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.
Inquire About Nov 2025
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.
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.
Ready?
Experience Transcendence
What to expect
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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.
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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
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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.
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General Itinerary
Days 1-2: Kathmandu
Days 3-12: Trekking
Days 13-17: Climb
Days 18-19: Trek
Day 20: Kathmandu
Day 21: Contingency
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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
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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
The north faces of Taboche (center) and Cholatse (right) on descent from Lobuche East.