On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, after clearing the visa formalities, and claiming the baggage. Head towards departure exit, where our staff receives you for a short transfer to the hotel. After getting refreshed join on the lobby with other members for Island Peak climb with Everest Base Camp trek, briefing provided by our guide, leader. On briefing full information of the treks, and hotels in Kathmandu as well of local cultures with do’s and don’ts. Evening a lovely dinner introduction to Nepali foods with exciting cultural programs.
Morning after breakfast, our city / cultural guide takes you on a tour visiting world heritage sites around Kathmandu city. Includes Old Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard, residence of Living Goddess the Kumari; and to Swayambhunath Stupa with more 2,600 years of history. Then head towards holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath a huge Buddhist Stupa. After an exciting and interesting tour back to hotel, preparation and packing for trek and climb of Island Peak. Non-essential clothing and items not required for treks, can be stored in the Hotel or with Everest Adventure Tour.
Starting early morning for super scenic flight to Lukla, a short drive to Kathmandu domestic airport. After going through security then board in a small spacious aircraft for sweeping short flight of 30 minutes or more. During air enjoy spectacular panorama of Himalayan range of peaks with views of Mt. Everest.
As plane makes landing on a short runways of Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary Airport, after claiming the baggage. Having time for some refreshment, and start the trek following through Lukla town and then down to Dudh Koshi River.
Walking past lovely Sherpa villages, where path are lined with Buddhist monuments known as prayer walls. Facing grand views of Kongde and Kusum Kanguru peaks, the reaching Phakding for overnight halt. Located by the raging glacial Dudh Koshi River, check into a nice lodge with time to explore around.
Today’s walks takes you to famous Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa Capital of Khumbu region of Everest. Morning walk follows a nice pleasant trail with ups and down to cross a long suspension bridge. Then head for a short steep up to Monjo village with views of Tharmasarku peaks. A short walk from Monjo to enter Sagarmatha National Park, the cross a bridge above the same river to Jorsalle. The last settlement before Namche Bazaar, stopping here for possible lunch break, afternoon walk on the river bed. Walking within lovely cool forest of pines, fir and rhododendron trees, as route leads to cross a high bridge. From the bridge on undulating winding ups to Namche Bazaar for two overnight halt.
Namche Bazaar a fascinating small town with fancy restaurants, luxury hotels and resorts, as well many shops and stores. Facilities of banks and ATM for trekkers, an exciting place to be with close views of Kongde peaks.
A leisure and free day, for short hike higher up to support acclimatization before the climb of Island Peak and visit to Everest Base Camp.
Places of interest in Namche Bazaar for short hikes: The best and short hike above Namche Bazaar climb up to Park Museum, which is at approx. 3,550 m. An interesting place situated on a high ridge facing grand vista of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse with majestic Ama Dablam. Includes views of Kantega, Tharmasarku and Kwangde range of peaks with Khumbila, the patron god of Khumbu Sherpa. Enjoy tour of the museum nearby provides full information of Khumbu area, cultures and flora/ fauna.
The next good hike for few hours climb to Syangboche ridge with a small old airstrip. From here continue walk up to Everest View Hotel, located on a high green hill covered in beautiful forest. One of the world’s first luxury deluxe hotels and of Khumbu area, built in 1971. Has been listed on the Guinness Book of World Record in 2004 as the highest placed hotels. At the height of 3,962 m / 13,000 feet, enjoy the serene surrounding with views of Mt. Everest.
Optional Hike to Khumjung and Khunde villages, located down from Everest View Hotel on a wide glacial valley. Beneath Mt. Khumbila, Khumjung with 500 years old Gompa / monastery treasures a scalp believed to be of a Yeti.
Continue walk to Khunde, the first and only hospital of Khumbu built by late Sir Edmund Hillary. From here follow a pleasant trail and steep downhill back to Namche Bazaar.
After a refreshing rest in Namche Bazaar, morning a pleasant walk on the scenic trail to Tengboche Monastery. The walk leads on wide scenic path with ever present views of snow-capped peaks. Then downhill to Imjatse River for lunch stop at small place of Phunki Tenga, amidst beautiful woodland. Afternoon few hour climb up to picturesque Tengboche and the monastery, one of the most photogenic spot. Encircled by array of peaks with grand views of Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam, surrounded by green tree lines. At Tengboche tour of monastery interior of great religious and cultural interest. Tengboche having several good lodges for overnight stops, some trekkers spends night at Deboche, a small place half down from Tengboche.
Enjoy the morning views of Mt. Everest and close look of towering Ama Dablam, having breakfast. Morning walks downhill to a bridge, where tree lines drops for mountainous terrain, following gradual uphill to Pangboche. The last permanent village en route Pheriche and Everest base camp to Island Peak. The walk leads to slow up, reaching a small place of Somare for possible lunch stop. Afternoon on gradual up and down to a stream. After crossing a small bridge climb for an hour or more to enter Pheriche Valley, where the main Pheriche settlement located.
A beautiful valley and nice settlement for overnight in Pheriche, enjoy the comfort in the best available lodge.
Another free day in Pheriche for acclimatization and short hike to other side of Pheriche where Imjatse valley located. As well a lovely Dingboche settlement where trekkers can catch the first views of Island Peak. Enjoy few hour hike up to Nakarjung for grand views of Ama Dablam North Face with Island Peak. The top of Nakarjung a good height for acclimatization as well for stunning panorama of surrounding snow-capped peaks. Rest of the afternoon at leisure and stroll around the Dingboche and back to Pheriche.
Starting the morning with slow and steady walks uphill and then on pleasant ups to Thugla for lunch. This is where Pheriche and Dingboche trail joins to Lobuche towards Everest base camp. As well the point where Khumbu glaciers melts to torrential river at Thugla with few small tea-house. Afternoon a steep climb for an hour to Thugla ridge top, and then on easy trail to Lobuche for overnight halt.
Leaving Lobuche after an early breakfast for a long day walk to Everest base camp. Starts with nice pleasant morning walks, then reaching above Khumbu glacier, walk over rocky moraine and descend to Gorakshep. A small settlement with 3-4 nice lodges beneath the rocky black hill of Kalapathar and Mt. Pumori.
After a refreshing stop, continue walk heading east to Everest base camp, the trail follows on rocks and sandy path. The route leads to short ups and down reaching the Khumbu glacier at Everest base camp. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes similar to arctic zone covered in ice, snow and moraine amidst towering giant peaks. Great close views of Khumbu Ice-Fall and glaciers, but Mt. Everest is blocked by Lhotse, Nuptse and Lola peaks. The places is busy with mountaineers during high season of climbing from March to May. After an overwhelming experience head back to Gorakshep for overnight stop.
On achieving the first main highlights of the adventure, enjoy climb to high hill on top Kalapathar. An early morning start, taking a slow and easy pace enjoying the surrounding scenery, after few hour of strenuous climb. Reach the highest point of the trek before Island Peak climb, rewards with stunning closest views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse with Mt. Pumori close ahead.
After an overwhelming scenic panorama descend to Gorakshep for the last exciting adventure to Island Peak. Having breakfast walk downhill to Lobuche and to Thukla, where our route diverts downhill to Imjatse valley. As walk continues reaching Dingboche to lunch stop. Afternoon hike of few hours on easy gradual up to Chukung, located at the far eastern rim of Imjatse Valley. Chukung with several nice lodges for overnight stop, with close views of Island Peak.
From Chukung onwards to our main goal and target the climb of Island Peak summit, spending overnights in tented camp. The trail follows south to a place called Parshay Gyab with a small icy pond. As walk leads over moraine of rocks, boulders and streams reaching a fairly flat area where base camp located.
Setting up the tents, with kitchen and dining tents, having warm lunch provided by the camping cook. Rest of the afternoon marvel the grad views of surrounding dramatic scenery of gigantic peaks.
To make the climb safe and successful, reserved a free day for rest checking the climbing gear. As well using the proper equipment as practice exercise, our expert guide will provides some training on ice, rocks. Offering more ideas and technical skill required for the climb to reach the summit of Island Peak.
Most climber’s heads for the summit in a day from the base camp. But it is best to add an extra high or advance camp to make the climb easier and accessible. Leaving the base camp, carrying only the needful gear for the climb, heading towards glaciers. The route leads towards north east climbing over rocky moraine and ice, reaching right at the bottom of Island Peak. Where our High or Advance is set for the final big day of the adventure. Rest of the day our guide will check and survey the route of the climb. As well fixing snow bars and ropes where necessary on technical sections of the climb.
Starting early morning before the break of dawn, follow the guide although the climb is straightforward to the summit. However, climbers needs to be careful on few technical sections, where all needs support of the guide. The route leads to a narrow ridge before entering a steep rock vale, then after crossing the vale. The guide may fix rope to each climber to assist the climb on the final snowy slope. Eventually stepping slowly with last big push then reaching the summit of Island Peak. The safety rope may often extend to 350 m depending on the season and danger of crevices. Where some of crevices stretches 2 to 3 meters across, which leads use of ladders. On reaching the top, having time to catch your breath, and enjoy the incredible panorama of surrounding giant peaks.
After a most exciting moments and thrills on top of Island Peak. Return to base camp slowly with care, as descent can be quite tricky than the climb.
On reaching the base camp, having rest enjoy the hot lunch with last dinner in the camp. Before heading back on the main trail to Namche Bazaar and then towards Lukla.
After rejoiceful moments and thrills of climb to the summit of Island Peak, clear the camp. As well collecting all the garbage to hand over to respective department like SPCC (Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee). Follow the rocky moraine dune and with short climb to Chukung for refreshing stop, and continue walk to Dingboche. Possible lunch stop around the lovely settlement of Dingboche beneath towering Ama Dablam North Face.
Walk follow down to a stream and short up with long descent to Pangboche village for overnight halt.
Start the morning for a long downhill walk although a long day but pleasant on losing more heights. From the bridge, climb for an hour more to the top at Tengboche Monastery. Enjoy the morning glorious views of snow-capped peaks with Mt. Everest and walk down to Imjatse River. A slow uphill to Shanasha and Kyanjinma a small settlement with grand views of Everest and Ama Dablam. Walk leads on winding trail to Namche Bazaar for overnight stop,
Enjoy the last day walk of the journey to Lukla, heading down to Dudh Koshi River. The walk leads to Jorsalle and then short steep up to national park exit post and walk to Monjo village. After Monjo cross a long suspension bridges with ups and down path to Phakding for lunch stop. Afternoon walk past Ghat village, the trail follows few hours of good walk. Then with last climb for an hour more to the entrance gate of Lukla. On reaching Lukla town transfer to a nice hotel or lodge for last overnight around Khumbu and Everest region.
Early breakfast and then short walk to Tenzing & Hillary airport, as the plane arrives. Get on board for a scenic flight of half hour to land at Kathmandu airport, and then transfer to your hotels. Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities after a great wonderful adventure on Island Peak Climb with Everest base camp trek.
We have reserved a day free as contingency in case of flight day on both ends to and from Kathmandu and Lukla. As Himalayan weather even in the best seasons of the year, can be unpredictable with bad unfavorable weather. Where flights cannot operates, if all goes well according to our itinerary days. Enjoy the free day for shopping or join in for tour to Patan or Bhaktapur cities, worth a visit.
Final day in Kathmandu and Nepal, as time for your international flight for homeward bound or next port of call. Transfer to Kathmandu, Nepal international airport bidding farewell to your guide and staff, after a marvelous and enjoyable adventure on Island Peak Climb with Everest base camp trek.
Can be done as per one request heading straight for the climb of Island Peak.
But the trekkers and climbers, should be well acclimatized before heading higher areas and climb of Island Peak. The itinerary we have designed allows trekkers and climbers with ample time for exercise and acclimatization. The trek to Everest base camp and climb of Kalapathar, trekkers and climbers will gain more experience of the terrains. As well getting used with the high altitude and country’s rough landscapes, which will add more advantage for Island Peak climb.
Trekkers will be surprised to find good food menu of varieties, from Tibetan, Nepali, Indian and Chinese to Continental. Includes long list of snacks and drinks for the customer delights in most lodges on treks. The lodge accommodation are nice and lovely according to the choices of the trekkers. From budget, standard to luxury accommodation, either attached or non-attached bath and toilets.
Trekkers should remember as the trek leads higher areas around Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep. Where attached bath and toilets are not available due to freezing temperatures in the night and morning. Where all plumbing systems freeze, and stops the flow of water which will be filled with ice.
On higher areas the lodge provides rooms with common toilets and bathrooms, which is much better than having in rooms. Due to harsh climate and terrain conditions, where all trekkers will understand and has to compromise.
However, all lodges are clean with good rooms, having large dining with potbellied stoves to make the environment warm and cozy.
But on climb of Island Peak for few overnights spending in spacious two men tents. The foods will be served from our kitchen tent prepared by our expert camping cook and kitchen staff.
As this trek and climb involves high altitude, anything can happen like normal sickness or altitude sickness like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
All trekkers when booked with Everest Adventure Travel needs to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance. Which should cover expenses of immediate and fast transportation like Helicopter with all medical bills incurred. The Travel insurance should cover in case if one has to use helicopter services, if the flight get delayed or cancelled. The other reasons is if the trail is blocked by sudden landslides or avalanches, as well with heavy snow-fall. Where trekkers have to return back to Kathmandu due to bad weather or unfortunate incidents.
Island Peak Climb with Everest base camp, although a high altitude treks it does involves high passes like in other trekking adventures. However to be on the safe side, minimum age is above 16 years to be accompanied by parents or guardian. The oldest of 70 years, but all should be in good physical shape and in sound medical health. Even though some can take the challenge with some medical problem, should take advice from your doctors and inform the company on booking.
Nearly all lodges have hydro-power to run electricity, but from Namche Bazaar the places on overnight stops. Most settlements and lodges have electricity run by solar power. Trekkers can charge their electronic items and gadgets, a fee is charged per hour for each items. As for internets and Wi-Fi, have connections on all places during the treks. But not on climb of Island Peak for few days, the internet and Wi-Fi, depending upon the areas. Where around gorge and deep valleys, and bad weather wise, can be disturbing with bad receptions.
The best place is Lukla to Namche Bazaar and Pheriche as well at Tengboche. Other places works well with local SIM, which can be bought in Kathmandu at reasonable cost.
