Trekking

Island Peak Climbing With Everest Base Camp Trek

Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft) is one of the main climbing peaks in the Everest Region. It has an impressive and highly glaciated West Face that rises from the Lhotse Glacier. Surrounded by glaciers, the peak itself looks like an island, hence its name.  From the summit the views are amazing. This climb combined with a trek to the historic Everest Base Camp is a trip designed for those who have little or no climbing experience but desire an adventure over and above the usual trekking journey.  It is required to be physically fit as the route is demanding on the body’s reserves.  However, this 19 day trip has built-in gradual acclimatization and climbing gear training to give you the best chance of a successful summit. Ice axes/picks, crampons, harness, and ascenders will be used. Training will be given on these, and on how to use fixed and man ropes. Training will be given in the tented camp.

Your trip starts with a flight into Lukla, one of the highest airports in the world and the gateway for Everest expeditions as well as the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu (Everest) Region.  Prior to climbing Island Peak you will follow in the footsteps of famous mountaineers to Everest Base Camp.  This trek will also take you to Kalapatthar which is the closest we can get to Everest without actually climbing it.  An informal name given to Kalapatthar is ‘Everest view point’. That name says it all!  On this trip you will also visit Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and many Sherpa villages.  Naturally, the flora and fauna of the region is outstanding.  The mountains, Ama Dablam, the Kongdi Ri, Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mount Everest, to name just a few, are those you have always dreamt of. And they are much more spectacular in reality!  

Note: This trip can be somewhat shortened if necessary. Please contact us if you only have time for a shorter version. What follows is the standard itinerary for Island Peak Climbing.

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about this trip, or any other trip in Nepal, please do not hesitate to contact Sherpa and Swiss Adventures. Basically, the itineraries on our websites are for the most popular destinations. You can contact us and let us know your requirements: your intended length of stay, your hotels of preference, your choice of route for a trek, the places you would like to visit, or any kind of customization. We would love to hear your unique choices and travel ideas; based on which we can curate a blend of our ideas and come up with the most suitable trip itinerary for you as an individual or a group.

TOUR MAP AND ITINERARY

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

It all starts here.  But first, the formalities…

 

Our airport representative will be there to meet you outside the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.  You will recognise her/him from the Sherpa and Swiss Adventures signboard they will be holding. You will then be transferred to your hotel by our private tourist vehicle.

 

Later that day there will be a pre-trip meeting in our office.  If your flight arrives after 4pm you will be briefed when you reach your hotel.  Please ensure to ask any questions you may still have about the trip regardless as to when or where your briefing meeting takes place. 

 

Please bring to the meeting: your original passport, three passport-sized photos and your travel insurance policy (hard copy please). During the meeting we request you to clear any outstanding payment and sign the legally binding trip form and a non-liability disclaimer.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Day 2 : Today there are two options, as below.

Option 1:

 

Morning Sightseeing to Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Then Drive to Ramechhap: 4 hours drive at 2.00 AM in the morning of Day 3.

 

Today your Nepal adventure begins! After breakfast, at around 9.30am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover two of them:

 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati River, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

 

Boudhanath Stupa:  Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

 

Note: The rest of this afternoon is at your leisure.  We will leave from Kathmandu at 2am in the morning to reach Ramechhap for the flight to Lukla for the following reason:

 

The Government of Nepal has announced that until further notice most flights to and from Lukla will be from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport).  This will avoid heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport.  The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive).  As Ramechhap is a very small town and off the usual tourist route, accommodation facilities are basic and limited.  It is likely that given this new situation, accommodation will be hard to find.  Thus, driving directly from Kathmandu to Ramechhap in the early morning is the only realistic option.

 

Overnight (until 2am) at a hotel.  Included meals: breakfast.

 

Option 2:

 

Entire day sightseeing to Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu and fly next day from Kathmandu directly to Lukla via helicopter.

Today your Nepal adventure begins!  After breakfast, at around 10.00 am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites, today we will cover three of them:

 

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa (or Monkey Temple as its often know) has great importance to the Valley’s indigenous Newar population whose religion is a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism.  We reach the top by a long staircase from the east. In addition to devotees, visitors can see many monkeys on the climb up to the stupa (please do not feed or pet them), and have a wonderful view over Kathmandu.

 

Boudhanath Stupa:  Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

 

There will be time for exploring the tourist hub of Thamel and doing last minute shopping for essential trekking snacks etc before dinner. 

 

Note: With this option you will avoid the middle of the night drive to Ramecchap and will fly directly by helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla on the morning of Day 03.

 

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Included meals: breakfast.

Day 3 : Drive to Ramechhap and Fly from Ramechhap to Lukla via fixed wing flight OR Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m/ 9,184ft) via helicopter. Trek to Phakding (2,651m/ 8,697ft): 20 minutes flight OR 45 minutes helicopter ride, 3-4 hours trek

Depending on your choice, today we fly from Ramechhap or from Kathmandu to Lukla. Estimated arrival time in Lukla is the same for either option. After your arrival in Lukla, your guide and porters will meet you and from here we trek to Phakding. The trail starts by descending to Cheplung village. We may be able to catch sight of Mt Khumbila from here.  This is a sacred mountain which, as such, has never been climbed. From here the trail descents till Phakding where you overnight.  This is where your climbing adventure begins!

 

Overnight at a lodge. Included meals: breakfast (packed breakfast for those on Option 1), lunch and dinner.

Day 4 : Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Today the trail takes you upwards over steep inclines and across high suspension bridges. If you come in the springtime, your journey through the rhododendron forests will be filled with red and pink flowers. On the way you may be lucky to catch a glimpse of Mt Everest from the viewpoint on this part of the trail.  But don’t worry if the clouds are hiding the view – you will have plenty more opportunities to see this and other stunning mountains.  You have now entered Sagarmatha National Park, and tonight you sleep in the famous town of Namche Bazaar.

Day 5 : Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day

Today’s acclimatization day is designed to allow your body to get used to the altitude.  It also gives you a chance to explore the town or hike to Khumjung Village to visit the school and hospital set up by Sir Edmund Hillary as a thank you to the Sherpa people.  You can also visit Khumjung Monastery, where they have a Yeti scalp as it’s believed!  You can soak up the atmosphere in Namche.  In the past this was the last stop for mountaineers to stock up on goods before setting off to scale Everest.  It still is a good place to purchase any chocolate or snacks you forgot to bring with you. 

Day 6 : Trek Namche Bazaar to Debuche via Tengboche

On our way from Namche to Debuche, we visit Tengboche monastery - the largest monastery in the region.  It is also perhaps the monastery with the best views of the surrounding mountains!  We explore this monastery for a while and then head towards Debuche which is 30 minutes walk from Tengboche. The entire trail switches back and forth, along rushing rivers and through lush woods. Then almost abruptly the vegetation gets less and the scenery becomes rockier.  Overnight in Debuche.

Day 7 : Trek Debuche to Pheriche

As the hike goes on the scenery changes dramatically from green forests to more stony paths.  The approach to Pheriche is through a large glacial valley.  Overnight at Pheriche.

Day 8 : Trek Pheriche to Lobuche

The day starts out with an easy walk towards Dugla where it then turns upwards, over terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier.  Continuing, you pass through boulders on the ascent of Chupki Lhara where there is a memorial to Scott Fisher, an American, and Babu Chiri Sherpa. A chorten with prayer flags has been set up to remember these two mountaineers, Babu Chiri Sherpa being a very experienced 10-times summiter of Everest.  The trail then takes you through more moraines until you come face to face with several great mountains, including Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. Staring at these giants you get a sense of why people would want to risk their lives to summit Everest.  Overnight at Lobuche.

Day 9 : Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170 m/ 16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m/ 17,594 ft)

Gorak Shep is the name of a small, seasonal settlement which is the best place to set off for the ascent of Kalapatthar, also known as the ‘Everest view point’.  Gorak Shep was base camp for the 1952 Swiss expedition to Everest.  Although unsuccessful, on that climb was Tenzing Norgay Sherpa who the following year made the first summit of Everest with Edmund Hilary.  Its takes approximately three hours to reach Everest Base Camp from Gorak Shep. From this vast open vista you will be able to see mountaineers setting up camp in the distance (it is not possible for trekkers to enter the exact same EBC area) and take in the magnificent and treacherous beauty of the Khumbu Icefall.  Overnight at Gorak Shep in preparation for a dawn ascent of Kalapatthar.

Day 10 : Trek Gorak Shep to Kalapatthar (5,545m/ 18,192ft) to Lobuche (4,288m/ 14,070ft)

While trekkers are attracted by the fact they will visit Everest Base Camp, the real spectacular views of Mount Everest are from the top of Kalapatthar.  At 5,545m this is the highest altitude we can trek in Nepal without requiring climbing permits. Its name means black rock and it is not so much a mountain but a ridge. But what views can be seen and photographed from here! Everest, Changtse and Nuptse mountains are so close you feel you can just reach out and touch them.  For most people, this is the closest they will get to Mount Everest.  And this is quite an achievement in itself! Sunrise and sunset from Kalapatthar are equally as spectacular. Which you see may well depend on weather conditions that day.  However, we are aiming for sunrise so will set off early in the morning. After spending some time basking in Nature’s glories, descend Kalapatthar, return to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then head to Lobuche where you overnight.

Day 11 : Trek Lobuche to Kongma La (5,000m/ 16,404ft) to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft)

Today we go via the Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp.  Climbing over the high pass (5,000m) is the most challenging part of the day.  Descending the other side of the pass, we reach the Imja Khola Valley and then descend further to Chhukung, a small summer settlement where we will stay overnight.  Here we will check our equipment in preparation of the next few days. 

 

Note: if the group collectively does not want to go over the pass, there is another, lower altitude route.  This can be discussed with your guide.

Day 12 : Trek Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp

The trail to Island Peak Base Camp is steep, and at times a winding path below the Lhotse Glacier’s moraine.  Following a stream the walking is a little easier here until again the trail crisscrosses through moraine from the Imja and Lhotse glaciers, making the going more difficult.  Eventually you come out into a wide valley on the south west side of Island Peak.  Here we overnight.

Day 13 : Pre-climb training at Island Peak Base Camp

This morning we will start the pre-climb training.  Although it is not necessary to have prior climbing experience to ascend Island Peak, it would be useful in terms of your confidence level.  However, our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques, and use of the gear.  The gear you will learn about includes ice axe, crampons, harness ascender and how to use the ropes properly.  With this training your chances of a successful summit will be boosted.  The goal is not only to summit Island Peak, but to enjoy the experience too!  After the training, use the rest of the day to acclimatize by hiking up to High Camp or simply relax at Base Camp. You and the team will sleep early tonight at Base Camp.

Day 14 : Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit, back to Base Camp

Today is the big day!  Wake up for breakfast around midnight or 1am.  Breakfast is important to fuel the climb. And the early morning start is important to enable you to reach the summit before the afternoon strong winds.  A rock gully needs to be tackled before emerging on its right side to follow a ridgeline leading to an exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier.  Our guides will fix ropes where necessary and it may be required that the climbers rope up, particularly going over the glacier.  The glacier contains several crevasses which present a challenge.  On reaching the summit there is time to take a breath, take in the icy air and take in the views. Don’t forget to take some pictures for future memory.  Bask in the knowledge you did it! Then climb back down to Base Camp where the crew will have a welcome lunch waiting for you.  Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 15 : Trek Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche

After a good night’s sleep and a filling breakfast, pack up camp and head towards Pangboche.  Passing through the Khumbu Khola Valley and Sherpa villages we can do a side trip to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche.  This is reportedly the oldest gompa in the Khumbu Region. Panboche is surrounded by Everest to the north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and the Kongde mountain range in the south.  Here the valley is fertile, thanks to the Imja Tse river flowing through it. 

Day 16 : Trek Pangboche to Namche Bazaar

The trail today takes you down to the Imja Khola and then up through forests to reach Tengboche.  We will stop for lunch in Tengboche. Following lunch, we then return back the same route that we travelled on our way up. Now Namche is within reach and our thoughts turn to the wonderful dinner ahead of us!  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 17 : Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla

Enjoy your breakfast then wave goodbye to the friendly Sherpa people of Namche.  Make your way slowly over the rocky paths and high suspension bridges over raging rivers to Lukla where you will stay before your early morning flight.

Day 18 : Fly to Kathmandu, free day or sightseeing to cultural sites (optional)

After breakfast fly out of Lukla. Take in your final views of the mountains from your plane window.  You can either fly to Ramechhap and drive (3-4 hours) to Kathmandu or take a helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu.  Please ask us about the helicopter option. 

Day 19 : Free day in Kathmandu or sightseeing to cultural heritage sites (optional)

To be prudent, we keep one extra day at the end of the trek just in case there is a flight cancellation out of Lukla (due to bad weather).  You can use this day to explore on your own or ask us about arranging sightseeing to other cultural heritage sites. Please let us know and we can arrange this for you. Tonight a farewell dinner will give you the chance to relive your adventure! But first, perhaps you want to do a little souvenir shopping?

Day 20 : Final Departure

Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport three hours prior to the departure time. In case your flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel which will incur extra charges as the check out time is usually 12 pm. Your airport representative will pick you from your hotel accordingly and take you to the international airport for your onward flight.

 

Bon voyage and pheri bhetaula!

 

Included meals: breakfast

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT'S Not INCLUDED

Accommodation

You will be staying in your choice of hotel in Kathmandu. All accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Single supplement charge will be added for single rooms and will cost an additional USD 400 or more (depending on your hotel selection in Kathmandu). Also, please be clear that you will be trekking in remote village areas; services in the teahouses will be basic. We will try our best to arrange rooms with attached bathrooms; however, teahouses in some places do not have attached bathrooms. Paying single room supplement will get you a single room in Kathmandu but it might not be feasible on the trekking route. 

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from the lodge where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the trail, on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking period (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There are many restaurant options in Kathmandu that you can explore on your own. There will be a welcome and a farewell dinner for our guests.