This expedition combines a trek to Everest Base Camp with a climb of Island Peak at 6189 m. The first 10 days of our Island Peak expedition are identical to our Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. Over this period we take in all the highlights of a classic Everest Base Camp Trek.
With solid acclimatization in place, we return to Dingboche and start preparing for our climb. The next day we trek to Chhukhung and that afternoon we practice ascending fixed ropes, abseiling and the mountaineering techniques we’ll need when we get higher.
Our expedition itinerary includes plenty of rest days allowing for safe altitude acclimatization. This is a challenging high-altitude trek combined with an introductory mountaineering experience that assumes guests have no previous climbing experience. Guests with previous climbing experience will also find this expedition challenging, particularly if they are new to high-altitude mountaineering. Fit and determined people that are looking for a more challenging undertaking than a trek only should consider this trip.
Overview
Leaving at around 3.00 a.m. the next morning will see us safely on the summit around 6 – 7 hours later. The views from the summit of Island Peak are stunning and we celebrate a fantastic achievement. After enjoying our time on the summit (around 30 minutes is typical if the weather is fine) we begin the long descent back to Base Camp. If time and energy levels permit, we may even return to Chhukhung this same day.
Itinerary
Arrive at Kathmandu TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) and be transferred by Trek and Climb Adventure staff to your accommodation at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks hosted by your Sherpa leaders and guides.
Fantastic breakfast at the hotel is the perfect introduction to food in Nepal. Breakfast is followed by a morning sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure. Our staff is always available to assist guests that may need to make last-minute purchases.
Our staff will meet you very early this morning (around 6.00 a.m.) and then transfer you to the domestic terminal at the Kathmandu TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport). Any luggage or personal possessions you won’t need during your Island Peak expedition will be able to be stored (free of charge) at Hotel. After an extremely interesting and hectic check-in procedure, you’ll enjoy an incredible mountain flight to Lukla. Here your Island Peak journey truly begins! You’ll enjoy a hearty Sherpa breakfast at Lodge then commence your trek to Phakding. Stay overnight in Phakding (2600 m.).
Today is a long day on the trail as we start early for Namche Bazaar. After crossing the final suspension bridge above the Dudh Kosi (river), we begin up the famous Namche hill. If the weather is clear you’ll get to enjoy some brief views of Mt Everest en route. It’s a solid “up” to Namche but the rewards are great. Here we’ll spend 2 nights at the Hotel which is home to the finest food, hot showers, and hospitality. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar (3440 m.).
Today is an important acclimatization day for us in and around Namche Bazaar given we’ve now crossed the 3000 m. mark. We’ll set off for an early morning walk up to the Everest View Hotel for stunning traditional views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. An hour or so here at 3800 m. will really help us with our acclimatization to come. We’ll also visit the Namche Bazaar Monastery and receive a blessing from the Buddhist Lama. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the local markets, bakeries, and shops in Namche which is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3440 m.).
Today we leave Namche Bazaar and we trek to Deboche via Thyangboche. We’ll explore the famous Thyangboche Monastery (and the famous Thyangboche bakery) en route to Deboche. Overnight in Deboche (3710 m.).
Slowly ascend further up the valley to Dingboche (4410 m.). Dingboche sits at the base of Ama Dablam and from here you’ll take in stunning views of Lhotse and Island Peak. You’ll enjoy a well-earned rest and acclimatization day in Dingboche. Two nights in Dingboche at 4410 m.
Rest and acclimatize or explore around.
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910 m.). Overnight in Lobuche, right next to the magnificent Khumbu Glacier – the world’s highest glacier. Lobuche is our second last overnight stop before reaching Everest Base Camp. Overnight in Lobuche (4910 m.).
From Lobuche, we trek alongside the incredible Khumbu glacier on our way to Gorak Shep (5140 m.). We stay overnight at Gorak Shep, which is actually a frozen lakebed covered with sand. Our goal for today is to arrive at Gorak Shep in plenty of time for lunch. Then, weather permitting, at around 3.30 pm we’ll ascend Kala Pattar to witness a spectacular sunset over Mt Everest and Nuptse. Overnight in Gorak Shep (5140 m.).
Today we’ll have a slightly later start and everyone will relish the opportunity to sleep in. After breakfast, you’ll receive a packed lunch and we’ll set off for Everest Base Camp. At a nice casual pace, the trip takes us around 3 hours and you’ll have plenty of time for photos along the way. You’ll marvel at the stunning (and deadly) Khumbu Icefall and feel an overwhelming sense of achievement having reaching Everest Base Camp. After the obligatory high-fives, we’ll trek back to Gorak Shep for a big dinner and a final night above 5000 m. Overnight in Gorak Shep (5140 m).
A well-earned cruisy downhill day all the way to Dingboche (4410 m.). Overnight in Dingboche.
From Dingboche to Chhukhung. We’ll spend the afternoon learning and practicing the essential mountaineering techniques necessary for Island Peak. Overnight at Chhukhung (4730 m.).
Trek from Chhukhung to Island Peak Base Camp and commence final preparations for our summit attempt. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp (4970 m.).
Move from Base Camp and establish our High Camp at 5600 m. Overnight at Island Peak High Camp (5400 m.).
Leaving at around 4.00 a.m. we’ll climb and summit Island Peak and return to our Base Camp or Chhukhung. In the event of poor weather, our itinerary provides enough time for an additional day/night at High Camp and a further summit attempt the following day.
A relaxing and well-earned walk back down the valley to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche (4410 m.).
From Dingboche to Pangboche for unsurpassed views of Ama Dablam. Overnight at Pangboche (3910 m.).
Today we trek to Khumjung and Khunde and enjoy a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary School and Khunde Hospital. Overnight at Khumjung (3780 m.).
Another relaxing day as we trek down the valley to Phakding. Overnight at Phakding (2600 m.).
From Phakding to Lukla and farewell party with our guides and porters. Overnight at Lukla (2800 m.).
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and re-check into The Hotel. Party and final celebrations in Kathmandu.
Trip concludes. All guests will be conveyed to Kathmandu TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) to meet their respective international flights.
Includes
What's Included:
- 3 nights accommodation at Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfasts
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- All ground transfers in Nepal
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (includes entry fees and guide)
- Return flights from Kathmandu to Lukla (includes taxes)
- National Park entrance fees, trekking, and climbing permits
- All meals while trekking and climbing
- Lodge accommodation at Namche Bazaar and Lukla
- All camping facilities (tents etc.) while trekking and climbing
- Exceptional leaders and guides
- Porters to carry all personal and group equipment
- Porter’s insurance
- Emergency medical kit and Gamow bag
- All necessary personal climbing equipment (includes harness, ice-axe, boots, crampons, Prusik & Carabines)
- Down jacket, sleeping bag, and sleeping mattress
- All Nepalese tourist taxes and fees
Excluded:
- Personal Purchases, alcoholic beverages, and other things
- Travel insurance and other expenses like costs incurred due to unforeseen circumstances, emergency evacuation and rerouting, flight change, and airport taxes.
- Tips for the guides and porters
- Alcoholic, hot and cold beverage, laundry.
- Personal Trekking equipment and gadgets
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