Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek

Elevation of Kathmandu: 1400m (4530 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight 3-star-hotel
Meals: Dinner

Welcome to the land of Himalayas. Best Adventure Travels make sure the climbing trip with us gives the explorer a memorable experience. Hence, from the arrival of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our tour representatives shall greet and transfer the trekkers to the hotel for refreshment.

The remaining hours can be spent by analyzing the nearby avenues. In the evening, a Nepali spread is organized as welcome dinner.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight 3-star-hotel

Taking concern of jet lag, a rest day is added. However, a trip briefing session is organized, where the schedules for the remaining days are dictated and explained. We also introduce the team leaders and guides who shall accompany the travelers throughout the 19-days Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp. Alongside, the experienced climbers shall quickly explain the needed trekking gears while ascending the peak.

Elevation of Lukla: 2,800m/9,184 ft
Elevation of Phakding: 2,652m (8700ft)
Distance covered: 422km (262.2miles)
Walking duration: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Lodges 

Early morning, we get on the flight of Lukla. The 40 minutes flight takes us to the charismatic adventure, where we shall get an absolute view of burnished forests and satiny white peaks. On landing at Lukla airport, we shall be joined by the local crew members who shall assist us during the trek.

From there, we shall head to Phakding, which stands at a culminating point of 2,652m (8,700 ft) and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Phakding is the primary stopping point for the trekkers. Therefore, after walking for nearly 3-4 hours, we make a stop at Phakding, the beautiful village surrounded by Lukla on the north, Monjo on the south and Dudh Koshi river valley. On reaching Phakding, the remaining hours can be spent by exploring the village or by taking a rest

Elevation of Namche Bazar: 3,440m/11,283 ft
Distance covered: 10.7k/6.69 miles
Walking duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

We follow the trail of Dudh Koshi river and march to Namche Bazaar. The trial ascends through the Himalayan pine, cedar forests and the majestic river offering exciting travel through the suspension bridge surrounded by the prayer flags. While proceeding we come across the glistering peak of Mt. Thamserku (6608m), Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse, and Mt.Nuptse.

We cross three suspension bridges and walk to Monjo, the gateway of Sagarmatha National Park. The trail for Monjo descends to Larja Dobhan, Bhote Koshi and Dudh Kosi River. From the national park, the upward hike continues till Namche Bazar, at a point of 3440m (11,286 ft). The Namche area lies at the lower point of the Khumbu region. Namche is the trading hub for the Sherpa community.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house

Namche Bazaar is our first acclimatization destination. The day is segregated as a resting period for the retention of physical fitness. However, we shall hike towards Syangboche airport (3700m) for a great vista view of Lhotse, Everest, Tawache, and Ama Dablam. While returning, we will visit the Sherpa monastery, Museum and Everest Photo gallery.

The remaining hours of the trip can be utilized as per the trekker’s desire. One can explore Namche and enjoy the local outlets.

Unlike the dense settlement of Namche Bazar, Deboche is a monastic settlement which was created by “Lama Gulu”. A popular alternative of the Tengboche habitat, however, the view of the Himalayas from Deboche are vivid. Even though the region is at a pinnacle of 3820 (12,530 ft), its less windy. Hence, after the 5-6 hours walk, we settle in at Deboche (3820m/12530ft).

The 5-6 hours trial cross the Imja Khola, and trek through the village of Pangboche. The altitude remains constant, hence, on the way to Dingboche we enjoy the views of Mt.Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. The hike takes us to the terrains and pastures.

Dingboche a thinly populated Sherpa village is stationed at 4,360m (14,300ft) in the northeast of the Khumbu region, where Imja Khola directly flows east of the habitat.

Elevation of Lobuche: 4,940m (16,207 ft)
Distance Covered: 7km / 4.38miles
Walking duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house

Beneath the notable peaks of Cholatse and Twache. We move forward to the steep Khumbu Glacier and Lobuche (4940m/14,300ft).  At the top of the climb, there are built memorials of Sherpa, and pyramids. A gentle walk in the glacier and we shall be welcomed by the clustering houses of Lobuche.

Elevation of Gorak Shep: 5,170m (16,961 ft)
Distance Covered: 4.0km / 2.48 miles
Elevation of Everest Base Camp: 5,364m (17,594 ft)
Distance Covered (EBC): 13km/8.13 miles
Walking duration : 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house

We walk through the meadows and trek along Khumbu Glacier. The trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep is nearly 2-3 hours walk. Gorak Shep is a small settlement which sits at an edge of 5,170m (16,207ft). The area serves as an acclimatization area for Everest trekkers while for the EBC hikers, this serve as a halting point.

On arriving, Gorak Shep, we take rest and move towards Everest Base Camp, popular trek routes to the Himalayas.

We pass through streams, dunes, and moraine to reach EBC. On the gateway to EBC, we shall confront the alluring snow-capped mountains; Nuptse, Pumori, and Khumbutse. After EBC we walk back to Gorak Shep.

Elevation of Kala Patthar: 5,545m (18,192 ft)
Distance covered: 7km/ 4.38 miles
Elevation of Lobuche: 4,940m (16,207 ft)
Distance covered: 19km/ 11.78 miles
Walking duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house

The motto of hiking to Kala Patthar is to watch the early sunrise at an impressive height of 5545m (18,192 ft), hence, the journey outstretches from early morning. The place is popular amongst the base camp trekkers, who are willing to take the opportunity to take a glimpse of the Everest peak- a sight which is not possible from the base camp.

On reaching the north-east point of Kala Patthar, a closer view of Mt.Pumori and Everest (north-east) is obtained. Spending a few minutes, we walk back the taken ridges, encountering the backdrops of the white glaciers and prayer flags.

The adventure doesn’t end here, as we walk for another 7-8 hours towards Lobuche (4940/16,207 ft).

Elevation of Kongma La: 5,535m (18,159 ft)
Elevation of Chhukung: 4,730m (15,518 ft)
Distance covered: 11km / 6.89 miles
Walking duration: 6-7 hoursMeals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Kongma La pass is the easternmost pass of the three-pass trek and is hiked in a counterclockwise direction. And Kongma La is the first obstacle for the trekkers to cross as it is the highest point of the three-pass situated at a loftiness of 5,545m (18,961 ft). The panorama shows of from north to south; Lhotse (8516m), Lhotse Sar (8383m), Makalu (8463m), Ama Dablam (6814m) and Baruntse (7220m). Further, moving ahead, the path leads to Kongma glacier.

The descent to Chukkung, starts from the steep vertical trail, through the Imja Khola valley, followed by another descent to Chhukung (the summer settlement).

Elevation of Island Peak Base Camp: 5,200m (17,060 ft)
Distance covered: 5km/ 3.13 miles
Walking duration: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

A relatively short hike from Chhukung to Island Peak base camp. We take the southern track from the Lhotse glacier, leaving the settlement behind and reach the southern slopes of the Island Peak, known as the Island Base Camp, which is at a height of 5,200m (17,060 ft). On the route lies Amphu Labtse, Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Lodges

Pre-climb training is given to the trekkers where the explorers are taught the peak climbing techniques, and the proper usage of climbing gears. The training is included in the program to boost confidence and climbing skills. We shall also practically use the ropes and address the forthcoming issues that we may face while climbing.

Elevation of Island Peak Summit: 6,189m (20,305 ft)
Distance covered: 10km/6.25 miles
Walking duration: 10-12 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

The day starts early as we need to reach the Island peak by noon. Hence, from 2 am, we head to ascend the Island Peak summit. We leave the Island Peak base camp behind and walk on the steep hillside, boulder-strewn, slops and narrow trials before entering the steep rock canal. We follow the rigid line and cross several crevasses.

On the south of the summit, a rope is fixed for safety purposes and to make the climbing process easier. The ridge is airy and on reaching the Island Peak Summit (6,189m/20,305 ft) we get a stunning south face of Mt. Lhoste approaching us, whilst on the other directions are the other associated mountains such as Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Baruntse.

We enjoy the royal view from the pinnacle and gradually descend to Base Camp. A short refreshment and we head to Chhukung village, which lies on the southern slopes of Lhotse and Nuptse, at a height of 4730m (15,518 ft). The village has been serving as an acclimatization center for several trekkers and has now been known as lodge village.

A contingency day for the climbers to take rest i.e. only if we climb Island Peak and for Best Adventure Travel to monitor the weather condition if it becomes impossible to ascend the summit on the 14 days. However, if everything remains favorable than the quick plan is framed for the rest of the day.

Elevation of Namche Bazar: 3,440m/11,283 ft
Distance covered: 23km/14.38 miles
Walking duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Taking the trail of Rhododendron forest and crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river we march ahead to the Khumjung village. A popular settlement is known for its monastery and preserved Yeti scalp. The village is in the highs of the Himalayas, which is northeast of Tengboche. For those ascending Ama Dablam, the village serves as a base camp.

From Pangboche we descend to Phunki Tenga, Shanasa. The walk continues for 7-8 hours till we finally reach Namche Bazaar.

Elevation of Lukla: 2,800m/9,184 ft
Distance covered: 8km/5 miles
Walking duration: 6-7hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house/Guest House

This is a downward retreat for the eyes. We shall be recollecting the memories of our ascending trip and enjoying every versatile stretch of the Himalayas. The downhill journey takes us to the rocky path, taking us to the suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river. We also make through several forests, Sherpa habitats, and the tributaries. The 6-7 hours walk push us to the ending of our trip. On arrival to Lukla, we shall explore the Lukla area, take rest and celebrate the successful ascending of Island Peak.

Elevation of Kathmandu: 1,400m (4,600 ft)
Distance covered: 138km/85.74 miles
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight 3-star hotel

The 40 minutes flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, is sure to revive the memory of the gleaming Island Peak, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and associate’s mountains. On reaching Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) we shall transfer the whole team to hotel.

A complimentary, half-day city tour to Indrachowk, Ason and Basantapur are available. Where we shall take the crew to the oldest lane of Indrachowk, and Ason.

The place is filled with local markets and temples. Taking the same road, we head to Basantapur, the courtyard designed during the Malla regime. The place is surrounded by Kathmandu Durbar Square museum, Kumari Ghar, Local vendors and after spending a few hours in the heart of Kathmandu, we move back to our hotel. In the evening, Farewell Dinner is organized

Meal: Breakfast

The 19 days Island Peak Climbing and Everest Base Camp concludes. Airport transfers are provided to the trekkers as per the airport schedules.