Island Peak Climbing

Your Island Peak Climbing journey begins the moment you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will go through immigration and visa formalities before heading to the exit terminal. Our representative will be waiting for you at the exit, holding a name board. They will help you transfer to your hotel.

After checking in at your hotel, you will have time to freshen up and rest. In the evening, we will hold a short trip briefing about the Island Peak Climb. If you have any queries, you can ask us. With the spare time, you can explore around the hotel or do last-minute shopping. You will stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 begins early in the morning. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel, and you will take a flight to Lukla. You will drive from your hotel to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. It is a scenic mountain flight that offers your first glimpse of Nepal’s rural landscapes and mountain views. The scenic aerial view of the Himalayas, hills, and valleys will build anticipation for the coming adventure ahead. The flight is short and takes 25 to 30 minutes. You will land at the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport. From here, you will start your trekking journey. 

Upon landing at Lukla, you will meet with your trekking porter and support crew. Since today is the first day of the Island Peak Climbing, the trek duration is relatively short. You will descend along the Dudh Koshi River valley, through pine forests. The trail takes you through small Sherpa settlements, prayer flags, mani walls, and suspension bridges. You will pass by villages such as Chheplung and Ghat. You will get your first introduction to the Sherpa people and their culture. Following the trail, you will arrive in Phakding, located along the Dudh Koshi. You will rest overnight at Phakding.

Important Note: All flights operate from Ramechhap to Lukla and back to Ramechhap in April, May, October, and November. In such a case, trekkers must first drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, a 4- to 5-hour drive. The flight from Ramechhap to Lukla takes around 20 minutes. 

After breakfast at Phakding, you will start your journey. The trekking trail of the Island Peak Climbing follows the Dudh Koshi River. It takes you through a forest of rhododendrons and pine. Along the way, you will cross several suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags. The route heads north, passing through settlements such as Toktok, Benkar, and Monjo. You will also come across age-old mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortens. At Monjo, you will come across the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. You have to show your permit to enter the national park. 

From Monjo, you will trek towards Jorsalle. It is the last settlement before the long ascent to Namche Bazaar. At the start, the trail descends to the river. You will cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. It is one of the iconic bridges spanning a deep gorge above the Dudh Koshi River. The route begins to ascend steeply from here onwards. It is a demanding yet rewarding uphill trek. As you get closer to Namche, you can get a first distant view of Mount Everest on a clear day. You will continue to trek until you reach a natural amphitheater where Namche Bazaar is located. It will be the first acclimatization stop for the Island Peak Climbing.

Today, you will take an acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar and follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle. It is important to stay active to help your body adapt to the thinning air of high elevation. You will have breakfast, then take a side excursion to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and Khumjung village (3,780 m). 

The trail to the Everest View Hotel from Namche Bazaar is a steep, uphill climb. You will climb the stone steps, passing by colorful flags and chortens. It gradually ascends through pine forests to Syangboche airstrip. Along the way, you can see beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The view becomes more incredible when you reach the Everest View Hotel. It is one of the highest luxury hotels in the world. The hotel’s terrace is an excellent viewpoint. You can enjoy your first clear, sweeping view of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku. You can spend some time enjoying the view while sipping tea or coffee.  

From the Everest View Hotel, you will hike towards the Khumjung village. It is a traditional Sherpa village that sits beneath Khumbila peak. You can see stone-built houses and green terrace farms that offer a glimpse into traditional Sherpa culture. There is also the famous Khumjung Monastery that is believed to hold a mysterious Yeti scalp. Similarly, there is also the Hillary School established by Sir Edmund Hillary. The visit to Khumjung offers a rich cultural experience after the incredible visual feast from the Everest View Hotel. 

You will descend to Namche Bazaar and spend the rest of the evening exploring the town. You can visit the local cafes and bakeries, narrow alleyways, and shops. You will spend the night in Namche Bazaar.

Today, you will leave Namche Bazaar after breakfast and resume your Island Peak Climbing adventure. You will follow the gentle trail to Kyangjuma, a small Sherpa settlement. As you move forward, the beautiful vistas of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku will follow you. The Island Peak trekking trail gradually rises above the Dudh Koshi Valley. The trail from Kyangjuma begins to descend through a forest of rhododendron, pine, and juniper. After trekking for a while, you will reach Phunki Tenga (3,250 m). 

Phunki Tenga is a small riverside settlement located beside the Dudh Koshi River. It is a popular rest stop for trekkers. You will cross a suspension bridge at Phunki Tenga and begin a gradual ascent. It winds through dense rhododendron forest, which is in full bloom in spring. Occasionally, you can see surrounding snow-capped peaks. After ascending for some time, the forest path opens up, and you will reach Tengboche. The village sits right under the iconic Mount Ama Dablam. It is also home to the ancient Tengboche Monastery, a spiritual center for the Sherpa people. You will stay overnight at Tengboche, enjoying the mountain views and spiritual atmosphere.

After breakfast at Tengboche, you will trek into the upper Khumbu Valley today. You will start by descending through the forest of rhododendron, pine, and juniper. The Island Peak trail moves toward Imja Khola. Then, you will cross a suspension bridge over a river and climb towards Pangboche (3,985 m). It is one of the oldest Sherpa settlements in the Everest region. While passing through Pangboche, you can see traditional stone houses, an age-old monastery, and vibrant Sherpa culture. Similarly, you can see magnificent views of Mount Ama Dablam. You will leave Pangboche village and follow the wide Imja Valley. 

The trekking trail goes through alpine meadows and green pastures. You may catch sight of yaks grazing leisurely in the pastures. Along the way, you will pass by small settlements while enjoying stunning views of Mount Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, and Taboche. Following the route, you will reach a small seasonal settlement of Somare. As you ascend above 4,000 m, the landscape becomes more barren, and trees start to disappear. The vegetation becomes low, hardy alpine shrubs. The trail will continue to ascend as you reach Dingboche. It is a beautiful Sherpa village well-known for its stone-walled fields. Dingboche will be the next acclimatization stop on the Island Peak Climbing itinerary.

You will wake up in the peaceful atmosphere of Dingboche. The village offers incredible views of Mount Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island Peak, and other surrounding peaks. After breakfast, you will again follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle and take a side hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m). 

The trail starts with a gradual ascent, but it gets steeper as you move forward. You will be surrounded by dry alpine terrain and snow-capped mountains. Similarly, you can see massive glacial valleys below. The higher you go, the more spectacular the scenery becomes. Then, you will reach the Nangkartshang Peak, a huge ridge above Dingboche. From the top of the ridge, you can enjoy spectacular views of Himalayan giants like Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Island Peak. 

Enjoy the view and the tranquil atmosphere before descending to Dingboche. You can spend the remaining day resting at the teahouse or exploring around the village.

After an acclimatization day at Dingboche, you will once again resume the Island Peak Climbing journey. You will continue to trek on the main EBC trail that ascends along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Valley. As the altitude increases, the ascent becomes more demanding. However, the distant view of the Everest massif, Ama Dablam, Taboche, and Cholatse will make the trek rewarding. It takes you to Thukla, also known as Dughla (4,620 m), a small settlement that is located at the base of a steep hill.

From Thukla, you will ascend to the Thukla Pass memorial hill (4,830 m). It is one of the most notable landmarks in the Everest region. The memorial hill is covered with rows of stone memorials with prayer flags. These are dedicated to climbers who lost their lives on Mount Everest and other high Himalayan peaks. The atmosphere around the memorial hill is emotional and powerful. It is a reminder of how cruel the Himalayas can be. After crossing the Thukla Pass, the trail begins to follow the Khumbu Glacier’s glacial moraine.

While trekking on the alpine and rocky terrain, you can enjoy the views of Lobuche East, Mount Pumori, Nuptse, and other peaks. After trekking for some time, you will finally arrive at Lobuche. It is a small high-altitude settlement and a key stop in the Everest region. You will stay here overnight and allow your body to adapt to the decreasing oxygen level.

Today is one of the most thrilling and rewarding days of the Island Peak Climbing. You will follow the classic trail to the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Ascending to the base camp before climbing Island Peak helps with acclimatization and builds confidence. First, you will trek towards Gork Shep, the last permanent settlement on the EBC route. The trekking route follows the rugged lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. You will slowly ascend over the icy, rocky terrain. Similarly, you can enjoy the view of Mount Nuptse, Pumori, and Lingtren. Upon reaching Gorak Shep, you will take a short break. 

The trail to Everest Base Camp becomes challenging, especially due to the high altitude and the rocky terrain. You will navigate rocky moraine, glacial debris, and uneven terrain. Finally, you will reach the base camp at the foot of the world’s highest mountain. The moment is deeply emotional and offers a deep sense of achievement. Although you cannot see the summit of Mount Everest directly, you can see the surrounding Himalayan giants, including Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Khumbutse. Likewise, you can also see the massive Khumbu Glacier. During expedition season, colorful tents are scattered throughout the base camp. 

You will retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep after enjoying the views to your heart’s content. Tonight, you will rest at a teahouse here.

Day 10 begins early, before sunrise. Another demanding but memorable moment awaits you as you hike to Kala Patthar. You will leave Gorak Shep and begin ascending a steep, rocky trail. It will still be dark, so you need to use a headlamp. The early morning weather is cold, even for the season, so make sure to layer up. After a 1.5 to 2 hours of ascent, you will reach the iconic viewpoint of Kala Patthar. It is the favorite vantage point in the Khumbu region, offering sweeping views of the Himalayan giants, including Mount Everest. The sunrise view over the towering vistas is mesmerizing and unforgettable. 

You will return to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Then, you will return the same route to Lobuche. The trail takes you through a familiar high-altitude glacial valley route. Compared to ascending, descending is slightly easier. You will also descend slightly, which makes breathing more comfortable. Tonight, you will rest in Lobuche.

Today is an important day on the Island Peak expedition. You will leave the main EBC Trekking trail and cross the high mountain pass of Kongma La Pass (5,535 m). Leaving Lobuche, you will begin trekking on a quieter, more remote trail. Then, you will begin your uphill climb to the top of the pass. The trail ascends through glacial moraine and rocky terrain. Along the way, you can see beautiful and interesting ice formations, frozen lakes, and mountain views. Once you reach the top of Kongma La Pass, a sweeping mountain view unfolds before you. From Lhotse to Nuptse, Island Peak, Makalu, and Baruntse, you can also see glacial valleys below. 

You will spend very little time at the top and begin descending toward the Imja Valley. Descending from the pass is more demanding than climbing. The loose rocks, scree, and steep slopes add to the difficulty. It requires careful footing, pace, and focus. You will continue descending toward the Khumbu Glacier basin. During the descent, you can enjoy the view of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Once you reach the lower basin, the trail becomes more defined. There are only a few trekkers on the route, so it feels quiet and isolated. For the final section of today’s trek, the trail becomes easier. Then, you will enter the Chhukung valley to reach Chhukung. You will stay at this small village for the night.

You will leave Chhukung after breakfast and begin your expedition phase of the Island Peak Climbing journey. It marks the shift from trekking to mountaineering adventure. The trail takes you deep into the Imja Valley, over rocky, rugged terrain. The path becomes more off-beaten as you ascend higher. Views of Mount Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak become closer and dominate the horizon. Meanwhile, the surrounding landscape changes to glacial moraine and becomes more alpine desert-like. The air also becomes thinner, so you have to maintain a steady pace to avoid overexertion and fatigue. 

The surroundings become more isolated and rugged as you get closer to the Island Peak Base Camp. Likewise, the terrain is uneven and exposed to strong winds. There are a few small streams and icy sections along the trail. Finally, you will reach the base camp. Massive mountain walls and glacial formations surround it. You will stay here overnight in a tented camp. After arriving at the base camp, your guide will provide a climbing briefing. You and your guide will check the equipment, review the climbing route and safety procedures, and prepare for the summit push.

Note: You can customize your itinerary and stay overnight at High Camp. 

Finally, today is the day when you will climb to the summit of the Island Peak. You will start the journey very early in the morning, from midnight to 2:00 AM. Before leaving the base camp, you will have a light meal and make a final gear check. The temperature can drop below freezing, so dress warmly. With the help of a headlamp, you will gradually start to climb to the high camp first. The route follows rocky slopes before turning into steep, icy terrain. You will come across glacier sections, which you have to cross using gear like crampons, harnesses, and ropes. 

Your guide will lead you and fix ropes on steep sections. So make sure to follow them and their instructions closely. It is crucial for your safety. After traversing the glacier, you will cross the crevasses and ice fields. Next, you will come across a steep ice slope or the “Summit Headwall.” You have to carefully move through the snowfields, use fixed ropes, and use gear. Then, you will carefully navigate the narrow trail to the summit ridge of Island Peak. 

From the top of the Island Peak, you will be greeted by the massive Himalayas and silence. Standing on the summit, you will get a real sense of the sheer scale of the mountains. Sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, and other surrounding peaks will leave an unforgettable visual impression. Likewise, the tranquil atmosphere and the huge sense of achievement make the moment emotional and deeply personal. After spending a short time celebrating the success, you will begin your descent. 

You will carefully descend the same route using the fixed rope and gear to Island Peak Base Camp. Then, you will descend further toward Chhukung. Since you will be descending to a lower altitude, breathing becomes easier. Upon reaching Chhukung, you can finally rest and relax. You will stay overnight at a teahouse here.

This day is designated as a contingency or buffer day. The weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. So, there may be weather-related delays or changes in plans to ensure climbers’ safety. Sometimes climbers may not be physically ready for the climb and require an extra rest day. This day provides a strategic safety buffer for climbers in the event of such events.

You will leave Chhukung after breakfast and follow the familiar trail down the Imja Valley. Compared to the ascent, descending is relatively easier, and breathing is also more comfortable. The landscape also changes from alpine terrain to yak pastures. During the downhill trek, you can enjoy gorgeous views of Mount Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and more. It takes you to Pangboche and then to Tengboche. 

From Tengboche, you will start descending into the forest of rhododendron and pine. Upon reaching Phunki Tenga, you will cross the Dudh Koshi River over a suspension bridge. The trail then gradually ascends to Kyangjuma. After a while, it begins to descend towards Namche Bazaar. Although the day is long, it is enjoyable and scenic. You will rest overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Today is the final trekking day on our Island Peak Climbing journey. After breakfast at Namche Bazaar, you will begin your steep downhill descent. The winding route goes through pine forests toward the Dudh Koshi Valley. You will pass through Monjo and exit the Sagarmatha National Park. The route follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing by familiar scenery and traditional villages. Similarly, you will cross several suspension bridges along the way. 

As you continue descending the mountain, the views start to become more distant. Then, you will pass by Phakding village. The trail becomes easier, and the temperature rises. From Phakding, you will descend to Lukla, where you will stay your final night in the Everest region.

You will take a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. From the flight, you can get one final aerial view of the Himalayas and the diverse landscape of the Everest region. If you take a flight from Lukla to Ramechhap, you will drive back to Kathmandu. The drive duration is 4 to 5 hours. 

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will help transfer you to your hotel. With the remaining time, you can explore around the capital city, go sightseeing, or shop around for souvenirs. You can also taste Nepalese cuisine and drinks, and enjoy Kathmandu’s nightlife. 

Important Note: All flights operate from Ramechhap to Lukla and back to Ramechhap in April, May, October, and November. 

Today is the final day of the Island Peak Climbing. Our representative will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure. We wish you a safe flight back home. Thank you for choosing the Himalaya Trip for your adventure in Nepal. We hope to see you back soon!