Base Camp & Island Peak Trek
Overview
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse (6,189m/20,305 ft.), lies in the heart of the Everest region of Nepal and is the most popular of Nepal’s 33 designated trekking peaks. It’s a great summit for first-time climbers looking for something a little more challenging than the Everest Base Camp trek and a good peak to start with for those with mountaineering ambitions in Nepal. While Island Peak is used by many to gear up for higher and more demanding peaks, the climb is, by itself, extraordinarily scenic and endlessly exhilarating! Our professionally developed climbing itinerary maximizes sightseeing possibilities (which include Everest Base Camp and the hike to Kala Patthar) while allowing ample time for acclimatization and a reasonable pace.
Your guides will be ultra-experienced Sherpas, many of whom have scaled other peaks including Everest. We run our climbs with a two-climbers-for-one-guide ratio to ensure that everyone makes it to the summit or has a chance to try if members of the group have different paces. Our climbing packages include boots and all the gear you will need for the climb.
What's Included
- All airport transfers from arrival to departure
- 18-day adventure, including 14 days with 3 meals a day
- Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Ramechhap and Lukla
- All climbing gear (including boots, harness, and helmet)
- 15 kg baggage allowance on flights and during trekking
- Porter service
- Airport transfers
- English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide
- English-speaking, government-licensed climbing guide
- All applicable trekking and climbing permits
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu
- Government taxes, entrance fees, equipment fees, and other applicable fees
- First aid kit
- Trip certificate
- Farewell dinner
- Trekking t-shirt
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and have the opportunity to rest and settle in. In the evening, there will be a pre-trek meeting where you will be introduced to your trekking guide, who will brief you on the upcoming adventure and answer any questions you may have. This is a great time to get to know your fellow trekkers and prepare for the journey ahead.
Today begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, offering stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon landing in Lukla, you will begin your trek to Phakding, which takes approximately 3-4 hours. The trail leads you through picturesque landscapes, passing traditional Sherpa villages and lush forests. You will spend the night in Phakding, acclimatizing and preparing for the next day's trek.
The trek to Namche Bazaar, the bustling Sherpa capital, is a challenging ascent that takes around 5-6 hours. Along the way, you will cross several suspension bridges and enjoy views of the Dudh Koshi River. As you approach Namche Bazaar, you will catch your first glimpses of Everest and other towering peaks. Once you arrive, you can explore the vibrant market town and experience its unique culture.
To aid acclimatization, you will spend an extra day in Namche Bazaar. You can explore the town, visit the local museum, and take a hike to the nearby Syangboche Airstrip and Khumjung Village. These excursions offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Everest, and help your body adjust to the altitude.
Leaving Namche Bazaar, you will trek to Tengboche, a journey that takes around 5-6 hours. The trail offers magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Upon reaching Tengboche, you can visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist centers in the region, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Today's trek to Dingboche takes approximately 5-6 hours and takes you through rhododendron forests and across suspension bridges over glacial rivers. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged and barren, reflecting the high-altitude environment. Dingboche is a charming village with stone-walled fields and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Another acclimatization day is essential for your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. You will take a hike to Chukung Valley, which offers spectacular views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam. This excursion helps with acclimatization and provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of Dingboche.
The trek to Lobuche, which takes around 5-6 hours, is marked by a gradual ascent through the Khumbu Valley. The trail offers striking views of towering peaks and the Khumbu Glacier. As you approach Lobuche, you will notice the landscape becoming more desolate and rocky, indicative of the high-altitude terrain.
Today is one of the highlights of the trek. You will trek to Gorak Shep and continue to Everest Base Camp, a journey that takes around 5-6 hours. The trail to Everest Base Camp follows the Khumbu Glacier and offers stunning views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. After exploring the base camp, you will return to Gorak Shep for the night.
You will trek back to Dingboche, retracing your steps and enjoying the familiar scenery. This day allows you to descend to a lower altitude, which can be a relief after spending time at higher elevations. The trek back to Dingboche provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey and appreciate the stunning landscape
Today, you will make your way to Island Peak Base Camp, situated at 5,100 meters. The trek offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Once you arrive at the base camp, you will prepare for the summit attempt and spend the night in tents, getting ready for the challenging climb ahead.
This is the most demanding and exhilarating day of the expedition. You will start early in the morning to summit Island Peak, reaching an altitude of 6,189 meters. The climb involves both trekking and mountaineering skills, with the reward of breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. After the exhilarating climb, you will descend back to Dingboche, a journey that takes around 8-10 hours in total.
The trek back to Namche Bazaar takes approximately 5-6 hours. As you descend, you will pass through familiar villages and landscapes, enjoying the lower altitude and the vibrant atmosphere of Namche Bazaar once more.
Today, you will trek to Lukla, a journey that takes around 6-7 hours. This final day of trekking brings you through picturesque villages and lush forests. Upon reaching Lukla, you can celebrate the completion of your trek and reflect on the incredible adventure.
You will take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, offering one last opportunity to enjoy the aerial views of the Himalayas. Once back in Kathmandu, you can relax and explore the city, enjoying the comforts of civilization after your trek.
On your final day, you will depart from Kathmandu, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Himalayan adventure. Whether you are heading home or continuing your travels, the experiences and sights of this journey will remain with you forever.
