Island Peak Climbing - 16 days

As soon as you arrive at Tribhvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our team representatives will be there to welcome you. After all the procedures are done, our representatives will take you to your hotel. You can enjoy the rest of the time relaxing in your hotel or exploring the nearby places.

After an early morning breakfast, we will head off to explore this bustling city of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a city that is rich in it’s cultures and traditions. On this day, we will explore various cultural heritages and other places that will not only give you an understanding of the city’s culture and people but also its history. 

We will take you to explore places like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and more. Later in the evening, when the sightseeing is done, you will have plenty of time to prepare for your trek. You can do any last minute shopping before your trek starts.

Depending on the trekking season, your flight to Lukla will depart from either Kathmandu or Manthali. 

During peak trekking seasons (March, April, May, September, October, and November), flights from Kathmandu to Lukla may be redirected to Manthali Airport due to congestion at Tribhuwan International Airport. 

If this occurs, we will arrange transportation from your hotel around 12:30 am for a 5-hour drive to Manthali Airport. The subsequent flight from Manthali to Lukla lasts approximately 20 minutes.

During trekking seasons in December, January, February, June, July, and August, your journey will begin with a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After breakfast, we'll escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for a scenic 40-minute flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.

The trek commences in the bustling village of Lukla, leading to Phakding. Today's trek is brief and enjoyable, allowing for acclimatization. During your free time, you can explore the local monasteries in Phakding and prepare for the longer trek ahead.

Our six-hour adventure starts along the banks of the mighty Dudh Kosi River. Thrill-seekers will love the numerous crossings on suspension bridges adorned with colorful prayer flags, all while following the gushing tributaries of the river. 

Once we enter Sagarmatha National Park, the trail kicks into a steeper climb, rewarding you with ever-more breathtaking panoramas. Nicknamed the "Gateway to Everest," Namche Bazaar awaits at the end of this part. 

Bustling with life, this Sherpa town offers a welcome respite with a variety of quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, internet cafes, shops, and even a bakery! Perched at 3,441 meters, Namche Bazaar is one of the largest and most well-equipped settlements along the entire Everest Base Camp trek.

In Namche Bazaar, we'll take a day to acclimatize to the thinner air, allowing our bodies to adjust for the next part of the trek. 

While here, don't miss the Sherpa Museum, a treasure trove showcasing the rich traditions and customs of the Sherpa people. To stretch our legs and soak in the scenery, we'll embark on a scenic hike to Syangboche Airport, passing by the iconic Everest View Hotel. 

This vantage point is legendary for a reason. You will witness breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, including the mighty Everest itself. Imagine the sight of the Khumbu peaks ablaze with color at sunrise and sunset.

After a fulfilling early morning breakfast, we'll embark on our trek towards Tengboche. Prepare to be awestruck! Towering giants like Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Island Peak will dominate the horizon throughout the day. 

The trail itself winds up and down, offering a constant feast for the eyes with breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife; you might spot a musk deer, a pheasant, or even a majestic Himalayan tahr.

Our path dips as we cross the Dudh Koshi River, and then delves into a dense tapestry of alpine forest. Emerging from these emerald woods, we'll reach the quaint settlement of Phunki Thenga. From here, the trail kicks up a notch with a challenging climb through a pine forest before finally arriving at Tengboche.

Our uphill adventure continues towards Pangboche. Along the trail, keep an eye out for the charming chortens (stone memorials) and mani walls (walls adorned with inscribed prayers) that dot the landscape, adding a spiritual touch to the journey. You'll also pass by quaint villages, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the majestic Island Peak, which dominates the views throughout the majority of the trail. 

We'll then enter the Imja Valley, following the gushing Lobuche River. The trail steadily climbs as we approach Dingboche, a high-altitude haven. Here, the mighty Island Peak (6,812m) and the colossal Lhotse (8,516m) will steal the show with their breathtaking presence.

Fueled by breakfast, we'll set off eastward, venturing into the Chukhung Valley. The trail winds through the Imja Khola Valley, where stone-walled fields paint a unique picture of life at high altitudes. 

As we navigate the rocky path, keep your cameras ready. The colossal Lhotse and the iconic Ama Dablam will dominate the horizon with their stunning beauty. 

Finally, after a day of awe-inspiring landscapes, we'll reach our destination: Chukhung. Here, we'll settle into our comfortable lodge rooms and meet our expert guide for a comprehensive briefing on the upcoming climb, including essential preparations to ensure a safe and successful summit push.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to fully adjust to the high altitude. But that doesn't mean we're resting. Your expert guide will transform you into a peak-climbing pro. 

Get ready to learn the ropes (literally), as you'll be mastering essential techniques for using ice axes, crampons, climbing boots, harnesses, and more. 

While prior experience isn't mandatory for Island Peak, this training will boost your confidence and equip you with the skills necessary to conquer the summit.

Our compass points north today as we leave Chukhung behind and ascend into the heart of the valley. 

A short but scenic hike brings us to a prominent rock, marking the entrance to our much-anticipated destination: Island Peak Base Camp. After setting up camp and enjoying breathtaking views, it's time to sharpen your skills for the climb ahead. 

Your expert guide will lead a focused training session, revisiting essential techniques for using ice axes, crampons, and climbing boots. You'll also master harness use and rope skills, all crucial elements for a safe and successful summit push.

An alpine start is essential today. We'll aim to reach the summit before noon to avoid the afternoon winds that can pick up strength. Follow closely behind our experienced Sherpa guides, your trusted companions on this challenging climb.

The initial ascent takes us up a rocky ridge, offering a taste of the adventure ahead. We'll then reach the base of the glacier, where crampons and ice axes become our essential gear. Secured by ropes, we'll navigate the icy slopes, steadily making our way up to the south ridge. This ridge becomes our path to glory, leading us all the way to the coveted summit of Island Peak.

Prepare to be speechless! From the top of the world (well, almost!), soak in the breathtaking panorama. Lhotse and Makalu, giants exceeding 27,000 feet, will flank you on either side. Island Peak itself, stretching out below you, will showcase its true majesty. Don't forget to capture this once-in-a-lifetime vista with your camera.

After savoring these unforgettable moments at the peak, we'll retrace our steps, descending safely back to Base Camp. A well-deserved rest awaits us in Chukhung tonight, where we can celebrate our incredible achievement, which was conquering Island Peak!

We've built in an additional day as a buffer, a testament to our commitment to a successful summit attempt. This day can unfold in two exciting ways:

Conquering the Peak Under Clear Skies: If our scheduled summit day was blessed with perfect weather and we reached the top, this day transforms into a well-deserved reward!  Relax, take in the stunning Himalayan scenery, and savor the memories of your incredible accomplishment.

Reaching for the Summit: If the weather wasn't ideal on the original summit day, no worries!  This extra day becomes your chance to take on Island Peak. With clear skies and the guidance of your expert team, you'll be well-equipped to make your summit push a reality.

Today, we retrace our steps along the familiar rocky trail, bidding farewell to the majestic Island Peak. As we descend, savor the ever-changing perspectives of the Himalayas. Back in Chukhung, we'll pack our bags and continue our trek down to the enchanting village of Dingboche.

Nestled within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dingboche offers a tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out for the iconic Tengboche Monastery, the crown jewel of the Everest region. This grand structure, the largest monastery here, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Khumbu region.

Our path back to Namche Bazaar winds through a tapestry of alpine forests teeming with life. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings a flash of a pheasant's plumage, the elusive musk deer, or even a majestic mountain goat. If we're incredibly lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of the snow leopard, a true king of these mountains.

The trail itself offers a unique challenge a scenic journey along slopes adorned with colorful prayer flags that flutter in the breeze. 

As we descend, the perspective shifts, revealing the very tip of Everest peeking over neighboring ridges. Take this opportunity to capture stunning photos of both Everest's crown and the backside of Lhotse, a sight rarely seen from the standard trekking route.

Finally, after a day immersed in nature's wonders, we'll arrive back in the bustling hub of Namche Bazaar. Our cozy lodge awaits, offering a welcome respite to rest weary legs and reflect on the incredible journey we've undertaken.

Our final day on the trails is a victory lap, a chance to reflect on the incredible journey we've undertaken. 

As we descend back into the Dudh Koshi Valley, the landscape transforms around us. The route from the Kusum Stream offers a gentle incline, a welcome reprieve after challenging climbs.

Before reaching Lukla, however, the trail throws one last challenge our way – a steep ascent westward. Once we conquer this final climb, we'll be rewarded with a charming village, a perfect spot to pause and savor the breathtaking scenery.  

A gentle left turn leads us back into the cool embrace of the forest, where a pleasant trail winds down to rejoin the main path near a sidestream.

The quaint village of Toktok marks a turning point. From here, the perspective broadens, revealing entirely new vistas. Finally, after a day of unforgettable experiences, we arrive back in Lukla, the bustling town that served as our gateway to the Himalayas. 

Tonight, we celebrate our achievements under the starry sky, knowing that tomorrow, we'll catch a flight back to Kathmandu, forever bonded by the memories of this extraordinary adventure.

Your incredible Himalayan adventure culminates with a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. The departure airport depends on the season: