Trip Overview

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 : Arrive in Kathmandu

• Day 02 : Rest day in Kathmandu

• Day 03 : Kathmandu Flight Lukla- Trek to Phakding

  This is a 45 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla 2,840m. The trail from Lukla leads north from the airstrip and drops steeply for a bit, then descends gently to Phakding 2,610m, first overnight here.

• Day 04 : Phakding to Namche

  From Phakding the trail continues north up the Dudh Koshi Valley. (Koshi which 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. From Monjo, the trek enters the Sagarmatha National Park.

  The trail follows the river and crosses Dudh Koshi and makes a steep climb to Namche 3,440m. Namche is a very colorful Sherpa village where you will see vendors selling antiques and each Saturday there is an important weekly haat or market.

• Day 05 : Rest day and acclimatization day in Namche

  Rest day and acclimatization day in Namche

• Day 06 : Namche to Dhole

  The trail passes through many Kharkas (summer settlements) used when Sherpas bring herds of yaks to graze in these high pastures. The views of Khumbila 5,765m and Taboche 6,495m are spectacular.

• Day 07 : Dhole to Machhermu

  From Dole the trail climbs to Lhafarma 4,330m and Luza 4,360m. The trail is steep in most places as it climbs through junipers to Lhafarma. The trail continues to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to Machhermo 4,400m.

• Day 08 : Machhermu to Gokyo Lake

  Beyond Machhermo, the trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view of Cho Oyu 8,210m. Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail reaches Phangka 4,480m.

  The trail descends to the river bank before beginning the climb on to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb up the moraine, alongside the stream to the first lake at 4,650m. The trail now becomes almost level as it follows the valley past a second lake, known as Longponga at 4,690m and finally up a boulder strewn path to Gokyo at 4750 meters.

• Day 09 : Climb Gokyo Ri peak and Back to Thangnak

  For a majestic and a spectacular view, climb Gokyo Ri 5,357m. It is a two hour climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Gyachong Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Taboche.

• Day 10 : Thangnak to Cho la Pass and to Dzongla

  About half way between the first lake and second lake, a trail leads off across the moraine to the east. This is the route to the 5,368m Cho la Pass into the Everest region.

  The Pass is not difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier crossing on the eastern side. After crossing the Pass, we rest at Dzongla from where you have splendid view of Lobuche East, Amadablam, Taboche and Cholatse.

• Day 11 : Dzongla to Lobuche

  Start heading down to Thukla (Dughla). From Thukla, head up towards Lobuche 4,940m. The trail climbs higher on the moraine to a row of stone monuments in memory of six Sherpas who died in an avalanche during the 1970 Japanese skiing Expedition.

  The trail then drops a bit and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche, a summer village. The ascent becomes steeper and rougher as it crosses several side moraines. After rounding a bend in the trail, the conical views peak of Pumori 7,145m comes into view.

• Day 12 : Lobuche – Gorakshep, visit Everest base camp

  Trek to Gorak Shep 5,170m and then to Everest Base Camp 5,300m and again return to Gorak Shep.

  The trail to Gorak Shep crosses the shallow brook that flows past Lobuche, runs through a gully that has the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier on the right hand side. On it’s left side rises the terminal moraine wall of the much smaller Lobuche glacier.

• Day 13 : Kalapattar – Dingboche (4410m)

  On the lower slope of Mt Pumori, a ridge extending to the south terminates is a small peak. This peak, Kalapatthar 5,545m provides the best vantage point for viewing Mt. Everest. Climb Kalapatthar in the morning and spend some time on the top. Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast and trek downwards to Dingboche.

• Day 14 : Dingboche – Island peak base camp (5087m)

  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 15 : Rest day in base camp

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

• Day 16 : Summit day! Island peak (6189m)

  Leave early for the summit. Return to high camp and down further to base camp.

• Day 17 : Island Peak base camp – Pangboche

  Start heading down to Pangboche. This is 5 hrs walk.
  Pass through the Deboche nunnery which is the oldest nunnery of Nepal established in 1925. Stop here and tour the nunnery. Visit the famous Tengboche monastery too.

• Day 18 : Trek to Namche

• Day 19 : Trek to Lukla

• Day 20 : Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel

• Day 21 : Rest day

• Day 22 : Departure