- Destination:Nepal
- Total Duration:18 Days
- Trekking Duration:18 Days
- Trip Grade:Moderate
Trip Highlights
Island peak is the most popular as it is suitable to all novice climbers and experienced trekkers. Explicitly this Island peak climbing offers an exhilarating climbing experience beyond simply trekking in Nepal
· Rare but exciting mountain flight to and from one of the daring airport at Lukla
· Visit beautiful Namche bazaar and historic Tengbochhey Monastery on the way to the Base camp
· Opportunity to climb Kalapatthar (5545m) for unrivalled views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and the surrounding peaks
· Unforgettable view of Khumbhu ice fall and glaciers.
· Delightful sights of rising Amadablam peak.
· Take a sneak peek into the historical UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu.
Trip Overview
The Island Peak is the amazing tour experience that collaborates with the Everest base camp trekking – a rare combination of one of the popular and challenging peak climbing with a close views of glittering peaks, stunning glaciers and rich local culture of the Everest region. The region is densely inhabited by the Sherpa groups. Also popular among trekkers as Sherpa Land, the walk around this route is pretty challenging that best fits the ambitious trekkers and requires serious commitment while crossing through some of the extreme high altitude passes of Renjo la (5388 m), Cho La (5380 m) and Kongma La (5535 m) that link four valleys of Bhotekoshi, Gokyo, Imja tse and Khumbu.
Island peak climbing (nearly 6200 m) is one of the easiest and the most exciting experience of the life time. It makes a dream come true for many who cannot afford to climb the mountains in a normal basis. The climb of Island peak adds up few days in the Everest base camp trekking, making it possible in just 20 days stay in total in Nepal.
Island peak adds the phenomenal thrill of facing the great challenge that not many can imagine with a magnificent feeling of great achievement. The climb of the peak requires use of mountaineering gears to navigate through glaciers and ice walls.
All the hard work to reach the summit rewarded with the wonderful panoramas of numerous peaks including AmaDablam, Lhotse etc.
The trip begins with the exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. We trek up the Dudh Kosi valley from Lukla, passing through Namche and Tengboche on our way to Kalapathar and Everest Base Camp. After being rested and feeling physically fit and acclimatized, we then head up the beautiful Imja Khola valley towards Island Peak. Besides trekking adventure, we also get to witness pristine Sherpa villages and ever-so-serene monasteries. Island Peak located on top of the Chhukhung glacier between Ama Dablam and Lhotse Mountains. To climb Island Peak, one has the option of starting from a base camp at 5,087 meters called Pareshaya Gyab. Another popular option is to ascend to High Camp at around 5,600 meters to reduce the amount of effort and time needed for summit day. However, adequate water supply and concerns about sleeping at a higher altitude may dictate starting from base camp. Basecamp to high camp is basically a hike but just above high camp, some rocky steps require moderate scrambling and up through a broad open gully. At the top of the gully, glacier travel begins and proceeds up to a steep snow and ice slope. From here, fixed ropes may be set up by the guides for the strenuous ascent of nearly 100 meters to the summit ridge. The climb to the summit is somewhat difficult due to steep climbing. The brilliant views from the summit, the giant mountains, Nuptse (7,879 m), Lhotse (8,501 m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410 m) and Lhotse Shar (8,383 m) make a semi-circle in the north.
After the summit the Island Peak, we return down through Namche to Lukla, and from there we back to Kathmandu by flight.
Outline Itinerary
- DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
- DAY 2 – PREPARATION DAY
- DAY 3 - KATHMANDU TO LUKLA FLIGHT AND PHAKDING
- DAY 4 - PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR
- DAY 5 - NAMCHE BAZAAR: REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
- DAY 6 - NAMCHE BAZAAR TO TENGBOCHE
- DAY 7 - TENGBOCHE TO DINGBOCHE
- DAY 8 - DINGBOCHE: REST AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
- DAY 9 - DINGBOCHE TO LOBUCHE
- DAY 10 - LOBUCHE TO GORAKSHEP AND EVEREST BASE CAMP
- DAY 11 - EBC TO KALAPATHAR AND CHUKHUNG
- DAY 12 - CHUKHUNG TO ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP, CLIMBING TRAINING
- DAY 13 - ISLAND PEAK: SUMMIT, RETURN TO CHUKHUNG
- DAY 14 - CHUKHUNG TO TENGBOCHE
- DAY 15 - TENGBOCHE TO NAMCHE
- DAY 16 - NAMCHE TO PHAKDING AND LUKLA
- DAY 17 - LUKLA TO KATHMANDU
- DAY 18 – Final Departure
Detail Itinerary
Welcome to the land of Mountains. After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to your respective hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu
Today our team will meet with you in the early afternoon to review the gear you have brought and to take you to the gear rental shop. We will make sure you have quality climbing boots that fit well before you head off to the mountain. Plan on an evening briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek and an early lights-out: you have a big day ahead.
After a short morning flight to Lukla, you'll be introduced to your guide and porter. Kick off your trek with an easy walk through Chaurikharka village and descent towards Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkoshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we will be staying for the night to acclimatize. Enjoy your free time in Phakding, a popular stopping point.
We'll have breakfast in Phakding before gearing up for the trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest sherpa village in Nepal. Our trail takes us first over the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge, and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo, about two hours away. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park for a brief permit check and then descend to Dudh Kosi River (spotting Mani stones along the way!) en route to Jorsale. Lunch will be served here, and then it's uphill to Namche. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It's a tough climb up the hill to our resting place, but you'll be rewarded in Namche Bazaar with your first glimpse of Everest in its majesty.
At this point, we take a well-deserved break! Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. There's an optional 2 hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals' marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment.
Breakfast in Namche Bazaar fuels us for another day of trekking towards Everest Base Camp today! Breathtaking views of the Himalayas - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde - are some of the highlights not be missed. A short drop takes us to the riverside, then it's across the river upwards through the forest pass. Brace your legs for a continual uphill trek at this point, alternating between a gradual grade and some seriously steep ground! Our destination, Tengboche, is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region. Its views, which include Ama Dablam, are legendary. We'll stop in on the Tengboche monastery, which is one of the largest in Khumbu. Nourish your spirit with a guided tour of the monastery grounds, followed by chanting and prayer with the resident Buddhist monks.
Our trek today kicks off with a walk through the rhododendron forest to Deboche followed by a bridge over the raging Imja Khol River. We'll pass the valley wall and then traverse the plains to Pangboche village, the biggest settlement of Sherpas in the region. Enjoy a great opportunity to observe a typical Sherpa village and have lunch with the locals! The intrepid can brave a brief hike to the Pangboche monastery, one of the oldest in the area. Our afternoon trek will be a difficult one, as the landscape gives way to dry, deserted mountains and we hike towards Dingboche.
This is your chance to rest up before the last leg of our adventure! Savor a full day of exploring Dingboche and the surrounding valleys of Chhukung and Imja, the latter of which links with Island Peak, the high passes of Amphu Laptsa, and Makalu Barun National Park. Taking an optional trek to the valleys will pay off in rewarding views, but taking it easy is the most important thing today. You'll need your rest for the penultimate day of ascent tomorrow.
The next part of our adventure brings over craggy mountain terrain to Lobuche, a small settlement with amazing views of Mt. Lobuche, Mt. Pumari and the Nuptse. Prepare to snuggle up for a cold night, as we are now almost three miles above sea level and the evenings can be downright chilly!
Our day kicks off with an initial, relatively easy trek from Lobuche to Gorekshep. The subsequent, straight trail to Everest Base Camp is harder, involving rocky dunes and moraine, formed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris. On the way to our destination, we'll approach the famed Khumbu Glacier and icefall, located on the slopes of Everest. At the Base Camp, our goal, you'll have the chance (during the spring climbing season) to meet climbers attempting to scale the mountain's summit. Break out your cameras for unbelievable views of breathtaking beauty.
Today starts with a climb up to Kalapather for some of the finest panoramic views of the Himalayas to be found! Once we finish the morning climb we will head back down the mountain to Dingboche where we break off from the main Everest Base Camp Trail and head towards Chukhung and Island Peak. It's another 5km to Chukhung where we spend the night.
This morning will start with the relatively short hike to Island Peak Base Camp. It is possible to make the Island Peak summit with no prior climbing experience (assuming sufficient physical fitness), but having past climbs under your belt will make you a stronger and more confident climber. You'll enjoy the summit more if you aren't quite so anxious about the actual climbing! Staff will give you hands-on training on the use of implements like the ice axe and climbing boot, and demonstrate moving up and down on ropes. Get some rest, we push for the summit at midnight!
Today's the big day! Prepare to get started before the thin light of dawn as we make our ascent with head lamps, scaling the rocky trail up. Our timing is superb: we'll drink in a glorious Himalayan sunrise atop a shining glacier and prepare for the tough, ultimate climb. A brief trek against a plateau of virginal snow brings us to the steep, precipitous final headwall. Time to put those climbing skills to use! The scramble for the summit is arduous, but you'll never be more proud of yourself! After a brief, triumphant time at what feels like the top of the world, it's (carefully!) downwards towards the charming village of Chukhung.
We retrace the original steps of our ascent as we make our way back down the mountain again. The fascinating culture of the Sherpas is on display once more - don't miss a peak at the yak-herding stations.
The walk from Pheriche back to Tengboche is mainly downhill, although it does, counterintuitively, require an hour scaling a hill. We'll be in Namche by late afternoon and off to bed before our last day on the mountain.
After breakfast, we trek toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then pass through several local villages. Our arrival in Lukla brings an evening in a proper hotel and, traditionally, a party with your trekking crew: you made it! Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you've accomplished a physical feat of which others only dream. This is your last night on the mountain, which can be bittersweet.
In the morning, you'll hop a brief flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, where your journey both began and ends. You'll transfer to your hotel upon landing for some much-needed solo rest and reflection after your trek conquering the Himalayas. We'll reunite in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants in town, where we'll be eager to hear your feedback on the trip.
Our friendly representative will drop you off at Tribhuwan International airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight. We are sure that you will be inspired to visit Nepal again after this trek. We hope that you choose us to plan your next trip to Nepal.
" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.
I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back"
I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt
I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host.
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip. Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared. Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest. On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!
We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme. His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.
Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.