Island Peak Climbing 16 Days

Details Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft)

• Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative staff.
• You will then be transferred to your hotel in the Thamel area or Bouddhanath, the vibrant tourist hub of Kathmandu.
• Take some time to settle in and explore the bustling streets, shops, and restaurants of Thamel.
• In the evening, you will attend a briefing session with your trekking guide who will provide detailed information about the trek and climb, safety procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation (1,350m/4,429ft)

• Today is dedicated to experiencing the rich culture and history of Kathmandu Valley. You will have the opportunity to visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as:
  • Swoyambhunath Stupa: An ancient stupa perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and a fascinating blend of Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
  • Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism, surrounded by monasteries and prayer wheels.
  • Pashupatinath Temple: A sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, where you might witness cremation ceremonies. (Non-Hindus are typically not allowed inside the main temple).
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square: The historical heart of Kathmandu, featuring ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and intricate Newari architecture.
• In the afternoon, you will have time to finalize your trekking gear, ensuring you have everything necessary for the climb. This is also an opportunity to rent or purchase any remaining equipment.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m/9,318ft) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft) - 3-4 hours trek

• Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for a thrilling 30-40 minute flight to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport). This scenic flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, weather permitting.
• Upon arrival in Lukla, you will meet the rest of your trekking crew, including porters who will carry your main luggage. After organizing your gear, your trek begins.
• The trail today is relatively gentle, mostly downhill, following the Dudh Koshi River. You will pass through several small Sherpa villages like Cheplung and Ghat, and encounter mani stones (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers) and prayer wheels.
• Your destination for the day is Phakding, a small and peaceful settlement situated along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. You will spend the night in a local teahouse.

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) - 5-6 hours trek

• After breakfast, the trek continues northwards along the Dudh Koshi River. The trail involves several ascents and descents, and you will cross numerous suspension bridges, some high above the river.
• You will pass through the villages of Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsale. In Jorsale, you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park, and your trekking permits will be checked.
• Following lunch in Jorsale, the trail ascends steeply towards Namche Bazaar, the main trading center and the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu region. On a clear day during the ascent, you might get your first magnificent views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
• Namche Bazaar is a vibrant town with a bustling market (especially on Saturdays), shops selling trekking gear and local handicrafts, restaurants, bakeries, and even internet access. You will spend two nights here to aid acclimatization.

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft)

• Today is a crucial day for acclimatizing to the higher altitude. This rest day helps your body adapt to the reduced oxygen levels and significantly lowers the risk of altitude sickness.
• You have several options for day hikes around Namche Bazaar:
  • Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m/12,730ft): This offers stunning panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The hike takes a couple of hours each way.
  • Explore Khumjung and Khunde Villages (3,780m/12,402ft): These traditional Sherpa villages offer insights into the local culture. You can visit the Hillary School in Khumjung and the Khumjung Monastery, which is said to house a Yeti scalp.
  • Visit the Sherpa Culture Museum in Namche Bazaar: Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Sherpa people.
• Staying active at a moderate pace during acclimatization helps your body adjust. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids.

Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft) - 5-6 hours trek

• After breakfast, the trail gradually ascends out of Namche Bazaar, offering more spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
• You will pass through the villages of Kenjoma and Sanasa, where the trail to Everest Base Camp diverges. The path to Tengboche descends to Phunki Tenga (3,250m/10,663ft) near the Dudh Koshi River.
• From Phunki Tenga, there is a steep climb through beautiful rhododendron forests (which bloom spectacularly in spring) to Tengboche.
• Tengboche is renowned for its impressive Tengboche Monastery, the largest and most significant Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region. The monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other majestic peaks. You will spend the night in a teahouse near the monastery.

Day 7: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m/14,469ft) - 5-6 hours trek

• Today, the trail descends from Tengboche through a forest of juniper and rhododendron to Deboche. You will cross the Imja Khola (river) via a suspension bridge.
• The trek then ascends gradually, passing through Pangboche (3,930m/12,894ft), a village with a significant monastery. The landscape becomes more arid as the altitude increases.
• You will continue along the Imja Valley, with stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak ahead.
• Dingboche is a charming village situated at the confluence of the Imja Khola and the Khumbu Khola. It is surrounded by stone walls built to protect crops from the wind. You will spend two nights here for further acclimatization.

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410m/14,469ft)

• Another important acclimatization day to prepare your body for higher altitudes.
• You have options for day hikes:
  • Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m/16,732ft): This challenging hike offers panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, Island Peak, and other surrounding peaks. It takes approximately 4-5 hours round trip.
  • Explore the Imja Valley: Take a shorter walk further up the valley towards Chhukung, enjoying the scenery.
• Again, maintain a slow pace and drink plenty of water.

Day 9: Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) - 3-4 hours trek

• Today is a shorter trekking day as you continue further up the Imja Valley towards Chhukung, the last village before Island Peak Base Camp.
• The trail is relatively easy, gradually ascending along the valley floor, with impressive views of the towering peaks all around you, including Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Peak 38, and Island Peak.
• Chhukung is a small settlement with a few teahouses, offering magnificent close-up views of Island Peak. You will spend the night here, making final preparations for the climb. You might have the option for some basic climbing skills practice with your guide.

Day 10: Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft) - 3-4 hours trek

• After breakfast, the trek to Island Peak Base Camp begins. The trail ascends steeply, initially following a rocky path and then traversing along the moraine of the Lho Glacier.
• The altitude gains significantly today, so it's crucial to maintain a slow and steady pace.
• Island Peak Base Camp is situated in a small, relatively flat area near Imja Lake, surrounded by impressive mountain scenery, including the massive south face of Lhotse and the towering Nuptse-Lhotse wall.
• Upon arrival, you will set up camp (if not staying in a tented camp provided by your agency) and your climbing Sherpa will provide a detailed briefing on the climbing route, safety procedures, and the use of climbing equipment (harness, ascender, descender, ice axe, and crampons).

Day 11: Island Peak Summit Attempt (6,189m/20,305ft) and Return to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) - 10-12 hours

• Today is the big day! You will wake up very early (usually around midnight or 1 am) to begin your summit attempt. This early start allows you to reach the summit before the strong afternoon winds and also provides ample time for the descent.
• The initial part of the climb involves traversing a rocky gully, followed by a steeper section with some scrambling. Fixed ropes may be in place to assist with these sections.
• As you gain altitude, you will reach the glacier. Here, you will put on your crampons and harness and use your ice axe. The climb across the glacier is gradual initially but becomes steeper as you approach the headwall.
• The final ascent to the summit involves climbing a steep snow and ice slope (around 45-55 degrees) using fixed ropes. Your climbing Sherpa will guide you and ensure your safety using the ropes and ascender.
• Reaching the summit of Island Peak is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.
• After spending some time on the summit to take photos and soak in the views, you will carefully descend back down the same route to Island Peak Base Camp. After a brief rest, you will continue trekking down to Chhukung for a well-deserved night's rest.

Day 12: Contingency Day

• This day is set aside as a contingency day in case of bad weather conditions on the summit day or if anyone in the group needs an extra day for acclimatization or rest.
• If the summit is successful on Day 11 and the group is feeling well, this day can be used for an optional hike in the Chhukung Valley or simply for rest and relaxation before the descent.

Day 13: Chhukung to Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft) - 5-6 hours trek

• After breakfast, you will begin your descent back down the Imja Valley. The trail retraces your steps, offering different perspectives of the stunning landscape.
• You will pass through Dingboche and Pangboche, enjoying the familiar views of Ama Dablam.
• The final part of the trek today involves a climb back up to Tengboche, where you will spend the night. This uphill section can feel tiring after the summit attempt, but the comfortable teahouse and the serene atmosphere of Tengboche will be a welcome reward.

Day 14: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) and then to Lukla (2,840m/9,318ft) - 6-7 hours trek

• Today is a longer trekking day as you make your way back to Lukla for your flight to Kathmandu.
• The trail descends steeply from Tengboche through the rhododendron forests to Phunki Tenga and then climbs briefly to Sanasa.
• From Sanasa, you will descend back to Namche Bazaar. After a brief stop for lunch, you will continue your trek down to Monjo and then further down to Lukla, retracing the initial part of your trek.
• You will spend your final night in the Khumbu region in a teahouse in Lukla, reminiscing about your incredible adventure.

Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft)

• Early in the morning, you will take a domestic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. This flight offers a final opportunity to enjoy the aerial views of the Himalayas.
• Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Thamel.
• The rest of the day is free for you to relax, do some souvenir shopping, or explore any parts of Kathmandu you might have missed earlier.
• In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful Island Peak climb.

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

• According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight back home, carrying unforgettable memories of your Island Peak climbing adventure in the majestic Himalayas.

This itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and fitness level. It is essential to choose a reputable trekking agency with experienced guides and proper safety measures for a safe and successful climb. Remember that altitude sickness is a serious concern at these elevations, and acclimatization is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.

Cost Details

                            Cost Includes
- Airport to hotel pick and drop
- Two-night hotel in Kathmandu at three-star categories in BB plan
- Accommodation in Mountain lodge run by local people during a trek
- All meals during trekking
- One highly experienced mountain Guide and Porter
- Accommodation food, drinks, salary, insurance, transportation of both trek guide and Porter
- All necessary paper works and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System card)
- Kathmandu/ Lukla / Kathmandu airfare.

                      Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Travelers insurance
Cold drinks (Alcohol and cold drinks)
- Boiled water, Hot shower, Mineral water, Batteries charge and hot drinks (in pot)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (Approx. 10-12 USD)

Map

FAQs

• Trek Documentation
• Choosing a Provider
• Food, Accommodation & Facilities
• Travel

• Clothing & Equipment

• Acclimatisation & Oxygen

• Guides, Sherpas & Team Members

• Health & Fitness

• Communication & Electronic Devices

  Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
  Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at wifi and local moble call Most often, your guide will post daily dispatches on the Nhh website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.

  I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
  Many of our treks and climbs send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.

  Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the trek?
  For lodge-bassed treks, many of the lodges have power available with typical Asian plugs (two nail like horizontal prongs) and offer to recharge for a fee. 

  We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost or advise on the purchase of a suitable personal solar charging system - please enquire with our office.

• Insurance

• Fees & Payments

• Photography

• Safety

• Employment