Island Peak Climbing - 20 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our correspondent who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Once checked in, we will arrange a pre-trip meeting where we will brief in short about the trek, answer any queries you have and meet your trekking guide as well. After the short brief, you can relax and spend rest of the day at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

This day after an early breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and drive to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport for a 35-minute scenic and adventurous flight to Lukla in the Everest region, weather permitting.

Upon landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2840 m), rest briefly in the lodge of Lukla and meet your Sherpas at the lodge, and prepare to begin the first day trek to Everest Base Camp. Walking 3 hours some ascending and straight trials you reach Phakding (2610m). Along the way you pass through Lukla Bazaar, offering unforgettable views of terraced landscapes, river valleys, Sherpa villages, and up-close perspectives of some of the world's highest mountains. Stay overnight at a lodge in Phakding.

This day you will have breakfast in the early morning and begin the journey towards Namche Bazar which takes about 5-6 hours of walking.

At the beginning of the trek, you have to walk straight uphill path and then cross the Dhud Khosi River several times. After walking for about 1.5 hours you will reach Monjo village (2835 m). Then from Monjo continue the trek along steep zig-zag trial. On the way you cross waterfall, pass through one of the biggest and amazing suspension bridge. After almost 5 to 6 hours of walking you will reach Namche Bazar. The first view of Namche Bazar with the stupa, monastery, lodges and the beautiful gates is amazing.

Namche Bazar is the main gateway to the Nepal's Himalayas of Everest region. Namche Bazar is also known as “Sherpa capital,” - a vibrant town known for its stunning mountain views, cultural richness, and importance as a trading and acclimatization hub for trekkers and climbers heading towards Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, or Everest Three Passes trek. Stay overnight at Lodge in Namche Bazar.

Today will be the acclimatization day in Namche Bazar. As trekking in higher elevations can lead to altitude sickness, you have to make sure to acclimatize so that your body can adapt with increasing elevation.

In the morning, after breakfast in the hotel and get ready to hike for about 4 hours to the monastery above Namche Bazar, then after your guide will accompany you to Syangboche and Khumjung village and finally to the luxurious hotel at highest altitude: Everest View Hotel. From the hotel, you can see first view of Mount Everest, and other beautiful Himalayas like: Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Lhotse, Mount Nuptse and so on. You can rest and have some tea in the hotel. 

Today will be the first day when you get to enjoy magnificent views of mighty Mount Everest (8848 m). As you return back to Namche Bazar, in the afternoon you will have free time to wander around and visit the markets, purchase trekking equipment’s (if needed), local handicrafts and so on around Namche Bazar. Stay overnight at Lodge in Namche Bazar.

This day you will have breakfast in the morning (around 7 am) and then get ready to trek towards Dole via Phortse Tenga which takes about 6-7 hours of walking.

Today you begin the journey by walking through the straight uphill trials until you reach Mongla Pass (3972 m) which takes about 3 hours. This is a wonderful place and from where we can see the beautiful view of Mount Amadablam and Chorten. Here you will stop for a while to acclimatize and take pictures.

Later, continue to descent towards Phortse Tenga which takes about 1 hour. Today's Lunch camp will be in Phortse Tenga.

From Phortse, after lunch and resting for a while prepare to walk ascending uphill trial for about 2-3 hours to reach Dole. On the way you can see the yaks passing by, waterfalls, cross small wooden bridges. Stay overnight at Lodge.

This day you will have breakfast in the morning (around 7 am) and get ready to head toward Machermo which takes about 4-5 hours of walking.

Today as you leave Dole,you will have to walk through the steep climb up to 4000 meters from where you can see beutiful view of Dole village and landscape nearby. As you walk through, you will pass through the towns of Labharma and Luza until you reach Machermo. On the way to Machermo, you can see beautiful view of Mount Amadablam and Thamserku. You will reach Machermo by lunch time.

After lunch free day in Machermo or you can hike to nearby hills for acclimatization. Stay overnight at Lodge.

This day after having breakfast prepare to head towards one of the beautiful destination of the tre, Gokyo. Today's trek towards Gokyo will take about 4-5 hours of walking.

As you continue the trek to Gokyo, you will have to walk through some straight and ascending trials. You can see beautiful views of Himalayas on the way and cross some small bridges too. And before you reach Gokyo you can see the 1st Gokyo Lake and then from there walking straight trial for about 1 hour and you will reach Gokyo valley. As you reach Gokyo valley, you can see very beautiful turquoise lake and yak gazing around and himalayas nearby. This is one of the beautiful point of Island Peak Climbing and Everest Trek. 

After passing through Gokyo lake you willl reach lodge in Gokyo. You will reach Gokyo by lunch camp and then you can explore around glaciers nearby Gokyo and Gokyo lakes in the afternoon. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Today is one of the important day of the trekking, You will have to wake up in the early morning (around 4:30 – 5 am) and then get ready to hike 1.8 km uphill trail to reach Gokyo Ri (4773 m) which takes about 3 hours of walking.

Climbing Gokyo Ri is totally ascending uphill trial but the view from the top of Gokyo Ri is totally worth it! You can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas like Mount Everest, Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and so on from the top. Along with the views of magnificent peaks, you can also see glaciers and very breautiful views of Gokyo Lakes. The hike to Gokyo Ri is quite difficult but the views will melt all your pains and you will witness one of the best mountain views of your life. 

After enjoying the view from Gokyo Ri, we will descend back to Gokyo in lodge which takes about 1.5 hours.

After arrival in the lodge in Gokyo lodge, you will have breakfast and rest for a while. Then after prepare to continue the trek towards Thagnang which takes about 3 hours. You will have to walk little uphill trial from where you will see last amazing view of Gokyo Lake and valley - bid farewell to Gokyo and start to descend downhill. Now walking through the Nangjungma glacier trials for about 40 minutes and then again walking uphill and straight trials you reach Thagnang. Stay overnight at Lodge.

This day is also another very important day of the trek as you will be crossing the Chola Pass (5330 m). Doing the Island Peak Climbing via Everest Gokyo Chola Pass Trek is very good for you as you get to acclimatize well before climbing Island Peak (6160 m).  Today's trek will be towards Dzongla via Chola Pass which takes about 7 hours of walking. Chola Pass is also one of the difficult and high passes of Nepal. 

Today also you wake up in early morning around 4 am – 5 am and have early morning breakfast. After breakfast you start the trek with a steep climb uphill, and after walking about 1.5 hours you reach a pass at 5000 m from where you can can see the Chola Pass. Today you have to walk slow and steady as you will be going to highest altitude.

Continuing the climb for about 3 hours in the rock you will reach the Chola Pass (5330 m). If weather permits, fromt the top of Chola Pass you can see mesmerizing views of Mount Cho Oyu and beautiful Everest Range. After resting for a while in Chola Pass and having packed lunch in the pass or right before pass, prepare to descend downhill through a long valley until Dzonglha.  Stay overnight at lodge.

For today’s pass trekking gearls like: crampons (in case of snow), trekking poles for safety are suggested!

This day after having breakfast in Dzongla prepare to start trekking towards Gorakshep, which is the main destination to reach Kalapathar (5445 m) and Everest Base Camp (5360 m). 

Waking up in the morning, from Dzongla you can see breathtaking view of towering peaks like: Cholatse (6440 m), Taboche (6495 m) & Lobuche (6119 m) and so on as you pass through Dzongla.

You continue the trek for about 3-4 hours walking through the uphill trials until Lobuche (4910 m). Rest for a while in Lobuche and from there continue the trek towards Gorakshep.

Gorakshep is the last sleeping point for trekkers doing Everest Base Camp trek. Continuing the trek & walking uphill through some rocky trials also walking on the left bank of the glacier you will reach Gorakshep after walking about 1 hour from Lobuche.

Upon arrival in Gorakshep have lunch and the prepare to hike towards most awaited destination: Everest Base Camp - to the foot of world's highest mountain. The hike to the base camp wil take about 2 hours straight ascending trial thorugh rocky terrains and moraines way. After reaching Everest Base Camp, explore around the glaciers, you also get to meet the climbers preparing to Climb Mount Everest Expedition. Take the picture, celebrate the success to one of the world's most beautiful and desired destination and then return back through the same way to Gorakshep.   Stay overnight at Lodge.

Today is also the greatest as well as important day of the trek. Today you hike towards Kala Pathar which is very important for acclimatization for Island Peak Climb.

You will wake up early in the morning (around 4:30 - 5 am) and then get ready to hike towards Kala Pathar – meaning Black Stone in English. It takes about 3 hours uphill walk to reach Kala Pathar. From the top you can see breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Everest, Mount Nuptse, Mount Lhotse, Mount Pumori, Amadablam, Cho Oyu and so on. This is one of the best views of sunrise on the mountains you can ever witness in your lifetime. After enjoying the view from top,  prepare to descend back towards Gorakshep which takes about 1 hour. Upon reaching Gorakshep, have breakfast and prepare to descend towards Dingboche which is the destionation towards climbing Island Peak. 

It takes about another 4 hours to reach Dingboche from Gorakshep. En route to Dingboche you will cross through Thukla Pass (4800 m) where you will get to see memorial viepoint dedicated to the climbers and Sherpas who lost their lives while climbing Mount Everest. After about 2 hours of descending from Thukla Pass you will reach a beautiful village in Dingboche. 

Dingboche is a beautiful Sherpa village of Khumbu Valley, also a summer settlement, encircled by amazing views of Mount Ama Dablam, ridge of Lhotse-Nuptse, Chalotse & Tawache. It is also a common resting point for trekkers to acclimatize further before continuing to Everest Base Camp Trek or towards Chukung for Island Peak Climbing. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Today, after having breakfast you can explore and relax around Dingboche for a while. Later, leaving Dingboche, you embark on a scenic trek to Chhukung. Your journey begins as you walk-through traditional stone-walled fields, where locals cultivate barley and potatoes during the short growing season. As you trek further, you will follow the Imja Khola Valley, before entering an area of glacial moraines and in about 3-4 hours you will reach Chukung (4700 m).

Before Chukung, you reach a small village named: Bibre, from there another half an hour trek will take us to Chhukung. From Chhukung, you are treated to an extraordinary panoramic view, with Ama Dablam (6812 m) standing directly across the valley, while the remote and formidable Amphu Lapcha Pass. Tonight, you rest in Chhukung, taking in the solitude and breathtaking beauty of this Himalayan landscape.
Stay overnight at Lodge.

The trek from Chukhung to Island Peak Base Camp is a significant stretch, as it's the main starting point for climbers attempting to summit Island Peak (Imja Tse)

This day after having breakfast you will prepare to ascend towards Island Peak Base Camp (5050 m) which takes about 4-5 hours of walking.

Today's trail will be walking through the rugged terrain, glacial moraines & icy streams. As you ascend towards base camp of Island Peak, you can see breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Baruntse, and the imposing Island Peak. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more barren and dramatic. Upon reaching the base camp, you settle in, acclimatize, and prepare for the challenging climb ahead. Stay overnight at tent.

Today is one of the most important day as well as the most awaited moment of the trek. Today you will make your dream come true today by summiting Island Peak known as Imja Tse having an altitude of 6160 meters.

Today’s challenging and rewarding climb begins early, usually around midnight (2- 3 am), to take advantage of stable weather conditions for climbing. This climb is challenging but offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit of one of the most iconic peaks in the Everest region. 

You will ascend through steep rocky paths, glaciers, and a final icy slope leading to the Island Peak summit. Using ropes, ladders, and crampons, you cross crevasses and climb the headwall before reaching the summit of Island Peak (6,189 m). From the top of Island Peak, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Baruntse. After celebrating your achievement of summit, you carefully descend back to Base Camp, where you rest after an exhausting yet exhilarating climb.

Island Peak Climbing Details:

1. Starting Early: Start around 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM to make use of the early morning hours, avoiding adverse weather and improving the chances of summit success.
2. Summit View: The view from the summit is incredible, offering panoramic views of the Everest Region, including peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse.
3. Climbing Route:

• The route starts with a gradual ascent from the base camp towards the Island Peak High Camp (approximately 5600 m), where most climbers rest before continuing to the summit.
• From the high camp, the route becomes steeper and more technical, requiring the use of ice axes, crampons, and ropes.
• A fixed rope will be in place for sections with steep rock and ice, including the final summit push, which includes a summit ridge with a steep and narrow section before reaching the summit.

After taking rest and having lunch in Island Peak Base Camp you will again descend back to Chukkung through the same trail. Stay overnight at lodge.

This day you will have breakfast in the morning and prepare to descend back with memories and successful summit to Island Peak. Today you will have to descend for about 6 hours to reach Tengboche.

As you descend from Chhukung, retracing your path through the Imja Khola Valley and leave Dingboche. On the way back you can see stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest as you pass through alpine landscapes and rhododendron forests. After crossing the Dudh Koshi River, you will have to do a final uphill stretch lead to Tengboche.

Tengboche is one of the famous destinations with old monastery for the travelers, here you can visit the Tengboche monastery and pray with monks in the evening or morning with Lamas. Here, you can enjoy serene mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere before resting for the night. Stay overnight at lodge.

This day you will have breakfast and then continue to descend back to Namche Bazar which takes about 5-6 hours of walking. In the morning, you can see beautiful views of Mount Everest and Lhotse. The trek begins with a steep descent until crossing the river in the town of Phumki. Continuing trek through the forest trials, walking uphill, straight trails for next 3 hours you will reach Namche Bazar. Explore around Namche Bazar, the market, cafe, restaurant and so on in the evening. Stay overnight at Lodge.

After having breakfast in the lodge, you will descend back towards Lukla through the same trial via Phakding. As you trek back to Lukla we get to spend the last night in the Khumbu region of Everest. You will descend towards Phakding from Lukla in about 3.5 hours have lunch in Phakding. From here, we will again descend towards Lukla through the zigzag trial in another 4.5 hours.

Upon arrival in Lukla, enjoy your last stay in Khumbu region, have group dinner and enjoy your final stay with warm memories and lifetime adventure in Khumbu region just spent. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Today in the early morning (6 am onwards) you will take a flight from Tenzing Hillary Airport (an "eagle's nest") to fly to Kathmandu or Ramechhap (subject to availability). The time of the flight will depend on the weather conditions. After arrival in Kathmandu and you can rest whole day. Stay overnight at hotel.

Free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing / shopping / massage. We can do half day sightseeing in the UNESCO listed World Heritage sightseeing sites like:

• Swoyambhunath: Also known as the Monkey Temple, it offers panoramic views of Kathmandu.
• Boudhanath: One of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Pashupatinath: A sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Enjoy your last day in Kathmandu before departure. At your scheduled departure time, our correspondent will pick you up from the hotel, transfer you to the airport, and bid you farewell with warm hearts.