ISLAND PEAK EXPEDITION 15 DAYS

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative of the trekking company and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the day resting and exploring the city.

You will take an early morning flight to Lukla and start trekking to Phakding. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi river and passes through small villages and lush forests. Distance: 8km, Duration: 3-4 hours.

Today, you will trek to Namche Bazaar, a bustling town in the Khumbu region. You will cross several suspension bridges and climb steep trails to reach Namche Bazaar. Distance: 12km, Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today is a rest day to acclimatize to the altitude. You can explore the town, visit the Sherpa museum, or hike to the nearby Everest View Hotel for stunning views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks.

Today we head off to Tengboche and along the trail have our first views of several enormous peaks: Ama Dablam (6812m), Lhotse Shar (8393m), Taboche (6495m), Khangtega (6782m), and Thamserku (6623m). As we continue we come to an Army barrack at Phunke Tenga (22335m) and arrive at Tengboche where we stop for lunch. After lunch we visit the famous Tibetan Tengboche Buddhist monastery and later continue on the trail and pass the Sagarmatha National park office at Debouche. Continuing we finally reach Pangboche and visit the Gompa (temple). Tonight we stay here.

Today we head off up stone steps until we reach Pheriche and later Thukla where we stay the night.

Today we follow the trail and stop for lunch at Gorakshep. After lunch we continue until we reach Everest Base Camp (5364) where you have a spectacular view of Nuptse. After stopping for lunch we trek toward EBC following a trail alongside the Khumbu ice sheet. The trek around the ice sheet takes around 1.5 hours before crossing the glacier and into the region of EBC (5360m). At base camp you will have an opportunity to meet other climbers and share stories. From EBC you will have views of the Khumbu ice sheet and glacier with its frightening and dangerous crevices. We will then descend to Gorakshep where we stay the night.

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.

Today is the summit day, and you will start early in the morning to reach the summit of Island Peak. The climb takes around 10-12 hours and involves steep ascents over rocky terrain, which requires the use of ropes and crampons. Upon reaching the summit, you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. After the successful summit climb, you will trek back to Dingboche, a small village located at an altitude of 4400 meters.

You will trek back to Namche Bazaar, passing through Dingboche and Tengboche. The trail offers great views of the Himalayas and passes through beautiful villages. Duration: 7-8 hours.

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.

You will trek to Lukla and take a flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring Kathmandu or shopping for souvenirs.

Your adventure comes to an end today – but your memories will last a lifetime! Our company representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your nearest next adventure and explore the most magnificent mountains of Nepal.