Island Peak Climbing - 12 days

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most significant cultural sites around Kathmandu with our NATHAM-trained and experienced tour guide. Your city tour will give you the chance to interact with local people, as well as visit pagoda-style Hindu temples and Buddhist Stupas. Your guide will take you to all the important places and after the tour, they will drop you back at your hotel.

After breakfast in Phakding, we start our trek towards Namche Bazaar, which is the gateway to the Everest region. The trail today is steep and uphill, but we will take our time and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Namche Bazaar is a bustling Sherpa town, where we will spend the night in a local lodge. It is an important stop for acclimatization and we will spend an extra day here to adjust to the altitude before continuing on to our base camp. We will explore the local market and take a short hike to see the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Today, we begin our trek after an early breakfast at Phakding. We will follow the local trail along the Phakding mini bazaar and reach a long suspension bridge. We continue to walk along the river, passing through the villages of Toktok and Banker. Our journey then takes us to the picturesque village of Monjo, where we will stop for a trekking permit check-in before making a short and easy walk to Jorsalle. We will take lunch here and then continue our trek, crossing high suspension bridges and making a steep climb through a pine forest to reach Namche.

Today, we will wake up early to catch the beautiful sunrise view of Mt. Everest from the Namche hill station. After taking in the stunning views, we will visit the Mountain Photo Gallery Hall next to the viewpoint. After that, we will return to our hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing. We will stay at the same lodge for the night.

Today, we embark on a journey from Namche to Tengboche. The first part of our trek will be a relatively easy and wide trail on the mountainside, leading to Kyanjuma. After a short descent to Funki Thanka, we will take a lunch break at a local tea house and rest before continuing on for a 2-hour steep hike to Tengboche. The destination offers a spectacular view of Mt. Everest and other majestic peaks, making it an ideal spot to spend the night.

Today, we begin our journey after a delicious breakfast at Tyagboche. Our trek starts with a 20-minute descent through a forest of pine and a dusty trail, leading us to a bridge over the Imja Khola. We then ascend on an open trekking route to Pangboche, a picturesque Sherpa village with many lodges available. We continue our trek along the Imja Khola, passing through various villages, before reaching Dingboche after a 2-hour pleasant walk. This will be our destination for the night where we will be staying in a lodge.

The trek from Dingboche to Chhukung is a captivating journey through the heart of the Khumbu region, surrounded by towering peaks and breathtaking landscapes. Starting from Dingboche, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,410 meters, the trail winds its way through the Imja Valley.

As you embark on the trek, you'll navigate rocky paths and traverse charming suspension bridges that span crystal-clear mountain streams. The trail gradually ascends, providing stunning views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks. Prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze, marking sacred sites along the way.

Around halfway through the trek, the village of Chhukung comes into view, nestled beneath the impressive Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge. Chhukung, at an altitude of about 4,730 meters, serves as a crucial acclimatization point for trekkers heading towards higher altitudes or preparing for climbs such as Island Peak. The village offers basic accommodations and a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by the grandeur of the Himalayas. The journey from Dingboche to Chhukung is not only a physical ascent but also a visual feast of alpine scenery, making it a memorable segment of the Everest region trekking experience.

Starting from Chhukung, the trek to Island Peak Base Camp at 5200 meters is an exciting journey. The trail winds through rocky paths and glacial moraines, with stunning views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The trek takes around 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and acclimatization needs. As you ascend, the air becomes thinner, requiring a steady pace. The trail offers glimpses of Himalayan wildlife and unfolds against a backdrop of towering peaks. Reaching the Base Camp, you're treated to a surreal alpine setting, setting the stage for the climb to Island Peak's summit.

The trek from Island Peak Base Camp to High Camp (5500m) is an exhilarating ascent amidst the Everest region's breathtaking scenery. Beginning at Island Peak Base Camp, climbers navigate rocky trails and traverse glacial moraines, surrounded by towering peaks. Authentic information is vital, with experienced guides offering insights on altitude challenges and route intricacies. The journey involves negotiating technical sections and ice formations, requiring proper gear and acclimatization. As trekkers advance, the landscape transforms, leading to the strategically positioned High Camp at 5500m, a pivotal point before the final push for the Island Peak summit, encapsulating the essence of high-altitude adventure.

Reaching the Island Peak summit (6189m) and descending back to Base Camp is a transcendent Himalayan adventure. From the pinnacle, panoramic vistas unveil the majesty of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, casting a surreal landscape under the vast Himalayan sky. The ascent involves navigating through challenging ice and rock sections, requiring technical skills and determination. The summit rewards climbers with a sense of accomplishment and awe-inspiring 360-degree views. Descent traces back through snow-covered trails and glacier moraines, providing a unique perspective of the terrain. The journey encompasses both the thrill of conquering a formidable peak and the serenity of the pristine Himalayan wilderness.

On Day 12, the descent from Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (4200m) unfolds with a scenic journey through the iconic Imja Valley. The trail meanders downhill, offering trekkers a relatively easy descent. As hikers traverse this picturesque route, the backdrop features breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The descending path follows the contours of the valley, passing through alpine landscapes and rhododendron forests. Pangboche, a charming Sherpa village, comes into view with its traditional stone houses and ancient monasteries. The ease of the downhill trek allows for reflection on the memorable Island Peak summit experience while immersing in the beauty of the Everest region.

Descending from Pangboche (4200m) to Monjo (2700m) leads through the scenic Namche Bazaar. The trail weaves down through lush forests, offering glimpses of traditional Sherpa villages and prayer flags. As trekkers traverse the well-trodden paths, the lower altitude brings a change in vegetation. The descent allows for a gradual return to lower elevations, making Monjo an ideal resting point before continuing the journey through the heart of the Khumbu region.

Embarking on the final leg of the Everest trek, the journey from Monjo to Lukla (2646m) is a reflective descent through picturesque landscapes. After a hearty breakfast, the trail leads downhill, offering a gentle and gradual descent. Trekkers traverse lush forests, quaint villages, and suspension bridges, relishing the memories of their Himalayan adventure. Upon reaching Lukla, a sense of accomplishment prevails. A farewell dinner awaits, a joyous occasion to celebrate with the dedicated crew and porters who contributed to the expedition's success, marking the end of an unforgettable Everest region expedition.

After an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes around 30 minutes, we will take you to your hotel upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport.

We will pick you up from your hotel by private transport and take you to the Kathmandu TIA Airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.