The Climb
The summit of Lobuche East is located just 8.7 miles from the summit of Mount Everest. At 20,075 feet, this striking peak required good physical conditioning and adequate time to adjust to the high altitude.
From the airstrip in Lukla, it takes seven days of trekking through the spectacular Khumbu region to reach Advance Base Camp at 18,212 feet. The route up the South Ridge begins with steep (50°) snow and ice slopes, where the expedition guides fixed lines to assist and protect our veterans.
A high camp was established where the slopes meet the ridge, allowing the team to get a good rest before their summit bid. A sinuous, knife-edged snow ridge leads directly to the top, although a false summit is the high point for most climbers.
Our team continued to the true East Summit of Lobuche, which required either descending into a notch and up the final snow slopes, or rigging a rope traverse between these points.
From the summit, our veterans were treated to incredible views of Ama Dablam (22,349 feet), Pumori (23,494 feet), Nuptse (25,790 feet), Lhotse (27,940 feet), and towering above all, Everest (29,029 feet).
The descent to Base Camp was done in only a few hours. This expedition was designed to be inclusive of different ability levels. For some, reaching Base Camp and helping with logistics was a worthy goal. Others opted to climb nearby Kala Patar (18,222 feet) or visit Everest Base Camp, both challenging endeavors.
Itinerary
The expedition was from October 2 – October 21, 2010.
Click here for the detailed Itinerary …
Lobuche the Mountain
Lobuche (also spelled Lobuje) is a Nepalese mountain which lies close to the Khumbu Glacier. There are two main peaks, Lobuche Far East and Lobuche East (often mistaken for Lobuche West which is a separate mountain further west). At 6,145 meters (20,161 ft), Lobuche East is 26 meters (85 ft) higher. Between the two peaks is a long deeply notched ridge. The first recorded ascent of Lobuche East was made by Laurence Nielson and Sherpa Ang Gyalzen on April 25, 1984.
Trekking Info
A small group of supporters were provided the opportunity to trek to Base Camp for a donation to the expedition. While the expedition is climbing Lobuche, these trekkers continued on to Kala Patar, which overlooks Everest Base Camp, and ultimately Everest Base Camp itself.
