Lobuche, a peak located at the remote glaciers of Khumbu, is a popular expedition option among mountaineers. The mountain is the second most ventured peak near the Everest Base Camp region after the Island peak. The peak is popular due to its close vicinity to Mt Everest and easy access.
The mountain does not have many technical difficulties and is suitable for novices as well. Expeditions like Lobuche peak climbing, which is relatively easier, are open for mountaineers all year round. But we suggest that climbing Lobuche in March as it is one of the best expedition months.
Springtime, like March, brings myriad mountain climbers and trekkers to the region. March allows convenient access to the area with stable and temperate weather. You can also avoid weather factors like rainfall or snowfall as their risk is minimum this time of the year.
Along with weather convenience, March brings a serene environment in the region. By March, the snowfall in the remote mountain area gets fully dried up. The trekking trails and mountain ridges are dry making your journey easier. Moreover, risk of falls and accidents from slippery trails becomes slim.
Not only does Climbing Lobuche in March save you from discomfort, but it also adds to the aesthetics of the trip. A trip to Lobuche in March gives you a clear blue sky and a vibrant environment. You will notice the lush and thick alpine vegetation with rhododendron flowers blooming at their brightest.
The vistas of the region will be unrestricted and immaculate in the absence of heavy clouds. Overall, climbing Lobuche in March will be a wonderful spring adventure. Let’s dissect more about what climbing Lobuche in March looks like.
Outline Itinerary for the Lobuche expedition
We will meet and greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Then, we’ll take off for Lukla via plane from Kathmandu. We will then set off on foot from Lukla to Lobuche. Starting from Phakding, the road travels toward Namche Bazaar. We will then go to Gorak Shep from Namche and walk up to Kala Patthar for sightseeing. It will go via areas reached by the Tengboche- Dingboche- Lobuche routes.
We will return to Gorak Shep and trek to Lobuche Base Camp after sightseeing in Kala Patthar. Our expedition officially starts from the base camp as we slowly move toward Lobuche peak. We will climb to the high camp from the base camp and reach the mountain’s peak.
After reaching the top, we will return to the high camp and hike to Periche. Then we will go back to Namche Bazaar by way of Tengboche. Leaving Namche, now we’ll retrace our steps to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu. In the end, we will drop you off at the airport so you can catch a flight back to your place of origin.
Day 01: Pick up from the Int’L Airport, transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Preparation day.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2640m) Overnight in Lodge.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3446m) overnight in Lodge.
Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar (3446m) overnight in Lodge.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3800m) overnight in Lodge.
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4347m) overnight in Lodge.
Day 08: Trek to Labuche (4900m) overnight in Lodge.
Day 09: Trek to Kalapther (5545m) O/N Gorakshep (5150m).
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche Base Camp (4900m) overnight in Camp.
Day 11: Trek to Labuche High Camp (5300m) overnight in Camp.
Day 12: Lobuche summit (6119m) overnight in high camp.
Day 13: Trek to Pheruche (4200m) overnight in Lodge.
Day 14: Trek to Tengboche (3800m) overnight in Lodge.
Day 15: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3446m) overnight in Lodge.
Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2800m) overnight in Lodge.
Day 17: Lukla to kathmandu by flight and transfer to Hotel.
Highlights of Climbing Lobuche in March
- Clear blue sky with unrestricted vistas of various mountain ranges like Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, Mount Nuptse, Mount Amadablam, Mount Pumori, etc.,
- Trekking across the spectacular scenery of the Nepalese Himalayas in springtime
- Experience a wide range of waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, and diverse natural features after the mountain trail snow dry up in February
- Observe the landforms in their best and most vibrant form during March
- Discover the wildlife of the alpine region of Sagarmatha National Park during spring
- Awe-inspiring views of streams, waterfalls, and lakes formed by glaciers, such as those in Imja Khola, Dudh Koshi, etc. Early springtime, like March, makes the water bodies quite voluminous.
- Expand your social circle by making friends during the trip, as the trails will have many trekkers from around the world during spring.
Why is Climbing Lobuche in March suitable?
The scenic beauty of Khumbu in spring
The trails of Khumbu are popular for having scenic views of the mountain ranges. It is also popular for its alpine vegetation and wildlife. These natural aspects of the place come to full fruition during March.
You will notice the alpine vegetation of the region becomes more lush and thick in spring. The trails in the lower altitude are filled with rhododendron shrubs. These beautiful flowers bloom to their brightest during March.
The landforms of Khumbu’s high-altitude region also become more attractive in spring. The waterfalls, nearby hills, springs, and glaciers become very enchanting to look at during March. The winter’s snow melts and makes the water bodies more voluminous. The springtime brings the vegetation and forests back from the dread of winter. Khumbu’s nature will be at its peak in March.
Early springtime is also a great time to observe the wildlife of the region. You will be able to notice the rare wildlife of the Khumbu protected region after the end of winter. The migratory season of birds also occurs during springtime, which you might enjoy when you trek for climbing Lobuche in March.
During March, the likelihood of rainfall and snowstorms is minimal. So, naturally, the skies will be clear blue with little to no clouds. You will get unrestricted vistas along the horizon in every part of the journey. You can see Mount Everest at its best with no disturbances if you will be climbing Lobuche in March.
The stable spring weather of the Everest region
The high-altitude trails of the Everest region are popular for their erratic weather patterns. You might go from having rather easy, convenient weather to a level 3 hurricane in a matter of minutes. Heavy rainfall and snowfall could occur at any time of the day.
However, such weather patterns mostly occur during the winter and summer months. In contrast to the unstable weather patterns of summer and winter, spring’s weather is quite stable. You can rely on the weather forecast and be able to predict how the weather will be days ahead.
Unpredictable weather causes a lot of fiascos during mountain climbing expeditions. So, choosing a time when the weather is stable minimizes the risks of disastrous occurrences. Especially if you are a novice, climbing Lobuche in March will make navigating peak climbing easier for you to understand.
The temperate weather of spring in the Everest Region
The mountain trails of the Everest region are usually very cold. But March brings a comparatively warmer climate in the region. The temperature ranges from 7 degrees Celsius to -12 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature of March averages -8 degrees Celsius, and the highest averages 5 degrees Celsius.
Such a temperature range is very suitable for long-duration trekking and mountain climbs. When temperatures are at extremes, they bring in a lot of hassles. Sweltering heat causes exhaustion and dehydration, draining you of energy for a long journey. Similarly, very cold weather requires you to prepare many clothing and winter essentials.
The temperate weather of March requires minimal preparations. You can bring full sleeve single-layered clothing for the daytime journey. It would be wiser to pack a little warmer clothes as the nighttime temperature drops, making the region cold. Besides that, you need to prepare less, like in extreme weather.
You will also avoid catching a cold or risks of hypothermia caused by the snowy winter. The risks of being sick from the heat in the Everest region are quite rare. But the temperate March weather ensures you are safe from heat as well. So climbing Lobuche in March is a great option temperature wise too.
The availability of food and accommodation
The roads of the remote Himalayan trails are not accessible all year round. People need to carry commissaries and resources from lowlands to high-altitude lodges on foot or through animals. During unfavorable times like winter and monsoon, doing that is quite difficult. This causes a scarcity of resources in tea houses resulting in their shutdown.
But during March, the likelihood of the shutdown of tea houses is slim. March does not bring road accessibility issues like monsoons or winter. Snowfalls and Rainfalls are major causes of trails getting muddy and slippery. March, however, will have convenient dry trails, making the access of resources to tea houses easier.
Hence, tea houses will be actively running and serving you good food during March. The tea houses, at certain times, might even be overbooked. So, we advise you to pre-plan and make reservations for your overnight stay.
A chance to know the trekking fraternity
March is popular for travelers to go on treks and expeditions because of the good weather and mild temperatures. You won’t have to travel alone even if you choose climbing Lobuche in March solo. Along the trail, tourists from both home countries and abroad are frequent.
You will have a fantastic chance to socialize with the hiking community or pick their brains for inspiration for your next treks. This also gives you an amazing opportunity to exchange cultures with people. People from around the world will accompany you on the trails. They all carry unique cultures and values, which can be learned during this March trip.
Difficulties you might face during the Lobuche trip in March
Overbooked accommodations
The peak trekking season in Nepal faces an uproar in remote accommodation facilities. The tea houses that take in guests on high-altitude treks get a lot of customers. This causes the tea houses to be packed and sometimes unable to accommodate you.
Such issues might not occur in early March, but they will be rampant by the month’s end. The limited number of rooms and services at these teahouses may require you to share a room with other hikers occasionally. You also have the option to sleep with the other trekkers in the communal dining area.
Since many trekkers will sleep there, the housing issues won’t be too uncomfortable. But if you wish to have a comfortable bed without mingling with others, you need to book early. Be in contact with your trekking agencies and make sure they reserve your lodging in advance.
Crowded trails
The spike in trekkers and mountain climbers during spring causes the trails to be crowded. Such a high volume of travelers on the same route makes up for some discomfort. If you plan on climbing Lobuche in March, you have to trek with people destined to various places.
The routes of the Gokyo trek, Everest Base Camp trek, Island peak climb, Three pass trek, etc., overlap with our route to Lobuche. So your trip to Lobuche might bring some inconveniences. If you had hoped for a serene mountain climbing adventure, March might not work for you.
High expenses
Since spring marks the beginning of trekking season in Nepal, your trip expenses will increase. You might not get your hands on resources at their normal price due to them being outsold or overbooked. So you might have to pay for amenities that cost higher during peak trekking time. You might again solve this problem by making early reservations, though. So keep in touch with your trekking agencies.
Suggestions for your successful expedition to Lobuche peak in March
Make early reservations and bookings
March is one of the busiest months for treks to various locations in the Khumbu region. The Everest trekking trails are eagerly awaited by the world’s trekkers this season. It can be challenging to obtain a room in a tea house or lodge because of the congestion on the Everest trails. To ensure a fantastic accommodation location, better vistas, and a more-facilitated hike, think about making early reservations.
In a similar vein, make travel arrangements as soon as you can. This is because it’s probable that March flights from Kathmandu to Lukla will be sold out months in advance. If you book your trip last minute, you may need to be adaptable. You have to manage and compromise with the dates of your flights and the facilities of the accommodations you’ll take.
Book a trustworthy trekking agency
While venturing for remote area trekking or mountain climbing, most people seek trekking agencies. These agencies ensure you have proper transportation, permits, accommodations, and guides. During peak trekking season, opt for trekking agencies to make your arrangements.
But be sure you pick trekking agencies by running necessary background checks. Choose the ones that are likely to give you the best deals. There might be agencies that might scam you in the midst of a very busy trekking schedule. Be safe from such scammers.
Final Say/Why climbing Lobuche in March is the best option?
Lobuche is one of the less technical climbs in the Everest region. But venturing into the peak still requires a level of caution and preparation. Choosing a suitable time to climb the peak is a very good practice of such caution.
Climbing Lobuche in March will give you safe, dry trekking trails and mountain ridges. You will have fewer risks of accidents and falls. The temperature will be quite suitable, and there won’t be erratic weather. You need not make excessive preparation for extreme weather conditions either. All in all, climbing Lobuche in March will be very comfortable.
Moreover, March is also a good month to get unrestricted vistas of the nearby mountains. You will also find the wildlife and vegetation at their best in March. Hence, we highly recommend you climb Lobuche in the month of March. Follow the suggestions we have given you for your Lobuche trip this March. If you intend to climb Lobuche in March, make plans with a strong crew.
You can trust Exciting Nepal to handle these specifics. For your convenience, we have put together a spring package that will suit your needs for the Lobuche trek in March. You can ascend Lobuche at the most suitable time and in style with our assistance. To book a reservation or ask any queries, kindly contact us.
