Lobuche East and Island Peak Climbing
Trekking Map
Lobuche East and Island Peak climbing is certainly one of the most intensive 6,000 m peak tours which Nepal has to offer.
The adventure begins with an impressive panoramic flight to Lukla. From there the trail leads through river valleys and wooded mountains, up to the glacier-covered heights of the ice giants. Your companions are the imposing peaks of Ama Dablam (6,860 m), Thamserku (6,623 m), Cholatse (6,440 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Nuptse (7,861 m) and of course the highest of them all, Mount Everest (8,848 m).After the hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) you tackle the summit of Lobuche East (6.119 m). The mountain panorama from Lobuche East is breathtaking and ranks among the finest in Nepal. From the summit you can admire four of the 8,000 m peaks: Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lothse and Makalu, as well as numerous other mountain giants including Ama Dablam (the Matterhorn of the Himalayas).
For the grand finale you climb Island Peak (6.189 m) and let yourself be enchanted by the massive ice formations. You then make your way back to Lukla, happy and full of many beautiful impressions.
This breathtaking tour is entirely suitable for novice mountaineers, but it requires sound mountain hiking and climbing experience, as well as surefootedness and freedom from vertigo.
Trip Details
Duration: 24 days
Holiday Type: Lodge - and Camping Trekking
Best trekking Period: Oct/Nov/Mar/Apr/May
Trek Grade: Strenuous
Max Altitude: Lobuche East Peak at 6.119 m and Island Peak at 6.189 m
Group Size: Min 4 persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of only four persons)
Tour Guide: English speaking, trained Nepalese mountain and climbing guide
Costs: € 3.390 per person
€ 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).Difficulty Level:
Fitness Level:
Trekking Map
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu Airport pickup and transfer to hotel.
Itroductions are given in the afternoon. In the evening you are invited for dinner with your mountain guide. Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar (D).Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for the trek
Today we explore Kathmandu with a local city guide. The day is flexible and is designed according to what you would like to see. The most popular places and attractions are generally Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple with an area for burning the dead, Swayambhunath – also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, the Boudhanath stupa, Durbar Square and Thamel – the main tourist centre of Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar (B).Day 03: Flight Katmandu to Lukla trek to Phakding (2.652 m)/ 35 min flight and 3 – 4 hours trek
Early morning flight by small twin otter to Lukla (2,800m. After final preparations, the trekking starts passing Chaurikharka village, and makes a descent towards the DudhkosiGhat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the precise bank of the Dudhkosi River until the lodge at Phakding is reached. This first day is short for acclimatisation reasons. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3.440 m) / 5 – 6 hour
The trail crosses the Dudhkoshi River through a long suspension bridge then the trail leads you crossing side by side along the river to Hilary’s Suspension Bridge. The trail further climbs from here to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft). Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 05: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
This is an essential acclimatising day in Namche Bazaar to help your body adapt to the gain in altitude as we climb higher but return to sleep lower. Today we take a morning walk up the steep ridge line above Namche. As the trail climbs we get good views of the main Everest Base Camp trail which we will be walking over the coming days. At the top of the ridge the trail then contours round the hillside to the Everest view point. The views on this walk, both going up and down, are spectacular. On the way back we have lunch next to the interesting Sherpa Culture & Everest Mountaineering Museum which is well worth a visit. After lunch we return to the lodge and in the afternoon you can relax or explore Namche, there is a colourful market each Saturday. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4.200 m) / 7 – 8 hour
The route starts by climbing up to the Shyangboche airstrip. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. We walk down a little further, and turn left to climb stairs and then walk through the forest of birch and junipers. We will reach the beautiful village of PhortseTenga, a tiny village with only few teahouses. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 07: Dole to Machhermo (4.470 m) / 5 – 6 hour
The trail climbs to Labharma and Luza. The path is steep in most of the places as it climbs through scrub junipers. Cross one more branch ridge and we will come to a wide valley and arrive at Machhermo. This is the village where it is believed that a Yeti killed several yaks and attacked Sherpa women. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo (4.870 m) /3 – 4 hour
Today we will finally arrive in Gokyo. From Machhermo, it is a vertical climb up to the moraine from where the stream comes to a small lake. We can enjoy the views of wood ducks here. The trail follows the valley past the second lake and finally up to the jumble of rocks and boulders and reaches isolated Gokyo Lake. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 09: Rest and Acclimatisation with climbing Gokyo Ri (5.357m)
The views around Gokyo are tremendous. We have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful isolated Himalayan scenes by exploring around and early morning climb to GokyoRi (5357m/19,216ft). It is a two -hour climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawachee. We will take this easy day for rest and acclimatisation. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 10: Trek to Dragnag (4.700m) Approx. 4 hr
We cross Ngozumpa Glacier, the valley floor. After an hour and a half we reach Yak Huts where we rest and have lunch. After lunch we continue on a steep trail and camp at the foot of the pass. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 11: Crossing Cho La (5.420m) and trek to Dzong La (4.830m) / 7 – 8 hr
In the early morning, we ascend steeply to the Cho La (pass). As we near pass, we reach Snow Line and a high round traverse (large snowfield) before descending steeply over rock to the Yak pastures at Dzongla. The difficulty of crossing will be determined by the weather and snow conditions. We carry ropes, crampons, and ice picks in case it’s necessary to use them. But the views are absolutely stunning. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 12: Lobuche High Camp (5.270m) / 5 hr
After breakfast, we take a slow walk over the gradual descend to Thukla for lunch and after lunch we ascend up to the base camp of Lobuche Peak for the overnight stay in a tented camp. Our climbing guide will introduce the cook and the porter who brings all the camping equipment and the food for the climbing period. Overnight at camping site (B,L,D)Day 13: Lobuche Summit (6.119 m) / 10-12 hr and trek to Thukla (4.620 m)
Our mountain guide will wake you up at 2 in the morning and prepare you for the summit hike. The chef provides breakfast and the required packed lunches, which you will need for the day trip to the summit. We set off at around 4 am to the summit. Our ascent route begins over boulders, rocks, and smaller rock steps. There is some easy rock climbing to be overcome here. This is followed by a snow flank to the foot of the south-east ridge. The climb is 45-60 degrees steep in places and there are fixed ropes on the difficult passages. We should reach the summit at about 9-10 am in the morning. After about one hour resting on the peak, we return to base camp. After lunch we will descent to Thukla. Overnight at teahouse Camping site or lodge (B,L,D).Day 14: Rest and Reserve Day
We have scheduled this reserve day to increase your chances to reach the summit. Overnight at camping site /teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 15: Trek to Chukhung (4.730 m) – 6 walking hr
We descend down with gradual downhill slope to Dingboche for lunch. After lunch we continue in an easy flat trail to Chukhung for the overnight stay in a lodge there. Chukung is just beneath Island peak and Ama Dablam towering over this tiny village. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B, L,D)Day 16: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (4.970 m) / 4 walking hr
Today our staff will set up the camp and we slowly walk up to the high camp. We have to spend the night in tents as there are no any lodges available. Overnight at camping site (B, L,D)Day 17: Summit Island Peak (6.189 m) and trek to Chukhung / 10- 12 walking hrs
Shortly after midnight we start the ascent. First, we go over a narrow and rocky path and then continue along a talus slope to the edge of the glacier at 5,800m. Harnesses and crampons are prepared here and we slowly climb to the wall foot (6,000m). From here, the installed fixed ropes help us up the 45 degrees steep snow flank. The last 30m key point is 60 degrees steep, and then we’ve done it, we’re at the top! Amazing views of Makalu, Lotse, and numerous 7,000m peaks and the hard climb will be long forgotten. Then we go back down the ascent route to base camp. After a break, we continue to Chukhung from 4,900m. Overnight at lodge (B, L,D)Day 18: Rest and Reserve day
If the weather is not optimal on the day of the summit climb, we have scheduled this reserve day to increase your chances to reach the Island Peak summit. Overnight at camping site/lodge (B, L,D)Day 19: Trek to Tengboche (3.875m) – 6 hr
Today we contour down from Chukung to Tengboche and visit the famous Buddhist monastery there. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 20: Namche Bazaar / 5 walking hrs
After breakfast we descend to Imja Khola and take an easy uphill trail to Namche. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 21: Trek to Lukla (2.800m) / 6 walking hrs
We take an easy trail through Sherpa villages to Lukla and enjoy a farewell party with our Sherpa crew. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D)Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu
Transfer to hotel & rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel Tibet or similar (B)Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu
Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar (B)Day 24: Fly back home
Transfer to Kathmandu airport / Farewell (B)We reserve the right to make program changes due to special events, force majeure, or weather conditions.
german speaking travel guide
english speaking travel guideApril 11th, 2020 Request booking October 10th, 2020 Request booking This trekking tour can also be booked for your group at dates other than shown here.
Duration: 24 days
Costs: € 3.390 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 https://www.reiseversicherung.de/vrv/partner/ep-Assistent.html?/data/agent/hagtnr=027256&/data/agent/nagtnr=000000.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 FarmhouseDuring 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.
