Island Peak : Imja Tse peak (6119m /20075ft.) raised from Imja Glacier. Swas named Island peak by Eric Shipton in 1953. He was vice leader of British Everest Expedition team in 1953, successfully first ascended as preparation and acclimatization for Everest expedition.
Island Peak famously known as Imja Tse Peak climbing is an excellent opportunity to climb together with an exciting trek to the Everest Base Camp (5357m) and Kalapattar (5550m). The summit of the Island peak offers brilliant views of the giant Mt.Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. The trek starts at Lukla after flying from Kathmandu to Lukla airport. This trek is suitable for those who are energetic and physically fit trekkers with little or no experience in mountain expedition. Island Peak is not a difficult undertaking for a beginner climber wishing to enter the incredible world of mountain climbing. Our adventure also takes us into the heartland of the Khumbu Valley and Sherpa culture. Team members will have the opportunity to summit Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,187 ft ), a wonderful location to view and photograph top of the world : Mt. Everest 8848m, than we head for a visit to Everest Base Camp. The area in and around Island Base Camp is a stunning and truly wild terrain, far from any villages.
The peak is part of the south ridge of Lhotse Shar and the main forms a semicircle of cliffs that rise to the north of the summit of Nuptse (7879 m), Lhotse (8516 m) and middle peak of Lhotse Shar (8410 m). Cho Oyu (8201 m) and Makalu (8463 m) lie to the east of the Island Peak and Barunche (7129m), Amphulapche (5663m) and Ama Dablam (6814 m) lie to the south.
Island peak trekking itinerary and Island peak climbing are exactly designated for adventure in quest of challenging and “off the beaten route” climbing. This will feel you still away of modern civilization. Our most experience highland adventure working team and their friendly behavior makes the trip always possible. If you have different idea to customize your valued trip according to physical fitness, then we are always flexible to consult with you.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 02: Full day Kathmandu City excursion
Day 03: Kathmandu – Lukla (2,642m/8,668ft): – Phakding (2,562m/8,700ft), 35 min flight, 8km, 3-4 hrs trek
Day 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft): 10km, 5-6 hrs
Day 05: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization and exploration day
Day 06: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 8km, 5-6 hrs
Day 07: Tengboche - Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft): 10km, 5-6 hrs
Day 08: Dingboche: Acclimatization and exploration day
Day 09: Dingboche to Chukung trek approx. 3-4 hours and meet our climbing team and short briefing for climbing.
Day 10: Chhukug to Island Peak Base camp: Trek to Island Peak base camp and overnight at camp. Trek Approx. 4 hrs
Day 11: Base Camp to Summit Island Peak (6119m./20075ft.) and decent down to Base camp or Chhukung
Day 12: An optional day for if the bad weather.or rest day at Dinboche
Day 13: Dingboche – Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft): 7 km, 4-5 hrs
Day 14: Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,160m/16,930ft):- ( 3 Hours)– Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) – Gorak Shep, 15km, 3-4 hrs
Day 15: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) – Pheriche (4,280m/14,070ft): 15km, 8-9 hrs
Day 16: Pheriche –Phortse (3,870m/12,694ft): 12km, 5-6 hrs
Day 17: Phortse – Monjo (2,562m/8,700ft), 12km, 6-7 hrs
Day 18: Monjo – Lukla (2,642m/8,668ft): 18km, 6-7 hrs
Day 19: Lukla – Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft): 35 min flight
Day 20: Free and leisure / Shopping day in Kathmandu
Day 21: Final departure
Day 01Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)Our Airport Representative will meet you just outside of exit gate of the Terminal. Please, look for Walkers Expeditions play card with your Name! Transfer to hotel, introduce your trekking guide and check the necessities. Afternoon visit Thamel.
Overnight in Kathmandu at Hotel with breakfast
Day 02Full day Kathmandu City excursionAfter breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tours to world heritage sites of Pashupatinath Temple-the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Bodhanath Stupa Buddhist Stupa. Swayambhunath Stupa-the 2500 years old legendary stupa on the hillock also famous to tourist as a monkey temple. Your day tour ends Kathmandu Durbar Square Showcasing living goddess Kumari Temple, Nautale Durbar, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, Indra chowk and Local market Ason and preparation for trekking.
Overnight in Kathmandu at Hotel with breakfast
Day 03Kathmandu – Lukla (2,642m/8,668ft): – Phakding (2,562m/8,700ft), 35 min flight, 8km, 3-4 hrs trekEarly morning transfer to the Airport for the flight Lukla: gateway to the Khumbu/Everest region. After short and last preparation after meeting the local porters and start walk downhill to Cheplung. The trail then, follows the Dudh Khosi Valley before ascending to Ghat and Phakding.
Overnight in Phakding at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft): 10km, 5-6 hrs The trail meanders through pine forest, crossing suspension bridges and several Sherpa villages to Jorsale: entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park and permit checkpoint. First glimpse Thamserku (6,618m/21,714m) above the village. The trail continue to the Dudh Khosi Rivers then climb steadily via the high Tenzing- Hilary suspension bridge with inspiring glimpses of Everest and the Nuptse – Lhotse ridge. After final three hour forest ascent reaches to the local town Namche Bazaar. Th is fascinating market has ATMs, cyber cafés, delicious restaurant food and bakeries, plus a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday morning.
Overnight in Namche Bazaar at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization and exploration dayAcute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and health experts recommend a stop for at least one extra night. Be active: This is a acclimatization day, climb high and sleep low is the acclimatization advice. Visit the Sagarmatha National Park Visitor’s Centre where you may collect informative displays on Sherpa culture, local flora and fauna and walk to the traditional Sherpa village of Khumjung (3,780m/12,402ft): with fine views of Thamserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest.
Return to Namche Bazaar for the night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 06Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 8km, 5-6 hrsThe trail climbs, then contours around the hillside, offering great views. Look out for spotted deer, Himalayan thars and birds – including the colorful (male) Danphe pheasant (Nepal’s national bird). From the river bank the trail enters the Imja Khola Valley and rises, through rhododendron forest few hours uphill to Tengboche.
Famous Tengboche Gompa is set against the backdrop of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Everest and other peaks. At full moon in October/November they hold the colorful Mani Rimdu festival with masked dancing and Tibetan Opera in the courtyard. You may visit the monastery during the afternoon.
Overnight in Tengboche at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 07Tengboche - Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft): 10km, 5-6 hrsShort descends to Debuche: a scattered stone village the trail Crosses the Imja Khola and ascends to Pangboche with closer views of towering Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,495ft). The trail then follows the river as it rises to the Lobuche Khola and continues Imja Khola up to Dingboche the Sherpa settlement. Different views of Ama Dablam rise above terraced fields of barley, buckwheat and potatoes.
Overnight in Dingboche at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 08Dingboche: Acclimatization and exploration dayThis second scheduled acclimatization day will assist your fitness and oxygen intake at the higher altitudes to follow. An enjoyable 3-4hr, 400m climb to Nangkartshang Gompa, north of Dingboche affords views of Makalu (8,463m) the fifth highest mountain and awesome views of Ama Dablam and the valley floor.
Return from the rarefied air to Dingboche for the night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09Dingboche to Chukung trek approx. 3-4 hours and meet our climbing team and short briefing for climbing.Overnight in Chukung at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10Chhukug to Island Peak Base camp: Trek to Island Peak base camp and overnight at camp. Trek Approx. 4 hrs Overnight in tent at Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11Base Camp to Summit Island Peak (6119m./20075ft.) and decent down to Base camp or ChhukungOvernight in tent at Camp or at Chhukung lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12An optional day for if the bad weather.or rest day at DinbocheOvernight at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13Dingboche – Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft): 7 km, 4-5 hrsThe trail climbs to a ridge and views of Taboche and Cholatse. Continue through yak pastures to a wooden bridge – and Zunlha (4,620m/15,158ft). The trail then ascends steeply for an hour, up the gravely terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. On the summit is a large group of stone-pile memorials to lost Sherpas and climbers. It also affords great border-views including Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Pumori. The trail follows the valley upstream for an hour to Lobuche.
Overnight in Lobuche at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, unch & Dinner
Day 14Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5,160m/16,930ft):- ( 3 Hours)– Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,594ft) – Gorak Shep, 15km, 3-4 hrsWe will climb Lobuche Pass and trek through moraines beside Khumbu Glacier until we reach Gorakshep. Walking on rocky rough terrain might be tiresome. Along the way you may splendid with the view of main peaks Pumori, Lingteren, Khumbutse and Nuptse. . After brief stop and set the room and some food/drinks at teahouse in Gorakshep we walk towards Everest Base Camp. Take as many pictures as possible in base camp. We will again return back to Gorakshep for overnight. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge
Trek back to Gorak Shep for the night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) – Pheriche (4,280m/14,070ft): 15km, 8-9 hrsThis is the best and closest view point to see your dream. So, a very early 2-3 hours climb to Kala Patthar, offers awesome/breathtaking mountain views. First Everest (8,848m/29,028ft), then its surrounding vassals: Pumori (7,145m/23,443ft), Lingtren (6,697m/21, 973ft), Khumbutse 1(6,623m/21,730ft), Changtse (7,550m/24,772ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,941ft) and Nuptse (7,861m/25,792ft). Plus Cho Oyo (8,201m/26,907ft) in the west and Ama Dablam to the south; many other peaks at the horizon.
Back to Gorak Shep for breakfast and continue the trek to through the Khumbu glacier, dropping down the the village of Pheriche for a lower and warmer night.
Overnight in Pheriche at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16Pheriche –Phortse (3,870m/12,694ft): 12km, 5-6 hrsToday’s trail descends to Phortse, through the Pangboche and the trail is easy.
Overnight in Phortse at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17Phortse – Monjo (2,562m/8,700ft), 12km, 6-7 hrsAfter 2 hours climb the trail starts gentally down to Namche and follows the steep down way to Jorsale and ends to Monjo for over night. This day have to care your knees, which may hurt during the descending. .
Overnight in Phortse at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18Monjo – Lukla (2,642m/8,668ft): 18km, 6-7 hrsFrom Monjo the trail descent shortly and climbs through to Cheplung round off the adventure with the final 700m, 35min ascent to Lukla: and say goodbye to your porters.
Overnight in Lukla at Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19Lukla – Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft): 35 min flightAfter an early breakfast / tea, take the return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of day is free.
Overnight in Kathmandu at Hotel with breakfast
Day 20Free and leisure / Shopping day in KathmanduOvernight in Kathmandu at Hotel with breakfast
Day 21Final departureAfter breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport and farewell!
Please note that cloud and turbulent weather may cause domestic flights Kathmandu/Lukla and from which may have to be delayed for a few hours or even cancelled for a day or more. Fortunately this does not happen frequently during the high seasons of March – May or September – November, but you need to plan for this possibility.
As a safeguard, we recommend that you add couple of buffer days after trek before your onward destination flight.
