Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek

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Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek
At a Glance
  • Duration19 Days
  • Difficulty Level Serious
  • Max Altitude 6168 M
  • Group Size UP to 10 Pax
  • Starts Kathmandu Airport
  • Ends Kathmandu Airport

With a unique identity of its own, Island Peak (6189m) - also known as Imja Tse, the Island Peak Climbing Expedition takes you into the lifestyle of the proud Sherpas. The Island peak is surrounded by Lhotse Glaciers and stands tall away from the massive range of the esteemed Everest Himalayas. Obvious Himalayan panorama along with affluent bio-diversity, the Island peak climbing journey also boasts trips to Kalapatthar and Everest Base camp. Not just a journey to the peak of Island Peak, this well-rounded voyage explores the whole of the Khumbu region. 

Island peak climbing with Everest Base camp trek begins from Lukla, accessible via a short and scenic flight from Kathmandu. You’ll move forward through Phakding and then towards the beautiful Namche Bazaar, which is known as the gateway to Mt. Everest. There, you’ll get to know more about Sherpa culture. Moving on, you’ll walk through Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. From there, you’ll visit Everest Base Camp. You’ll also be able to see Nuptse (7861m), Pumori (7165m), and Khumbutse (6665m) along the way. Both Kalapatthar and Everest Base Camp offer scintillating mountain views in the Everest region. You’ll then trek towards Lobuche, Kongma La and then to Chhukung. From Chhukung, you’ll trek towards the base camp for Island Peak. From the base camp, it’ll take you about 10 -12 hours to reach the top and come back to the base camp. Eventually retracing our steps, we head back to Lukla and end the trip to Kathmandu. This trek also gives the pleasure of experiencing the wildlife, lush vegetation and unique culture and tradition of the mid-hill region. The best and most suitable time of the year for Island Peak Climbing is either March to early June or September to November.

For Island Peak Climbing with Everest base camp trek, Himalayan Recreation is undoubtedly the best choice. Not just proper transportation and accommodation, we assure you to be provided with trained professionals who will make this trip one of the best you’ve ever had. With us, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing trekking experience. 

Itinerary

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    You’ll arrive in the capital city, Kathmandu and will be greeted by one of our staff at Tribhuvan International Airport. You’ll be driven to your respective hotel. You can rest for the rest of the day. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

      Today is the day for proper preparation for the upcoming trip. You will be meeting your guide as well as fellow climbers for this. Everything from the safety check of the trip to the discussion about the expectations from the trip shall be discussed. You can then spend your day as you want. You’ll spend the night in the same hotel as before.

        You’ll be flying to Lukla on this day. For that, you’ll be transferred to TIA and then fly above mountains and witness some of the tallest peaks in the world. On reaching Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla, you’ll hike through the village of Lukla for about 4 hours until you reach Phakding. To adapt to the altitude, you’ll only hike for a short time. Overnight stay at Phakding.

          We start walking towards Namche Bazaar from Phakding. You’ll be walking through the pine forest and alongside the Dudh Koshi River. On the way, you will come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m). Moving on, you’ll make an entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. Walking for some more time, you’ll reach the beautiful Namche Bazaar, which is also called the gateway to Mt. Everest (8848m). Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

            Acclimatization is an important part of peak climbing as you need to adapt to the altitude. You’ll spend the day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar. You can also hike short distances as well as know more about Sherpa people by visiting the Sherpa Museum. You can even roam around the local market and interact with the local people. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

              You’ll leave Namche Bazaar and move towards Tengboche. On the way, you can see the high mountains such as Mount Everest (8848m), Mount Lhotse (8414m), Mount Nuptse (7861m), and Mount Amadablam (6856m). Moving forward through the Rhododendron forest, you’ll reach the village of Tengboche. It has the largest monastery in the Everest region, the famous Tengboche monastery. Overnight stay at Tengboche.

                You’ll visit the monastery early in the morning. There, you’ll see beautiful mountains in the backdrop. You’ll then descend through a forest for about half an hour and cross a river. You’ll climb uphill, where the vegetation slowly declines. You’ll reach the beautiful village of Pangboche, and finally to Pheriche. The entire trek follows the Imja River for the entirety. Overnight stay at Pheriche.

                  You’ll start the day by walking towards Dughla. After reaching Dughla, you will trek uphill on the steep terminal moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Ascending along with the majestic Himalayas, you’ll see several prayer flags used as memorials. You’ll move forward and see various peaks Khumbutse (6665m), Lingtren (6749m), Pumori (7165m), and Mahalangur Himal Range. Overnight stay at Lobuche.

                    On this day, you’ll move along the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier. The trail will be difficult due to less air at that altitude. You’ll make your way to Gorakshep first. You’ll then head towards Everest Base Camp. You’ll be able to see Nuptse (7861m) and Pumori (7165m) mountains on the way. After enjoying the views of Khumbu icefall and glacier, you head back to Gorakshep. Overnight stay at Gorakshep.

                      The day starts early with a hike to Kalapatthar where you’ll be able to see the mesmerizing view of the sunrise on the highest peak of the world. The temperature will drop on the way to Kala Patthar and it’ll be chilly. On reaching Kala Patthar, you’ll get a clearer 360-view of Mt. Everest (8848m) and many other peaks in the Everest range. You can enjoy the views and return back to Lobuche. Overnight stay in Lobuche.

                        On the eleventh day, you’ll be trekking toward Kongma La Pass (5535m). You’ll be walking on the high elevation of Kongma La Pass and thus it’ll be a difficult ascent. On the top, you’ll see cairn-wrapped prayer flags as the mark. You’ll then descend gradually to Imja valley along with the lush vegetation and sloppy landscape and finally to Chhukung. Overnight stay at Chhukung.

                          The trail on the trek to Island Peak Base Camp is steep. You’ll see amazing views of beautiful landscapes and snow-capped mountains including Nuptse (7861m), Pumori (7161m), and Khumbutse (6636m) as you climb up the steep trail. The trail further ascends along icy paths and slippery trails. You’ll reach the base camp in about 3-4 hours. Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.

                            It’s essential to train and learn to use the equipment properly. You’ll spend the day learning the proper way to use the gears like ice axe, climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, ascenders, etc. The training will boost your confidence and help you get ready for climbing as well. You’ll also hike someplace nearby. Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.

                              Since the afternoon wind makes it difficult to climb the peak, you’ll start the climb very early in the morning, at around 12 or 1 am. The trail ascends towards the top and then to the steep hillside. You’ll find less vegetation as you climb more and more. As the trail moves upward the hill, you’ll start trekking on rocks. The trail then exposes you to a ridgeline which gives a thrilling route to all your fellow climbers. When required, you’ll use the equipment you’ve brought along. A steep snow slope will lead you to the ridge of the summit. You’ll have to use both fixed rope as well as man rope on this climbing. Once you’ve reached the summit, the fixed rope will be used for safety. You’ll also require the use of ladders. From the top, you’ll be able to enjoy splendid views that will make you beam with joy. After some time, you’ll descend down towards the base camp. Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.

                                To reach Pangboche, you’ll trace back the way along Imja Khola. It’ll be easier to reach there as the trail mostly descends towards Pangboche. On the way, you’ll pass through the beautiful settlements of Sherpa. Pangboche is a beautiful village that offers panoramic views of the giant Himalayas. At Pangboche, you can explore the local Sherpa monasteries. Overnight stay at Pangboche.

                                  Leaving Pangboche, you’ll walk through the Rhododendron forest and Imja Khola. You’ll then cross the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River and walk through the pine forest. If you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. It’ll take you about 4-5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

                                    To reach Lukla from Namche Bazaar, the trail descends steeply downward on the rocky terrain. You’ll then cross the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries. From there, the trail becomes more level and natural. Finally, crossing the settlement of Phakding, you will move towards Lukla. Overnight stay at Lukla.

                                      On the eighteenth day, you’ll be flying back to Kathmandu. You can share your experience of the trip on the way back. A scenic flight over the Himalayas takes you back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, you can rest or roam around Thamel, buy souvenirs, and enjoy the nightlife. Overnight stay in a hotel in Kathmandu.

                                        This is the day when you return back from Nepal. You will be transferred to the airport at the scheduled time. You’ll then fly back to your final destination.

                                        Cost Details

                                        Cost Includes
                                        • All ground transport in a private vehicle, including airport transfers
                                        • Three nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
                                        • 3 standard meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners) during the trip
                                        • Snacks of seasonal fruits during the trek
                                        • Best available twin sharing lodge for accommodation during the trek.
                                        • Tented accommodation during the climb
                                        • Domestic flights (From Kathmandu - Lukla or Manthali - Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu or Lukla to Manthali) including airport departure tax and transfers. (Note: If you want to take a shared helicopter, it will cost you an extra amount.)
                                        • Himalayan Recreation’s experienced, government licensed, English speaking Climbing guide Sherpa during the Island Peak trip.
                                        • Porters and Supportive staffs services (1 porter = 2 trekkers).
                                        • All costs of staff which includes food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment’s and medicines.
                                        • Duffel bag use while trekking & Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
                                        • Required Sagarmatha National Park Permit fee, TIMS Fee, Garbage Deposit and Island Peak Climbing Permit
                                        • First aid medicine Kit
                                        • Farewell dinner with Cultural show in a fine restaurant on second last day.
                                        • Government taxes & office service charge
                                        Cost Excludes
                                        • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the above itinerary
                                        • Personal Travel insurance, which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
                                        • Personal trekking equipment or expenses
                                        • Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
                                        • Tips for trekking guides, porters (tipping is expected)
                                        • Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the 'Price Includes' section.

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