Lobuche Peak Climbing in Winter

Lobuche Peak (6,119 mt / 20,075) climbing in winter is climbing to one of the most popular trekking peaks of the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal soars above Lobuche village to the southwest of mighty Mt. Everest (8848.86m). Initially, it was climbed in 1984.

Lobuche is considered one of the most thrilling and challenging, non-expedition, trekking peaks in the Sagarmatha National Park, the highest national park on the planet. From the summit of the peak, you can witness unequaled views of the world’s highest mountains such as Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and several other neighboring peaks along with the Khumbu valley vividly.

Lobuche lies just west of the main Everest Base Camp trail and can be completed as a few days’ journeys from this popular trek. Climbing this peak is also considered a warm-up summit before climbing other high mountain massifs in the world. Climbing this peak in winter is an adventurous journey that leads you through the peaceful trails, there will be no queue in the restaurants, on the trails, or even at the summit.

As there are two main peaks in the Lobuche range; Lobuche West and Lobuche East. Both of them are linked by a ridgeline of about 2 km. The Western Peak is more technical and challenging and is considered an expedition peak rather than a trekking peak. Thus most of the climbers target Lobuche East via and is climbed a south ridge route.

Lobuche East is straightforward and can be attempted by all comers, even people without mountaineering know-how and experience, and we will brief you on the use of equipment. Still, it will be demanding and should be attempted only by people fit and acclimatized to high elevation.

The journey to Everest Region begins with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and will move towards the Everest region by an enchanting weeklong hike from the lowlands to the base camp.

Upon landing in Lukla, we assemble our team and ascend through the famous locations of the region, namely the sprawling Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Pangboche village, and more.

After ascending to a side valley between Dzongla and Lobuche, we depart from the main trail and take a side trail to our Base Camp. With acclimatization properly at Namche and Dingboche, we ensure ourselves adjusted to the environment surrounding us. On these days, we take the chance to explore the beautiful surrounding area while we become accustomed to the altitude.

Then, we ascend to Camp I which is about 5400 m above sea level and is moved near the ridgeline with a view of Khumbu Glacier. The next day, we push for the summit when the timing is right and marvel at the magnificent panorama as we enjoy our achievements.

Most people make it to the summit and return to Base Camp in a day. From here we trek back to Lukla following the same route of ascent and fly back to Kathmandu before the final departure.

Highlights of Lobuche Peak Climbing in winter

• Summit Lobuche Peak (6119m) in the winter months (December to February)
• Clear Skies, Chill morning and night but sunny day, clear weather, unobstructed sceneries
• Peaceful trekking/climbing routes, restaurants, readily available rooms, and no rush on the way
• Witness breathtaking Himalayan panorama from the top including the high mountain peaks such as Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, Mt Nuptse, Mt Amadablam, Mt Pumori, and several more peaks.
• Pass via the world’s highest glacier, Khumbu Glacier
• Trek passing the world’s most popular Everest Base Camp Trek route to Lobuche village
• Explore rural settlements of the Khumbu regions; Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche, and some others
• Pass the prayer flags, ancient monasteries, rickety suspension bridges, and more

Lobuche Peak Climbing Route

You might be worried about which route we follow while reaching Lobuche Peak. Here is the complete solution for all the queries. The journey to Lobuche Peak begins with a short yet enthralling flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Meeting all the crew members and preparing everything, we begin our trek towards the northern parts following the banks of the mighty Dudh Koshi River.

Following every step of our veteran trekking/climbing experts, we reach the villages of Phakding on the same day. From here, we ascend to Namche Bazaar, the largest Sherpa settlement in the entire region tomorrow.

Spending an extra night at Namche Bazaar for the acclimatization purpose, we further trek to Tengboche. We explore Tengboche Monastery and other monuments while we are there. The next day, walk to Dingboche where we will have a second acclimatization day.

Leaving Dingboche, we trek for Tengboche village. From Lobuche, the routes get separated where the EBC route heads towards Gorakshep, and Lobuche Peak’s path moves to Lobuche Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is just 8.5km southwest of the Lobuche village, which is why Everest Base Camp Trek is added too often in most of the Lobuche Peak itineraries.

After that, the Lobuche Peak climbing trail approaches the Lobuche Base Camp which resides at an altitude of 4,950m. After the Base Camp, the route heads upward just over the Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche High Camp(5,400m). The nights after Lobuche village have to be spent in the tented camps.

Now, the route becomes steeper and steeper where the summit track finds its way through a sharp snow ridge. Now, the route turns towards the northwest of the peak where some snow bumps and notches lie. After that is the final summit climb over a steep part towards the summit point.

After the successful climb, we climb back to the high camp and further to the base camp before descending to Lobuche village. From the route of ascent, we gradually trek back to Lukla before flying back to Kathmandu and spending a couple of days.

The main advantage of setting this journey in winter is the entire route will be almost empty and we can walk peacefully in the teahouses, we will have choices of rooms. The food will be served fresher and more quickly than in the high seasons.

Next, some of the novice climbers wish to summit Lobuche peak adjoining this journey with Everest Base Camp Trek. For this, we should go to Everest Base Camp directly and back to Lobuche village and set up another adventure to Lobuche Peak expedition. Reaching Everest Base Camp before climbing this peak will be much more beneficial as you are already reached 5364m, you will have plenty of acclimatization in the high altitudes, and will be less difficult for climbing Lobuche.

How difficult is Lobuche Peak Climbing?

Lobuche Peak is one of those trekking peaks of Nepal which is a bit more technical than other similar peaks. The climbing above the high camp includes some steep and high elevated trekking and hard ascent. Before climbing this peak, some high-elevated journeys such as Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Annapurna Circuit (Thorong La), or Annapurna Base Camp Trek are highly recommended.

For this climbing in winter, you need to walk to Lobuche Peak Base Camp from Lukla which takes around seven days. In a day, you will cover around 10-12 kilometers and spend 5-6 hours on average.

The hiking trails are not plain but steep and tiring. Beginners who have not trekked before can face some problems while trekking days. The trek is around the higher parts of the Khumbu region so a foreigner can struggle with altitude sickness.

Upon leaving Lobuche village, the trail starts to get rough, steady, and rocky. Climbers should walk a steep and snowy section just a few climbs below the summit which is sloped at around 45°. This particular part is as lengthy as 50m and it can be more difficult than other sections.

Beginners face more problems at this part of Lobuche Peak climbing and they have to give a real test of their skills. However, notwithstanding the abovementioned things, Lobuche Peak is a doable trekking peak. But, travelers have to have prior mountaineering training, practice, and knowledge.

Recommended Gear List for Lobuche Peak Climbing in Winter

Here is the list of gear and equipment for the winter Lobuche Climb. You need to take extra care in those gears as you are submitting this peak in off-peak season.

For Head and Face

• Warm Hat: Wool or synthetic that covers the ears
• Buff or Balaclava
• Sun Hat or Baseball Cap
• Glacier Glasses: Essential eye protection at altitude. Wrap around style or side shields. A category 4 lens is required.
• Sunscreen: SPF 30+
• Lip Balm: SPF 30+
• Climbing LED Headlamp: Bring three extra sets of batteries.

For Upper Body

• Baselayer Tops: One synthetic long-sleeve shirt (Hoods for sun protection are advised)
• Mid-layer Top: A synthetic or fleece top.
• Softshell Jacket: This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket (Hoods are highly recommended)
• Hardshell Jacket: A fully waterproof shell (Hoods are advised)
• Insulated Jacket: Heavyweight down (700+ fill or higher is recommended)

For Lower Body

• Baselayer Bottom: One pair. Synthetic, no cotton.
• Softshell Pants: One pair. Synthetic, stretchy, non-insulated.
• Hardshell Pants: One pair of (GORE-TEX) pants; Full-length side zips are required
• Gaiters: Full-sized waterproof gaiters that must fit snugly over your mountaineering boots.

For Handwear

• Lightweight Softshell Gloves: Two pairs (Leather palms offer durability and grip)
• Heavyweight Gloves: Insulated gloves ( mitten with GORE-TEX)  waterproof outer.
• Footwear
• Expedition Boots: Full shank crampon compatible double plastic, or Heavyweight synthetic/ hybrid mountaineering boots are required.
• Mediumweight Socks: Two pairs or synthetic socks.
• Heavyweight Socks: Two pairs of wool or synthetic socks for sleeping in and summit day.

For Sleeping

• Sleeping Bag: Bring a warm bag (rated to -20ᵒ celsius)
• Sleeping Pads: A full-length closed-cell foam pad or an inflatable pad

For Packing and Backpack

• Backpack: 60-liter pack for personal gear (should have an effective waist belt, fit properly and provide good support while carrying 45-60 lbs)
• Liner Bags: 1 large plastic contractor bag.
• Day Pack: Lightweight 30-liter pack 
• Duffel Bag: One large, waterproof PVC duffel bag for transporting gear via porters or pack animals (We Provide)

Climbing Gear

• Ice Axe: 55-75 cm mountaineering axe,
• Crampons: 12-point steel with anti-balling plates,
• Climbing Helmet: Lightweight
• Alpine Harness: Lightweight alpine harness with adjustable leg loops.
• Trekking Poles: Adjustable and collapsible with snow baskets.
• Locking Carabiners: (2) Large pear-shaped, screw gate locking carabiners.
• Non-Locking Carabiners: (2) Wire gate non-locking carabiners.
• Ascender: Left or right handed
• Rappel/Delay device: Figure 8 recommended
• Nylon Slings: (2) 60 cm nylon slings

Hydration

• Water Bottles: Two, 1L wide-mouth plastic bottles
• Water Purification System (Tablets)
• Personal Travel, Health, and First Aid
• Travel wallet for passport, cash, and travel documents
• Two (2) passport photos
• Casual travel clothes
• Personal snacks (mix of sweet and salty whole foods such as nuts, dried fruit, dried meat and energy foods such as Gu, and Clif Bars)
• Plastic bowl, insulated mug, and spoon
• Toilet paper, blue bag, or wag bag
• Hand sanitizer (several small bottles)
• Small soap
• Quick-dry towel
• Toothbrush/paste
• Nail trimmers
• Baby wipes
• Earplugs
• Camera
• Altitude watch

For Medicare

• Small personal first-aid kit including with
• Diamox / acetalzolamide: 125 mg
• NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen
• Antibiotics: such as Azithromycin for upper respiratory, Ciproflaxin for gastrointestinal
• Melatonin
• Antacids
• Cold and flu meds
• Blister kit
• Bandaid
• Wound closure strips
• Triple antibiotic ointment
• Any personal prescription meds or asthma meds

A typical day while climbing Lobuche Peak in Winter

Each day travelers will get a new, exciting and wonderful experience and travelers will enjoy the landscapes, capture pictures of the new places, and try local food to interact with the indigenous people. Our climbing team consists of a trekking guide, climbing Sherpa, and porters who will make your journey comfortable and more interesting and you will enjoy each moment.

The day breaks with an early morning breakfast. The mornings in winter are chill until the sun rises. Now the trek begins, but the exact time differs according to the places and trail conditions. Walking approximately halfway, we have lunch around midday. After having lunch, we get to rest for about an hour and continue on the trails. The afternoon walk will normally be short, around 2 or 3 hours.

Reaching the daily destination, you can snack on your extra dietary food and explore new places. At around seven, we get our meal. After dinner, your trek/climbing leader will brief you about the next day’s plan. Then, you will have plenty of free time for yourself. During this time, you can entertain yourself by playing board games such as cards, monopoly, or chess. If you have books, you can read them or discuss your experience with fellow travelers. Most of our guests also show interest in learning a few fun Nepali words from our crew. Then, when you are sleepy, you can head to bed. 

However, on the climbing days, the itinerary is less fixed as climbing totally depends much on the climber, weather conditions, and routes. Our climbing leader will always take extra care of you and look out for safer options. Sometimes, you need to cross icy rocks, and ridges and should walk passing the glaciers, but you need not be worried. Our guides will arrange a safe climb. The Sherpas will fix new ropes at difficult sections of the path.

Final Say

Lobuche Peak Climbing in winter is a wonderful journey that takes you to the peak of Lobuche (6119m) on winter days. As the days will be somehow cold but all other things will remain favorable; the weather, trails, restaurants, and so on. It will be a novice yet adventurous journey to climb in the winter months. Only you need is previous hiking experience along with physical strength and mental determination.