Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek

After breakfast briefing regarding the Island peak will be presented by our well-experienced guide. He will let you know about the gears and kits required for the expedition. The entire route will be vividly described by our expert providing you with detailed information for your splendid trip ahead. When the briefing is done the guests are taken for half-day sightseeing since Kathmandu consists of hundred of historical places. We will try to cover as many places as possible because a day is not enough to visit the whole city.

The day starts early with a packed breakfast. The flight takes off with the sunrise of the day so our guests are advised to go early to bed on day 2. Traveling from the hotel to the airport may take half an hour to forty-five minutes. Our other staff standstill on the domestic arrival terminal with utmost joy at the airport here. After short rest in the hotel, the real thrill begins for the hikers that will last for 3-4 hours. Feel nature untouched with handmade roads crossing small villages with astonishing hamlets and breathtaking suspension bridges. Before the day end, you will feel how Dudh Kosi(Milk River) has accompanied you all this time. Time for rest and preparation for the day next.

The hot breakfast is a much-needed energizer for a long day trek. After leaving Phakding we head northwards with Dudh Koshi beside us. With many villages on the route with friendly people and mesmerizing topography, we take a break for lunch at Jorsalle which is inside the Sagarmatha National Park. During the visit to Josalle National park which starts from Monjo, we will observe shelters for many rare and endangered species which is icing on the cake for trekkers. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site it covers the almost whole of Khumbu enclosing one of the world's loftiest regions. It was named Sagarmatha in Nepali as it is called Mt, Everest in English. Pure wilderness awaits for the afternoon hike. A suspension bridge lies above the meeting of two rivers Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi that will send chills to your spines. If the day is clear the ridge of the highest peak of the world is seen. Eventually, we enter Namche a paradise for the trekkers as it is considered a place to take much-needed rest after a long day's trek.

Since this town is located at a very high altitude for some trekkers living in lowland the terrain may be a bit challenging but we have a remedy to overcome the difficulty and trek with ease. After breakfast, we ascend to Everest hotel a walk of about one hour and a half. From here one can have a view of spirited mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Amadablam, etc. This place has a government health post, dental clinic, and ATM. If one needs any trekking gear, there are shops where this equipment is available. This is the largest village in the Khumbo region where every Saturday market occurs and sherpas from the entire region come for weekly shopping. There is a holy site, a monastery where brief information about Buddhism and local culture is shared.

After breakfast, we start climbing with panoramic views of the Kwangde range as our backdrop. On our right will be the Thamserku peak which will be giving us a morale boost and after a short climb, we reach a flat trail. Nature's beauty at this spot is beyond our imagination. We get to observe the world's highest peak hear. After hiking for a while, we take a short tea break in Kyangjuma where we will be able to see a whole view of Amadablam and others ranges. Then we descend to Phunkitenga for lunch. On the way, we find stone steps from where we will be ascending with pine trees and rhododendrons to reach Tengboche. The monastery at Tengboche is the largest Khumbu Gompa in the area. Established on 1916 by lama Gulu, this place had suffered a few disasters in the past but was maintained shortly after. The prayers in this Gompa are held twice a day during which we will feel spiritually connected. The monastery Carries a distinct significance on the Everest expedition.

The day starts with scenic beauty which might take your breath away. The call of the mountains makes you nostalgic and adds energy to your hike ahead. First, the trail declines however after sometimes the path slowly ascent towards Dingboche. The ideal part of the route is no steep uphill or downhill but a modest incline with a mind-blowing picturesque and moderate stupas before reaching Pangboche for a short break. The hike begins in Shomare with yak pastures and a few shepherd's huts. After reaching Shomare we stop for lunch, the topography is relatively more pastoral with an unspoiled hamlet. The terrain dramatically changes as the trail leaves Shomare with dry and barren land with no trees. The route descends to a point near the confluence of the Imja river and Khumbu river. Now climbing a low ridge and the sprawling settlements of Dingboche overlooked by stupa(chortens) suddenly appear below.

A day to rest, relax and acclimatize after days of the hike. On this day hiking is short so that the muscles in the body get warmed up for the hike for the following days. We walk 300m to 400m uphill so that more beautiful views can be seen. Finally for the first time Island peak is revealed. Here we can stay for a while enjoying the views and the experience of once in a lifetime. Then we descend to our lodge for lunch and a short training session is held with the Sherpa leader for climbing the Island peak.

The route climbs the ridge above Dingboche slightly gaining elevation as you walk along the valley wall. With Cholatse and Taboche soaring against the blue sky on the right, the Lobuche peaks straight ahead with Amadablam and Thamserku behind. Looking below the village of Pheriche appears tiny. After a hike for a while, we reach Dughla (4600m/15090ft) and it is time for lunch. Now the great feeling arises that you are on the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The climb gets a bit tough into the valley and then up the moraine wall of Khumbu glacier. Nuptse hides as you climb but Thamserku appears bigger at the back. After reaching the top of the ridge you will find large heaps of stones with prayer flags and memorials reminding us of those mountaineers who perished trying to climb Everest. Scott Fischer and Babu Chiri Sherpa are among the great names in the climbing world. The trail flattens as you make the last push to Lobuche.

The route to Gorakshep starts with a very early breakfast since the hike is going to be long. Crossing the shallow brook, the sandy and rocky path the elevation is slowly gained. At certain sections, there is a steeper incline as you make your way but after all these days of walk, the trail appears to be fun. On another part of the trail, views of the Khumbu glacier get even better. As we have started the day with early breakfast, lunch will also be early. On Gorakshep after a meal, we head towards Everest base camp. Walking through the Khumbu glacier feels like walking on a totally different landscape with almost no vegetation. On reaching the basecamp( 5364m) you will view spectacular ridges of the range. It is a complete desolate wasteland of rocks and boulders that have existed with the existence of the Himalayas. Those visiting for the first time will be taken aback by this unusual beauty. At times we find tents set up by those mountaineers who are about to conquer Everest. Then after short refreshment, we return to Gorakshep for the night.

Before the break of dawn, our journey heads towards Kalapatthar(5545m/18,192ft). The way the first rays of the sun hit the peak of Mt. Everest is an achievement for those trekkers who had come for the first time. After a couple of hours of steep walk, we reach Kalapatthar, from where the towering peaks of Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and many more stand right in front of us. A moment to cherish, then slowly we decline. In Gorakshep, we have breakfast and move towards Dingboche. After a hectic day, we have our meals and rest overnight at Dingboche.

A short hiking day to begin with. As you proceed towards Chhukhung your heartbeat starts getting faster with excitement because the Island peak is just there for you to achieve. On reaching the place you rest and relax for a while. The afternoon is a training session by a Sherpa guide who will help you to climb the Island peak. He will take your theory class on the particular details that are required for the expedition. They may take practical classes by taking you to Chhukhungri a nearby place. Have a nice sleep if you are attempting for the first time cause the day next will be spent in the tent.

With high spirit, the day began as you can see the Island peak just in front of you. The trip starting from Chhukhung is heading towards the base camp. The trail is steep and rocky. On the way, you come across gigantic glaciers right above the Imja river surrounded by the lofty Himalayas. The zigzag route by the side of the river bed along rocky terrain is a view to admire. You need to be cautious as some parts of the trail are slippery due to icy steps. On reaching the base camp with the crews, tents are set up for accommodation. Food is prepared by our squad and provided to you in dining tents. A totally different experience so far.

A very exciting day almost starting at 2-3 a.m. (according to Sherpa's guide) the journey begins for the final match. You gear up for the ascent, our supporting team will help you to carry your equipment and encourage you in summiting the peak. Covered with white your ascend will not be normal. With crampons, your pace will be that of a tortoise. You climb the ridge and find yourself in the exposed area next to the summit glacier. The team will rope up to prevent any mishap due to icy glaciers and crevasses. Eventually, you reach the bottom of the south summit reach and use fixed rope and jumar. Ultimately after many days of hike and struggle, you are on the top of the Island peak. So a few moments is spared for achieving such a feat. Bidding farewell to the summit with the great feeling you will slowly descend. On reaching the base camp the staff will offer you a hot meal. After leaving the base camp we head towards Chhukung for the night. With much-needed rest and a very exciting period, the day ends you will have a tale to share.

Finally, the mission is over and time to return. So we start as usual after having breakfast our hike begins. Following the route, we head back and now the trail seems not so tiring cause it is descending. On the way, we come across a route to Kongmala pass. As we decline the air seems thick due to the fact that at higher altitudes air gets thinner, we start getting fresh with beautiful scenery within the periphery. We take a break for lunch at Tengboche enjoying the views. Again we walk downhill but a bit careful cause the road consists of stone steps and gravel. In between if you are tired you can rest for a while because we provide you generous team. A long day of walking is finally over after reaching Namche and you can relax by going to a pub or shopping and buying souvenirs and other stuff.

This is the last day of our trip, for sure if you get time in future you will visit again the call of the Himalayas are certainly not to be ignored. Slowly we descend in bliss with hills and mountains accompanying us. The hike is going to be long but the achievement made is enough to warm you up for the entire trek of the day. You will clearly notice that this trial was lively and lovely meeting innocent Himalayan people living in extreme conditions. Eventually, after reaching Lukla you feel like partying with your squad which happens with all our guests. At that point, you will realize that you have entered here as a guest but going out as a friend.

Finally, an early morning flight to Kathmandu is waiting for you on a Lukla runway. The staff will bid you farewell, a last glance at the Himalayas will see before you enter the plane.

The company vehicle will come to get you and transfer you to the international airport.