Trip Overview

This trip is the classic ascent of Island Peak, starting from Kathmandu and flying to Lukla, trekking up the valley to Island Peak Base Camp; followed by trekking to the nearby Everest Base Camp. Seen from above Dingboche the mountain Imja Tse (Island Peak) resembles an island in a sea of ice. It was first climbed in 1953 by a very prestigious team in preparation for the ascent of Everest. It is an interesting and attractive summit with a highly glaciated West Face rising from the Lhotse glacier.

The mountain itself is an extension of the South ridge of Lhotse Shar and is separated by a small col. Above this gap, rising to the south is a classically beautiful ridge leading to the summit of Imja Tse. As well as providing an enjoyable climb, the peak also provides some of the most striking scenery in the Khumbu region.

Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel upon arrival.

• Day 02 : Rest day / sightseeing

  Rest day / sightseeing (Boudha, Swayambunath and Pashupatinath)

• Day 03 : Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding

  This is an hour flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport (2,800m). The trail from Lukla leads north from the airstrip and drops steeply for a bit, then descends gently to Phakding (2,700m), your first overnight stop. This is a two hour trek.

• Day 04 : Phakding – Namche

  From Phakding the trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi Valley (Kosi means river in Nepali and it comes down from the Everest glacier). All along this part of the trail there is a magnificent forest of magnolia, rhododendron and giant firs.

  On the cliffs above the river it is possible to see musk deer and Himalayan tahr. At Monjo the trek enters the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail follows the river and crosses Dudh Kosi and makes a steep climb to Namche (3,440m).

  Namche is a very colourful Sherpa village where you will see vendors selling antiques and each Saturday there is an important weekly haat or market.

• Day 05 : Namche

  Rest and acclimatization day in Namche.

• Day 06 : Namche – Thyangboche / Deboche

  Trek to Thyangboche which lies on the way and visit the famous Thyangboche monastery.

• Day 07 : Thyangboche – Pheriche

  Before leaving Deboche, we visit the Deboche nunnery where old nuns live. Climb High completed a restoration project of the nunnery in 2005. We continue our trek to Pheriche.

• Day 08 : Pheriche – Lobuche

  The trail ascends the broad, gently sloping valley to Phalang Karpo at 4,340m.The trail crosses small streams on boulders. The views of Tawachee and Cholatse (6,440m) are outstanding from along the trail.

  From Dugla (4,620m) the trail climbs higher on the moraine to a row of stone monuments built in the memory of those who have died on Everest. The trail then drops a bit and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche (4,930m). This is a four / five hour trek.

• Day 09 : Lobuche – Gorakshep, visit Everest base camp

  The ascent becomes steeper and rougher as it crosses several side moraines.

• Day 10 : Gorakshep –Kalapattar – Dingboche (4410m)

  The peak of Pumori (7,145m) comes into view. On this lower slope of this mountain a ridge extending to the south terminates in a small peak.

  This peak, Kalapattar, is 5,545m and it provides the best vantage point for viewing Mt Everest. Climb Kalapattar in the morning and spend some time on the top. Return to Gorakshep and trek downwards to Dingboche.

• Day 11 : Dingboche – Island peak base camp (5087m)

  Island peak base camp is five hour walk from Dingboche. Hike up the Imja Khola valley to Chukkung, a small summer settlement at 4730m. The views from Chukkung and further up the valley on the moraines towards Island peak (6189m) is tremendous. The great southern face of Lhotse towers above to the north. From Chukkung, we keep heading up the Imja Khola valley to Island peak base camp.

• Day 12 : Rest day at Island Peak base camp

  Rest and acclimatization day. The day can be used to learn climbing and check all the climbing gear.

• Day 13 : Summit day! Island peak (6,189m)

  Leave early for the summit. Return to high camp and a further 300 m to the base camp

• Day 14 : Trek to Pangboche

• Day 15 : Trek to Namche

• Day 16 : Trek to Lukla

• Day 17 : Fly out to Kathmandu

• Day 18 : Rest day / visit Bhaktapur

• Day 19 : Departure.