Lobuche East and Island Peak Climbing

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Introduction of the trip, equipment check and welcome dinner
Arrival in Kathmandu. You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your reserved hotel. In the afternoon we will discuss the course of the trip with you, and in the evening you are invited to dinner with your mountain guide. Overnight in Hotel Tibet or similar category, (D).

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and drive o Ramechap – approx. 4 hrs drive
Today we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. This day can be designed flexibly according to your wishes. The most popular places and most impressive sights include Pashupatinath – a Hindu temple with cremation places and the Boudhanath Stupa. Overnight in Hotel Tibet or similar category, (B).

Day 3: Flight to Lukla, then trek to Phakding / 35 minutes flight, 3 – 4 hours walk
The flight goes to Lukla (2,800 meters) early in the morning. After arriving there and making final preparations, the trekking tour begins past the village of Chaurikharka. The path then descends into the Dudh Kosi Valley at 2,530 meters. The rest of the way follows exactly the river bed of the Dudh Kosi until our first destination – Phakding (2,610 m) – is reached. For better acclimatization, only a short hike is planned on this day. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar / 5-6 hours of walking
Today we cross the roaring glacier river with the name “Dudh” (milk) “Koshi” (river) – named after its color – several times over partly longer suspension bridges. Sections of today’s hike lead through pine forests and open terrain and we discover terraced fields on which useful plants are cultivated. We encounter smaller herds of donkeys and marvel at impressive yaks, which transport goods along the path. Our route goes through the villages of Benkar, Monjo and Jorsale. After the Hillary suspension bridge, we climb a little steeper to the market town of Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 5: Namche Bazaar – Acclimatization Day – Ascent to Everest View Hotel
Today is an important day for acclimatization. Due to the low oxygen content in the mountain air, the body needs some time to better adapt to it. A light sleep is also usually the result of this altitude adaption. . We take a morning walk on the steep ridge above Namche. During the ascent on the path, we have beautiful views of the main route to Everest Base Camp. High up at the ridge, we bypass the mountain side and get to the Everest viewpoint. The views on the hike, uphill and downhill, are simply spectacular. On the way back we will have our lunch very close to the interesting Sherpa cultural center and the Everest Mountaineering Museum. A visit here is always worth-while. After lunch we come back to the lodge and in the afternoon you can either relax or go on a discovery tour in Namche. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Dole / 7 – 8 hours of walking
From Phortse Tenga we will first hike along the right bank of the Dudh Kosi through rhododendron forests. We experience the beautiful view of Cho Oyu (8,201 meters), Thamserku &antenga (6,799 meters) and finally reach the village of Dole. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 7: Dole to Machhermo / 5 – 6 hours walk
We follow the path further up to Labharma and Luza. Most of the time this route is a little steeper through bushy juniper trees. We cross another saddle point and arrive in Machhermo through a wide valley. In this village, a Yeti is said to have killed a few yaks and attacked Sherpa women. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 8: Machhermo to Gokyo / 3 – 4 hours walk
From Machhermo we choose a steep upswing to the moraine of the Ngo-zumpa glacier, over which we reach a small lake. Here we can marvel at the wood ducks. Later we reach Gokyo (4,799m), the last village before the Tibetan border. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 9: To Gokyo Ri summit and acclimatization day
The ascent very early in the morning takes us up to Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters). The tour to the summit takes about two hours. Up there we have a huge panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawachee. This rather easy day is intended for breaks, relaxation and as an acclimatization day. Overnight at the Tea House Lodge in Gokyo, (B|L|D).

Day 10: Trekking to Dragnag (4,700m) / 4-5 hours walk
We cross the Ngozumpa glacier and after about 1 ½ hours we reach the yak huts, where we will relax and have our lunch. Then we hike on a steep path to the next tea house lodge. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 11: Crossing Cho La (5,360m) and trek to Dzong La (4,900m) / 8 hours walk
In the early morning we climb steeply to the Cho La Pass. Shortly below the pass we reach the snow line and then cross a high snow field in an arc. Then it goes steeply downhill over rocks to the yak pastures around Dzong La. The level of difficulty of crossing the pass will be determined by the weather and snow conditions. We carry ropes, crampons and ice axes. If necessary, we will, of course, use these! For this you will be rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views on this section of the route. Overnight at the tea house Lodge (B|L|D).

Day 12: Ascent to Lobuche High Camp (5,270m) / approx. 4 hours walk
After breakfast we will slowly descend on the steady path to Thukla, where we will pause for lunch. Then we climb to the high camp of Lobuche Peak, where we will spend the night in a tent. Our mountain guide will introduce us to the cook and porters, who will take care of all the camping equipment and food, while we can concentrate fully on the summit tour. Overnight in a tent (B|L|D).

Day 13: Ascent to the Lobuche summit (6,119m) and trek to Thukla (4,620m) / 10 – 12 hours
Our mountain guide wakes you up around 2 a.m. and we prepare for the summit tour. The cook will take care of breakfast and the packed lunches you will need for the day trip to the summit. We set off to-wards the summit at around 4 a.m. Our ascent route initially runs over scree, boulders and small rock steps, some easy climbing passages have to be overcome here. Then it follows over a snow flank to the foot of the southeast ridge. The ascent is 45-60 degrees steep in places and will have fixed ropes on difficult passages. We should reach the summit between 9 and 10 a.m. From the summit we can admire four of the 8,000-meter peaks, the Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lothse, Makalu. After about an hour’s stay at the stunning summit,, we descend back to the base camp. After lunch we hike to Thukla for the night. Overnight in tent / tea house, (B|L|D).

Day 14: Rest and reserve day in the base camp
We keep this day free as a reserve day. Especially in the event of bad weather, the reserve day increases the chance of a successful ascent to the summit. Overnight in tent or tea house Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 15: Trek to Chukhung (4,730m) / 6 hours of walking
We hike down a beautiful panoramic path with a constant slight gradient down the valley to Dingboche to have lunch there. Then we continue the way to Chukhung. There we will spend the night again in a lodge. The place is nestled between Island Peak and Ama Dablam. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 16: Trekking to Island Peak Base Camp (4,950m) / 4 hours walk
Today our staff is preparing the high camp for you, to which we will slowly go up. Our porters take care of the luggage and tent. A cook is part of the accompanying team. We will spend the night in a tent, as there are no other places to stay up there. Overnight in a tent (B|L|D).

Day 17: Summit day Island Peak (6,189m) and Trek to Chukhung / 10-12 hours
Shortly after midnight we start the ascent. First over a narrow and stony path, then over a rubble cirque to the edge of the glacier at 5,800m. Climbing harnesses and crampons are put on here and we slowly climb to the foot of the steep face (6,000m). From here on, fixed ropes help us through the 45 degree steep snow flank. The last 30m long key point is about 65 degrees steep, then it’s done, we are at the summit! Fantastic views of Makalu, Lhotse and numerous 7000ers make you forget the troubles. After a short stay, the descent follows the ascent route to the base camp. After lunch at the base camp, we continue to Chukhung. Overnight in the tea house, (B|L|D).

Day 18: Rest and reserve day
If the weather on the summit day is not ideal, we have planned the reserve day to increase your chances of reaching the summit. Overnight in tent or tea house Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 19: Trek to Tengboche (3,875m) – 6 hours walk
Today we hike down via Chukhung back to Tengboche and visit the world-famous Tengboche monastery located there. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 20: Trek to Namche Bazaar / 5 hours walk
We descend to Imja Khola and then take an easy ascent route to Namche. Bazaar. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 21: Trek to Lukla (2,800m) / 6 hours walk
Today we hike relaxed through several Sherpa villages to Lukla and then celebrate a farewell party with our support team. Overnight at tea house lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 22: Flight back to Ramechap and drive to the hotel in Kathmandu – approx. 4hrs drive
You will be picked up from the airport and driven to Kathmandu. The rest of the day can be used as free time. Overnight in Hotel Tibet or similar, (B).

Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu
Free day to shop and relax! Overnight in Hotel Tibet or similar category, (B).

Day 24: Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for the return flight home

We reserve the right to change the program due to special events, force majeure or weather reasons, B.

B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

German guided tour
English guided tour

• 28. October 2023 -
  20. November 2023 3.490 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 17. April 2024 -
  10. May 2024 3.490 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 07. May 2024 -
  30. May 2024 3.490 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 06. October 2024 -
  29. October 2024 3.490 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 20. October 2024 -
  12. November 2024 3.490 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly
• 03. November 2024 -
  26. November 2024 3.490 € Request non-bindingBook bindingly

This trekking tour can also be booked for your group at dates other than shown here.

Duration: 24 days
Costs: € 3.490 per person
Group size: min. 4 Persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of only four persons)
€ 250 for single room and single tent supplement (only for hotel accommodation, for lodge overnight stays during the trek, especially during the high season, single accommodation is not available).

What’s included:

• Airport transfers in Nepal
• All relevant surface transfer
• All hotel accommodation with breakfast
• All meals on trek (B,L,D)
• All internal flights (with Tara Air, Summit Air, Sita Air or Yeti Air), inclusive Airport Taxes and 15kg free luggage
• Sightseeing with entrance fees, guide and vehicle
• Trekking Permit, Lobuche East and Island Peak climbing permit, National Park Entrance/Conservation Fees
• Mountain guide, climbing guide and porters
• 15 kg free luggage on trekking tours, carried by porter
• Climbing equipment like two-men tents, fix and main ropes, snow bar, carabiners, ice screw, kitchen equipment
• Cook and kitchen staff during Lobuche East and Island Peak climbing
• Quality service
• Oxygen set
• Oxymeter
• Satellite Phone

Not Included:

• International flights
• Additional tours and meals that are not mentioned
• Beverages
• Personal bills
• Visas (US $50)
• Excess baggage charge (beyond 15 Kg each)
• Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
• Tips

Important notes for mountain climbing
In order to participate in our mountain tours, you must meet specific physical requirements. This includes no fear of heights, absolute surefootedness, and excellent health. You should have also mastered independent walking in a rope team and climbing with ice axes and crampons. You should also be able to independently and safely walk in difficult terrains such as on moraine, in scree, on grassy slopes, and scree covered glaciers.

On the tours, you will have to master steep ice passages of up to 60° and other physical challenges. Your cardiac and circulation system should of course be healthy. Proof of good health from your doctor is required for booking.

Opinion and behaviour compromises are necessary for these sort of trips. Tolerance and willingness to help the group members as well as the guides and local helpers are absolute requirements for this.

Reaching the summit can be extremely difficult and in extreme cases impossible due to adverse weather conditions (fog, heavy rain, snow, wind) and other adverse conditions. In this case, our responsible mountain guides are authorised to cancel further ascent for the protection and health of all concerned. In such cases, personal interests must be put on the back burner. There are no recourse claims.

We point out that all domestic flights in Nepal are visual flights and in bad weather may be delayed or even cancelled. Keeping to the programme can depend on the feasibility of flights, among other things.

Additionally, the travel programme for all of our recommended tours is carefully planned. However, it is possible that roads need to be blocked or are impassable as a result of climatic events in the destination country. It is also possible that there may be delays of several hours due to traffic congestion or fuel shortages. This may also mean that access to attractions is blocked.
Our travel guides adjust to such situations and will endeavour to nevertheless achieve all the programme points to the satisfaction of the participants. The inconvenience is therefore usually kept within limits. Nevertheless, it should be noted at this point that the above-mentioned reasons can always result in changes to the programme. The pressures of such changes are beyond the responsibility of the organiser. The resulting costs are borne by the traveller. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Visa
Your visa can be issued on arrival at a counter at Kathmandu airport. Visa costs on arriving in Kathmandu amount to US $ 50 (stay of up to 30 days) and US $ 1125 (stay of up to 90 days).
The fees can also be paid in euros, which are converted by the bank at the airport in accordance with the dollar exchange rate. Two passport size photographs must be provided for the visa. At the time of the trip your passport must be valid for at least a further six months and have at least one blank page.These visa and passport regulations apply to EU countries, Switzerland and the USA. Other nationals should check with the relevant consular authorities.

Insurance
Travel health insurance (with recovery costs) is essential for your own safety and a precondition for participation in our trips. In the event of an accident in the mountains which requires a helicopter rescue, the helicopter will not take off before the responsibility for the cost is clarified.
The conclusion of travel cancellation insurance is highly recommended. In the case of bargain price flights in particular, changes or cancellations generally can’t be made free of charge. In Nepal complications with the weather or with your health could make it necessary to break off your journey.
We have requested ERGO (Reiseversicherung) to create various service packages for you. You can book travel health insurance at www.reiseversicherung.de.

Please note: ERGO insurance can be booked by residents of Germany and Austria. Those living in other countries are requested to book their travel insurance through an insurance provider in their own country.
It should be noted that geoDiscovery Tours advises its customers to book their travel insurance via ERGO as a recommendation only, and accepts no responsibility for the contractual content between the customer and the travel insurance provider. Customers can book their travel insurance via ERGO or another provider at their own discretion.

The hotels and lodges booked by us
In Kathmandu and Pokhara the hotels we book are good and correspond to medium-level Western standards. Sanitary facilities are clean and functional; the hotel cuisine is adapted to Western eating habits and the food is safe to enjoy. There may sometimes be power cuts, or no hot water may be available for a while. The hotel staff is generally very friendly and looks after the welfare of guests. The hotels booked by us are as follows:

Kathmandu: Hotel Tibet ***+
Pokhara: Mount Kailash Resort, Lake side retreat ***
Palpa/Tansen: Hotel Srinagar **
Lumbini: Hotel New Crystal ***
Chitwan: Jungle Villa Resort
Nagarkot: Nagarkot Farmhouse

During the trek and in the interior of the country conditions are very varied, and travelers must sometimes expect basic sanitation facilities. For standard treks and tours you will stay overnight in typical “lodges” (teahouses). These usually offer very small single rooms or double rooms (some with no running water and no private shower / toilet).
In general, during the trekking tour you can select what you wish to eat from the menu. However, at altitudes of 4,000 meters it can happen that on some routes the choice of food is not very extensive. Typical Nepalese cuisine is mostly vegetarian, but very tasty, filling and wholesome. Travelers need to be adaptable, however.

Flying in Nepal
The domestic flights booked by us are with Tara Air, Yeti Air, Sita Air, Summit Air or Buddha Air.