Island Peak Climb - 16 Days

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265 ft)

Car

20 Minutes

Overnight

Kathmandu

Meal

Welcome Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel

Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Our representative will be waiting to welcome you upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome you and assist you to transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. After taking some time to get refreshed, you'll meet again in the evening. Then, we will transfer for a welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurants in the heart of Kathmandu. We will have a short brief about the trip and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 02: Flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) & trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft), a 3-4 hrs walk

Overnight

Phakding

Meal

3 Meals

Flight

27 Minutes

Walking

3-4 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

You'll be transferred to the domestic airport to fly to Lukla in the early morning. It will take us about 40 minutes for the scenic flight to Lukla airport (2,800m/9,184ft). After reaching Lukla, you will have some time to stroll around, while the guide sort and divide a load of baggage to be carried by porters. The guide will manage the lunch place depending upon the time of arrival at Lukla. We will start our trek further to Phakding passing some Sherpa villages and farms. We will be following the trail to Dudhkoshi River and further down on route to Phakding. The walk will be completely gradual most of the way, with a few ups from Thado Khola, where you will have a superb view of Kusum-Kangaru (6,369m/20,890ft) crossing a short suspension bridge. From hereafter, a short climb will bring us to the Ghat village, and another 1 and 1/2 hours of gradual walk bring you to Phakding village for the overnight stop and stroll around the village for local knowledge.

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft), a 5-6 hrs walk

Overnight

Namche Bazaar

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

5-6 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

The trek will start in the morning. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi, the walk will be a pleasant walk with a few short uphill and downhill. We will be re-crossing the same river again with a magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) from the Benkar village. The trek will continue crossing the bridges till we reach Monjo. Monjo is the entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park, where your trekking permit is checked. They will keep a record of all trekkers going to and from this place including the local trekking staff as well. After entering the National Park boundary, we will descend and take a gradual walk that will bring us to the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Koshi River. Jorsalle village is the last village till Namche Bazaar. From here the walk will be pleasant on the river bed till we reach the last bridge over the Dudh-Koshi River. The walk will change along the winding uphill path to Namche Bazaar, with a magnificent view of Kwangde Peak and its other sister peaks towards the east with Kusum Kanguru on the back. As you will climb higher, you'll get an amazing view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and a closer view of Tawache Peak. Finally, we will reach a colorful house, called Namche Bazaar, the main gate of the Khumbu region. We will have an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

Overnight

Namche Bazaar

Meal

3 Meals

Accommodation

Tea House

You will have a full day of leisure. You can also choose to visit the Everest View Point Hotel for a wonderful panoramic view or stroll around the market if the day is Saturday. Many people visit Saturday markets for shopping, fulfilling their daily needs because it is the only shopping market in the surrounding areas. You can also visit the Sherpa Museum as well, which is a great place to learn about Sherpa culture and the history of mountaineering. We will stroll back to the hotel overnight.

Day 05: Trek from Namche to Tyangboche (3,860m/12,664ft), 5-6 hrs walk

Overnight

Tyangboche

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

5-6 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

After a stroll around the Namche area, we will begin a refreshed day. It will be fairly easy to walk further on this day. Our walk will follow on the gradual trail with a few short up and downs overlooking magnificent views of the great giant snow peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kwangde Peak. After a pleasant walk of two hours to a small place at Shanasa, the trail will descend to the Dudh-Koshi River at Phungithanga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses. The trail will then lead uphill through the forested path of silver fir, blue pines, rhododendron, and a few magnolia and birch trees. After two hours hard, the walk will get to Tyangboche, one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas. The first thing that comes to your eye will be the big Monastery or Gumba, then the large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam, Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Lhotse Shar towards the northeast, and more peaks all around you.

Day 06: Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4,410m/14,469 ft), 5-6 hrs walk

Overnight

Dingboche

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

5-6 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

Our trek will start with a pleasant walk and descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper, and rhododendron. We will then reach a lovely spot at Deboche (3,650 m) with a magnificent view of mountains, past the long prayer mani wall. The path will then be gradual up to the Pangboche village. Onwards the village, you can see the lush vegetation and tree lines vanish, as we will enter the Imjatse valley to the Dingboche. The great view of the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse with a view of the eastern snow-capped mountains including the Island peak Climb and Imjatse (6,189m) can also be seen from the place. Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls, protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Dingboche has more than ten teahouses which is also the gateway to Chukung.

Day 07: Acclimatization day at Dingboche

Overnight

Dingboche

Meal

3 Meals

Accommodation

Tea House

We will take a day to rest for acclimatization at Dingboche Valley. After the early morning breakfast, we will hike up to Nagarjuna viewpoint (5,050 m) situated just north of Dingboche. We will see many towering peaks a front of you and a close view of Mt. Lhotse from Dingboche. We can also get a good view of Mt. Makalu, Island Peak, Amadablam, Tawache, Cholatse, Lobuche Peak, and many more from the top. This will be one of the best-hidden viewpoints and a way to good acclimatize the climbers. Enjoy a stroll back to Dingboche. Overnight.

Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung Valley (4,730m/15,518ft), 2-3 hrs walking

Overnight

Chhukung Valley

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

2-3 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

We will have a very short day. After having breakfast, we will head further eastern side for 2-3 hours. After taking a gentle uphill, we will reach Chhukung, which is a hidden valley near the base of Island Peak Climb. We'll have a full day's rest. It will be the last place to prepare for camping and climbing. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09: Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp (5,100m/16,732ft), 3-4 hours

Overnight

Island Peak Base camp

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

3-4 Hrs

Accommodation

Tent

We will head on to our journey with a steep way climbing the southern part and then turning east to the main line of the valley. The trail will then wind along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. We will continue the short pleasant walk along a streamside that will then lead us to “Big-rock”. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines will lead us to a wide valley flanking the southwest side of Island Peak. We'll reach the Island peak base camp. Overnight at the tented camp.

Day 10: Island Peak Summit (6,189m/20,305ft) and return to base camp

Overnight

Base camp

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

7-8 Hrs

Accommodation

Tent

Our destination finally arrives after walking for a long journey of about ten days. We will start our climb early morning through the rock gully. This will not be much difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route will then follow a ridgeline, which will lead us to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it will contain several crevasses. You have to keep in mind that the path will lead us without difficulty up to 100m/330ft. There might be some snow and ice slope (40-45 degrees) on which the guide will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge will lead to the top. You can enjoy with success and bravery to get a summit and after some picture taking of scenic view, we will descend back to the base camp after exploring the peak. Overnight at the base camp.

Day 11: Trek from Island Peak Base Camp to Chhukung, 3-4 hours

Overnight

Chhukung

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

3-4 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

After the successful ascent and resting in the Island Base Camp, we will start our journey back down. We will take our early breakfast and start our way downwards. The trek will not be long but we will need to be careful walking down. Some of us may be tired due to the climb the previous day. We will climb downwards towards our destination at Chhukung leaving behind the beautiful mountains and scenarios. Chhukung is a beautiful settlement with a few tea houses. Overnight in one of the lodges in tea houses in Chhhukung.

Day 12: Trek from Chhukung to Tyangboche (3,860m/12,664ft), 4-5 hrs walk

Overnight

Tyangboche

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

4-5 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

The walk for the day will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation from Chhukung. The walk to Tyangboche will be pleasant. After the Dingboche valley, we will get down to the bridge then our route will descend following the stream towards Tengboche village and further down to Tyangboche. Tyangboche is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas. The first thing that comes to your eye will be the big Monastery or Gumba, then the large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam, Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Lhotse Shar towards the northeast, and more peaks all around you.

Day 13: Trek from Tyangboche to Namche (3,440m/11,286ft), 4-5 hrs walk

Overnight

Namche

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

4-5 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

The trek down to Phungithanka, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses will begin in the early morning. The trail will lead us downhill through the forested path of silver fir, blue pines, rhododendron, and some few magnolia and birch trees with great memories, and after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river trek onwards to the Sanasa. Then, we will re-track to Namche Bazaar for the overnight stay.

Day 14: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), 6-7 hrs walk

Overnight

Lukla

Meal

3 Meals

Walking

6-7 Hrs

Accommodation

Tea House

After a long walk, we'll have a long and last-day trek back to Lukla. Firstly, we will descend the long way before crossing the bridge. We will walk further till we reach Monju. Our next stop will be at the Phakding for lunch. We will trek back enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery. You will also get a chance to explore the local Sherpa village. After arrival in Lukla, you'll have time to stroll around the areas. The guide will re-confirm your flight ticket. You can enjoy the last celebration dinner with your crew member. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: Flight back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265 ft)

Overnight

Kathmandu

Meal

Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

Flight

27 Minutes

Accommodation

Hotel

The flight time to Kathmandu will be scheduled in the morning normally because of the wind in the afternoon. Sometimes the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason which is beyond our control. Anyways, we will fly back to Kathmandu. After returning to Kathmandu, the guide will help you transfer to the hotel. You may have some time to relax after a long journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel.

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

Car

20 Minutes

Meal

Breakfast

You'll have free time for last-minute shopping that may include souvenirs, and gifts for your family, friends, or relatives until your departure flight/drive. You can also choose to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If you are set for departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onward destination.