Island peak climbing with Everest base camp trek- 18 days

Destination Everest, Nepal
Activity Nepal Day Tours, Nepal Expedation, Nepal Peak Climbing, Trekking
Duration 18 Days

Island Peak locally known as Imja Tse is one of the obsessions of every climber arousing the thirst for going beyond. Situated near Chhukhung village at an altitude of 6189 meters being one of the most popular trekking spots in the Everest region. It’s a dream come true for all climbers once the peak is conquered, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and your desire for scaling higher altitude peaks will grow. This is considered to be the playing ground for ultimate climbers who want to scale higher peaks. This peak may not appear challenging but it is physically demanding and attracts discerning climbers. It is considered as graded Alpine PD+.

Scaling Island-

No doubt the Himalayas have attracted climbers worldwide and cultural enthusiasts. After conquering the peak you will be spellbound to find majestic mountains like Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Amadablam, Baruntse, and many more surrounding you. So our first priority is the safety of our clients. In this regard, we provide well-trained and experienced staff to guide you for this lifetime experience. For altitude sickness, we carry all the medical care and back-ups like oxygen or a portable altitude chamber. We have an excellent team of porters and staff not only helping you to achieve this unique feat but making your trip memorable with a pleasant experience. We assure you that this trip will make you fall in love with our mountains and will tempt you to visit again.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu airport (TIA), transfer to hotel.

Day 2 Preparation Day

Day 3 Fly to Lukla(2840m/9317ft), trek to Phakding(2651m/8700ft): 8 km, 3-4 hours trek

Day 4 Trek from Phakding to Namche (3,438m/11,280ft): 11Km, 5-6 hours

Day 5 Acclimatization – Namche Bazaar(3440m/11,284ft)

Day 6 Towards Tengboche-(3,870m/12,694ft) 10 km, 5-6 hours.

Day 7 Tengboche- Dingboche(4360m/14,300ft) 8 km 6hours

Day 8 Dingboche

Day 9 Dingboche-Lobuche(4940m/16210ft) 7.5km 5hours

Day 10 Lobuche-Gorakshep(5170m/16960ft) 3.7 km 3hours.

Day 11 Gorakshep-Dingboche: 11 Km. 8-9 hours.

Day 12 Dingboche –Chhukhung(4730m/15,518ft ): 6km. 3 hours

Day 13 Chukhung- Island peak base camp(6160m/16,732ft): 11km / 4-5 hours

Day 14 Summit Island Peak (6,189m/20,210)-Chhukung: Time depends on your pace.

Day 15 Chhukung- Namche : 18 km. 8-9hours.

Day 16 Namche- Lukla: 11km 8hours.

Day 17 Lukla-Kathmandu

Day 18 Departure

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu airport (TIA), transfer to hotel.

Welcome by our staff. We will stand with placards holding the name of our guests to Meet and greet you at the airport by ‘Nepal Trekkers Booking Treks & Expeditions’ distinctly displayed. This is the only display board of its kind among a whole lot of others. You will be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to get familiar with the area of the hotel surroundings and get acclimatized to this happening medieval city. Alternatively, you may prefer to recover from your journey by relaxing beside the hotel pool and getting rid of all that jetlag. Your guide will later provide you with an informal briefing about your trip in the days ahead. Later in the evening, it would be good to have an early supper and get to bed so you could get up early the next day to begin your trip. Overnight at your hotel in the valley of temples, some say it’s the most on earth.

Day 2 Preparation Day

After breakfast briefing regarding the conquer of Island peak by our well-experienced climbing Sherpa. He will let you know about the gears and kits required for the expedition. The entire route will be vividly described by our expert providing you with detailed information for your splendid trip ahead. When the briefing is done the guests are taken for half day sightseeing since Katmandu consists of hundreds of historical places. We will try to cover as many places as possible because a day is not enough to visit the whole city.

Day 3 Fly to Lukla(2840m/9317ft), trek to Phakding(2651m/8700ft): 8 km, 3-4 hours trek

The day starts very early with a packed breakfast. The flight takes off with the first light of the day so our guests are advised to go early to bed on day 2. From the hotel to the airport may take half an hour to forty-five minutes, after checking in the flight covers 45 minutes to Lukla airport. Staff will be eagerly waiting for your arrival at the airport. After a short rest in the hotel, the real thrill begins for the hikers that will last for 3-4 hours. Feel the nature untouched with handmade roads crossing small villages with astonishing hamlets and breathtaking suspension bridges few to mention. Before the day ends you will feel how Dudh Kosi(Milk River) has accompanied you all this time. Time for rest and preparation for the day next.

Day 4 Trek from Phakding to Namche (3,438m/11,280ft): 11Km, 5-6 hours

The hot breakfast is a much-needed energizer for a long day trek. After leaving Phakding we headed northwards with Dudh Kosi beside us. With many villages en the route with friendly people and mesmerizing topography, we take a break for lunch at Jorsalle which is inside the Sagarmatha National Park. Entering Josalle National park which starts from Monjo and shelters many rare and endangered species is icing on the cake for trekkers. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site it covers almost the whole of Khumbu enclosing one of the world's loftiest regions. It was named Sagarmatha due to the fact that Nepalese name for Mt, Everest. Pure wilderness awaits for the afternoon hike. A suspension bridge lies on the meeting of Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi that will send chills to your spines. If the day is clear the ridge of the highest peak of the world is seen. Eventually, we entered Namche, a paradise for the first visitor and a place for much-needed rest after a long day's trek.

Day 5 Acclimatization – Namche Bazaar(3440m/11,284ft)

Since this town is located at a very high altitude for some trekkers living in lowland the terrain may be a bit challenging but we have a remedy to overcome it with ease. After breakfast, we ascend to Everest hotel, a walk of about one hour and a half. From here one can have a view of spirited mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Amadablam, etc. There are options for more adventure seekers. This place has a government health post, dental clinic, and bank that exchanges money with ATM. In case you need trekking gear there are shops where this equipment is available. This is the largest village in the Khumbu region where every Saturday market occurs and sherpas from the entire region come for weekly shopping. There is a holy site and a monastery where brief information about Buddhism and local culture is shared.

Day 6 Towards Tengboche-(3,870m/12,694ft) 10 km, 5-6 hours.

Time to stretch our legs, after breakfast, we start climbing with panoramic views of the Kwangde range as our backdrop. On the right, Thamserku peak gives us a morale boost and after a short climb, a flat trail lies for some time. Nature's beauty at this spot is beyond our imagination, so blessed to observe the world's highest peak. After hiking for a while a short tea break takes place in Kyangjuma where a whole view of Amadablam and other ranges are there to refresh us for the rest of the day. Then we descend to Phunkitenga for lunch on the way we find stone steps. Then ascending with chir pine trees with rhododendron we head towards Tengboche, an unrelenting climb but increasingly scenic. The monastery at Tengboche is the largest Khumbu Gompa in the area. Established in 1916 by Lama Gulu this place had suffered a few disasters in the past but then it was maintained shortly after. The prayers are held twice a day where we feel spiritually connected. The monastery has always been important to the Everest expedition.

Day 7 Tengboche- Dingboche(4360m/14,300ft) 8 km 6hours

The day starts with scenic beauty taking your breath away. The call of the mountains makes me nostalgic and adds calories for the hike ahead. First, the trail declines, however after some time the path slowly ascends towards Dingboche. The ideal part of the route is no steep uphill or downhill but a modest incline with a mind-blowing picturesque and moderate stupas before reaching Pangboche for a short break. The hike begins at Shomare with yak pastures and a few shepherd's huts. After reaching Shomare we stop for lunch, the topography is relatively more pastoral with an unspoiled hamlet. The terrain dramatically changes as the trail leaves Shomare with dry and barren land with no trees. The route descends to a point near the confluence of the Imja river and Khumbu river. Now climbing a low ridge and reaching the top the sprawling settlements of Dingboche overlooked by stupa(chortens) suddenly appear below.

Day 8 Dingboche

A day to rest, relax and acclimatize after days of the hike. On this day hiking is short so that the muscles in the body get warmed up for the hike for the following days. We walk 300m to 400m uphill so that more beautiful views can be seen and finally for the first time, an Island peak is revealed. Here we can stay for a while enjoying the views and the once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then we descend to our lodge for lunch and a short training session is held with the Sherpa leader on climbing the Island peak.

Day 9 Dingboche-Lobuche(4940m/16210ft) 7.5km 5hours

The route climbs the ridge above Dingboche slightly gaining elevation as you walk along the valley wall. With Cholatse and Taboche soaring against the blue sky on the right, the Lobuche peaks straight ahead with Amadablam and Thamserku behind. Looking below, the village of Pheriche appears tiny . After a hike for a while, we reach Dughla (4600m/15090ft) and it is time for lunch. Now the great feeling arises that you are on the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The climb gets a bit tough into the valley and then up the moraine wall of Khumbu glacier. Nuptse hides as you climb but Thamserku appears bigger at the back. After reaching the top of the ridge you will find large heaps of stones with prayer flags and memorials reminding us of those mountaineers who perished trying to climb Everest. Scott Fischer and Babu Chiri Sherpa are the ones among the great names in the climbing world. The trail flattens as you make the last push to Lobuche.

Day 10 Lobuche-Gorakshep(5170m/16960ft) 3.7 km 3hours.

The route to Gorakshep starts with a very early breakfast since the hike is going to be long. Crossing the shallow brook, the sandy and rocky path the elevation is slowly gained. At certain sections, there are steeper inclines as you make your way but after all these days of walking the trail appears to be fun. To other parts of the trail, views of the Khumbu glacier get better and better. As we have started the day with early breakfast, lunch will also be early, so now on Gorakshep after the meal, we head towards Everest base camp. Walking through the Khumbu glacier it is totally a different landscape with almost no vegetation. On reaching the basecamp( 5364m/17,598) ) you will view spectacular ridges of the range. It is a complete desolate wasteland of rocks and boulders that have existed with the existence of the Himalayas for those visiting for the first time will be taken aback by this unusual beauty. At times we find tents set up by those mountaineers who are about to conquer Everest. Then after a short refreshment, we returned to Gorakshep for the night.

Day 11 Gorakshep-Dingboche: 11 Km. 8-9 hours.

Before the break of dawn, our journey heads towards Kalapatthar(5545m/18,192ft). The way the first rays of the sun hit the peak of Mt. Everest is an achievement for those trekkers who have come for the first time. After a couple of hours of steep walk, we reach Kalapatthar, from where the towering peaks of Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and many more stand right in front of us. A moment to cherish, then slowly we decline. In Gorakshep, we have breakfast and move towards Dingboche. After a hectic day, hot chocolate would be a much more welcome beverage.

Day 12 Dingboche –Chhukhung(4730m/15,518ft ): 6km. 3 hours

A short hiking day to begin with. As you proceed towards Chukhung your heartbeat starts getting faster with excitement because the Island peak is just there for you to achieve. On reaching the place you rest and relax for a while. The afternoon is a training session by a Sherpa guide that will help you to climb the Island peak. He will take your theory class on the particular details that are required for the expedition. They may take practical classes by taking you to Chhukhungri, a nearby place. Have a nice sleep if you are attempting for the first time cause the day next will be spent on the tent.

Day 13 Chukhung- Island peak base camp(6160m/16,732ft): 11km / 4-5 hours

With high spirit, the day began as you can see Island peak just in front. The trip starting from Chhukhung is heading towards the base camp. The trail is steep and rocky. On the way, you come across gigantic glaciers right above the Imja river surrounded by the lofty Himalayas. The zigzag route by the side of the river bed along rocky terrain is a view to admire. You need to be cautious as some parts of the trail are slippery due to icy steps. On reaching the base camp with the crews, tents are set up for accommodation. Food is prepared by our squad and provided to you in dining tents. A totally different experience so far.

Day 14 Summit Island Peak (6,189m/20,210)-Chhukung: Time depends on your pace.

A very exciting day almost starting at 2-3 a.m. (according to the Sherpa guide) the journey begins for the final match. You gear up for the ascent, our supporting team will help you to carry your equipment and encourage you in submitting the peak. Covered with white your ascend will not be normal. With crampons, your pace will be that of a tortoise. You climb the ridge and find yourself in an exposed area next to the summit glacier. The team will rope up to prevent any mishap due to icy glaciers and crevasses. Eventually, you reach the bottom of the south summit and use fixed rope and jumar. Ultimately after many days of hike and struggle you are on the top of the Island peak, a feeling to be described by you. So a few moments are spared for achieving such a feat. Bidding farewell to the summit with the great feeling you will slowly descend. On reaching the base camp the staff will welcome you with a hot meal. After leaving the base camp we headed towards Chhukung for the night. With much-needed rest and a very exciting period, the day ends you will have a tale to share.

Day 15 Chhukung- Namche : 18 km. 8-9hours.

Finally, the mission is over and time to return. So we start as usual after having breakfast our hike begins. Following the route, we head back and now the trail seems not so tiring because it descends. On the way, we came across a route to Kongmala pass. As we decline the air seems thick due to the fact that at higher altitudes air gets thinner, we start getting fresh with beautiful scenery within the periphery. We take a break for lunch at Tengboche enjoying the views. Again we walk downhill but a bit careful because the road consists of stone steps and gravel. In between if you are tired you can rest for a while because we provide you with a generous team. A long day of walking is finally over after reaching Namche and you can relax by going to a pub or shopping and buying souvenirs and other stuff

Day 16 Namche- Lukla: 11km 8hours.

This is the last day of our trip, for sure if you get time in future you will visit again. The call of the Himalayas is certainly not to be ignored. Slowly we descend in bliss with hills and mountains accompanying us. The hike is going to be long but the achievement made you is enough to warm you up for the entire trek of the day. You notice one thing this ordeal was lively and lovely meeting innocent Himalayan people living in extreme conditions. Eventually, after reaching Lukla you feel like partying with your squad which happens with all our guests. At that point, you will realize that you have entered here as a guest but going out as a friend.

Day 17 Lukla-Kathmandu

Finally, an early morning flight to Kathmandu is waiting for you on the Lukla runway. The staff will bid you farewell, a last glance at the Himalayas will be seen before you enter the plane. A memorable journey has been made when the flight takes.