Island Peak Climbing - 18 days

Today, our adventure starts with a nail-biting flight to Lukla starting point where every climber dreams into reality. Our flights will be booked at the window seat, as we do not want to miss the surreal views of lovely green hills slowly changing their shape and color to the high towering mountains. After approximately 35 minutes, we’ll reach the famous Tenzing Hillary Airport i.e. Lukla from where the walking trail begins.

Carrying our trekking gear and bags, we move forward along with the guides and other crews to the Phakding. Passing by the dense forest of rhododendrons with the spectacular view of Kusum Kanguru, we’ll see the Dudh Koshi River valley that takes us to the village of Phakding. Staying here, we can visit small chortens and monasteries that reside here and have some discussion regarding the upcoming days. 

After having breakfast, we’ll start ascending uphill walking along the bank of Dudh Koshi side by side. Crossing a dense forest, we navigate through many settlements such as Benkar, Monjo, and finally the last village of Jorsalle before reaching the Sagarmatha National Park. Continuing the hike, we walk with the accompany of Bhotekoshi River which takes us to the long Hillary Suspension Bridge. 

Afterward, the pathway goes all the way steep ascent, from where we arrive at the Namche Bazaar- the Gateway to Everest or we can say only a huge market located within the Everest region famous for its modern/luxury amenities. From local shops to highly facilitated restaurants, luxury hotels with beautifully decorated cafes, and even bakeries with cheese croissants, and muffins found here. As we’ll arrive pretty early here before noon make sure to explore this thriving market of Namche.

By far, we’ve come across higher altitudes, so this day is set for our first acclimatization day before we reach Everest Base Camp and Island Peak to gradually adopt the rising elevation. A rest day doesn’t mean we lay back at the tea house, Namche Bazaar is a famous spot that takes us to many popular destinations nearby. We have two options: either we ascend to the world’s highest-situated 5-star hotel Everet View or head toward Khumjung village. Or else, you can even rest here strolling around gaining the meaningful insight of sherpa people.

Option 1:Everest View Hotel- Ascending here, serves one of the best stunning views of several snowcapped peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptshe, Ama Dablan, and even a glimpse of Mount Everest itself. After this, while descending back we can visit the Sherpa museum which shows the ancient history of this region which is quite amazing to take a glance at.

Option 2: We can also go to the “Khumjung Village” which takes us to 2 major spots of the Khumbu region i.e Edmund Hillary School (made by the 1st climber himself to help the local children to get an education in such remote trail) and another, the famous “Khumjung Monastery”- where the head of Yeti Skull is displayed said to be more than 300 years old. However, it takes 4 hours to get there! So, choose the option wisely.

Starting our hike toward Phunge Tenga walking along the Imjatse River, we pass by several settlements such as Kenjungma, Loshosha, and an army checkpoint of Phunge Thenga where we’ll have our short lunch break. 

Passing through the forested area with the alluring views of several Himalayan peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Island Peak, and a glimpse of Lobuche as well, we reach the biggest monastery within the Khumbu region- Tengboche Monastery. An ancient monastery built in the 20th century where arts, sculptures, and thangka paintings are preserved. Here, we can witness the monks mediating and praying while staying at the nearby tea house of this historic gompa.

The morning begins with a stunning sunrise view over Ama Dablam kissing the tip of it with its golden rays. After having our breakfast, we’ll commence our path by descending through the short forested area. Enjoying the dense flora of rhododendrons, we’ll cross the bridge over the Imja Khola River. 

Walking past terraced fields, the flowing Lobuche River, and the spectacular views of Lhotse, Nuptshe, and Mt. Island Peak itself, we will reach the highest settlement of Sherpa-Dingboche or you can say the last large village within this region. As we arrive here in the daytime, we have ample leisure period to stroll around as we stay at Dingboche overnight.

Today, the route is quite strenuous, so make sure to have something fulfilling and hydrating as well. Navigating through the lovely forest and the terraced field where yaks are grazing stunningly, we’ll reach Deboche from where the pathway leads to the Pangboche. Paying a visit to the ancient “Pangboche Monastery” that tends to be believed to be more than 200 years old from where Mt. Tharmseku can be seen.

Continuing our journey, the trail leads us to the Thukla Pass-4830 from where several Himalayan peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and many others reward us for rising beautifully. Crossing the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we’ll finally arrive at Lobuche our destination for today.

Today is the day that we reach the foothill of none other than the almighty Mt. Everest traversing by the shining Gorakshep Lake. Commencing our mirthful journey, the trail winds off through the rocky landscapes and the moraine of “Khumbu Glacier”. We’ll arrive at the Gorakshep. Keeping our gears here after having lunch, we move forward to the Everest Base Camp (EBC). From here the altitude rises, so we can feel the air thinning. After approx. In 2-3 hours, we will finally reach the legendary Everest Base camp- the launchpad of the world’s highest peak.

Reaching here highly towering mountains like Pumori, Nuptshe, and Lhotse along the shining “Khumbu Icefall” surround us making us emotionally attached to the heavenly peaks. Make your best out of it! Witnessing the lap of the iconic mountain. Afterward, we’ll descend to the Gorak Shep abiding a bye to the base camp where we will stay overnight.

Right after we wake up at 5:00 am, we’ll start navigating towards the Kala Patthar from where the unobstructed view of Mt. Everest can be seen! Make your hiking boots tight and wear something warm, as the temperature falls to -10 degrees up there. The trail is quite slippery so, make sure to pay cautious passing by.

Reaching the vantage point of the iconic Kala Patthar that serves the best unhindered panoramic views of Mount Everest and other peaks of Khumbutse, Lingtren along the Khumbu Icefall. The golden arrays paint the snowy mountains so beautifully that it feels like a paradise world, although it reaches an altitude of 5545 meters we won’t regret the surreal views. Retracing our step back to Gorakshep, we’ll descend to Lobuche and set us here for a night's rest.

Today stands to be another fascinating hike to proceed on, however, we’ll also cross the challenging Kong La Pass - 5535 m./18137 ft. after we pass by Dingboche- the village where we stayed before. Moving forward with a steep ascend and a gradual terrain, we will reach the pass of Kong ma La decorated by the colorful prayer flags and of course! Its board marks the high altitude from the vantage point Imja Khola Valley can be seen spreading out downhill beautifully. 

Descending from here, we’ll finally reach Chhukung. Arriving here, the 1st thing we’ll do is check our gears thoroughly making sure that we haven’t missed out anything. Secondly, we will do a brief training session regarding climbing the peak as we are just one step behind, and yes! We also learn some tips and tricks from the guide to use the crampons, ice axes, and ropes. Overnight stay in Chhukung!

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp starts ascending by the northern side from where the trail takes us to the valley. Continuing our hike following the moraine from the Lhotse glacier on the eastern side, the trail leads through the Imja Lake, from where we can see the big rock that shows the mark to the Island Peak on the southwestern side. Moving forward for straight 30 minutes we will finally reach the Island Peak Base Camp. 

Setting our camping tent here, we’ll get some rest and do some preparation to climb the Island Peak after just 2 nights. If we have ample time, then we will again learn some technical parts of the gears and equipment and also get some insightful knowledge from our mountain guide.

Before the summit day, we must acclimatize properly to adjust to the rising altitude. However, Get yourself a little boost up as today we’ll have a training session rather than just laying back resting in the tent camp being all boring. After having breakfast, we’ll have a short briefing on what can be done and what to avoid, also we will memorize the use of boots, crampons, ice axes and to take a grip of ropes properly.

This training session for Island Peak Climbing is a must-do as it’ll help to boost our self-assurance level, recall the guidelines, and be positive toward the summitting of trekking peak for sure! Spending the day with a brief training period, we will take enough rest as the enchanting summit awaits us tomorrow! Overnight stay at the base camp. 

Note: At night time, the temperature falls down rapidly, so it is highly suggested to have something warm like hot ginger soup or any soup that will be prepared by the guide. It is recommended! helps to warm up the body.

Today is the day that we all have been waiting for! A day to push our limits and summit Island Peak. Waking up early at around 1:00 am, we will have a fulfilling breakfast quickly and move forward as soon as possible. Ascending through the steep rock and narrow slopes, we will start to climb by the narrow section and glacier section. Now, the guides will fix the ropes as the snowy slope begins from here, do not panic! There will 2 ropes first the man rope and another the fixed rope that acts as an A+ safety net for us. Following the south ridge, we’ll finally reach the summit of Island Peak- 6189 meters. 

From this tip (summit point) feel a sense of accomplishment in finding a profound connection and celebrate the success of completing the mission of Island Peak climb. Enjoy the breathtaking views of several heavenly mountains and scream your heart out feeling a sense of accomplishment- the day that makes every sweat, breath, and of course! Challenges one hundred percent.

Before the winds get strong, we’ll descend to the base camp carry our gears, and move back to Chhukung as it would be more appropriate to get back to a lower altitude for rest and safety purposes. If you feel tired, then we can even stay here at the camp. The choice is yours!

Today, the trail winds off retracing back to several settlements of Dingboche, Orsho, Shomare, and several other sherpa villages in between along the Khumbu Khola. The hike today is quite easy so we get to enjoy the stunning views of several Himalayan peaks such as Ama Dablam, Tharmseku, and Kangtaiga. Along the way, we’ll visit the “Pengboche Gompa” on the Upper Pangboche built in the 17th century famous for its arts, fascinating sculptures, and of course! Visit many monks here. 

Walking a bit further just a few minutes, we’ll finally arrive at Pangboche- a quaint village from where the heavenly mountains surround the settlement beautifully in between the sparkling flowing Imja Tse River. Overnight in Pangboche!

Re tracing our trail with a downhill to Imja Tse River, we navigate by the dense forested area of blooming rhododendrons, pines, and oaks that takes us toward the Tengboche- the wide settlements famous for the “Tengboche Monastery”- the gompa that we visited before if you wish! Then we can again visit this gompa one more time recalling the memories and witnessing the great cultural insight of the Everest region.

Crossing a long suspension bridge of Dudh Koshi River (Milky Water), the route traverses by the Dush Koshi Gorge from where we enter the wilderness area of this territory. The best part is! We might even get to see Himalayan goats, Himalayan monal-Danfe, and even snow leopards, do not miss out on catching a glimpse of mountain yaks grazing admiringly in such fascinating forest. Passing by small mani walls, chortens, and Tibetan prayer flags on the backdrop, we will finally reach Namche Bazaar-our destination for today.

Starting our trail evoking the memories of passing by the similar enchanting route of Dudh Koshi valley once again, crossing the Kusum stream the route starts to unfold from alpine meadows to lovely green hills adorned with colorful blooming wildflowers. Passing by the small gompas, mani walls, and Buddhist stones engraved in Tibetan mantras for one last time until the next expedition, we arrive at Lukla. Take this moment to enjoy with your team members, crew members, and guide remembering all the memories created together as it is our last day here within the Khumbu region.

Abiding a goodbye to this region we will fly back to Kathmandu. Catching an enchanting scenery in the small aircraft from Lukla, we will arrive in Kathmandu after a short 25-minute flight. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner where the expedition completion certificate will be distributed. The evening is yours! Make sure to make the best out of it by exploring the street of Thamel as much as you can. 

Let us know the date and time of your flight back to your beloved home country. Our team will assist you to the airport.