ISLAND PEAK CLIMBING

From the time you arrive in Kathmandu, the capital and cultural city of Nepal, we will be there at the airport to greet you and take you to your hotel. After arriving at the hotel you will have time to explore Thamel and buy any necessities you require for your trek.

After a short morning flight to Lukla, you will be introduced to your guide and porter. We begin our trek with an easy walk through Chaurikharka village and descend to Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). We follow the trail along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we stay the night and acclimatize. With some free time, you can explore Phakding, a very popular stopping point along the way. NOTE: Lukla flights depart and return to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Ramechhap is about a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu, so we will head for the airport at about 2 a.m. Similarly, the return drive at the end of the trek is between 4 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

A relatively easy walk through Monjo goes through pine trees offering glimpses of distant snow-covered peaks with spectacular views of waterfalls and yaks carrying trekking luggage. At Monjo, local authorities will check you have the necessary permits, such as TIMS cards and Park entry fee receipt. Your guide will take care of the paperwork which will give you time to stroll around and take in the sights. We will then enter the Sagarmatha Park and ascend a relatively steep trail finally arriving at Monjo where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue our trek through forests and paths cross a watercourse via a high bridge. Once over the bridge, we continue our upward climb towards Namche and then have a long ascent to Namche Ukalo (steps). We continue uphill until when you reach Namche where you will be excited to get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest. Tonight you will stay at a lodge where all meals are included i.e. breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Health specialists recommend that, even on a rest day, we stay active and move around in order to help in acclimatization. This is an ideal opportunity to experience the culture of Namche’s village and take in the views of construction projects on Everest. An interesting place to visit in Namche is its native flora and fauna exhibition of the region. It is an option for trekkers to hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) where you can visit the mountaineer college. In the evening you can also visit the night bazaar at Namche. . Included meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

After breakfast, we will head off and trek to Tengboche via Phunki – a relatively easy climb. Tengboche Monastery is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in Nepal and the Khumbu region. Here you can enjoy the traditional blessing from the monks before your climb to the Sagarmatha Park and get to see the Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage electronic computer and a 360-degree view of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The Tengboche Monastery opens at 3:00 pm, and if luck is on our side we will get to witness a brilliant spiritual ceremony We will stay the night at Tengboche with all meals included i.e. breakfast, lunch & dinner.

The trek from Tengboche to Dingboche is only a short distance which we will most likely complete in the afternoon. The last hill into Dingboche, and at this high altitude, is challenging!. The trail then heads to the village of Somare (4020m) and then to Orsho, both of which have lodged. Later the trail divides, with the left trail heading up to Pheriche before crossing a suspension bridge and a steep climb to the village of Dingboche (4460m) with many good guesthouses. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

It is sensible to spend another day acclimatizing before heading to higher altitudes. One way of doing this is to hike up to Chukkung Valley (4730m) and on to Island Peak (Imja Tes). Above Dingboche is Nagkartshang Gompa (a strenuous trek takes around 2 to 3 hours), or alternatively head to Pheriche for an afternoon lecture on altitude sickness. The trail to Chhukung leaves Dingboche heading to Bibr (4570m) and is surrounded by fabulous mountain Peaks: Taboche, Nuptse, Lhotse, the enormous flute-shaped pass of Amphu Laptsa Pass, Ama Dablam. Chukkung has several lodges and is the most popular spot for those climbing Island Peak. If trekkers feel better acclimatized they can head up a grassy slope towards the peak of Chukkung Ri (5550m) for a magnificent view of Makalu. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

After breakfast, our trek starts with an easy walk towards Thukla before crossing the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and then passing through the boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara where we find clusters of stones with prayer flags placed by Sherpas as a memorial to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer), 10-time Everest summiteer Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepalese Sherpa mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Mt. Everest. The path then continues to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and before us are many beautiful mountain peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Mahalangur Himal. We stay overnight in Lobuche. Breakfast,lunch & dinner included.

We commence our trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp through the vast Gorak-Shep. Along the trail, we pass the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. At this point the path can be confusing, so following your guide is important. The thin air at this high altitude can be exhausting. We traverse rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before reaching the Mt. Everest Base Camp. From Everest Base Camp you will see some of the world’s highest peaks, in stark contrast to the gray surroundings - especially in the spring. Before we are Khumbuste, Nuptse, and Pumori. We will then head back to Gorak Shep. Breakfast Lunch & Dinner Included.

At around 4 a.m. in the pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C) we begin our trek. It is common for there to be cold winds at this altitude. Towering peaks, such as Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Changtse loom before us to the east as Everest comes into view. Not until we reach Kala Patthar (5550m) do we get a 360 degree up-close and bird’s eye view of Mount Everest. After taking in the panoramic views and madly clicking cameras we will return back to Lobuchefor a good night's rest. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Once again, after breakfast, we trek via Khumbu through ice masses to Kongma La Base Camp at (5,000m/16,404ft). This section of our ascent to Kongma La pass is probably the most difficult part of our trek. Along the way there are many rock cairns draped in prayer flags marking the pass. On our decent we trek through Imja Khola where water from the slopes of Everest collect. After passing through this valley we descend to Chhukung a quaint summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung your guide will check his instruments and our equipment before our final climb to Chhukung. Instead of taking the route through Kongma La pass we may take an alternative route via Dingboche to Chhukung. Meals - breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Although Island peak does not require technical expertise, it does however require strength and stamina. It does however require some basic skills and how to avoid mishaps. It is essential that we reach the summit before lunch, as in the afternoon it can be extremely windy. The path climbs hundreds of meters from the bottom camp before facing a sharp incline initially on a sandy trail before turning to grass, and finally over boulders. The path eventually narrows before entering a steep rock vale (narrow channel of rock). We finally, after many steps across and through the vale emerge on the other side Your guide, for safety reasons, may fix a rope to each climber to assist in climbing the final snowy slope to the ridge at the summit. The rope may often extend to 350m depending on the season and danger of crevices. Some of these crevices may be 2 to 3 meters across requiring the use of ladders. Once at the summit it is time to take out your camera and capture the magnificent views and get your breath back!. We will then descent to Island Peak Base Camp, and with your guides, will celebrate our success. Meals - breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Although Island peak does not require technical expertise, it does however require strength and stamina. It does however require some basic skills and how to avoid mishaps. It is essential that we reach the summit before lunch, as in the afternoon it can be extremely windy. The path climbs hundreds of meters from the bottom camp before facing a sharp incline initially on a sandy trail before turning to grass, and finally over boulders. The path eventually narrows before entering a steep rock vale (narrow channel of rock). We finally, after many steps across and through the vale emerge on the other side Your guide, for safety reasons, may fix a rope to each climber to assist in climbing the final snowy slope to the ridge at the summit. The rope may often extend to 350m depending on the season and danger of crevices. Some of these crevices may be 2 to 3 meters across requiring the use of ladders. Once at the summit it is time to take out your camera and capture the magnificent views and get your breath back!. We will then descent to Chhukung, and with your guides, will celebrate our success.

Leaving Chhukung we return on the same path to Imja Khola heading up through the forest to Tengboche. If there is enough interest we can visit the nuns at their Tengboche residence. After lunch at Tengboche we descend along a path surrounded by alpine bush and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi watercourse, our path takes us to Dudh Koshi Gorge taking us through pine forests before finally reaching Sansa. On the way down we should keep our eyes peeled for glimpses of mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, and other wildlife. After emerging from the forest we pass through Chorten before reaching the military camp at Namche Bazaar. Tonight we stay at Namche Bazaar.

The rocky path down is steep and it is advised to be cautious crossing this rocky landscape. We eventually cross the suspension bridges over the rapid flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, where the path becomes flatter and easier to negotiate. After our arrival in Lukla we can stretch our aching legs and blissfully recall the exhilarating experiences of the last few weeks. Meals - breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Today we take a morning flight to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, we can reminisce and can shop for souvenirs. Our guides will steer you in the right direction and where to find some bargains! 

Your journey in Nepal involves an Associate in the trip finish today! there's nothing to try to however trade emails together with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking can take you to the airdrome, about three hours before your regular flight. On your means home, you'll need much time to set up your next journey within the marvelous country of Nepal.