• 20,702 ft
A classic Himalayan climbing expedition
Perfect for both new and experienced mountaineers
A Himalayan adventure that combines the iconic trek to Everest Base Camp with a true alpine summit, Lobuche East. Over three weeks, you’ll journey through Sherpa villages, glacier-fed valleys, and dramatic ridgelines to stand atop a great Himalayan peak with sweeping views of the world’s highest mountains. This trip blends immersive trekking, cultural exploration, and a high-altitude mountaineering objective.
Tour Highlights
- 21 days of trekking and mountaineering across Nepal’s Khumbu region
- Ascent of Lobuche East
- Experience Sherpa villages, monasteries, and traditional Himalayan teahouses
- All accommodations and scheduled transportation
- Experienced guides, group climbing gear, logistics from Kathmandu to return
“My second trip with Mountain Gurus and went off without a hitch from all the pre-planning till the day we reached the summit. Top notch guides and a fantastic group put together made it an experience I’ll never forget. Highly recommend for domestic and international trips.” ~ Ryan M, January 2020
Nepal • Start Kathmandu • End Kathmandu Travel & Airport details »
DAY 0
Rest Day at Baños
Whether you’re continuing to Chimborazo from Mountain Gurus’ Ecuador Mountaineering Course or Cotopaxi Climb itineraries, you will transfer to Baños de Agua Santa where you will spend two nights, after your summit attempt on Cotopaxi. These are the nights of days 10 and 11 of the Ecuador Mountaineering Course, and days 8 and 9 of the Cotopaxi Climb.
Here in this picturesque town nestled between lush mountains and waterfalls you’ll enjoy a rest day with options to relax in the town’s famous hot springs, and indulge in local cuisine.
Hotel Sangay, Baños (2 nights)
DAY 12
Travel to Chimborazo and Hike to High Camp
We depart Baños and drive south towards Chimborazo. We arrive at the trailhead near Hermanos Carrel Refuge at 15,744 feet and begin a two-hour hike to the high camp at 17,388 feet, just below the glacier. Apart from the stunning vistas, this high camp is an ideal starting point to begin our summit bid now that we’re acclimitized. We settle into camp and prepare for the summit attempt.
Tented Camp on Chimborazo (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking
DAY 2
Climb to the Summit of Chimborazo
Begin the ascent from high camp with an alpine start. Climbing through the western flank, passing the base of “El Castillo” rock formation, we reach the false summit, Pico Veintimilla, at 20,433 feet. We cross a saddle to reach the true summit at Whymper Summit, 20,702 feet where we enjoy the spectacular panoramic views and celebrate the achievement. We descend and transfer to a hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
Wyndham Hotel (1 night)
Activity Intermediate Mountaineering
DAY 3
Departure
Today we depart Mariscal Sucre International Airport on our flights home.
Premium Hotels, Tented Camp
Our hand-selected hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.*
NIGHT 0
Hotel Sangay in Baños
After your Cotopaxi expedition or Ecuador Mountaineering Course, enjoy a peaceful rest day in Baños de Agua Santa, a lush mountain town famous for its waterfalls and hot springs. We stay in a comfortable hotel such as Hotel Sangay, located near the thermal pools. Rooms feature modern amenities with views of the surrounding forested hills.
NIGHT 1
Tented Camp on Chimborazo
Our high camp sits at approximately 17,388 feet below Chimborazo’s glacier, offering a dramatic and remote alpine setting. We use high-quality mountaineering tents, with shared accommodations. Meals are served in a group dining tent, providing warmth and camaraderie before the summit push.
NIGHT 2
Wyndham Hotel near Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Following the climb, you’ll return to Quito and stay at the Wyndham Hotel, conveniently located near Mariscal Sucre International Airport. This hotel offers comfortable accommodations, allowing for a restful night before your departure.
*Hotels may vary based on departure.
For most trekkers, simply seeing Mount Everest from Kala Pattar or from the base of the Khumbu Icefall is a dream come true. Lobuche Peak enriches the experience, offering an ideal objective for new climbers and for veteran mountaineers seeking to expand their high-altitude experience or summit their first Himalayan peak.
Ecuador
• Start Quito • End Mariscal Sucre International Airport
International Destinations
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in-country in the destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Entry/Visa
A valid passport is required for American citizens to enter Ecuador. American citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 30 days for tourism.
Meals
All meals are provided as per meal schedule.
Gear
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure information packet upon booking. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list. Request a detailed itinerary.
Things you should know about this trip
How technical is Lobuche East?
Lobuche East is a moderate mountaineering climb involving fixed ropes, crampons, glacier travel, and steep snow/ice. Prior experience is helpful but strong trekkers can succeed with guidance and training during the expedition.
When is the best time to climb?
Spring and autumn offer the most stable weather for both trekking and climbing.
How long is summit day?
Typically 8–12 hours round trip depending on conditions and team pace.
Do I need prior mountaineering experience?
It’s not required, but you should be very fit and comfortable with long days at altitude. Any previous experience with crampons, ice axe, or glacier travel is beneficial.


