TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

The Lobuche or Lobuje Mountain consists of two different summits, viz. East and West with heights of 6,119 m and 6,145 m respectively. A continuous ridge connects them but there is still a sharp gap and a considerable distance between them. The East Peak is recognized as a trekking peak, whereas the West is known as an Expedition Peak. Lobuche being an attractive mountain offers various existing routes and also a potential for new ones. The dark triangle of its rocky East face rises over the moraines of the Khumbu Glacier to a spectacular skyline, forming the south ridge. Descending a marked notch and climbing steep snowy slopes to the top reach the peak of Lobuche East. On most occasions, the mountain is climbed on the summit ridge only as far as a subsidiary snow summit, south east of the true peak and before the notch. This peak is identified as the false peak. To reach the true summit of Lobuche East, which is a continuation on the knife-edged ridge heading North West, and it is another couple hours climb from the false summit. A fall here would be disastrous. Very few climbers who attempt this peak reach the real summit, but mostly attain the worth-while false summit. Good conditions and a dawn or pre-dawn start is recommended. Laurence Nielson and Ang Gyalzen Sherpa made the first ascent to Lobuche East on 25 April 1984 although there are possibilities that others have reached the summit before. But no records are available.

Lobuje Peak is officially classified as a group “B” trekking peak by Nepal Mountaineering Association and this peak offers a challenging climb but attainable climbing objective and is an ideal mission for trainee mountaineers. The peak is regarded as the hardest of the trekking peaks. The climber must be proficient in using climbing gears like ice axe and crampons etc.

Itinerary

Fixed Departures

Trip gallery