Discover the wonders of the Himalayas with the certified guides at Benegas Brothers Expeditions on an unforgettable Everest Base Camp Trek and Lobuche East summit ascent!
Group
Himalaya
23 Days
Apr, May
High
Intermediate
Would you like to join one of the best treks in the Himalayas? Then this 23-day Everest Base Camp and Lobuche summit trek is a must for you.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most well-known treks in Nepal. It is ideal for those that want to go deep into the Himalaya mountain culture and explore its landscapes and people. Although we will not reach the Everest summit, the Everest Base Camp Trek will give you a taste of the highest mountain in the world. Furthermore, on this trip, we will also have the chance to climb to the top of the stunning Lobuche East, which stands tall at an altitude of 6,119 m (20,075 ft) in the Khumbu region.
The Khumbu region of Nepal is home to some of the country’s highest mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Lobuche. It is a place scattered with charming villages and sacred valleys, prayer flags and musical yak bells. On this 23-day adventure, you will have the chance to explore the wonders of this beautiful region and be inspired by this amazing location, plus see it all from the top of one of its most stunning mountains. You can find a detailed day by day itinerary below.
Of course, as with any prolonged trek, you will need a good fitness level to join. We will be there to help and guide you every step of the way. And, if you would like a more easy-going program, you can also join the 19-day Everest Base Camp Trek without the Lobuche ascent.
So, are you ready for an unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal? Then book your place and join us on this wonderful adventure in the Himalayas!
Arrival in Kathmandu, Yak and Yeti Hotel for two nights (shared rooms).
Today we visit the Monkey Temple, Bodnath Stupa and the Pashupatinath Temple.
After an early start, we fly via Twin Otter to the unforgettable landing strip of Lukla Airport (2,800 meters). Weather permitting, this flight offers outstanding views of the eastern Himalayas. We overnight at Phakding which is just a short three-hour hike from Lukla (2,610 meters).
We continue our trek deeper into the Khumbu region making various elevation gains or acclimatization hikes each day. Our two-night stops at both our Namche Bazaar (3,444 meters) and later Pheriche aid our body’s adjustment. Arriving in Namche, we may see lowland porters, highland Sherpas, and Tibetan people trading food and supplies during Namche’s market time. Hiking time 6 hours approx.
Acclimatization Hike – 3,444 meters sleep.
Today we will pass through the village of Tengboche (3,865 meters), the cultural and religious center of the Khumbu, from where the views are spectacular: the jagged peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega stand to our south and Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam are visible to the north. The Tengboche Monastery is one of the most well-known in the world and the Rinpoche is revered throughout the Buddhist community. Hiking time 7 hours approx.
Our next stop is Pheriche (4,207 meters), famous for its high altitude research center where world-renowned physicians acquire data to analyze the effects of high altitude on human physiology. During our stay, we visit the research center and have time to chat with staff physicians. Hiking time 5 hours approx.
Acclimatization Hike– 4,207 meters sleep.
Situated on the flank of an old lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, as the trail winds through the high tundra and glacial moraine to reach Gorak Shep (5,158 meters), Lobuche is the last inhabited area before Everest Base Camp. Hiking time 6 hours approx.
From Gorak Shep, we will make an ascent of Kala Patthar (5,577 meters), a small peak with excellent views of Everest, Nuptse, and nearby Pumori. Many Everest photos are taken from the summit of Kala Patthar, from where we also look down onto Everest Base Camp. Hiking time 4 hours approx.
Our team will finally hike into base camp and find BBE’s camp, settling in for two nights and a warm welcoming celebration with the climbers and Sherpas. Whilst we are at Base Camp we can walk to the base of the Khumbu Icefall to get a closer view of the route that weaves its way through enormous jumbled seracs. Hiking time 3.5 hours approx.
Today we have a chance to review cramponing, ice axe, and belay skills from Everest Base Camp.
Saying farewells to the trekking team headed for Pheriche, we spend a night back at Lobuche.
Today we make a considerable ascent to high camp, mostly on rocky terrain. Our high, just below crampon point for summit day, has wonderful views. Shared VE-25 tents.
An early start for our summit bid, to climb the south shoulder of Lobuche East before ascending the summit ridge, where we rope up to follow this classic ridge to the 6119m summit where outstanding views of Everest, Lhotse and Nupste, and Ama Dablam await, amongst others. We then continue down to Lobuche East Base Camp for the evening.
We begin our return to lower altitudes and quickly feel the difference in our lungs. Our first overnight stop is at the village of Pheriche, right on the vegetation line. We spend our second night of descent in the now seemingly lush Deboche before arriving back in Namche Bazaar on Day 19.
Our final day of trekking from Namche Bazaar down to Lukla.
Early morning flight to KTM (weather permitting) and free day to relax and enjoy the restaurants of Kathmandu. Yak and Yeti Hotel for two nights.
Free final day in Kathmandu for some final souvenir shopping / this day must be available in case of delayed flights in or out of Lukla or if weather postpones our trek at any point.
5.0
(10)
Mountain Guide
Twin brothers Damian and Willie Benegas are two of the most respected climbers and mountaineers that Patagonia has produced. They boast an impressive 20 years' experience climbing and guiding expeditions in the Seven Continents, including tailor-made trips and group tours.
Benegas Brothers Expeditions' track record is proven by its outstanding safety and summit rates and the fact that clients keep coming back year after year.
It was their father's love for mountaineering and the outdoors that inspired Damian and WIllie as children to pursue their own adventures. Aconcagua and the mountains in northern Patagonia became their training ground and the place where they established themselves as world-class alpinists.
BBE was founded in 1992 and over the course of 20 seasons has guided clients from all over the world around the 4 corners of the world. The Benegas Brothers offer personalized adventures by prioritizing small groups in which family values and environmentally-friendly policies are of essence.
Join their expeditions in Patagonia, the Andes, the US and all over the world!
Languages
English
Certificates
AMGA | IFMGA
David
5
We had an excellent experience with Willie Benegas, he was knowledgeable and inclusive and would by all means join him again.
Jonathan
5
Willie was hugely experienced and adapted the day according to our inexperience, late middle age and heavy snow fall. It was an exhausting climb and when the weather became even more inclement we bailed out and skied down the way we had come. Willie had already displayed great flexibility with the date, trying hard to negotiate a series of storms coming across the region. In the end we made the best of a bad situation. Be prepared for additional expense. Touring skis, skins, boots and poles plus the backpacks, shovels, search poles and beacons all adds up. With tip that will add another $150 per person. The day was a real adventure and certainly a memorable one. Don't underestimate the level of fitness required. We are pretty fit but it didn't feel like it was enough!
Thomas
5
We all had a great day out with Willi. He found us some great snow to ski. And even with a few technical issues, he worked round it with ease. He shared alot of knowledge with us all, so we all had a great powder day. We would highly recommend this trip. Tom
alex
5
My guide Joseph was exceptional. His combination of local knowledge, avalanche expertise, trip/route planning, photography, and his fun, positive attitude made for an unforgettable experience. I’ll be back 100% !
John
5
Willie Benegas was a superb guide for our first BC ski adventure in the Wasatch. Friendly and highly competent, he accurately assessed the conditions and our ability, and planned a trip that was both challenging and fun. Highly recommended!
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