Island Peak Climbing

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu Airport: It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our team member will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and over night at your hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in World Boudhanath, Royal palace and Swoyambhunath. At Evening, you will be briefed about your trip.

Day 03: Kathmandu to Phakding (2652M trekking 3 hours): In the early morning we take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m), flying parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibet. Flight time is about 40 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort and load the trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka (2713m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m), it is a short walk to Phakding.

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3446M Trekking 5 hours): Today the walking is a little harder and includes the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From Phakding, it is a short walk to the entrance of the National Park before we cross the Dudh Kosi, to Jorsale (2805m). The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers; it is here that we start the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river we slowly ascend at a steady pace towards Namche. There are some fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. After arriving in Namche, we enjoy lunch with the afternoon free to bargain in the shops for 'Tibetan' artefacts, or relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery.

Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization day.We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large, protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today a limited amount of trade exists at Namche and Tibetans are often seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat. Also on this day we will visit the village of Khumjung, and get our first great views of Everest.

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tangboche (3875M walking 6 hours): From Namche, we climb towards the park headquarters and follow a contouring trail high above the Dudh Kosi river. Above Namche the route to Tangboche becomes visible with the monastery seen below the summit of Everest and surrounded by Himalayan peaks. On today's walk there are opportunities to spot the local wildlife, including the beautiful Danphe Pheasant often seen among the birch and silver fir forest between Shanasa and Trashinga, and Himalayan Thar on the high ground above the trail. After reaching the re-forestation nursery at Trashinga, the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phunkitenga (3250m), where we take lunch. In the afternoon we pass water-driven prayer wheels and ascend, initially steeply, through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest towards Tyangboche.(video) The monastery and our lodge are located in a beautiful meadow s urrounded by towering Himalayan peaks in a truly peaceful and tranquil setting. The most notable peaks seen from here are Kantega, Ama Dablam perhaps the most beautiful peak in the region  and of course Mount Everest.

Day 07: Tangboche to Dingboche (4360M trekking 6 hours): In the morning our route ascends gradually, high above the Imja Khola, passing the teahouses at Orsho before crossing the Imja Khola and old glacial moraines to our lodge in the settlement of Dingboche. The scenery is spectacular,  although Everest has disappeared behind the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are ample compensation. We are now almost completely above the treeline. In clear conditions, look out for spectacular sunsets here and on Ama Dablam. Today's walk is quite tiring due to the altitude so it is important to take notice of your leader's advice and recommendations regarding rest and fluid intake.

Day 08: Dingboche: Rest & acclimatization Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. It is occupied mainly through the monsoon months,when large numbers of yaks are brought here to graze on the valley pastures. Behind our lodge the huge rock faces of Taweche seem to soar to the heavens. Your leader will advise on activities today; the short excursion up the valley towards Chukung is worthwhile. The views are fantastic in this valley; the towering south face of Lhotse to the north, Island Peak in the centre of the valley, and the fluted ice-walls of unnamed peaks that line the southern end of the valley form a hauntingly beautiful sight.The other option which is better for acclimatising, is a hike up the hill behind our lodge will afford great views of the fifth highest mountain in the world, Makalu (8481m).

Day 09: Dingobche to Lobuche (4930M trekking 6 hours): In the morning we ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. From the chorten at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) make for a striking scene as they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuche Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of the Cho La dominate the skyline. The walking is now generally fairly flat on wide-open fields, but do take your time and ensure you are well hydrated. Late in the morning we cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla (4620m) and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest. In the afternoon, there is a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraine. On the crest of the ridge, you pass a line of memorial cairns, built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last 50 years. From here the view is spectacular, Pumori (7145m) Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m) are seen at the head of the valley, whilst Everest is hidden behind the towering walls of Nuptse and Lhotse. We then follow the valley stream to our lodge at Lobuche, arriving early afternoon. Today is a tiring day but the fantastic scenery makes it all very valuable.

Day 10: Everest Base Camp to Kala Patter (5160M trekking 10 hours round trip): After an early rise, we have a short trek to Gorak Shep where we will have breakfast and some tea before beginning the walk up to Kala Pattar. (5545m)A gradual ascent enables you to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. From the lodge the ascent is quite steep, so start very slowly and try to ascend at steady rhythmic pace. Our goal Kala Pattar, is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It is a tough walk, but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. It will probably take a good hour and a half to reach the summit from Gorak Shep, although lower viewpoints will provide views almost as good. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest - the highest mountain in the world , and some 200 metres below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. For many trekkers, reaching Kala Pattar is a very emotional experience and it is worthwhile spending as long as you wish to savour this special moment. The descent back down to Gorak Shep is easy, Upon arrival in our lodge in Lobuche, hot tea will be waiting and a short time later our evening meal.

Day 11: Trek to Chhukung (4753M around 4hours):  We exit the lower edge of the Khumbu glacier and descend to cross the Khumbu glacial river at Tugla.  Here we leave the Everest trail and traverse via Dingboche and on up to Chhukung with great views of Ama Dablam.

Day 12: Rest Day in Chhukung:

Day 13: Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (5100M trek around 3hours):  We depart Chhukung with only some porters, our climbing guide and the equipment necessary for the Island Peak climb.  The porters drop our luggage and tents at Base Camp and then return to Chhukung.

Day 14: Ascent of Island Peak (6189m) and return to Chhukung:  An early morning start for our attempt at the summit of Island Peak, returning afterwards via Base Camp to Chhukung.  Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, was first climbed in 1953 in preparation for the first ascent on Everest. It was named by Eric Shipton, the early Himalayan pioneer, who thought it resembled an island in a sea of ice. It is actually an extension of Lhotse, an outlier of Everest

Day 15: Chhukung to Pangboche (3985M trekking four hours):  We descend and rejoin the Everest path to Pangboche which has one of the oldest monasteries in the region.

Day 16: Pangboche to Phortse (3840M only 3hours):  We continue descending via a quieter trail with opportunities for glimpsing wildlife.

Day 17: Phortse to Khumjung (3790M today 4hours walk):  We cross the river that flows out of the Gokyo valley and cross a small hilltop called Mongla before descending to Khumjung.

Day 18: Trek from Khumjung to Lukla (2866m): We return through Namche Bazaar and back to Lukla for a final night in the Khumbu Valley and the opportunity for a farewell party with the porters and Sherpa friends who have supported us on the trek. They depart separately on a 4 days' trek and bus ride to Kathmandu (6 hours).

Day 19: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu: We rise early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of the aircraft, for back to Kathmandu. We will be met at the airport and transfer to our Hotel.

Day 20: Kathmandu rest: Free in Kathmandu with a visit local market and in the evening a farewell meal and culture show.

Day 21: Departure Kathmandu: We transfer you to the airport for your flight home.