, adequate time must be allowed for acclimatization prior to attempting a summit push.

Our program is perfect as it reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,335 meters, climbs Kala Pathar at 5,545 meters, and goes to Lobuje East Base Camp. The program involves gradually reaching higher elevation with resting at various elevations to give the body enough time to adjust to the new environment.

Who Can Undertake This Trip?

The ascent of Lobuje East is considered as a moderately challenging which requires a certain level of physical preparation, technical skills, and previous mountaineering experience. Climbers should be comfortable using equipment such as crampons, ice axes and ropes.

So, anyone who has some technical mountain climbing experience and is looking for the Himalayan Mountain challenge will fit it very well.

For the beginners the climbing of Lobuje East peak will be challenging as it requires navigating glaciers, steep snow slopes with exposed sections. We will have a bit of training before summiting, but it requires a lot of effort and challenges.

Physical Preparation and Training:

Proper preparation needs to be done before undertaking this trip.

Some of the training tips:

• Endurance and Fitness Level: A fitness program that incorporates strength training, cardiovascular activities, and trekking with a weighted backpack is recommended for climbers.
• Technical Challenges: Climbers should be knowledgeable about safe glacier terrain navigation procedures and know how to use crampons and ice axes properly as it involves crossing a glacier.

• Fixed Ropes: Climbers must utilize fixed ropes for steep sections they face during the summit push. Using this technique, one must climb high, vertical terrain while safely fastened to ropes. Many guided groups offer assistance and instruction to climbers who are not experienced with these methods, even though this may appear daunting.
• Climbing Skills: Use of an ice axe, self-arrest techniques, and appropriate footwork on slippery and rocky slopes, ladder crossing should all be mastered by climbers.
• Mental Challenges: Climbing can present both mental and physical challenges. Climbers may suffer from a fear of heights, worry about the weather, or doubt their own level of fitness. It is essential to prepare your mind for a good ascent. Climbers who use techniques like visualization, mindfulness, and positive affirmations can better control their anxiety and stay focused on their objectives.
• Gear and Equipment: You need to prepare good gear which is important for a successful climb.
• Training at the Camp: Before starting the climb, we provide a crash course to improve the essential skills. This boosts the confidence of all team members for a safe and successful summit.

Accommodation:

In Kathmandu it will be in a medium class hotel on a twin sharing basis

During the trekking the accommodation will be on a twin sharing basis in a simple mountain lodge with restrooms.

Whereas during climbing from the base camp you will have around 3 nights camping on a twin sharing basis. Sleeping mattress, food, dining, toilet tents.

In the lodges there are facilities for Wi-Fi, electricity for charging your device, and hot showers but there are extra charges.

Meals:

This trip is on a full board basis, which means 3 meals a day are included each day.  You can find a wide variety of Nepali, Western, Chinese & Indian cuisine.

Breakfast offerings include muesli, a variety of porridges, pancakes and bread with jam or eggs.

For lunch it is worth considering what can be quickly prepared, with veg noodle soup being popular. Pancakes and Tibetan bread are also relatively quick to make. Increasingly toasted sandwiches are on menus too. Apple pie is generally delicious, deep fried in the same way as the spring rolls are.

At dinner you can start with soup, then you can choose the main dish either macaroni, spaghetti, potato, pizza, rice etc.

Most meal choices are carbohydrate-heavy; exactly what trekkers require. All lodges serve tea, coffee, hot chocolate, hot lemon, soft drinks and beer (check its temperature first) and some places even offer wine.

Avoid having uncooked food like salads, meat products during the trek or even in Kathmandu.

Facilities and Essentials:

• Water

It’s crucial to drink enough water while trekking. Lodges and on-route stores sell bottled water; however, it can be costly and harmful to the environment. Rather, we advise you to purchase water filtered bottles or water purification tablets then you can purchase water from the lodges.

Avoid drinking straight from the taps, wells, or rivers in your area.

• Communication

One can purchase a local SIM card in Kathmandu, though connectivity may not be reliable at remote high altitudes. In lodges also you have WiFi facilities.

Best Season for the Trip:

The weather plays a critical role in the enjoyment of a Himalayan trek. Clear skies and unobstructed views of the peaks enhance the experience.

• Autumn (Mid-October to Mid-December): The ideal time for this trek, with stable weather, clear skies, and breathtaking mountain views. Temperatures are comfortable, though it begins to get colder in November.
• Spring (Mid-March to Late April): Another good time for trekking. While the weather can be hazy with occasional rain, the blooming rhododendrons and greenery add a unique charm. Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June to early September) due to heavy rain and slippery trails.

At higher elevation, spring temperatures range from 20°C to -5°C, while in autumn it is around 25°C to -10°C.

However, weather patterns have become unpredictable, so flexibility and a positive outlook are essential.

Staff Support:

You will have the support of a Govt. registered trekking guide who can speak Basic English language and well acquainted with the area. All our Guides have received training in basic skills and knowledge about administering first aid and emergency medication. We provide porters to carry your personal baggage and gear, leaving just the day pack to be carried by you. We provide one porter for every two trekkers, and one porter generally carries baggage weighing not more than 30 Kgs, i.e. 15 Kgs per trekker. So, you will need to pack your baggage accordingly.

Group Size:

Normally our group size is between 2 to 10 participants – it is always great to have a small group instead of big groups.

Lukla Flights:

Aircraft Details: Flights to Lukla are operated by small aircraft with a capacity of approximately 17 passengers, as larger planes are unsuitable for the mountainous terrain. The best time for these flights is in the early morning when weather conditions are usually favorable. Afternoons often bring wind and cloud cover, leading to flight delays or cancellations.

Weather Dependency: Flights to and from Lukla are heavily weather-dependent. Delays and cancellations are common and can sometimes extend over several days. In such cases, travelers must wait for improved weather conditions to resume flights.

Helicopter Charter: Helicopters, which can operate with reduced visibility (minimum 1,500 meters compared to the 5,000 meters required for small planes under Civil Aviation regulations), are an alternative. Helicopter charters are costly but become more affordable when shared among travelers (maximum capacity of 5 people per helicopter under current government regulations).

Baggage Allowance:

Weight Restrictions: Baggage allowance on flights to Lukla is limited to 10 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for hand luggage. Excess baggage incurs a charge of approximately USD 1.33 or more per kilogram, subject to availability and airline policies.

Important Items: Due to limited space, baggage may sometimes arrive on a later flight. Ensure that essential items, such as medications and valuables, are packed in your daypack. During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porters, and you’ll only need a daypack for personal items such as water, a camera, sunscreen, and a jacket.

Storage in Kathmandu: You’ll need a lockable bag for items you won’t take on the trek, which can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu free of charge. Trekking bags for your gear will be provided by FAR OUT Trekking.

Staff and Support Guides and Porters:

You will be accompanied by a government-registered trekking guide fluent in basic English and well-acquainted with the region. Guides are trained in basic first aid and emergency response. Porters will carry your main luggage, with one porter assigned for every two trekkers, carrying up to 30 kg in total (15 kg per trekker). Ensure your luggage is packed accordingly.

Typical Day on the Trek:

The day begins at 6:00 AM with tea or coffee, followed by washing, packing, and breakfast. The trek usually involves 3-4 hours of walking before a lunch break at a scenic spot, followed by another 3-4 hours of trekking to the day’s destination. Evenings are spent at lodges, with dinner served in the lodge’s restaurant.

Equipment Essential trekking gear includes:

A detailed equipment list will be provided upon trip confirmation.

Health, Medical & Vaccinations:

Consult your doctor at least 8 weeks before departure regarding vaccinations and a health check-up. Diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and typhoid are common in Nepal, along with dengue in some regions. Stick to boiled or bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods. Carry personal medications along with prescriptions, ensuring they comply with Nepal’s regulations.

Insurance:

Comprehensive travel insurance covering health, accidents, theft, helicopter evacuation, and medical treatment is mandatory for trekking in Nepal. As Island Peak climb reaches over 6000m altitude, so you need to make sure that the Insurance covers it. Choose a reliable provider with prompt services and a suitable policy.

Permits and Visa Requirements:

Visa:

All foreigners require a visa to enter Nepal. It can be obtained on arrival or through Nepalese embassies abroad. A passport with at least 6 months’ validity and the appropriate visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 120 for 90 days) is required.

Online visa forms can be filled out at immigration.gov.np.

Permits:

Two permits are required:

1. Pasang Lhamu Municipal Tax
2. Lobuje East Peak Permit

These require a digital passport-size photo and a scanned copy of your passport.

Adventure Travel Considerations

Trekking in Nepal involves navigating underdeveloped, remote areas where conditions can be unpredictable. Flexibility and a positive attitude are essential, as itineraries may change due to weather, terrain, or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have concerns about suitability, consult your trekking agent.