In Khumbu valley, if we think about trekking peaks then at first Island Peak comes to our mind. As Island Peak is the oldest and very well-known peak in Nepal. However, In my view, Lobuche peak is a better destination compared to Island Peak in many ways. My leader in the Lobuche peak was Dan Mazur. He and his Sherpas friends have been successfully running and leading Lobuche peak and the Everest View Glacier School for 20 Years.
Lobuche peak is for the one who is a fit trekker. If you would like to be a trekking peak climber then this trek is perfect for you. Just like the Island peak climb it just takes single day from basecamp to reach to the summit of Lobuche peak. There is more green pristine alpine beauty in Lobuche than Island Peak.
Season to climb Lobuche Peak
Lobuche peak can be climbed any time but if you are looking for the best season to climb Lobuche Peak then the company which I have been associated with, runs in April and November that is twice a year. In November we can see a clear sky with the sunny day but cool nights. However, in April it’s a bit warmer and has few clouds as well.
Required Equipment
Are you curious about the equipment you need for the Lobuche peak? Don’t worry I will make a list of it from my experience of climbing it. You can either buy it from your home or it can be purchased in Kathmandu. You can get it on rent at a very affordable price. Similarly, you can purchase a new one as well as second hand. SummitClimb assisted me in visiting the mountain shops in Kathmandu. Here is the list of equipment needed to trek Lobuche Peak:
- Thick warm down jacket
- A normal trekking cloth
- Gloves for rope work
- Warm insulated trousers
- Warm mitts
- Wind and waterproof goretex shell cloth
- Warm hat
- Sun hat
- Ankle-high trekking shoes
- Snow boots
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Harness
- Carabiners
- Head torch with extra batteries
- Slings
- Goggles
- Water bottles (3 in quantity, at least 1 liter each)
- Mattress
- Sleeping bag
Carrying these all things will be heavy right? so, here is the good news that you don’t need to carry it, during the trek yaks and porters will carry for you and while climbing Sherpas will carry it for you. Lobuche Peak cost is nearly 50% less compared to Everest expedition cost. After your climb to Lobuche Peak you are a step closer saying “I want to climb Everest”. The new height of Mount Everest is 8848.86 meter. You can carry junk food like chips, nuts, and cookies with you although you get a three-time meal from SummitClimb. Don’t forget to bring personal medicine and lip balm with you.
What is so Special about Lobuche Peak?
From Dugla teahouses along the Everest base camp trek to the base camp of Lobuche has pretty lakes and traversing grassy meadows. Lobuche is known for its gorgeous grassy base camp in the fields near Dzhongla Tea Houses. A few distances near Lobuche we practice rock climbing as there is a small rock cliff. The adventure trekking route to the Cho La Pass takes us to Lobuche peak. We can find a picturesque lake along with a lovely high camp. Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse can be viewed from the summit of Lobuche Peak.
