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Island Peak with Everest Base Camp Expedition

Beautifully made with ice that named Island Peak  ( 6,163 m / 20,220 ft ) is famous climbing peak in the Everest Region, which is locally known as Imja Tse. The peak is one of the most popular climbing peak.  The peak is less technical to climb so any enthusiast of mountaineers without prior mountaineering knowledge can attempt for a climb. The view of Himalayan peaks from the top of Island peak is superb. Island Peak  named by Eric Shipton’s party in 1951  located in the Imja Valley as the ending ridge of Lhotse – Shar. This peak was first climbed in 1956 by the Swiss team as part of training exercise for Lhotse and Everest expedition.

For the climbing most of the team set up a camp at the base camp ( 5,087 m / 16,690 ft ) ) and summit from the base camp directly. Alternatively, we can stay overnight in the High Camp at 5,600 m / 18,373 ft  and climb from there which is shorter than from right Base Camp.

During this climbing of Island Peak program you will see numbers of mountain peaks over 6,000 m, 7,000 m,  and 8,000 m so close. You will be surrounded by the massif of mountain peaks and ranges in 360 degree. Some major peaks that you can view in close proximity are  Lhotse – Shar south ridge ( 8,393 / 27,536 ), Makalu ( 8,481 m / 27,825t ft ) – fifth highest mountain in the world, Kongde (6,168 m / 20, 236 ft ), Thamserku (6,608 m / 21,680 ft ), Kantenga ( 6,685 m / 21,932 ft), Tawache (6,495 m / 21,309 ft ), Cholatse ( 6,335 m / 20,784 ft ), Amadablam ( 6,856 m / 22,493 ft), , Baruntse ( 7,162 m / 23,497 ft) and other many smaller named or unnamed peaks.  On the way to Island peak from Tengboche, Namche you will be able to see Mt. Everest ( 8,848 m / 29,029 ft),  Lhotse ( 8,5146 m / 27,940 ft) – fourth highest mountain in the world,  Nuptse ( 7,861  / 25,790 ft )  etc.

Island peak with Everest base camp expedition is thus a most aspiring and adventurous trek and climb experience in the Himalayas. 

Trip Highlights / Quick Info

  • Duration: 21 or 23 Days ( based upon your flight duration from home and return)
  • Starting Point: Kathmandu - Lukla
  • Ending Point: Lukla - Kathmandu
  • Group Size: Maximum 12 Persons
  • Culture: Sherpa Culture with Tibetan Buddhism as major religious faith in the region
  • Max Altitude: 6,163 m / 20,220 ft ( Summit of Island Peak)
  • Transfers: Flight - Car / Van / Bus
  • Accommodation: Mountain standard Lodge, Tea house, Tented Camp during the Climbing ( Base camp and high Camp ) Standard accommodation in Kathmandu based on service category
  • Meals: In Kathmandu only Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner during trek
  • Attractions: Sherpa village and towns such as Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, Pangboche The view of mountain peaks including Mt Everest Beautiful landscape Climbing experience and stand atop at 20,000 ft
  • Best month to visit/trek: March through May | September & October

Itinerary in detail

Day 01 & 02: Depart your home and arrive Kathmandu.

Depart your sweet home for lifetime adventure in the Himalayas and Nepal.

Arrive to Kathmandu international airport – the only international airport in Nepal. You may proceed for visa if you have not obtained in your home country.

Requirements for Visa: Two passport sized photographs and USD 40 for one month visa.

Upon completion of immigration formality, you will proceed to claim your baggage and then to arrival terminal. There is only one arrival terminal at the airport.

Once you reach the meeting and reception area, meet with our representative and then drive to your hotel.

It is about 20 -30 minutes drive to your Hotel. You will be amazed with hustle and bustle of the city management at first !

Based on your arrival time either participate in short tour of the Kathmandu City and Basantapur Durbar Square ( 18th century palace complex square)  or stroll around the Hotel, do final shopping and relax before your great trek begins . Overnight stay in the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu – Lukla  (2,850 m ) & Hike to Phakding ( 2,652 m. / 8,700 ft.)

6 – 7 am : Your guide and other support staff meet you at your hotel lobby and transfer to the domestic terminal at the airport to board thrilling flight to Lukla. This half an hour flight is very adventurous from where majestic Himalayan ranges can be viewed. Landing in the Lukla Airport ( regarded as the most dangerous airport of the world) is always fun, adventure and thrill.

9 – 10 am : Hiking begins from Lukla after small breakfast. The day is comparatively easy and gentle uphill and downhill. We pass through various small towns, settlements, waterfalls, streams,hanging bridges, beautiful rolling midhill farming fields during hiking.

1 – 2 pm : We stop for Lunch, place our order of Lunch in some teashops, wait 30 – 40 minutes before they serve our delicious meal.

After the Lunch, we walk another good hour. The beautifully carved stone wall with Buddhist mantras ( sacred chanting ), colourful prayer flags, Dudhkoshi River valley are awe inspiring for the day.

3-4 pm: Arrive Phakding and overnight stay in the mountain lodge. We eat dinner in the same hotel where we stay.

Day 04:  Phakding  to Namche Bazaar ( 3,440 m. / 11,286 ft. )

7.00 am: Breakfast in the hotel.

7.45 am: start hike for the day which is longer and tougher day of hike than the first day. We walk on the western bank of Dudhkoshi river towards north till Bengkar in the most beautiful gorge with pine forest, waterfalls, streams, little villages. We come across with first sight of beautiful Thamserku in the morning towards north – east.

12- 1.00 pm: We enter SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK from Jorsalle. After entry formality we cross high hanging bridge to the other side of the river and enjoy our lunch. We can adjust lunch place based on our group’s pace.

After lunch, we walk on the eastern bank of river till Larja Dobhan where Bhote Koshi flowing down from western corner and Dudh Koshi flowing down from eastern corner meet.  We cross scary hanging bridge over the river Dudh Koshi and then walk steep uphill to Namche Bazaar for about 2 hours. We gain approximately 800 mtr height today and reach above 3,000 m from where precaution should be taken to avoid altitude sickness.

3 – 5 pm: Arrive beautiful and bustling town Namche Bazaar which is the gateway of the Everest Region. Namche Bazaar is the most popular town among trekkers for acclimatization stop prior to the hike to Base Camp and party after the Base Camp..  Bank and ATM service, grocery shops, restaurants, bakeries, world class climbing and hiking gears are available in the town. Overnight stay in the lodge in Namche.

Day 05: Everest View Hotel / Khumjung Excursion & Acclimatization

8 am: Breakfast in the hotel.

8.45 am: Start hike. We visit National Park’s museum and information centre situated in the eastern ridge of the town, from where Mt. Everest along with various peaks can be seen.

After this, we walk steep uphill towards Everest View Hotel which is located at an altitude of 3800 mtr and the view of mountain peaks such as Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kantega are stunning.

We can drink coffee in the Hotel yard enjoying the view of majestic himalayan peaks and then walk about 30 minutes downhill to Khumjung valley, a large permanent settlement of Sherpa community.

1-2 pm: Lunch in Khumjung and walk through the Hillary School which was established by Sir Edmund Hillary and run by Sir Edmund Hillary Himalayan Trust. The establishment of this school is the milestone of academic development among Sherpa children.

3- 4 pm: We then, return back to Namche, the way back is basically downhill except small uphill immediate after we start. Enjoy delicious dinner in the hotel.

Day 06: Hike Namche Bazaar – Phortse  ( 3,810 m. / 12,500 ft. )

7.00 am: Breakfast in the Hotel.

7.45 am: Start hiking towards the north eastern ridge of Namche town and then continue towards north (Mt. Everest). First stretch until Kyangjuma is gentle up and down from where the view of the himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest (8.848 mtr / 29,029 ft), Lhotse (8,516 mtr / 27,939 ft), Lhotse shar (8,382 mtr / 27,500 ft), Nuptse (7879 mtr / 25,850 ft), Peak- 38 (7591 mtr / 24,905ft), Ama Dablam (6,856 mtr / 22,493 ft), Thamserku (6,623 mtr / 21,729 ), Kangtega (6,783 mtr / 22,254 ft), Kusum kangaru (6,367 mtr / 20,889 ft), Cholaste (6,335 mtr / 20,784 ft), Tabuche peak (6,495 mtr / 21,309 ft), Khumbi La (5,765 mtr / 18,904 ft) and  Kwangde Ri (6,011mtr / 19,721 ft ) is amazing.

From Kyangjuma, the trail forks where the lower trails leads towards Tengboche and Imja valley whereas the upper trail leads towards Gokyo valley. We take the upper trail to Phortse. The trail up to Mong La (3,975 mtr / 13,041 ft) is beautiful with magnificent view of the river valley, Tengboche, Mt. Everest, Amadablam, Kantenga and Thamserku.

12-1 pm: Lunch in Mong la. After lunch we walk down to the river DudhKoshi which takes about forty minutes and cross the bridge for the final uphill of about an hour to Phortse.

4-5 pm: Arrive Phorse village and enjoy the rest in the lodge.

Day 07: Hike to Pheriche  ( 4,370 m. / 14,340 ft. )

7.00 am: Breakfast in the hotel. Enjoy the magnificent view of the mountain peaks of Gokyo Valley which we will not be able to see afterwards. The peaks include 8,201 mtr / 26,906 ft Cho Oyu, Machhermo Peak.

7.45 am: We start hiking for the day. The small climb to the ridge from your hotel in the morning is beautiful with the view of the mountain peaks. From the top of the ridge, we continue through the cliffs and long stretch. View of Tengboche, Imja khola valley, mountain peaks are magnificent during the hike.

12-1 pm: Lunch in Pangboche. We can visit one of the oldest monastery of entire Khumbu region that which housed the palm of mysterious Yeti.

4-5 pm: After lunch, we walk approximately another 3 hours to Pheriche which is a beautiful but cold and chilling  town facing towards Cholatse and Cho La valley. Here is the high altitude health post and daily speech by doctors about high altitudes in busy trekking season.Overnight stay in the Hotel.

Day 08: Hike to Lobuche ( 4,940 m. / 16,210 ft. )

7 – 7.45 am: Breakfast in the hotel/ lodge and then hike to Lobuche.

Trek to the base camp Everest starts to be difficult in the higher altitudes from today. Due to low pressure level of oxygen we find it hard to catch breath. We must walk very slow uphill, drink enough water and other liquid form of meal, make ourselves warm.

We turn westward from Pheriche and then walk towards north in a beautiful gazing land called, river valley. The view of towering Cholatse and Tawache peak on the western corner is beautiful.

12-1 pm: Lunch in Dughla. After lunch, it is a steep ascend to Dughla Pass (4,830 mtr / 15,846 ft) and takes about 1 good hour to reach the top. On the top there are numbers of memorial chortens erected in the memory of those climbers who sacrificed their life to the mt. Everest and the Himalayas. You can see the memorial of Scott Fischer ( the first American climber to climb Mt. Lhotse, and the one to die in 1996 Everest Disaster) decorated with prayer flags on the right side of the pass on a ridge. A book by Robert Birkby named Mountain Madness is a biography of Scott Fischer and his role in a TV movie Into Thin Air is played by Peter Horton. There is another notable memorial of the famous climber who had summited mt. Everest 10 times with a world record of staying 21 hours on top of the Everest without auxiliary oxygen.

After this pass, we walk in the cairns for about one and half hour to reach Lobuche. We walk northeast along the Khumbu glacier which flows on the right hand side behind the ridge.

3-4 pm: Arrive Lobuche which is beautifully located in the lap of Lobuche peak (Lobuche East and Lobuche West ) near the confluence of Lobuche Glacier and Khumbu Glacier. Overnight stay in the lodge.

Day 09: Hike to Gorakshep – Gorakshep ( 5,170 m / 16492 ft)

7.30 am : Breakfast in the lodge.

8.30 am: We walk around 3 -4 hours to reach Gorakshep today. On the way we can visit Italian Research Centre called EV-K2CNR which is a research institute in the high altitude, sustainable development and high altitude fragile ecosystems.

The trail is not steep climb but is tough due the the moraines, cairns and rock boulders. We walk along the Khumbu Glacier which can be seen on the right side after short walk.

12-1 pm: Arrive Gorakshep. Enjoy Lunch in the lodge and rest of the day to explore surrounding. Gorakshep is a sandy lake bed situated at the height of 5,170 mtr from sea level in the lap of Kalapatthar ( a viewpoint and hilltop above Gorakshep with black rocks on top as it named) . The view of Nuptse  on the right across the Khumbu glacier is beautiful from Gorakshep.

Day 10:  Exploration of Base Camp Everest – Gorakshep

After breakfast, we explore the Base Camp Everest. Gorakshep was the original Base Camp Everest for Swiss Mountain climbers who attempted to climb Mt. Everest on  1952. Present Base camp which lies some 2 / 3 hours further up near Khumbu Icefall is due to the global warming. From Gorakshep it is about 3 hours walk in the moraines created by the Glacier towards north east direction to the Base Camp Everest. It is a full day excursion to Base Camp and return. Overnight stay in the lodge in Gorakshep.

Day 11: Climb Kalapatthar ( 5,545 m /  18,192 ft. ) – walk back to Dingboche

4.00 am: We start to climb uphill in a pre dawn to Kalapatthar which takes about 2  hours to enjoy the most stunning, marvelous, excellent, remarkable, smashing, spectacular, wonderful, mind blowing, majestic, awe inspiring , astonishing, mesmerizing, spell bound, fascinating, enchanting, charming………………..  view  of the mountain peaks including Mt. Everest in your reach.. You may use any word by yourself to describe the beauty in the morning around you or no word , but just WOW. The view of Mt. Everest is the best from this top and you might be standing on the highest  point ( 18,192 ft / 5,545 m) in your lifetime ( if you have not done any height previously).

View of Mt. Everest and other mountains including Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Amadablam, Lobuche with  many other peaks make a perfect 360 degree. Mt. Everest is best viewed from the top of Kalapatthar than from any place. Take photo of Everest and yourself and then climb down to Gorakshep again.

9 – 10 am: Breakfast in the lodge, and we say Ciao to this inspiring place. We climb down and back to Dingboche.

4-5 pm: Arrive Dingboche and enjoy the rest of the day. Overnight stay in the lodge.

Day 12: Trek to Chukung ( 4,730 m / 15,518 ft)

8 am: Breakfast in the Hotel and leave for Chukung,

We walk east ward uphill through the base of Lhotse south wall which is really massive. The Imja khola valley is beautiful and wide enough to enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the region. View of Ama Dablam on the south, Island Peak on the east and Lhotse – south wall on the north is really superb.

We walk about 3 hours to Chukung which lies in the confluence of Ama Dablam Glacier, Lhotse Glacier, Lhotse Nup Glacier. Chukung Ri ( 5,550 m / 18,209 ft ) is one of the most stunning place for the view. Overnight stay in the lodge in Chukung.

 Day 13: Hike to Island Peak Base Camp ( 5,200 m / 17,060 ft)

8 am: After breakfast, we walk through the ridge of Lhotse glacier on the left and Ama Dablam Glacier on the right towards east. The winding trail climb gradually. We can see Amphu Labtsa Tso in the base of Amphu Labtsa pass ( 5,527 m / 18,133 ft)  one of the toughest high himalayan pass.

The walking in the moraines of Imja Glacier is quite challenging. We will walk in the south west side of the Island Peak. As we reach closer to the Island Peak, we see the rock face rather than the ice top. Overnight stay in the tented camp and enjoy the meal cooked by our own cook.

Day 14: Climb preparation and walk higher up to High Camp ( 5,500 m/ 18,043 ft)

In the morning we check all equipments, practice climbing and know how to use gears.

2 pm: Afternoon after lunch move up to Island Peak High Camp.  The path leads up beyond base camp towards the Baruntse Peak  for few hundred meters before the steep hillside climbing. Initially sandy, the path soon turns stone boulder strewn. As we climb the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel. The view of the Imja Tse ( Imja Lake ) is superb with Ama Dablam from another angle, Baruntse and other smaller peaks. Overnight stay in Island Peak High Camp.

Day 15: Summit – Island Peak ( 6,189 m / 20,305 ft ) – walk back to Chukung

Great and memorable day of Island Peak summit

1-2 am: Begin our climb early in the morning. The beginning part is of rock gully, the route then follows a ridge line, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier by using rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses.

Sherpa guide fix a rope wherever necessary for you to climb. A steep snow slope leads to the summit ridge. The last part of about 100 metre is quite steep of about 60 – 65 Degree.  Once you reach on top of Island Peak, you will be blessed with the beautiful 360 degree panoramic view of the massif Himalayan peaks including Mt. Makalu ( 8,481 m / 27,825 ft) – the fifth highest mountain peak in the world, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Shar Tse, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, Tawache, Cholatse and other many peaks.

After enjoying the summit view, and taking beautiful and wow photographs of yourself and mountains, we descend all the way to Chukung for overnight stay and to celebrate on successful summit of Island peak.

Day 16: Reserve day for contingency

There is no such guarantee to have a favorable weather on the planned day to summit the peak or never know if you are fit enough to attempt the summit  continuously, so this day is used as a contingency day to be adjusted for any unfavorable situation.

Day 17: Hike to Tengboche ( 3,867 mtr / 12,687 ft)

8 am: Breakfast in the lodge and then start to walk downhill to Tengboche. The trail is beautiful and easier than ascending. You can enjoy the surrounding, Sherpa life, people on the way back while you do not have to struggle for breathing. Arrive Tengboche and overnight stay in the Lodge. If you want to walk further, you can climb up to Kyanjuma from where the view of mountains is also excellent.

Tengboche is a beautiful town where the famous Tengboche Monastery dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism is situated. All expedition team and climbers receive blessings from the reincarnated monk ( Rinpoche ) of monastery for a successful climbing.  The monastery is popular for its mask dance ( mani rimdu festival ) which falls in the month of October – November. The dance continues for nine days of ceremonies and special meditation by the monks.

Day 18: Hike to Monju | Jorsalle or Namche Bazaar

We just walk back to Monju, Jorsalle, or Namche Bazaar as per our stamina left, interest and situations. If you want to party in Namche, you can stay overnight in Namche as well and walk longer distance next day all the way back to Lukla. We advise to walk to Monju today and take easy way to Lukla for the final day party.

Day 19: Hike to Lukla

Walk to Lukla and then enjoy rest of the day in Lukla. Party after successful adventure trek of Everest Base Camp / Kalapatthar of lifetime.

Day 20: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

6.00 am: Walk to the airport in the early morning for the flight back to Kathmandu.

Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to your Hotel. The day is free for you to explore the City on your own.

Day 21: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour | Extra day for contingency for flight Lukla – KTM

7 – 9 am: Breakfast in the Hotel.

9.30 am: We set for sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. The major places to tour around includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Stupa and Swoyambhunath Stupa.

Kathmandu Durbar Square used to be a royal palace complex square of Nepal’s Malla and Shah King’s. They rule in Kathmandu from the palace from 14th Century till 18th Century. The palace complex is completely decorated with artistic temples, shrines , statues etc. Whole palace square reflects the opulence of Malla era and little from Shah dynasty. Most popular in the square is 9 storey royal palace complex built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in mid 18th century. King Prithvi Narayan Shah was the king of Gorkha and triumphed over Kathmandu kingdom after many attempts in 1768 A.D. Living Goddess “ KUMARI “ and beautifully crafted and decorated  palace where she lives during her tenure is another attraction. Kumari is young girl ( prepubescent ) worshipped in Kathmandu valley as manifestation of goddess Durga ( a divine female energy) . You can have a glance of Goddess Kumari while she appears in the window of her palace upon request. Huge black Bhairab statue of 6th century, mask of white Bhairava, Shiva temple, Vishnu temple, Taleju temple, various courtyards are others to see and explore in the square.  

Pashupatinath Temple is our next destination, which is the most prominent Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva ( God of destruction according to Hindu philosophy) . It is taken as one of the holy abode of Shiva among 275 on the continent. The present temple was erected in 17th century, though the history of site goes back to many centuries. Cremation in the bank of river Bagmati amazes you along with various shrines, temples, stories related to Hinduism.

Lunch in Boudhanath area,

After lunch we visit Boudhanath Stupa, the most famous and the holiest stupa in Nepal and biggest in terms of its expansion and height. Present sky high stupa was erected and renovated in 18th century. It is located in ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. With influx of Tibetan refugees in 1959, the area is home to many Gompas ( monasteries ) which follows tibetan buddhism.

In the afternoon, enjoy shopping in Nepal. You find Silk Carpets, Tibetan Carpets,  Pashmina Shawls, Thanka Paintings, Statues, Handicrafts, Jewellery, Gurkha Knife, Garments and other various items either in a narrow street of Thamel or other shopping areas.

Overnight stay in the Hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy farewell dinner with cultural dance.

We take this day as a reserve day as contingency. The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. In this case, we can use this day to fly back.

Day 22 & 23: Departure Kathmandu – Arrive your sweet home

You will enjoy free time before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to home or other destination. Arrive  home with fond memories of the World’s Highest Mountain.

Platinum Service Plan

No Platinum Service Plan available for this program.

Gold Service Plan

Cost Includes;

  • All required ground transfers in Kathmandu by non A/c Vehicle
  • Assistance by Trek2himalayas.com’s representative at the airport
  • All accommodation in Kathmandu in standard 3 star  hotels
  • All accommodations during the trek in the tea house, lodge of normal mountain standard and tented camp during the climbing
  • All camping equipments and kitchen utensils used for kitchen and camp
  • Flight ticket ( Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu )
  • Trek Guide and Porters in required numbers
  • Meals during the trek and climbing period ( Breakfast | Lunch and Dinner)
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit
  • TIMS permit
  • Expedition royalty and Climbing Permit to climb the Island Peak
  • Experienced and licenced Sherpa climber guide for the climbing ( 1 sherpa for each 4 climbers )
  • Wages, medical and accident Insurance coverages, Equipments for all involved staffs.
  • Satellite Phone to be carried by Guide, members can make a call by paying US $ 4 per minute.
  • Required fixed and dynamic ropes for the climbing
  • Tents for the Camps, Ice fall charges and Gamow bags
  • Required assistance to clear the custom and duties while on arrival
  • Farewell dinner
  • Service charge and Taxes levied in Nepal
  • Other required assistance

 

Cost Excludes;

  • International airfare
  • Nepal Visa USD 40 for a month visa, with 2 copies of passport sized photo, can be obtained from the port of entry )
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance which should cover the emergency helicopter evacuation of about USD 10,000 minimum
  • Drinks and other expenses of personal nature
  • Tips for taffs
  • Others not mentioned above in inclusion
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