Imja Tse + Lobuche East

Climb

6,189m / 20,320

Himalayan climbing dreams, well within reach.

6,119m / 20,075’

Imja Tse & Lobuche East Are The quintessential introductory himalayan Mountaineering experiences.

18 NOV - 06 Dec 2024*

Price: $7,500

Deposit: $1,500
Location: Nepal
Region: Everest
Duration: 21 Days
Type: Trek + Mountaineering
Difficulty: Strenuous 🥵

*Add 2 travel days before; 1 travel day after.

Hosted By

Chris Brinlee, Jr.

Chris Brinlee, Jr.

Founder of Transcendent Expeditions, Chris has a decade of experience mountaineering and trekking in the Himalaya. He’s climbed four peaks higher than 6,000 m; two of them via technical routes; one of which was solo. Over the course of eight trips to Nepal, he’s embarked on half-a-dozen different treks, and this itinerary represents a fantastic, logical linkup in the Khumbu.

Trip Highlights

90 Miles / 145 km +45,000’ / +13,700m -45,000’ / -13,700m

With simple logistics; conveniently-located basecamps; approachable high-altitude climbing; and impeccable summit views—climbing Imja Tse (Island Peak) & Lobuche East offers an unparalleled first Himalayan mountaineering experience.

Experience Transcendence

What to expect

  • Activities

    Moderate (and sometimes strenuous) hiking on mostly good trails, covering 6 to 10 miles (10 - 16 km) and typically +3,000’ (+900 m) on most days; through rugged terrain; at a starting elevation of approximately 9,380’ (2,860 m,) up to a maximum elevation of 18,200' (5,360 m.) The longest day will be 8-9 hours of hiking; 14 miles (22.5 km,) +5,500’ (1,675 m.)

    Mountaineering on Imja Tse & Lobuche East consists of 3rd class scrambling and steep snow climbing along fixed lines—totaling approximately 2,500’-3,500’ of elevation gain from Base Camp to the summits at 20,320’ and 20,160’, respectively.

  • Climate

    Autumn temperatures are typically 50-70° F during the day, and 14-45° F at night. Rain or snow is possible.

    Temperatures at base camp will be cold. The climbs and summits will be colder—potentially below 0° F / -18° C

  • Lodging & Cuisine

    Accommodation consists of scenic and comfortable Nepalese inns and lodges throughout villages along the way. Each of the lodges has blankets available for use, however, your own sleeping bag may provide the best warmth and comfort.

    At base camp, we’ll sleep in mountaineering tents. Sleeping pads will be provided.

    Cuisine, while often vegetarian, is usually made-to-order and prepared from scratch using locally-grown vegetables. A team cook will provide meals at base camp for the climbs.

  • General Itinerary

    Days 1-2: Kathmandu

    Days 3-12: Trekking

    Days 13-17: Climb

    Days 18-19: Trek

    Day 20: Kathmandu

    Day 21: Contingency

  • Group Size

    Up to 6 Climbers + Chris + Expedition Photographer

    2 Trekking Guides + 1 Porter / 2 People

    2 Climbing Guides for the team on Summit Days

  • Gear + Apparel

    Participants are encouraged to bring their own mountaineering gear, but Transcendent Expeditions can provide rental equipment if needed. Additionally, TE will provide camp shelters and kitchen for the climbing objectives.

    Each participant is required to provide their own winter/6000m mountaineering boots, sleeping bag, and technical mountaineering apparel.

    A detailed gear list will be sent to each participant.

Imja Tse base camp at sunset.

Itinerary

 

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel Thamel Park

Day 2

Gear check, official formalities, and welcome dinner in Kathmandu

Day 3

Early morning flight to Lukla; trek to Phakding

Day 4

Trek from Phakding to Namche

Day 5

Trek from Namche to Khumjung

Day 6

Trek from Khumjung to Deboche via Tengboche Monastery

Day 7

Trek from Deboche to Dingboche

Day 8

Acclimatization day in Dingboche; Hike to Nagarjun Hill

Day 9

Trek from Dingboche to Chukhung; meet climbing guides

Day 10

Pre-climb training day + Chukhung Ri acclimatization hike

Day 11

Rest in preparation for summit day

Day 12

Trek to Imja Tse Base Camp

Day 13

Summit day on Imja Tse; descend; trek to Chukkung

Day 14

Trek from Chukkung to Lobuche via Kongma La (5,400m)—optional climb of Pokalde (5,806m)

Day 15

Trek from Lobuche to Lobuche East Base Camp

Day 16

Rest day at Lobuche East Base Camp

Day 17

Climb Lobuche East; descend to Periche

Day 18

Trek from Periche to Namche

Day 19

Trek from Namche to Lukla

Day 20

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Day 21

Contingency Day

What’s Included

Included

  • Transportation to and from the airport in Kathmandu

  • Two nights at Hotel Thamel Park in Kathmandu at beginning of trek; includes breakfast and is based on double occupancy*

  • One night at Hotel Thamel Park in Kathmandu after returning from trek; includes breakfast and is based on double occupancy*

  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu

  • Round-trip flight to Lukla

  • Park fees and permit fees

  • Trekking guides

  • Trekking & climbing porters

  • All lodging while trekking

  • All meals while trekking

  • Climbing guides

  • All group climbing supplies such as tents, stoves, etc.

  • Camp staff

  • Radio communications

  • Emergency medical oxygen

Not Included

  • International round-trip airfare and travel expenses to/from Kathmandu

  • Meals in Kathmandu (except for welcome dinner)

  • Any additional hotel nights in Kathmandu not included

  • Recommended insurance policies (medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, etc.)

  • Personal gear & equipment

  • Excess baggage fees

  • International airport departure taxes and Nepal entry visas

  • RT-PCR or Antigen test required for return to United States

  • Customary guide gratuities

  • Support Staff Tip Pool (we suggest $250 per person)

  • Satellite telephone, air charges and internet use

  • Personal expenses, room charges, and beverages

  • Any expenses from COVID-19 or COVID-19 testing that causes delays or quarantine requirements such as additional lodging, food, transfers, border issues, delayed test results, etc.

“I never thought that visiting the himalaya was possible for an ordinary Woman like me, but after experiencing nepal, i realized how accessible it is.”

—Tiffany aka @FollowTiffsJourney, who joined Chris on a trip to Nepal in 2021

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The north faces of Taboche (center) and Cholatse (right) on descent from Lobuche East.