Island peak is officially classified as a group “B” trekking peak by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and it’s also known as “Imja-Tse, looks like an island in a sea of ice and that is why it is called Island peak. It's situated at the top of the Imja-Khola valley in the Khumbu region. To climb the peak is semi-technical and straight forward so that the climber must be proficient in using gears like ice axe and crampons etc. The most difficult section is a slope of around 45-degree ice wall leading to the narrow summit ridge.
We combined trek to Everest Base Camp with Island Peak climb, therefore this trip is one of the most popular and bucket list trip for many adventure lovers. The Everest area, locally known as Khumbu area, is home for the several popular peaks including Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world as well for the world’s famous Sherpas. The mountain views are stunning, and the simplicity and hospitality of the Sherpa community is heart-warming. You will get to see the awe-inspiring views of Mt. Everest, the tallest of all, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku, and several peaks. This trek is one that takes you deep into the heart of the Himalaya and you will also be visiting Sherpa villages and oldest monasteries to gain insight into their culture and lifestyle.
Our Journey begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla and continually trekking along the Dudh Koshi (The Milky River). After crossing the Namche Bazar (the Sherpa Headquarter), we will continue our trek on main Everest Base Camp trail spending overnights in Debouche, Dingbouche, Lobuche and finally to Gorekshep (5,140m). Gorekshep has the last teahouse before getting into the Everest Base Camp (EBC). From here, we hike to the EBC and also climbing to the Kalapather (5,550m), in order to acclimatize properly before climbing the Island Peak. After completing all the acclimatization hikes, then we trek to Chukung and check our climbing gears and final preparations for the climb. Next day we trek to Island Peak Base Camp (4,970m), and early next day morning we start out final summit push on Island Peak and also return to the base camp the same day. It's long and tough climb up and down in a day about 10-12hours. Finally we trek out of Khumbu valley and fly to Kathmandu with lots of beautiful memories to home and families.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in KTM, transfer to hotel, briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Tour, Necessary preparation & packing
In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, packing and getting ready for the trip.
Day 3
Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,610m)40min flight, 3-4hrs trek
We will drive to domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport early in the morning and catch a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. We will follow one of the most scenic air routes in the world with panoramic views of glistening mountains to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. Lukla allows access to Everest Khumbu region. We will assemble the crew and take breakfast before start of Everest3 Passes Trek and Island Peak. Following the stone path through Ghat village, we will reach Phakding village. Visit local monastery. Stay overnight in Phakding.
Day 4
Trek to Namche (3,440m)5-6hrs
Leaving Phakding, we will walk along Dudhkoshi River and enter the dense pine forest. We will cross suspension bridges and walk through dispersed houses of Zapute, Benkar and Chumoa to reach Monjo. Monjo allows an entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We need to go through required national park formalities before we can enter the park. The park is rich in Himalayan herbs, plants, mammals and birds. We will descend to Hillary Bridge existing at the base of hill. After crossing the bridge, we will follow the escalating path towards Namche Bazaar. The path rewards us with views of Thamserku Mountain, Everest, Lhotse and other mountains and peaks. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 5
Day Hikes Acclimatize to Khumjung/Khunde (3,840m)
Namche Bazaar acts as the major trade centre to conduct trade in between locals and neighbouring Tibetans. Namche is also popular as the capital of Sherpa land. It is wise to take rest at Namche on this day. For proper acclimatization with the changing altitude, we can arrange day hike to small Khumjung and Khunde villages. Visit the local monastery and observe the local lifestyle. Head office of National Park, Museum and monasteries are interesting places near Namche. We can get most of the modern facilities including hospital and post office at Namche. Stay overnight in Namche.
Day 6
Trek to Tengboche (3,860m), 5 hours: visit monastery
The trail continues along glaciated Dudh Koshi River from Namche. We will follow the scenic route with views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and other peaks and mountains and enter the forest area. Walking through the colourful rhododendron forest, we can get opportunity to view musk deer and colourful Himalayn birds like Danphe and Munal. We will move further to Sanasa village. The trail branches at Sanasa. We will follow the main trail towards Everest Base Camp. Following the escalating path from Sanasa, we will reach Tengboche. Gate of Tengboche Monastery is open after 3pm. We will visit Tengboche Monastery which is the largest monastery in the region.
Day 7
Trek to Dengboche (4,410m), 5 hours
Leaving Tengboche, we will enter the birch and rhododendron forest. In couple of hours, we will reach Debuche from where we will lower down to beautiful Chhukung Valley. We will descend to Imja River and follow the raised path to Pangboche. Monastery is Pangboche is believed to be the oldest Monastery in the region. Walking along the Mani walls, we will climb to Pheriche. Walking along Lobuche River, we will reach Dengboche village. Stay overnight in Dengboche.
Day 8
Day hike to the hills & acclimatization day
This is a rest day. We will climb to the nearby ridge for the views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, Thamserku and other peaks and mountains. Visit Himalayan Rescue Association in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Machhermo. This is the last settlement that we will find before Gokyo.
Day 9
Trek to Lobuche (4,910m), 4 hours
From Dengboche, we will return to Pheriche. The trail continues through Dugla to the steep moraine of Khumbu glacier. We will head towards Chupki Lhara which is the memorial site for renowned climber Babu Chhiri Sherpa. Chupki Lhara is decorated with prayer flags. Walking through the Khumbu glacier moraine, we will reach Lobuche. Enjoy the panoramic views of Pumori Peak, Khumbutse Peak and other peaks and mountains. Stay overnight in Lobuche.
Day 10
Trek to Gorekshep (5,140m), 4 hours
From Lobuche, we will follow short and easy path to Gorakshep. Once vast, the lake has shrunk significantly lately. Stay overnight at the bank of Gorak Shep Lake.
Day 11
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) & O/N at GorakShep (5,140m), 5 hours
The trail stretches through levelled path from Gorakshep to the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. Although levelled, the path is tricky as it is made slippery by the glaciers. Also, the challenges is added by the increased altitude and presence of thin air. Walking past the rocky dunes and moraines, we will reach Everest Base Camp. We will enjoy the views of Nuptse, Khumbutse and other peaks and mountains. We need to wait till we reach Kalapattar for close-up view of Everest. Since it is difficult to spend night at Base Camp of Everest due to altitude problem, we will return to Gorakshep for overnight stay.
Day 12
Climb Kala Pattar (5,550m), 4 hours, trek to to Chukung (4,743m) 5 hrs
This is going to be long trek. We will wake up at around 3 am and prepare tea before heading through moraines and boulders to Kalapattar. Expect the challenges of low temperature and cold wind. Kalapattar is famous for its sunset view over Everest. Get the 360 degree view of Everest including panoramic views of Khumbutse, Changtse and other peaks and mountains. Take pictures and retrace the route back to Chukung via Dingbouche for overnight stay.
Day 13
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (4,970m) 3hrs
Short trek from Chukung will take us to Base Camp of Island Peak. Heading south from Chukung, we will walk through Lhotse glacier along Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines. We will reach to the southwest edge of Island Peak which will be our camp site. Enjoy the spectacular views of surrounding mountains and moraine valley. We will stay overnight in Base Camp of Island Peak.
Day 14
Summit – descent to BC and trek to Chukung, 10hrs
After packing our essentials, we will begin our climb to the High camp of Island Peak. The slope continues to narrow and the trail enters a sloped rock channel. We will make our Camp nearby the rock channel. You will need to use crampons on this day. Follow the instructions of your guide properly for safety. The trail continues to raise up from the rock gully. We need to climb series of short rock steps which will bring us to the right side of the drain. We will follow a ridgeline which will take us to the exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We will need rope on this day. Moving through crevasses and crossing over few ladders, we will climb 40 degree slope by help of rope and follow the ridge up to the summit. We will spend some time in summit enjoying the successful ascend of Island Peak and lower down to Base Camp from where we will retrace the route back to Chukung.
Day 15
Spare day for emergency purpose
Including a reserve day in our itinerary makes sure that our trip goes according to plan even if we get delayed by unforeseen circumstances like bad weather and other factors.
Day 16
Trek to Pangboche(3,930m)
Leaving Chukung, we will move towards Dingboche village and pass through small Somare settlement to Pangboche village. We will visit the local monastery and stay overnight at Pangboche.
Day 17
Trek to Namche (3,440m)
We will descend to Deboche. From Deboche, the trail continues towards Tengboche Monastery where we can see Buddhist Lamas performing rituals. Tengboche Monastery is one of the famous monasteries in Khumbu region. From Monastery, our trail continues along DudhKoshi Valley to the small village of PhukiTenga. We will follow the ascending path to Namche. The path is scenic with views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and other mountains. Stay overnight in Namche.
Day 18
Trek to Lukla (2,800m)
From Namche, we will lower down to rhododendron forest and walk along Dudhkoshi River to Phakding. Walking past the walled road of Ghat, we will reach Lukla. Stay overnight in Lukla.
Day 19
Fly to KTM and transfer to hotel
We will catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums and jot down memories in your journal. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 20
Free day in KTM or reserve day for Lukla – KTM flight
Due to the climate condition, delay of flight in Lukla is a common experience. Also, we might lag behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. Under such condition, we will catch flight from Lukla to Kathmandu on this day. Returning to Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. Spend the day as you like. Farewell dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 21
Departure for Int’l flight to home
We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
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