Khumbu Climber

Overview

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The original action packed climbing adventure in the shadow of Everest

Introduction

Jagged Globe's Khumbu Climber is a highly active expedition climbing three major peaks in the Everest region. It provides an opportunity to climb in the shadow of the world's highest mountains while taking in one of the most famous treks in the Himalaya as part of a superb circuit. The itinerary has been carefully designed to provide good acclimatisation; you will climb the easier, lower mountains first and the hardest (Lobuje) last. You will rest between mountains and climb to the summits from high camps to maximise your chances of reaching the tops of all the mountains in the itinerary.

In brief, you trek up the Everest trail, through the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, to reach Pokalde (5,806m). Pokalde is located in a secluded valley to the north of Ama Dablam. From a high camp you acclimatise and refresh your mountaineering techniques, before climbing to the summit via an interesting scrambling route on rock. After Pokalde, you trek up the Imja valley to climb Island Peak (6,189m). Island Peak is a justifiably popular mountain, with scrambling in the lower section to reach the glacier. From the glacier, a steep slope of mixed rock/ice is climbed to the summit ridge. This is followed in an exposed position to the top. From Island Peak, you return to Dingboche and re-join the main Everest trail briefly, trekking westwards to a beautiful grassy base camp opposite the impressive north faces of Cholatse and Taweche. You make an ascent of Lobuje East (6,119m) from a further high camp. The mountain is the hardest of the three peaks, climbing a rocky rampline to an undulating summit ridge and the 'false' east summit. The views from the top towards Everest and Nuptse are particularly fine.

Having completed the three main climbs, you then cross the glaciated Cho La (5,420m) to reach the lakes at Gokyo and walk up Gokyo Ri (5,300m) the next morning. Finally, you re-join the Khumbu valley and trek back through Namche Bazaar to Lukla.

Join us on Khumbu Climber

• Our teams are led by highly experienced expedition leaders who have a proven track record leading teams in Nepal at these altitudes
• The original 'Khumbu Climber' designed by Jagged Globe in 1994 and completed over 40 times since
• Our itinerary uses high camps on all three main peaks, meaning our groups repeatedly achieve a high success rate
• Stay in Tea Houses when in the valley, camp on the mountains

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Experience Required

The itinerary covers a lot of ground and could be considered by fit climbers with experience of Alpine routes of PD/AD or Scottish Winter Climbs of Grade II and III.

Please note that Island Peak is not a 'trekking peak', as it involves steep, exposed climbing on rock, snow and ice. The route has changed considerably in recent years. You need to be able to climb mixed ground (rock and ice) in crampons. There is also potential for rockfall triggered by other people.

Porters are employed to carry loads to high camps, meaning climbers only need carry their own personal equipment, which should weigh no more than 8 - 10Kg. Climbers always have the option of missing out one or two of the climbs if they prefer, but the trip should appeal to those who wish to achieve as much as possible in a month-long mountaineering trip to Nepal.

Our Scottish Winter Courses in Scotland and our Alpine Courses would provide good training for this expedition.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	With Flight	or Meeting in	Availability
Sat 24 Oct – Fri 20 Nov 2026	UK	Kathmandu	Trip Guaranteed Book now »
Expedition Leader Chris Groves	£5,945	£4,695
Sat 10 Apr – Fri 7 May 2027	UK	Kathmandu	Available Book now »
2 places left with £200 early booking offer	£5,995 £5,795	£4,795 £4,595
Sat 23 Oct – Fri 19 Nov 2027	UK	Kathmandu	Available Book now »
2 places left with £200 early booking offer	£5,995 £5,795	£4,795 £4,595

Our Trip Guarantee

This expedition is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
Click to Change currency for prices on this site.

Group size: 6 – 12 people.

Single room supplement: £250

For comparison, this expedition starts from £174 (GBP) per day (price Without Flights).

With Flight pricing

Our 'With Flight' price includes an Economy class return airfare from the UK. The cost is based on a group fare that we have already reserved, or individual seats that we have budgeted for. Note that in some circumstances, the earlier you book, the less expensive the airfare and the 'With Flight' price.

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 'Know Before You Go' campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Nepal on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• Economy class return airfares from the UK (unless Land Only).
• UK airline taxes.
• One in-country, return flight between Ramechhap and Lukla by scheduled, fixed-wing aircraft.
• Return transfers between Kathmandu airport and the hotel (one on arrival and one on departure of your international flight).
• Return transfers between the hotel and Ramechhap Airport.
• 3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at a 4-star Hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis.
• 1 nights' local hotel accommodation in Ramechhap, on a twin-sharing basis, including breakfast and dinner.
• 15 nights' full-board lodge ("Tea House") accommodation whilst on trek.
• 8 nights' full board accommodation in tents on a twin-sharing basis.
• Emergency equipment (oxygen for therapeutic use, Portable Hyperbaric Chamber (PAC), Satellite Communicator (either phone or InReach)) - see trip PDF for more details.
• All costs for Sherpa staff, cook staff and porters.
• Jagged Globe expedition leader.
• Jagged Globe kitbag or lightweight fleece.

What the price does not include

• Visa fees.
• Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket.
• Any costs associated with arriving back in Kathmandu early, for example, having climbed the mountains without the use of spare weather days.
• Bar bills and laundry.
• Travel insurance.
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
• Optional trips and sightseeing tours.
• Tips.

Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this expedition on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip. A more detailed day-to-day itinerary is available as a downloadable PDF »

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 - 2:	Fly to Kathmandu Team members joining on a "land-only", please plan to arrive in Kathmandu today, when your services will begin. Overnight hotel.
Day 3:	Drive to Ramechhap, overnight Freedom Resort You will leave Kathmandu at around 10am for the 4 - 5-hour drive to Ramechhap. Freedom Resort provides functional accommodation, with a nice spacious terrace for dining/relaxing, a swimming pool and air conditioned, twin-sharing rooms.
Day 4:	Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding It's a 10-minute walk from Freedom Resort to the airport. You will take an early morning flight to the airstrip at Lukla, the gateway to Nepal's famous Khumbu region. Trek to Phakding. Overnight lodge.
Day 5:	Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,400m) Enter the Khumbu National Park and cross the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi. You climb steeply for about two hours up 'Namche Hill' to reach Namche Bazaar. This is a prosperous trading town and the capital of the Khumbu Region. Overnight lodge.
Day 6:	At leisure in Namche Bazaar (3,400m) You will spend two nights in Namche Bazaar. During this period you may trek to the Everest View Hotel (3,900m). Overnight lodges.
Day 7:	Trek to Phortse (3,850m) From Namche, you'll follow the main Everest trail for an hour before turning left and climbing up to the Mong La (3,989m) for lunch and spectacular views. Drop down to the river, then climb up to Phortse. Overnight lodge.
Day 8:	Trek to Pangboche (3,930m) Leave the village via quiet trails between fields of buckwheat and potatoes. The trail then leads across steep cliffs and slopes to enter the main part of Pangboche village. A more exciting walk than via the main Everest trail. Overnight lodge.
Day 9:	Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) Re-join the main route up the Khumbu. From Pangboche the trail contours up the valley side and turns up the Imja Valley to reach the picturesque farming village of Dingboche. Overnight lodge.
Day 10:	Acclimatisation in Dingboche (4,410m) Today you can walk over to the nearby village of Pheriche, which has a hospital run by the Himalayan Rescue Association. Return to Dingboche. Overnight lodge.
Day 11:	Trek to Pokalde base camp (4,900m) From Dingboche the team walk up the valley for 1.5 hours then turn left and access a secluded cirque (3 hours). Overnight camp.
Day 12:	Move to Pokalde high camp (5,400m) It is possible to climb Pokalde from base camp, but by walking for 2.5 hours and placing a higher camp, you will benefit from better acclimatisation and a shorter summit day tomorrow. Overnight camp.
Day 13:	Ascent of Pokalde (5,806m), descend to Chukkung The the climb is relatively easy with a scramble at the top. Overnight camp.
Day 14:	Trek to Island Peak base camp (5,000m) From Chukkung you trek up the Imja valley beside the Imja glacier to Island Peak base camp. Overnight camp.
Day 15:	Move to Island Peak high camp (5,600m) The path to high camp leads very steeply up the hillside and takes about 3 hours. You camp just below a rocky gully on rock selves, well-positioned for your early start tomorrow morning. Overnight camp. Overnight camp.
Day 16:	Island Peak ascent (6,189m), descend to base camp (5,000m) You start in the dark and climb the rock gully to reach a ridge line, which leads onto the snout of the glacier. Fixed lines are placed on the headwall, which is climbed to gain the ridge. From here it's 3 rope lengths to the top. Descend to base camp. Overnight camp.
Day 17:	Descend to Dingboche (4,410m) Retrace your steps down the Imja valley to Dingboche. Overnight lodge.
Day 18:	Trek to Lobuje base camp (4,700m) Back on the Everest trail, you trek up the broad valley bottom towards Dugla. From here you strike off the main Everest trail and contour the hillside to an attractive campsite in a small grassy cirque. Overnight camp.
Day 19:	Climb to Lobuje high camp (5,100m) It takes about 1.5 hours to move to high camp by a small lake. Overnight camp.
Day 20:	Ascent of Lobuje East (6,156m), descend to base camp The route follows rocky slabs to access the glacier. Once on snow, you climb a long undulating snow arete to the summit ridge. This can be quite heavily crevassed and some interesting climbing may be required to by-pass the crevasses. The ridge leads to the summit of Lobuje East, the main summit being considerably further along the ridge and involving complicated and technical climbing. Descend to base camp. Overnight camp.
Day 21:	Spare day in case of bad weather Overnight lodge.
Day 22:	Cross the Cho La (5,420m) to Gokyo (4,790m) This is a big day (9+ hours). The trail leads up a valley to a pass. Here you traverse rock shelves to reach a small glacier and descend scree on the far side. It's a long descent to Dragnag from where you cross the incredible 'moonscape' of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Overnight lodge.
Day 23:	Trek up Gokyo Ri (5,300m) and descend to Phortse Tenga (3,680m) Make the 2 hour walk to this famous viewpoint before breakfast. Mid-morning descend the Gokyo valley to Phortse Tenga. Overnight lodge.
Day 24 - 25:	Return trek to Lukla Re-join the Khumbu Valley and trek via Namche Bazaar and Monjo back to Lukla. Overnight lodges.
Day 26:	Fly Lukla to Ramechhap Return drive to Kathmandu. Overnight hotel.
Day 27:	At Leisure in Kathmandu A chance to explore the bustling capital, with its beautiful temples and bustling markets. Overnight hotel.
Day 28:	Fly home Airport transfer. For those joining "land-only", you should book your flight home today.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of climbers can all contribute to changes. The Expedition Leader and our local agent will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!

Photos & Videos

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• Khumbu Diaries
• As It Happens - Climbing in the Khumbu

Reports & Reviews

First Expedition: April 1993
Total: 26 trips

Have you been on this trip? If you'd like to contribute a trip report then we'll post it up on the site.

Team Member Reviews

• “

  Standing on top of every peak knowing that all the hard work has paid off just amazing.

  ” MH, Khumbu Climber - Oct '18
• “Well organised, great people. Fantastic trip.” NK, Khumbu Climber - Oct '16
• “Great guide, great team, great location.” WF
• “Stunning scenery, amazing trek, great climbing, excellent company - an unforgettable experience.” AJ
• “High expectations which turned into exhilarating climbing and top experiences on the roof of the world!” AJ
• 1 more review »

• “Matchless scenery, excellent leadership, great companionship and thoroughly professional. A team effort from Jagged Globe from beginning to end.” CC

Leader Reports

• Khumbu Climber, October 2022
  “To paraphrase the old military adage, ‘no plan survives contact with the enemy,’ pretty much sums up the initial stage of this autumn’s Khumbu Climber. I had not yet reached the airport when I received a message...”
  report added 29/Nov/22
• Khumbu Climber - October 2018
  “I have to start this web report with: ‘What a great trip!’ We have been lucky on many counts: helpful weather, no delayed Lukla flights, a fantastic Nepalese climbing Sherpa & domestic support...”
  report added 05/Nov/18
• Khumbu Climber - 6 Oct to 2 Nov '17
  “So, we begin as usual, with a late afternoon meeting at Heathrow. Having just had a few weeks of working with 10 year olds I arrived well over an hour earlier than required to re-read my admin notes and change mode to Expedition...”
  report added 13/Nov/17
• Khumbu Climber - 7 Oct to 3 Nov '16
  “Bakeries. Perhaps not usually at or near the top of the equipment list for mountaineering expeditions, but on this occasion it seems that oven-cooked confectionery was vital for Himalayan success for the Khumbu Climber and Island...”
  report added 09/Nov/16
• Khumbu Climber - 10 October to 6 November '15
  “A joint team of clients for the autumnís Island Peak and Khumbu Climber expeditions proved to be a winning combination. A false landing at Kathmandu, when the pilots literally opened the throttle and pulled the stick back...”
  report added 17/Nov/15
• 20 more reports »

• Khumbu Climber - 13 October to 9 November '12
  “After a long flight to Nepal via New Delhi the team of Lynden, Alan, Martin, Thomas, Geoff, Isabel, Ian, met up in Kathmandu with Thomas from Norway, Melissa from Australia and Lorraine and Andy from Austria. After a short night’s...”
  report added 13/Nov/12
• Khumbu Climber - 8 Oct to 4 Nov '11
  “We met at Heathrow, flew to Lukla, climbed three mountains, then all went home again – another “Khumbu Climber”. Except (as usual) there’s a bit more to it than that! Most of us did indeed meet at Heathrow, though some of us...”
  report added 15/Nov/11
• Khumbu Climber - 16 Apr to 13 May '11
  “The team, minus 1 met at Heathrow & travelled together to Kathmandu via Delhi's new airport. Here we met Guillermo before continuing onto Lukla where we commenced our trek up the Khumbu valley. No sooner had we left Lukla, the...”
  report added 16/May/11
• Khumbu Climber - 15 Oct to 11 Nov '10
  “Another successful “Khumbu Climber” – 8 out of 9 on the summit of Pokalde, 7 made it to the top of Island Peak – but then we had to abandon Lobuje after a poorly timed dump of snow. So two out of three summits, not a bad result...”
  report added 25/Nov/10
• Khumbu Climber - 9 Oct to 5 Nov '10
  “The trip started with the flight to Nepal on 9 October. Unfortunately, we experienced a delay flying into the Khumbu Valley, due to bad weather at Lukla. This is the first time I have ever been delayed on a flight to Lukla in over...”
  report added 09/Nov/10
• Khumbu Climber - 10 April to 7 May '09
  “An enthusiastic and clean team meets at Heathrow for the journey to Katmandu, which goes without hitch! There are only 3 team members plus myself. One of the best groups I have had the privilege to lead. Everyone got on so well it...”
  report added 05/May/09
• Khumbu Climber - 3 to 29 Oct '08
  “An amazing spell of good weather for 3 ½ weeks ensured that all peaks were climbed and that the Cho La pass was crossed with ease. Our small group of 5 climbers and 9 Nepali support staff enjoyed a variety of accommodation in...”
  report added 31/Oct/08
• Khumbu Climber - 7 Oct to 5 Nov '07
  “Our Khumbu Climber Expedition received three weeks of perfect weather to help attain all our summits and high passes, even though we lost a few days at the beginning waiting to fly into Lukla. Primed and ready to hit the...”
  report added 30/Jan/08
• Khumbu Climber - 1 to 29 Oct '06
  “This proved to be a very successful trip with all the summits climbed. Five team members and Jagged Globe leader, Joe Gittins went to climb in the Khumbu. We were blessed with excellent weather throughout the trip and constantly...”
  report added 03/Nov/06
• Khumbu Climber - 9 Apr to 7 May '06
  “Our multi-national team (English, Welsh, Canadian, Swedish and two New Zealanders) assembled at the Summit Hotel. It was very strange to travel to the hotel through the deserted streets of Kathmandu under curfew. After an all too...”
  report added 09/May/06
• Khumbu Climber - 9 Oct to 7 Nov '05
  “The Khumbu Climber team have just made it safely back to Namche Bazaar on their way out from the Khumbu Valley after a very successfull and enjoyable expedition. Pokalde, Island Peak and Lobuje East were all scaled in good style...”
  report added 01/Nov/05
• Khumbu Climber - 17 Apr to 15 May '05
  “The Spring Khumbu Climber expedition led by Deborah Laugharne and Dawa Tshering returned to Heathrow airport yesterday ending a fantastic month of generally stunning conditions and great climbing. All four team members reached new...”
  report added 15/May/05
• Khumbu Climber - 10 Oct to 7 Nov '04
  “This Khumbu Climber trip was a success and provided a wonderful experience for all its team members. For nearly the whole trip we had perfect weather and therefore staggering views across the Himalaya. Our Sirdar Sherpa (an...”
  report added 09/Nov/04
• Khumbu Climber - 28 March to 25 April 2004
  “We were blessed with mostly good weather throughout the whole of this Khumbu Climber expedition, which I contribute to everyone going religiously around all the mani stones the correct way (well Lorien made sure we did). The only...”
  report added 28/Apr/04
• Khumbu Climber - 12 October to 9 November 2003
  “The expedition was a great success despite not completing the itinerary as it was set out. Our team being keen to try and bag as many peaks as possible. We experienced heavy snowfall at Island Peak base camp after everyone had...”
  report added 20/Nov/03
• Khumbu Climber - 30 March to 27 April
  “A full team of eight members, plus leader Gordon Thompson accompanied by Sirdar Lapka Sherpa and Climbing Sherpa, Dawa Sherpa, summited on Pokalde on 9 April 2003. Although knee deep snow made going difficult, everyone pulled it...”
  report added 14/May/03
• Khumbu Climber 8 October to 5 November 2001
  “A very successful trip. Summitting Pokalde, Island Peak and Lobuche. Pokalde 5806m Summited from high camp on 17th October by Richard Mansfield, John Whittle, Richard Air, Kevin Cubitt, Juliet Edwards, Gert Riemersma, Duncan...”
  report added 15/Nov/01
• Khumbu Climber 8 April to 6 May 2001
  “Khumbu Climber ll, led by Kenton Cool and Di Forbes, had a very successful expedition with all 12 team members summitting Lobuche East, 11 summitting Island Peak, and six reaching the top of Pokalde. In addition to the...”
  report added 07/May/01
• Khumbu Climber 1 April to 29 April 2001
  “Heavy sporadic snowfall throughout the expedition season made for hard work breaking trails on easier angled slopes / glaciers, and some demanding high camps in deep snow. Conversely conditions on the steeper sections of the...”
  report added 07/May/01
• Khumbu Climber 9 April to 7 May 2000
  “Deep snow and cold conditions this spring has been affecting all of our teams in Nepal. The Khumbu Climber group made it up Island Peak and Pokalde, to the high camp on Lobuje East (Andy Owen decided that there was no way that the...”
  report added 15/Dec/00