Island Peak Climbing 20 Days

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive 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: 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 03: 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 04: 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 05: 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 06: 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 07: 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 a 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 the 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 08: 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 begin 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 the 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 09: Trek to Cho La pass 5,367m to Dzongla - 830 m) | Trek: 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 a 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 the 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 at Dzongla Village. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 10: 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 a maximum of 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 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp 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 comes 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 12: Trek to Chhukung via Kongma-la pass (Altitude: Kongma-la: 5535 m/18265 ft. | Chhukung: 4750 m/15675 ft. | Trek: 6/7 hrs.
Meal: BLD

Another interesting and adventurous pass is waiting for you and it is the highest pass of this trip. You will start walking just after breakfast following Khumbu glacier towards east. The trail would belong without any tea shop and water sources, hence, you should carry a 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 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: Trek to Namche - Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. | Trek: 5/6 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 Lukla - Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft. | Trek: 4/5 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: Fly to Kathmandu - Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. | Flight: 30 minutes.
Meal: B

Today is the final day of the trip. You will walk following the 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 steps from traditional Sherpas.

Day 19: Cultural tour in Kathmandu.
Meal: B

You will board a plane back to Kathmandu. Arriving at Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day will be your leisure time. You can go for shopping, message, or rest at the Hotel.

Day 20: Departure.
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.

Route Map

Useful Information

PASSPORT AND VISA: 

All the foreign nationals (except Indian nationals) are required to display Visa while entering Nepal. Nepalese Visa can be obtained either at the Nepalese Embassy of the respective country or can be obtained during your arrival at the International Airport in Kathmandu or from Nepal’s border entry point in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kodari on the Nepal-China border.
Certain nationals are requested to arrange Visa prior to arrival in Nepal. The listed countries are- Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia and cannot secure Nepalese Visa on arrival.

VISA FACILITY    DURATION    FEES

Multiple Entry    15 Days    US$ 80 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple Entry    30 Days    US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

Multiple Entry    90 Days    US$ 175 or equivalent convertible currency

You can also download the VISA form and fill it up. Please go through the link as below: http://www.online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa

MONEY & CREDIT CARD INFO    

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 a problematic situation that you can't get money from ATMs. To find yourself free from this problem, you can call 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, 3.5 % service charge is applicable as per Nepal Bank rules, on top of your payable amount for the trek cost. So, we suggest you bring some cash in USD just in case your card doesn’t work. 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. If you want to exchange money, we provide you with the facility to change your money. Or, you can take help from Money Changers in Thamel.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: 

While traveling to Nepal, you are requested to have travel insurance that should cover any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Especially, your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay, and cancellations.

Insurance Policy:

Traveling in the Himalayas is full of adventurous; hence it is wise to choose a proper insurance policy. While choosing your insurance policy, make sure that it will protect all such unforeseen expenses. You must ensure that the policy you do take provides an adequate level of protection, well familiar with your itinerary and covers you for the activities involved. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday or send us a scanned copy and it must be issued from your homeland.

RECOMMENDATION:

World Nomads

https://www.worldnomads.com/ 

NOTE:

Please, kindly note, this given reference of the insurance company above is only a recommendation, which based on the recommendation of our previous travelers. You could review their update insurance policy by contacting them directly.

VACCINATION FOR NEPAL    

Travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or the 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 vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, etc. However, it is not mandatory but recommended.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS (ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS)
Altitude sickness, also known as AMS (acute mountain sickness), is caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitudes (normally above 3,000m). It occurs as the result of our bodies’ inability to adapt to a sudden increase in altitude. If given time, our bodies will adjust and a gradual ascent will decrease the possibility of altitude sickness. 

PREVENTION OF AMS: Go slowly, drink a lot of water, and pay attention to the sensations of your body. If symptoms occur you have climbed too far for the day. Rest at the same altitude will give you time to acclimatize and usually relieve mild symptoms. 

MILD SYMPTOMS: Headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and mild shortness of breath with minimal exertion, difficulty sleeping, dizziness or lightheadedness, mild weakness, fatigue, a general unwell feeling. 

SERIOUS SYMPTOMS: The inability to recover from shortness of breath with rest, severe persistent headache, low urine output, vomiting, confusion, delirium, loss of coordination. These require immediate descent as acclimatization will not take place at the same altitude. 

The key is to trek slowly, carry a light pack and just take it easy. Allow your body the time it needs to acclimatize.

ARRIVAL INSTRUCTION

Upon your arrival at TIA International Airport, our company's representatives are stationed to pick you up. They will be holding your name sign along with the company's name in it. Our office representative will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu.