Island Peak Summit

The journey begins with a thrilling flight to Tenzing Hillary /Lukla Airport. The take-off place depends on the time of travel and air traffic conditions.

Mostly during the peak months (March, April, May, September, October, and November), it operates from the Ramechhap Manthali airport. You take an early morning drive of 4-5 hours to the airport. And if you choose to trek during the off seasons in January, February, June, July, August, and December, there are more chances of air operations from Kathmandu. For this, you prepare for the trek in standard morning time.

Whether the journey starts from Kathmandu or Ramechhap, the flight experience gives you chills. The top views of the city, slowly melting into the layers of the Himalayas, are breathtaking. You get majestic panoramas of the Langtang, Rolwaling, and Everest ranges as you slowly enter the Khumbu land. After the flight, you start the trek with a slow descent, stepping into the foothills of Everest. It begins with a walk along terraced fields, dense forests, and passing local villages, Chheplung and Thado Koshi. Even the snow-capped peaks of Kongde-Ri and Kusum Kanguru appear through the hills, welcoming you in the Khumbu region. Continuing, you reach Phakding after crossing a beautiful suspension bridge where prayer flags are lined with prayers. Above the roaring river and the cascading waterfall, it is a mark of reaching your destination.

Activity: Drive|Flight|Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

The trek begins on the path following the Dudh Koshi River. You cross multiple suspension bridges, including the popular Hillary Bridge, and walk on the forested trails covered in rhododendrons, oak, and Pine trees. You pass by the small traditional villages of Toktok, Benkar, and reach Monjo (an entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park). On the way, passing by each village, there are Mani walls, Chortens, and stupas dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism. You get small glimpses of local culture through these symbolic architectures.

Continuing the journey, you start to get the mountain views of Mount Thamserku and Kusum Kangguru. After you reach Jorsalle, the challenging uphill begins before Namche Bazaar. You might see the first view of Mt. Everest on the way. Reaching Namche, you can feel the lively and welcoming atmosphere of the area. It is an ideal place for tourists to rest and acclimatize.

Activity: Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Acclimatizing and learning about the region you are trekking in has a significant impact on the experience. Another day at Namche is for preparation, exploration, and acclimatization. For this, you hike to the popular point near Namche, the Everest View Hotel (one of the highest luxury hotels in the world).

The trail leading to the hotel begins steeply and gets easier. You pass by the rhododendron and pine forest, and the National Park Headquarters in the middle. As you climb, you start to get glimpses of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Reaching the Everest View Hotel, you get a wide terrace with panoramic mountain views. The sight provides you with a fair vision of the Khumbu Himalayas. After enjoying the views, you return to Namche Bazaar. If you want to explore more, you can visit the nearby Sherpa Culture Museum and Photo Gallery.

Activity: Hiking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

The day starts with a steep uphill on the forested path along the river. Leaving the bustling Namche, on the trail, you get to enjoy the views of Everest, Nuptse, Taboche, Kangtega, and Lhotse. Whereas Mount Ama Dablam is the main highlight and dominates the sky view, while Thamserku shines on the opposite side of the area.

After the ascent, the trail takes several ups and downs, passes by Kyangjuma, and then goes downhill to Phunke Tenga. Then, crossing the suspension bridge, a demanding uphill leads you to your destination, Tengboche. It is one of the significant spiritual sites of the Khumbu region.

Activity: Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

On this trekking day, you get to experience the terrain change from sub-alpine to alpine. You enter the valley of pasture fields, a mountainous high-altitude zone. It begins with a slight descent to Deboche and crossing a suspension bridge over Imja Khola, you climb towards Pangboche.

After crossing Pangboche, the trails get dry and turn wider. The views extend with stunning Island Peak (Imja Tse), Taboche, and glimpses of Lhotse’s south face. You pass by the picturesque villages of Somare and Orso. Then take the final stretch towards Pheriche. It is a picturesque village that has pastoral land bordered by beautiful stone walls. There is a Himalaya rescue clinic where trekkers can learn about altitude sickness.

Activity: Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

This is the second acclimatization day of the trip. Your body adjust with the altitude, have some enjoyable hike and get some rest is the main purpose of the day.

On this day, you hike to the Nangkartshang Hill. It is the only day on the Everest Base Camp trail from where you can view Mount Makalu (the 5th highest mountain in the world). Mount Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak are also visible from the Nangkartshang Peak. It takes around 4-5 hours round-trip, depending on the walking pace. You have option to hike only half way about 4700m-4800m or all the way to the top. After the memorable hike, you will get back to the guesthouse and rest for the day.

Activity: Hiking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

With a wide field ahead, you begin walking on the rugged and barren route. You start to leave Mount Ama Dablam behind and continue with the views of Cholatse and Taboche. The trails have fewer steep sections before you reach Dughla (Thukla). After that, it starts to get steeper.

Climbing ahead, you get amazing views of Pumori, Lingtren, and Nuptse. Then you reach a place where you can find memorials of honorable climbers who passed away while climbing. Crossing it, the trail starts to get easier with short uphill mixed with flat sections till Lobuche. It is a small settlement at a high altitude with teahouses with basic and practical facilities for trekkers trekking to the Everest Base Camp.

Activity: Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

The trail continues alongside the stunning Khumbu glacier. The experience is exciting, raw, and rugged. With each altitude gain, you may feel tired easily, so ascend slowly and enjoy each moment! Surrounded by the giant mountains and accompanied by the large glacier builds great Thrill. In between, you reach Gorakshep, where you leave your belongings and continue towards Base Camp. Near the Camp, the views get breathtaking and unreal with each step.

Although you cannot see Everest from the Everest Base Camp, standing on the closest base to the top of the world is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It creates a memory that remains in the heart of each trekker. Live the moment and celebrate with your team. After that, you return to Gorakshep.

Activity: Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Your journey begins before the sun rises. With the silence and stillness of the quiet Himalayas, you take your step forward to the stunning viewpoint, the Kala Patthar. The climb is steep but rewarding. Just after you cross the mid-half point, you start to see Everest peak slowly rising above Lhotse and Nuptse.

Golden rays touching the Top of the mountains, including Everest, offer a jaw-dropping moment. You can see panoramas of great mountains, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lingtren, Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The 360-degree view is unforgettable and inspiring.

After the accomplishment, you return to Gorakshep and descend to Dingboche before continuing to enter the heart of Imja Valley.

Activity: Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today, you will hike towards Chhukung village in the morning with gradual climb for couples of hours. You will have a break at beautiful Chhukung village then, diving deeper into the Imja Valley, you move towards the Base Camp of the Island Peak (Pareshaya Gyab). The trail is gentle, including a few steep sections near the Base Camp. While the journey continues, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Lhotse Nup glacier and Lhotse Glacier.

The majestic mountain views of the Lhotse south face and Ama Dablam at the back keep your steps moving. You can see the pyramid-shaped summit of the Island Peak, which increases the excitement for the summit challenge. Continuing further, the trail gets rugged, glacial, and icy near the camp. If you are lucky, you might encounter blue sheep, Himalayan snow cock, and Himalayan griffons on the route. There are no camps in between, and you can feel the true sense of adventure in the Himalayas!

In the evening, the guide provides a detailed briefing about Peak climbing. It includes route information, what to expect, and safety rules you need to follow. You get introduced to the gear that is essential during the climb, like crampons, carabiners, and harnesses. The team teaches you to use the equipment, and you get practice sections for knots, harness, and walking on ice near the base camp. After the practice is complete, you return to camp and rest.

Activity: Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tent Camp

Early morning, your ultimate hike to the Island Peak starts! With a deeming light, you begin on the icy edges and the steep path. You can feel the cold wind blowing and the mountain whispers. Approaching the glacier zone, you buckle up the gears and move forward.

With each step on the vertical slopes, each step feels like a victory and exciting. After you reach the summit, you get stunning panoramas with the first light of the sun. It offers breathtaking views of Mount Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, and other snowy peaks.

With successful climbing, enjoy your moment with your team. Reflect on your journey and feel the gratitude within. Then, descend back to Chhukung via Island Peak Base Camp.

Activity: Climbing|Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

You return to the river valley, forested zone, leaving the alpine glaciers behind. The day begins on the alpine trail slowly descending to the pastures, and to the pine and rhododendron forests. After Dingboche, the terrain enters green landscapes.

Down to Orso, Somare, Pangboche, Tengboche, and Phunke Tenga, then you take a steep uphill. And again, follow the gentle flat and steep downhill path to Namche Bazaar, where you can enjoy the nice and cozy atmosphere of epic Himalayan town.

Activity: Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

It is the final day of the trek before you fly back to Kathmandu Valley. The trail is dominated by the forests and river streams. You cross suspension bridges and hear the last bird songs of the Khumbu region.

It starts with a steep downhill from Namche to the Larcha Dovan. Then passes by Jorsalle, Monjo, Toktok, Phakding, Thado Koshi, and climbs to the final destination, Lukla at the end. You can enjoy your time and celebrate the accomplishment of the trip.

Activity: Trekking

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Enjoy your final views of the snow-capped peaks as the remote ridges slowly disappear beneath you. Have a hearty conversation with your team and remember the memories you created during the adventure.

The flight takes you back to city life, you can feel the warm air and the busy streets. After that, reaching the hotel, take your well-deserved rest!

Activity: Flight|Drive

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel

For the air transfer, your guide or a representative from our team picks you up at the hotel. Then, drop you off 3 hours before the scheduled flight. Catch the final glimpses of Kathmandu alleys, stupas, temples, and prayer wheels on the drive. At the airport, our representative provides a short farewell section with a see you next time!

Activity: Drive

Meal: Breakfast