Island Peak Climbing - 19 Days

We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to hotel. One of our Trekking Plus representative will welcomes you as you land in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

You fly above the high hills and mountains on your 40-minute flight to Lukla. After reaching Lukla, you will trek for about four hours till you reach Phakding. The trek to Phakding provides green landscape contrasted with the snowy peak of Kusum Kangaru (6367m) on the backdrop, giving you a glimpse of what the next few weeks are going to be like. Overnight at the tea house.

Today you will head to Namche Bazaar, also known as the Hub of Khumbu region or also we call Everest region. You will pass through rhododendron and magnolia forests while walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. You will also be passing through different waterfalls and breathtaking suspension bridges along the way. Upon reaching Namche, you will be greeted by the gorgeous view of Everest (8848m) and the adjacent peaks. Overnight in Namche.

Today you will explore the beautiful Sherpa town of Namche and get acquainted with the Sherpa culture, tradition, and lifestyle. You can visit the Sherpa Museum where the traditional way of living of the Sherpas can be observed or you can spend your time exploring the bustling market of Namche and interacting with the locals. Alternatively, you can hike up to Hotel Everest View (3962m) for a stunning panorama of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Cho Oyu (8188m), and many others. Overnight in Namche.

As you head to Dhole from Namche Bazaar, you will pass through beautiful forests of rhododendron and pine. You will ascend on a winding trail from Namche through many villages and Mani walls. After reaching Phortse Thanga, you will make a steep ascent alongside the gorge of Dudh Koshi River to reach Dhole. Overnight in Dhole.

Continuing on the uphill trail alongside Dudh Koshi River, you will leave Dhole to reach Machhermo. In order to reach Machhermo, you will follow steep trails ascending through sparsely vegetated and sparsely populated areas. Different pastures with many kinds of grass and bushes of junipers can be seen on the trail to Machhermo. Overnight in Machhermo.

Trekking for about 4 hours leads you to the stunning valley of Gokyo. In order to get to the excellent valley of Gokyo and relish the beauty of its deep blue lakes, you will need to climb over the ridges until you reach the end point of Ngozumpa Glacier Finally, you will climb on the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier, and be passing by two Gokyo lakes, you will arrive at the third lake and reach Gokyo village. Overnight in Gokyo.

For a better view of the Gokyo valley and its tranquil lakes, you will climb up to Gokyo Ri (5360m). From the top of Gokyo Ri, you will get an unreal view of the high Himalayas, including Cho Oyu (8188m), Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), and many others along with a view of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. Later, you will hike back to Gokyo village and explore the quaint village or may be spending some time around the turquoise Gokyo Lake. Overnight in Gokyo.

Leaving the enchanting Gokyo valley behind. Today is a long and physically demanding day compare to other days as you cross the high cho la pass of 5420m. Climb down the glacier slowly and carefully. The pass is often snow-covered, and the route can be tricky, but the stunning views make the effort worthwhile. Once over the pass, you’ll descend into Dzongla, a small settlement with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the amazing 360 degree view of the mountains from Thangnak. Overnight in mountain lodge.

After the breakfast, start your day trek toward Lobuche, a small village located near the Khumbu Glacier. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, including Pumori and Nuptse, and passes through barren, rocky terrain. Lobuche is the perfect place to rest before the final push to Everest Base Camp before we head to Island Peak climbing.

Today is a momentous day as you make your way to Everest Base Camp. The trail follows the Khumbu Glacier, passing through moraines and rocky terrain. Once at base camp, you’ll feel the excitement of standing at the foot of the world's highest peak. After spending some time at Base Camp,descend bacck to Gorak Shep, where you stay overnight in local lodge.

An early morning hike to Kala Patthar rewards you with one of the best views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. The sunrise over the Himalayas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After enjoying the views, you’ll trek down to Dingboche, a beautiful Sherpa village that offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Today you will head towards Chhukhung on a stony path through the rocky and barren hills. You will fllow Imja Khola throughout the way, and be relishing the encompassing views of the gorgeous mountain peaks, you will reach Chhukhung. You will get the amazing view of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Imja Tse (6189m), and so on. Overnight in Chhukhung.

You will start your day early today, as you have a tough journey ahead. From Chhukhung to Island Peak Base Camp, the trail ascends on the moraines of various glaciers situated on either side of Imja Khola. The trail is mostly frozen and slippery, so it is recommended to walk slowly and carefully. Before arriving at Island Peak Base Camp, you will reach the glacial lake of Imja Tsho and rest for a bit as you relish the view of the high mountains like Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Cho Oyu (8188m), Makalu (8463m), and many others. Overnight at the base camp.

Summit day is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. You’ll start early in the morning for the ascent to the summit of Island Peak. The climb requires some technical mountaineering skills, including the use of crampons, ice axes, and ropes. The views from the summit are unparalleled, with panoramic vistas of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and many other peaks. After reaching the summit, you’ll descend back to Chhukung for a well-earned rest.

This is a contingency day, in case the weather prevents a successful summit attempt. If the weather was clear on the summit day, you’ll have a day to rest, explore Chhukung, or descend to lower altitudes.

The trek today will be mostly downhill, retracing your steps back through the Khumbu Valley. You’ll pass through picturesque Sherpa villages, and the trail offers great views of the Himalayas. You will move along the trails of Imja Khola that take you all the way back to Namche, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the town before heading back to Lukla.

For the last day of your trek, you will retrace your way from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. You will trek through the forest of rhododendron and pass many villages, monasteries, Mani walls, waterfalls, and streams as you descend to Lukla. Upon reaching Lukla, you can stroll around the village and get to know the people better. Overnight in Lukla.

Heading back to Kathmandu from Lukla might be a little sad as you would need to bid goodbye to the Himalayas, but remembering the successful summit of Island Peak (6189m) and all the other aspects of trekking as well as peak climbing, you board the flight back to Kathmandu. The 40-minute flight takes you above the mountains one more time, and upon your arrival in the capital, you can rest for the day at your hotel.