Island Peak Climbing – 20 Days

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel      (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft.)
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at the hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day's trip. 

Day 02: Spare day

Day 03: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. Phakding: 2610 m/8612 ft. Flight: 30 minutes Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
On a clear bright morning, you will fly over the snowcapped mountains to one of the most electrifying high altitude airports, Lukla at an altitude 2900 m. Your guides and porters will accompany you here for the trek. Hence, the trekking adventure kicks off. Beginning the trek, you will slide down almost 500 meters to Dudh Koshi River. Then, the trek winds along the trail beside the River towards Phakding. Passing several mani-walls and boulders engraved with Buddhist prayers, you will arrive at Phakding where you will spend the first night of your trek.  

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazar (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
The trek chases the northern trial up the Dudh Kosi valley to Monjo. At Monjo, the trek officially enters Sagarmatha National Park where you have to issue Sagarmatha National Park Permit Card. Continuing the trail along the steep uphill climb while savoring the first glimpse of Everest, you will arrive at the hub of Sherpa- Namche Bazaar. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 05: Rest day for acclimatization (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Meal: BLD)
It is a day to acclimatize you with higher elevation. On this day, you can go for a short hike to Khumjung, a beautiful settlement of Hospitable Sherpas. OR, you can roam around the Namche that offers Internet Cafes, restaurants, ATMs, and colorful markets. Even, you can enjoy the traditional living of mountain dwellers that is getting complimentary by the awe-inspiring surrounding and high altitude flora/fauna. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 06: Trek to Dole (Altitude: 4200 m/13860 ft. Trek 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will climb the Khumjung hill and descend to the east of the village down the broad valley leading to the Dudh Koshi from where the route turns north. Treading to the ridge top that stretches down from Mt. Khumbila, which is manifested by a beautiful “Chorten”, you will begin to explore Mohang. It is the birthplace of the reincarnated revered monk of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet, who has flourish Tibetan Buddhism in Khumbu and neighboring regions.  Beyond, Mohang, you will slide down along the series sheer switchbacks on a sandy slope to Dush Koshi Riverbed. Crossing a Dole Check Post of National Park at Tenga, you will reach to Dole, a small village that lies at the riverside. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (Altitude: 4,470 m/14750 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Your trek from Dole begins with a steep uphill climb to Machhermo. The trail today passes beautiful villages- Labarma and Luza, then the trail gets easier passing through small other villages and summer settlements. Following the valley above the Dudh Koshi, you will enter the small settlements with few tea- houses called Macchermo. Spend overnight at Lodge.

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (Altitude: 4,800 m/15840 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today the trek begins with an uphill walk to a ridge that caters fantastic view. From the ridge top, the deep valley Kantega down and towering Cho Oyu 8153m above are eye-feasting sights. From the ridge top, you tread along the widened valley and cross Phangnga- pass, where 40 people during 1995 avalanche lost their lives. Sliding down to the riverbed and then chasing along the steep trail via the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier, arrive at a stream. Crossing the stream on a small iron bridge, tread along the leveled trail and arrive at first Lake Longpongo, at 4690 m. Soon you will sight the second lake Tanjung Tsho. A short walk from second lake brings to the third lake called Gokyo Tsho. The famous village of Gokyo sits just above the lake with an amazing backdrop of Mt. Cho-Oyu. You will have lunch & post lunch set out to explore Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in lodge.

Day 09: Morning Excursion to Gokyo Ri, Trek to Thagnak (Altitude: Gokyo Ri: 5483m/18094 ft. Thagnak: 4700 m/15510 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will begins your journey early morning to Gokyo-Ri, an ideal vantage point to sight extremely the beautiful vistas of Everest and its closest neighbor. Spending some valuable time, retrace back to Gokyo to trek to next spot. You trek across the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side of Gokyo Valley. Then, walking along the ridge of the mountain you will enter into Thagnak. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 10: Trek to Cho La pass 5,367m to Dzongla (4830 m): 7 - 8 hours (Altitude: Cho-la pass: 5330 m/17589 ft. Dzongla: 4830 m/15939 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today will be a long day of your trek and required a bit technical, as you will be crossing the pass. The presence of steep glacial section on the east makes this pass a technically demanding walk. Ice covered rocks make day’s trek tricky with slippery attributes. Beginning the trek, we walk through rocky ravine to the top of the pass, which is marked by fluttering prayer flags and chortens. The pointed Ama Dablam along with Cholatse soars Lobuche East and Baruntse are extremely beautiful vistas from the top. Now traversing across some crevasses we arrive to Dzongla Village. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 11: Trek to Gorekshep, excursion to Kalapatthar and back to Gorekshep (Altitude: Kalapatthar: 5550 m/18315 ft. Gorakshep: 5140 m/16960 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today the trek lasts for maximum 6 hours. First, you will hike up to Gorakshep & then will walk along the ridge over Khumbu Glacier before hiking up to the highland seasonal hamlet of Gorakshep. The same day, you will hike up along the rock strewn trail to Kalapattar 5545m, which is the vantage point for the dramatic close up view of Everest.

Day 12: Trek to Everest Base Camp 5357m and back to Lobuche (Altitude: EBC: 5357m/17678 ft. Lobuche: 4910 m/16203 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Once the weather permits, you will set out for the biggest reward of the trek, Everest Base Camp. Here come the most beautiful achievement of a lifetime when you reach over the glacier to Everest Base Camp which nestles right below the sparkling Khumbu Icefall, Everest Base Camp 5357m. Explore and experience the extreme elevation and retrace your path back to Lobuche. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 13: Trek to Chhukung (4,730m/15518ft)        via Kongma-la pass (5535 m)      (Altitude: Kongma-la: 5535 m/18265 ft. Chhukung: 4750 m/15675 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Another interesting and adventurous pass is awaiting for you and it is the highest pass of this trip. You will starts walking just after breakfast following Khumbu glacier towards east. The trail would be long without any tea shop and water sources, hence, you should carry water bottle and some snacks. On the trail, you can catch the best view of Mt. Kongma Tse (5820 m), Mt. Pokalde (5806 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), Mt. Lhotse Shar (8383 m), Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Mt. Baruntse (7220 m) and Mt. Ama Dablam. You will continue to walk up till you reach at Kongma-la top that is decorated with the cairns and Buddhist flag, then you will step down towards Chukkung where you will stay overnight.

Day 14: Island Peak base camp  (Altitude: 5,200m/17,060ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
A gradual steep route takes you to the base camp of Island Peak. Today’s trek initially chases the uphill trail on the south then, turns east to the valley. Treading along the moraine that stretches out from Lhotse Glacier in the south you will then trek along easy streamside trail. The zigzag trail in between Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines stretches all the way to wide valley southwest to Island Peak, which is the base camp. Enjoy the glaciers created by Imja and Lhotse, take a click of Imja Tse and southwestern face of the Imja Peak.

Day 15: Climbing training course and preparation  (Altitude: 5,200m/17,060ft. Meal: BLD)
Today will be an important day. Take the guidance of guide who will train you on basic climbing on basic climbing skills that include ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The use of ropes during high altitude climbing shall also be in today’s training.  Practice climbing for the next day, especially for amateurs.

Day 16: Island Peak Summit (6,189m/20305ft) back to Chhukung (Altitude: 6,189m/20305ft. Trek: 8/9 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Climbing a summit in the Himalayas means it is always a midnight start. To avoid strong Himalaya wind in the summits late afternoon, climbers do so. The ascend to Island Peak summit stretches gradually uphill for several 100 meters until it reaches the steep section. From sandy trails to grassy, the trails to the summit of Island peak also leads through the rock-strewn snowy section. The trail gets narrower and you will cross pass the rocky gully and then tread along the snowy ridgeline before using the ropes to get over the tricky final snout that leads to the summit. Enjoy the moments there, which are truly magical. Witness the world’s highest peaks including Everest so close and so raw, take some pictures and follow the retracing trail back to Chhukung. It will be the longest walk in your entire trail. On arriving at the lodge in Chhukung, you can get relax your tired muscles.

Day 17: Trek to Namche (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will retrace your journey back to Namche. Walking all the way down to Namche in the steep down following the River, crossing a bridge and enjoying the route decorated with birch and rhododendron forest. Your sight will even keep on catching a few Himalayan giants including Everest, Kwangde, Tawache, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega and Thamserkhu. Overnight will be refreshing at Namche.

Day 18: Trek to Lukla (Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today is the final day of the trip. You will walk following Dudh Koshi River down to Lukla. You will have a celebration with the involvement of the Guide, Sherpa, and Porters as well. They will serve some local’s beer called “CHANG” and enjoy party learning some dance step from traditional Sherpas.

Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Flight: 30 minutes Meal: B)
You will board a plane back to Kathmandu. Arriving at Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel and rest of the day will be your leisure time. You can go for shopping, message, or rest at the Hotel. 

Day 20: Departure (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B)
It is the last day with us. Our supporting team will take you to the airport for your final departure. We hope to see you again. Additionally, if you have a plan of any adjoining trip, you can let us organize.

Dates and Cost

Note : Set your own departure date if you have a group size of 2 packs or more.

Cost Include

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle.
• Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (3 nights).
• Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (6 nights).
• Local licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
• The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
• Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
• Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.
• Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.
• All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
• Official expenses.

Cost Exclude

• Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu except for welcome and farewell dinner. 
• Your personal expenses for mineral water, soft beverages ,confectionaries ,laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, barbills, showers etc. 
• Internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs etc. 
• Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
• Extra porter if you require. 
• Personal trekking equipments.
• Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation.
• Medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
• Any other extended trips and accommodation.
• Tips of guide, porters and driver as  a token of appreciation. 
• Monument entrance fee for sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
• Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in “cost includes” list. 
• Nepal arrival visa.

Useful Info

Passport and Visas:
First, be sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date.  You can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Get the required visa for Nepal.
You can get Nepal visa prior to arrival from the Nepalese Embassy at your home country. Likewise, you can easily get an up on arrival visa at Kathmandu airport and other different borders from Nepal. This is for those who travel from India and Tibet. For more information and download please visit Nepal Visa Information.

Bring Official Papers
Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal. For detail information we request you to visit our visa page.

Money & Credit card Info
We find that most of the credit card, master and visa card is blocked from your card provider. It may be because of a security reason. It, sometimes, may bring you in problematic situation that you can't get money from ATMs and that you find difficult to pay for your treks and tour. To find yourself free from this problem, you can call to your card provider before you travel to Nepal and inform there that you are traveling to Nepal. Ensure them to give the authorization for the payment. In Nepal you have to pay 3.5 % credit card commission s per Nepal Bank rules, on top of your payable amount for the trek cost.  So, please be sure that you bring some cash in USD to pay us. Likewise, be sure you have brought some small amount for your daily expenses as well as for those items which are not included in our cost. We request you not to change money in the Airport. The exchange rate is very low there. Our office provides you the facility to change your money. Or, you can take help from Money Changers in Thamel.

Travel Insurance:
Our clients must have comprehensive travel insurance package. Their insurance must cover against medical, personal accident, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost of gears, natural calamity, theft of or damage to baggage etc.

Who can trek?
No special degree of fitness is required and that there is no age barrier. However, in the areas over 3000m altitude, extra care should be taken. One can trek who have strong legs and the spirit for adventure to explore the exotic will enjoy the thrills of trekking in the hills of Nepal. Normally, for weary trekkers we have a list of short, easy and exotic treks and for the experienced trekkers we offer a longer trek with lots of excitement and adventure. We encourage all men and women, families, students and professionals around the world to enjoy the enchanting trekking in Nepal. You can join us as an individual team member or with your own group. We commit to arrange a best trekking that delight you in the Nepal Himalayas. If you can have fun walking for 3-6 hours up and down hills to Nepal, pack your luggage and join us for an exhilarating and unforgettable journey. All the necessary things for your trekking will be arranged by us. What you can do is to enjoy the beautiful scenery and magnificent view of Nepal Himalayas.

Clothing and Equipment for Traveling in Nepal
Trekking in the Himalayas need to arrangement of equipment as you have to find yourself comfortable at higher altitude. The basic clothing item that you are expected to be prepared with are well described here. Remember that excess baggage is likely to be a burden for yourself and your supporting staff. "Pack light, but pack right", is our motto. This will allow you to enjoy a comfortable journey with your energies and enthusiastic zeal focused on the exploration of this enchanting Nepal scenic beauty. Please visit here for Clothing and Equipment list.

Buying and Renting Equipment in Kathmandu
It is not really necessary to spend large amount of money buying extra equipment and clothing prior to your trip. It is because most of the trekking equipment can be hired from many adventure shops within Kathmandu. Most of the gear is locally manufactured (hence a lot cheaper). Some Chinese gear are likely to be more expensive but qualitative. Sleeping bag and down jacket are easily rented. Each item can be rented for less than USD 1, for a day. You have to manage other items buying them yourself. However, these items are more likely to be cheaper than those in your hometown. We will arrange all the necessary items you need on the second day of your arrival. 

Vaccination for Nepal
All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

How to Book
While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Kathmandu Nepal by mail or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid up on arrival in Kathmandu.