Island Peak Climbing
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Our airport representative will receive you outside the airport terminal hall and transfer you to the designated hotel. Look for you name on placard or display card.
Note: If you happen to arrive Kathmandu before 4 PM, you will be briefed about the trip by our guide the very day your arrival. So make sure that you ask all the questions related to the trip. But if you arrive after 4 PM, the pre-trip meeting will be held next day in the morning.
During the meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparation
After morning breakfast, we will start our sightseeing trip at around 8:30 AM. A private vehicle with professional tour guide will be at your disposal.
We will visit the following landmarks which are listed on UNESCO world heritage sites:
Pashupatinath:
Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred Hindu Temple dedicated to lord Shiva. It is located about 5km east of central Kathmandu along the bank of Bagmati River. Non-Hindus are strictly prohibited to enter the main gate of temple but the ongoing rituals can be observed from the vantage point next to Bagmati River. You will also observe the cremation process of dead Hindu bodies.
Boudhanath:
Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu valley. Built in 5th century, this mystical stupa has four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their wrong deeds. Here you will encounter many Tibetan Buddhist making a holy Kora around the stupa; spinning the prayer wheels.
Swayambhunath:
Find peace and prayer on the small ridge of Swayambhunath located in the northwest of the Kathmandu valley. The stupa overs most parts of the valley; offering visitors panoramic views of city and lush hills around it. The stupa has stood as a hallmark of faith and harmony for centuries with Hindu and Buddhist. Also known as “Monkey Temple”, it is believed that the stupa was evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago.
The rest of time in Kathmandu is free for checking the trip necessities and catching some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near your hotel.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
An early morning flight from Kathmandu takes us small airstrip at Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla. Upon arrival at the airport, our trek guide will introduce you to the local porter before we begin the 3 hours trek to Phakding (2,610m).
We start our trek dropping through rhododendron forest towards the Dudh Koshi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar. The walk is relatively easy and we pass a beautiful settlement of Ghat (2,550m) before reaching the village of Phakding.
Day 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar
Today we continue our trek along the bank of Dudh Koshi River and cross the river multiple time via suspension bridge laden with prayer flags. After walking for an hours, we get the glimpse of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) standing on our right and also admire the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forest through the trail. We continue walking towards Sagarmatha National Park and make steep climb with stunning views to Namche Bazar, also knowns as the “Gateway to Everest”.
Namche Bazaar is the most prosperous village of entire Everest region. It house many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, internet café and bakeries.
Day 05: Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day
Today is set aside for acclimatization. Mountain expert suggests at least a 24 hours rest period. Stay active: climb and sleep low is the best acclimatization advice.
Today we can walk to Sagarmatha National Park Visitor’s Center which offers informative displays on Sherpa culture and local flora and fauna.
Likewise, a short hike to the village of Khumjung (3,780m) will offers the close view of Sherpa culture than in Namche. We spend a morning walk to the Khumjung village and make a circular trek back to Namche; exploring Everest View Hotel on the way.
At Khumjung, we can visit Hillary school and Khumjung museum which houses the scalp of Yeti!
If you want more adventure, we can hike for five hours west to the Thame village (3,820m). It is nestled beneath the impressive Kongde Ri Ridge and offers dramatic Himalayan views which are not visible from Gokyo and Everest trails.
Day 06: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche Monastery
Today we walk to the edge of Namche and contour around the hill to Sanasa (3,600m). Here the trail splits: NW to Gokyo and NE to Everest. On the way, look exotic wildlife: Himalayan Thar grazing on high slopes, shy spotted deer and birds – including magnificent Danphe (Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal).
We walk down to the water operated prayer wheel t Phunki Thenga (3,250m), the lowest point north to Namche. Then we cross the Dudh Koshi River near its juncture with Imja Khola before climbing steeply for 2 hours through rhododendron and scrub conifers to the hilltop village of Tengboche.
Day 07: Tengboche Monastery – Dingboche
After breakfast, we drop down to the small stone village of Debuche (3,820m). Then we cross the Imja Khola to the north and climb gently to Pangboche (3,860m) with outstanding views of Ama Dablam (6,856m). The trial then follows the river to its juncture with Imja Khola and then continues towards Dingboche. It is the last permanent settlement of the region. Dingboche has walled terraced fields which are built to protect the crops from chilly winds and grazing yaks. Barley, Potatoes, bucket wheat etc. are grown on short growing seasons.
Day 08: Dingboche – Chhukung
From Dingobche, it takes about four hours to reach Chhukung. We walk on a gradual pace to adjust our body at high altitude in order to climb Island peak. Our climbing guide will brief you about the Island Peak Climbing and the next day’s adventure.
Day 09: Chhukung – Island peak base camp
Today is another short day scheduled for acclimatization. We climb via moraine and rock strewn trail to Island Peak Base Camp where we set a camp for next two days, with foods prepared by our professional cooks.
Day 10: Rest and acclimatization day
This day is spent on acclimatizing and pre-climb training. Your climbing leader will provide you the basic training on climbing skills and proper way of using gears like crampons, ascender, descender, harness, ice axe etc. The training also includes the climb and drop using the ropes.
Day 11: Summit Day: Island Peak Base Camp – Island Peak Summit and return to Chhukung
Today is the awaited day of our entire journey. Weather permitting, we will start early in the morning for a climb up to the Island Peak (6,187m). After camp I, we climb through a gully and make to the right. After climbing up a broad stone field, we cross the ridge and climb view glacier and crevasses to the top. After some moments at top of Island Peak, we climb down the say day back to Chhukung.
Day 12: Chhukung – Tengboche
Today we follow the same route we have used previously back to Tengboche (3,860m). Waking though the settlement of Dingboche, Pangboche and Debuche, we get to the village of Tengboche.
Day 13: Tengobhce – Namche Bazaar via Khumjung
Leaving mountain behind, we drop down from Tengboche Monastery to the Namche Bazaar which takes about 5 hours. Here we will enjoy a evening walk with fellow trekkers over a nice meal.
Day 14: Namche Bazaar – Lukla
The trail to Lukla drops down steeply so we need to be cautiously as our shaky legs continuously flight with tough rocky terrain. We cross the suspension bridge over the torrent Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries, we reach the village of Lukla.
Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Today we take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, we drive back to the hotel and take a well-deserved rest. Evening: join a farewell dinner hosted by us in typical Nepal restaurant with cultural shows.
Day 16: Leisure day or final departure
Today we can either take a leisure day to explore the landmarks of Kathmandu at our own pace. OR simply catch an international fight back to our home country.