Island Peak Adventure

 

Island Peak Adventure – 19 days

In the breathtaking heart of the Khumbu region, Island Peak is an exciting adventure for both trekkers and climbers. A staggering 6,189m high and with its highly glaciated west face, it’s one of the main climbing destinations in the Everest region – a dream come true for broadening your climbing expedition experience, or planning to attempt even higher peaks. It’s also teeming with the ultimate trekking experiences:

  • Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for magnificent views of Mt Everest and surrounding peaks
  • Wander through charming villages
  • Discover ancient monasteries
  • Start and finish your journey at Lukla Airstrip, the most famous airstrip in the world
  • Kathmandu’s World Heritage Sites
  • The beautiful Sagarmatha National Park
  • Namche Bazaar
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu

This 19-day adventure is designed for energetic and physically fit travellers who are looking for an unforgettable trekking and climbing experience. You may also be interested in the even more challenging 19-day Mera Peak Climb.

 

Island Peak Adventure – 19 days

DAY 01 Kathmandu Arrival (1,300m/4,264ft)
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport (KTM), you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Adventures. After completing your customs formalities (visa, etc), collect your luggage and look for our representative holding a Himalayan Adventures display board at the arrival gate.

You will then be transferred to the Hotel Shanker or another hotel of a similar category. After checking in, you can take a rest, wander around the city or visit our office – whatever you feel like doing. In the evening we will organise a welcome dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we will enjoy a Nepalese cultural programme as well as a fine meal. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(D)

 

DAY 02: Kathmandu (1,300m/4264ft): Sightseeing and Preparation
After breakfast, you can enjoy a free day on your own or participate in a sightseeing programme. The sightseeing programme introduces us to some highlights and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu, such as Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath. After some hours’ sightseeing, we go to the office and collect our equipment, checked by the trek leader, make preparations and meet other members of the group. After Himalayan Adventures briefs us about the trip, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Overnight at hotel.
(B)

 

DAY 03: Kathmandu – Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) – Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 35-min flight, 3–4 hrs trek
After breakfast, we are transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early-morning flight to Lukla, a gateway destination where our trek starts. After an exciting 40-minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountain peaks.

At the airport we meet the other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek from the prosperous village of Lukla to Phakding. To assist in acclimatisation, we only have a short hike today. However, if you are interested in additional activities you can take an optional trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 04: Phakding – Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,280ft): 5–6 hrs
Our trek starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk today is pleasant with a few short uphill and downhill sections. The trail crisscrosses the Dudh Koshi river and offers a magnificent view of Mt Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the village of Benkar. We cross more bridges and reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep track of both trekkers and local trekking staff.

A descent and a gentle walk bring us to Jorsale, the last village before Namche Bazaar. The walk along the river bed is enjoyable and we reach the Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up towards Namche Bazaar, we get a magnificent view of Kwangde Peak and its sister peaks, Khusum Kangru, Mt Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains. We stop at Chautara to admire the view. Finally, we reach the colourful village of Namche Bazaar, the main gateway of the Khumbu region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 05: Acclimatisation Day – Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,284ft)
This is the scheduled ‘acclimatisation’ day for this trek. Health experts always recommend that we keep active on the rest day too, rather than lazing about. We can spend the day hiking to Thame, visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazaar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If you trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help you to acclimatise properly.

Our guides take us to the visitor centre near the headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first ascent of Everest, and learn about Sherpa culture and the plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting trip up to Khumjung. We climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a luxury hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth.

The Khumjung valley is surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak Khumbila, which hosts a well-known monastery containing a yeti scalp. We also visit Hillary School, which is at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, we walk back down to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 05: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5–6 hrs walk
After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche, enjoying a superb view of Mt Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and a close-up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows the level trail with a magnificent view of the great Himalayas.

Along the way we can spot wildlife such as pheasants, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa, which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then passes through pine forests and after crossing the prayer-flag-festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi river, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods.

A relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga is followed by a short, steep climb through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close-up views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has the biggest Buddhist monastery in the entire Khumbu region. We visit this monastery at around 3pm to witness a ceremony. Overnight stay at a lodge in Tengboche.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 07: Tengboche – Pheriche (4,200m/13,776ft): 4–5 hrs
Against its backdrop of mountains, the monastery in Tengboche looks even more spectacular in the morning. We take pictures of the monastery and the scenery. After a pleasant descent through the forest for about half an hour to the riverside, we cross the river and start trekking up towards the hill opposite. The landscape starts to become more dry and desert-like.

We will visit the traditional Sherpa village of Pangboche, where we can see the daily activities of Sherpa people. After this, the trail runs up a small hill to a wide mountain valley, called Pheriche, where a pleasant village is located on the riverside. We can see a small helipad here that is used for helicopter rescue in emergencies. We can take a class with a mountain specialist in the Medical Clinic at Pheriche. Overnight stay at lodge.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 08: Pheriche – Lobuche (4,930m/16,170ft): 5–6 hrs
After breakfast, we have an easy, straight walk towards the left bend of the river and then gradually up to Dughla. Beyond Dughla we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier. We find our way across the boulder-strewn slope as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountain views. At the top of the ridge we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (an American mountaineer) and the 10 times Everest summiteer Babu Chiri Sherpa (a mountain guide from Nepal who perished on a mission to climb Everest).

As the trail drops to the Khumbu glacier moraine, we find ourselves right in front of several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains hidden. By this stage the effects of the altitude will be kicking in and nights feel colder. Overnight in Lobuche.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 09: Lobuche – Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft) – Gorak Shep (5,170 m/16,961ft): 6 –7 hrs
We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come to the Indian Army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be confusing, so we follow the lead Sherpa: every year the trail changes as a result of the movements of the glacier. The walk is quite strenuous due to the thin air at high altitude. The trail passes through boulders, moraine and streams to the base camp.

As we reach Everest Base Camp, we cannot help but admire the Everest climbers who take the hazardous route through the Khumbu icefall. Everest Base Camp is lively and bustling during the height of the expedition season. Mountaineers’ tents stand out in bright colours against all the dull grey surroundings (especially in spring). Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumori are the mountains that  can be seen from base camp but Everest itself is not visible from here.

We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. However, the view from Kala Patthar is more spectacular at sunset than at sunrise: as the setting sun’s rays strike the snow-capped mountains, the resulting scene is indescribable. For those trekkers who wish to continue, our guides and Sherpas arrange a hike to Kala Patthar for an amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until tomorrow. Overnight in Gorak Shep.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 10: Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192 ft) – Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft):
7–8 hrs
We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar as the first light of day shines on Mt Everest. However, we need to be prepared for an early start, in the dark and cold (-10° to -14° C). Plus there is always the potential for chilly winds, which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself, emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding viewpoints to take photographs.

After several hours’ ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. Here we scramble up the rocky outcrop near the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. At the top, we sit on the rocks of Kala Patthar, taking in the unbelievable Himalayan panorama, our gaze wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many photographs as we can and try to fix the view in our mind’s eye for the rest of our lifetime. Back at Gorak Shep, we have breakfast followed by a gradual descent down to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 11: Lobuche – Kongma La (5,535m/18,159ft) – Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft):
6–7 hrs
After breakfast we trek via Khumbu glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m/16,404ft) and continue the ascent to Kongma pass; this is the most difficult leg of our trek today. On reaching the Kongma La, we will see a cairn wrapped in prayer flags, which marks the pass. Then we gradually descend the Imja Khola valley to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. Overnight in Chhukung where we make final preparations for climbing Island Peak.
(B, L, D)

Note: If you prefer not to tackle the Kongma La pass, instead of following the Lobuche to Kongma La pass route, you can follow another route via Dingboche to Chhukung.

 

DAY 12: Chhukung  – Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft): 3–4 hrs
The path from Chhukung leads south, climbing fairly steeply before turning east to follow the main line of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse glacier. After a short, pleasant spell beside a stream, the route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. It crisscrosses the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines to lead to a wide valley flanking the southwest side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp. (B, L, D)

Pre-climb training: After lunch, our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and using climbing gear such as an ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascenders, etc. They will teach us how to go up and down using ropes. Although it is not obligatory to have training before climbing Island Peak, we believe that some training will boost your confidence and climbing skills. It should increase your chances of scaling the summit and gaining maximum enjoyment from the experience.

 

DAY 13: Island Peak Base Camp to High Camp (5,600m/18,372ft): 2–3 hrs
We move to Island Peak High Camp. The path leads up beyond Base Camp for several hundred metres before striking off to the left up the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder-strewn. As we climb the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the path enters a steep rock channel. Overnight in Island Peak High Camp.
(B, L, D)

Note: Climbers often find it easier to attempt the Island summit in one push directly from Base Camp. If you would like to attempt the summit push from Base Camp, spend two nights at Base Camp for acclimatisation and training. Make an acclimatisation climb to High Camp after breakfast on the second day, spend some time there, and come back to Base Camp. Generally, we have lunch after completing the hike. It would be also easier for the porters to stay at Base Camp instead of staying at High Camp for longer, which might cause altitude problems.

 

DAY 14: High camp – Summit Island Peak – Base Camp – Chhukung: 8-10 hrs
Island Peak ascent (6,189m/20,305ft): We start our climb early in the morning, generally around 1am. We begin by climbing the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses. The guides will attach ropes wherever necessary.

A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. After enjoying the summit views, and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Chhukung for an overnight stop and to celebrate our successful Island Peak climb. Overnight at Chhukung.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 15: Reserve Day for Contingency
There is no guarantee of favourable weather on our planned day for the summit (day 14), so day 15 is used as a contingency in case we are unable to climb Island Peak as originally planned. If the weather becomes exceptionally bad or if someone in the group has problems in acclimatising well enough to make the ascent,, it is wise to postpone the climb by a day. If everything goes smoothly, we will not need this spare day.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 16: Chhukung – Namche Bazaar: 8–9 hrs
This is a long trekking day. The Imja Khola joins the Dudh Koshi river a little above the village of Pangoche. There is a famous ridgeline at Pangboche, believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region. The trail descends from the alpine desert into landscapes of pine forests. There is a steep uphill climb into Tengboche, where we visit the monastery. Then the trail descends steeply back to the Dudh Kosi river. The final steep climb traverses the hillside into Namche Bazaar. If the contingency day remains unused and you want to take today’s long trek in a more relaxed manner, we can divide it over two days.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 17: Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6–8 hrs
The trail descends steeply so we need to walk slowly and carefully as our shaky legs struggle with the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. Although we are travelling down by the same route, we discover completely different views. We walk through the Sherpa villages, noticing the Buddhist culture of prayer stones and prayer flags.

On arrival in Lukla, we stretch our sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Our fantastic trek ends on a happy note with everyone back safe and sound with smiles on their faces! Overnight in Lukla.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 18: Flight back: Lukla – Kathmandu
We fly back after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. You can spend the rest of the day resting and relaxing in your hotel. If you wish to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel with our guides or on your own. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be enjoying a fantastic dinner together this evening to celebrate successfully completing the Island Peak Adventure! Overnight in Kathmandu.
(B, D)

 

DAY 19: Farewell Friend
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your adventurous trip in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but exchange email addresses with your travelling companions and organise your photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Adventures will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
(B)

 

Occasionally, internal flights to/from Lukla are delayed by a few hours or cancelled for a day or more because of bad weather. This is not especially common, but it could happen even in the best trekking season, as you know how climate change is affecting our planet. Thus, we always recommend that you add an extra night or two in Kathmandu after your trek if possible (just in case).

If everything runs smoothly, you can enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting, wildlife watching, shopping, as you wish in those additional days.  However, if you want to be flown out by helicopter in the case of flights being cancelled to/from Lukla, we can organise it. A helicopter costs around US$5,000 and can carry 4 people per flight.

 

What we’ve included

Himalayan Adventures’ philosophy is that as many expenses as possible are included in the price, so that customers know the total cost of the adventure trip up front.

  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with temple/monument entrance fees
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flight and departure taxes
  •   3 nights in a 4-star hotel (the Hotel Shanker or another hotel of a similar category) in Kathmandu
  • Teahouse/lodge and tented accommodation during trekking and the climbing session
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals while in the mountains
  • All ground transport by private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • All necessary staff: an experienced English-speaking climb and trek leader (guide), cook, assistant climbing leaders (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide), Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter), other helpers needed for the climbing section, including their wages, insurance, equipment, flights, food and lodging.
  • All necessary paperwork; trekking permits and Island Peak climbing permit
  • Down jacket, 4 seasons sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map
  • Group Mountaineering climbing and camping equipment for climbing part – very high-quality North Face or Mountain Hardware tents for camping and kitchen, dining, toilet tents, mattresses, kitchen equipment
  • Travel and rescue arrangements
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • Exclusive medical kit bag
  • All government and local taxes

 

 

What isn’t included

  • Nepal visa fee (bring the correct money in US$ and two passport photographs)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 20kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
  • Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, earlier return from the mountains (for whatever reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of earlier return from the mountains than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower, heater, etc.
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Personal climbing guide, if requested
  • Optional trips and sightseeing, if extended
  • Tips for guides and porters

 

The climbing group

For the Island Peak Adventure, there will be one climbing and trekking leader, assistant leaders (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide), Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) and other helpers needed for the climbing section. This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group become unwell, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Island Peak Adventure for a minimum of 2, and a maximum of 12 people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than 12 people, we can arrange this too.

 

Fitness and experience

Island Peak is not a technical climb but you need good stamina. You can climb Island Peak without any previous climbing experience or skill in using climbing equipment. Although knowledge of how to use equipment and previous experience would be beneficial, they are not essential because pre-ice-climbing training is given in Base Camp to teach you how to use climbing gear such as ropes, ice pick, harness and crampons.

The Island Peak Adventure usually requires 5–6 hours’ walking each day, and on some days even 8–10 hours – for instance, on the day you climb up to the summit. We suggest you train by walking or jogging about 12km a day for 3 months before your Island Peak Adventure because it will involve walking for at least 5 hours a day at high altitude in remote areas for many days. To have a good chance of success in the Island Peak Adventure you will need: lots of willpower, the ability to tolerate harsh conditions, reasonable fitness and stamina and good health.

It is vital that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to Himalayan Adventures at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. It is also important that you consult your doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for your trip. Himalayan Adventures reserves the right to require a medical certificate prior to booking your trip.

 

Accommodation

Accommodation is included in the cost of the trip. We have chosen the best de luxe accommodation for 3 nights in Kathmandu in a 4-star hotel, 12/13 nights in a standard teahouse/lodge, and 2/3 nights in two-person camping tents. We provide en suite rooms in major towns like Namche and Lukla, however, teahouses/lodges in most of the places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. A 4-seasons sleeping bag and foam mattress will be provided for sleeping in the tent. We maintain the highest standards of comfort, though obviously factors such as the weather lie outside our control. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation.

If you are a solo traveller, you will share a room/tent with someone else of the same sex from your group. If you would prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single rooms on request by paying a single supplement of US$350. On paying a single supplement, you will certainly get a single room in Kathmandu but in other places single accommodation is not always feasible. However, we will try our best to provide you with single rooms wherever possible.

 

Meals

During your Island Peak Adventure, you can enjoy typical Nepalese food and different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) from pizza and chips to apple pie. You can even enjoy hot chocolate, a variety of breads and a range of drinks and snacks.

Breakfast each day will be provided from the menu of the teahouse/lodge where you spent the night. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and breakfast in the teahouse/lodge where you will spend the night. During the climbing session, freshly cooked hygienic food or packed meals will be provided. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and breakfasts will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu.

 

Acclimatisation and AMS

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a medical condition caused by going up to high altitudes too fast – and it can prove fatal. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is in the air. For example, at the high camp and at the summit, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. It is absolutely essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatisation because our bodies need a few days to adapt safely to this lower-oxygen environment.

Himalayan Adventures does it’s best to minimise the risk of AMS through an acclimatisation-focused itinerary. However, it is important to remember that some people can be more vulnerable to AMS than others, so we advise guests with known heart, lung or blood conditions to consult their doctor before travelling.

Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Read more about it in “Altitude Illness” by Dr Jim Duff.

 

Your guides

The most significant element that makes your Island Peak Adventure successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek leader and the crew members who make your days in the mountain run smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trek leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.

Himalayan Adventures aims to sustain local communities and only employs Nepalese staff who are knowledgeable about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Our trek leaders also receive training in potential medical problems that may arise during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

 

  • Intensive wilderness first aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
  • Trekking guide training – Nepal Government’s Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
  • Eco trekking workshop & adventure meet – TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
  • English language – KEEP
  • Conservation and biodiversity – KEEP
  • Rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering – Nepal Mountaineering Association

 

Our trekking and climbing leaders obviously speak English well enough to communicate but please remember that this is not their mother tongue. The guides and porters know the routes and locality like the back of their hand, they practise the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and its cultural aspects.

 

What to pack

For trekking over suspension bridges, climbing along mountain ridges and chilling out at thousands of metres high – check out our list of essential gear.

 

When to go

The best months for the Island Peak Adventure trek are Spring (mid-March to May) and Autumn (mid-September to November) although Island Peak can be climbed during the months of December, January and February.

See our departure dates and prices