Island Peak Expedition Trek in Nepal

ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU |  ROYAL SINGI HOTEL    

Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is the first day of your tour. Once you’ve passed through passport control and collected your bags, you’ll head out to the front of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to be greeted by one of our friendly team members. You won’t miss them! They will be there to pick you up and transport you to your hotel.

Overnight at Royal Singi Hotel (Dinner) or Similar.

KATHMANDU VALLEY (1300M)  |  TREK PREPARATION |  ROYAL SINGI HOTEL

Kathmandu Valley is a fantastic place with numerous natural, cultural and historical sites. Today, you will be taken on a tour around Kathmandu to visit some of these major attractions. Kathmandu lies at 1300m above sea level, so it’s important to get out and about today and let your body acclimatize. After spending a few hours observing these beautiful sites, you will meet with the team and guides to finalize your equipment and the trekking gear required during the trek.

You will enjoy a delicious welcome meal with your fellow travelers in the evening. If in Kathmandu, you’ll be taken to one of the most popular local restaurants where you can enjoy Nepali food, cultural music, and ethnic dance.

Overnight at Royal Singi Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

FLY TO LUKLA  | TREK TO PHAKDING (2,652 M)  |  SHERPA GUIDE LODGE

5 HOURS WALK

The flight to Lukla is one of our favorite parts of the trek. Landing at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla is on many people’s Bucket lists.

You will be escorted in a private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport to board an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m). After a 30-35 mins flight, the plane will land at Lukla Airport (Tenzing Hillary Airport). Here will be introduced to other team members awaiting your arrival. At the same time, your luggage will be prepared for the porters. The ultimate trek finally begins towards the destination of the day, Phakding. Leaving Lukla behind, you will descend for around four hours of downhill and flat trail experience before finally reaching Phakding – also known as the ‘Lodge City,’ which sits on the Dudh Kosi River. You can freshen up and rest for a while before following your guide on a short walk to explore the village of Phakding or even stretch your legs with a hike to nearby Gompas (monasteries), which will aid your acclimatization. The night will be spent at a lodge in Phakding.

Overnight at Sherpa Guide Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,440M)  |  GREEN TARA GUEST HOUSE 

5 HOURS WALK

Today is the second day of the trek. After having a delicious breakfast at your lodge in Phakding, you will leave the village and head towards your destination for today, Namche Bazaar. You will follow the train along the Dudh Koshi River, taking in the views and soaking up the energy of the Khumbu region. You will cross three suspension bridges and, with plenty of rest, stops in local tea houses along the route. Monjo is recognized as the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park, and here, the group leaders and guides will take care of the necessary entry formalities once the formalities are completed, you will continue with your journey on a steep descent, passing over more suspension bridges until your trail starts to lead upward toward Namche Bazaar. It is a tough two-hour hike to reach Namche Bazaar, but here you will have your first view of Mt. Everest along with other incredible peaks.

Overnight at Green Tara Guest House (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT NAMCHE  |  GREEN TARA GUEST HOUSE 

Today, you will get involved in activities that help you to adapt to the change in altitude and thinning air. Remaining active is the best way to acclimatize, so instead of resting, you will hike to Thame, an amazing old Sherpa village. You also have the option to visit Khumjung, Khongde, or Khunde, which further aids in acclimatization. Namche Bazaar offers a variety of options to spend the day. Hence, the remaining days can either be spent visiting the National Park Head Office, Museum, and other nearby monasteries, or you can also spend some quality time at cafes and bakeries or talking to your family and making internet calls. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Overnight at Green Tara Guest House (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

TREK TO TENGBOCHE (3,867M)  |  THYANGBOCHE GUESTHOUSE 

5 HOURS WALK

You will first walk along the glacial water of Dudh Khoshi, enjoying the views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and Ama Dablam. You’ll continue towards the famous Rhododendron Forest Walk through the forest before you finally reach Sanasa – a major trail junction to Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. From here, you take a steep ascent that will eventually take you to Tengboche Monastery. The night will be spent at a lodge in Tengboche.

Overnight at Thyangboche Guest House (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

TREK TO DINGBOCHE (4,350M)  |  DINGBOCHE RESORT

5-6 HOURS WALK

For the first half an hour, you walk downhill towards the river and then continue the walk through the green forest, crossing the river and ascending up to Pangboche. From Pangboche you again increase in altitude, climbing up to Pheriche. From Pheriche, the walk is moderate, and the trail will lead you to the Imja Valley. From here, you will hike the last vertical climb of the day, finally taking you to Dingboche. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dingboche.

Overnight at Dingboche Resort (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

ACCLIMATIZATION DAY  |  DINGBOCHE RESORT

Adapting to the change in altitude and thinning air is highly recommended before conquering the peak. Therefore, this is the second acclimatization day before heading towards the Island peak. We climb the ridge on the north behind the Dingboche village to observe the view of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, and other mighty peaks. You can also enjoy the internet café or spend some time. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dingboche.

Overnight at  Dingboche Resort (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

TREK TO CHHUKUNG (4,730M)  |  CHHUKUNG RESORT 

3-4 HOURS WALK

Our destination is Chhukung Valley. You make your way from the Imja Khola Valley towards the east of Chhukung Valley, walking along the rocky trail to get to the valley. On reaching Chhukung, you will check into the lodge and meet your climbing and camping staff. After a round of briefing regarding the next day’s climb, you will check over all the essential equipment and gear required for the next day. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukung.

Overnight at Chhukung Resort (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

TREK TO ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP (5,200M)  |  TENTED CAMP

3-4 HOURS WALK

Your destination is the base camp of Island Peak. You will first head south and then walk towards the main valley in the east. After walking on a pleasant trail along the stream, the trail directs toward a huge rock. From here, this rocky trail becomes glacial as you cross Lhotse and Imja glacier moraine. After crossing these glacier moraines, you finally reach the destination set for the day. Today, you will spend a few hours training to practice the following day’s climbing techniques using fixed ropes and crampons. The night is spent in a tent at the base camp of Island Peak.

Overnight in a Tented Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

ISLAND PEAK HIGH CAMP (5,600M)  |  TENTED CAMP  

2-3 HOURS WALK

Trek to Island Peak High Camp is the destination set for today. A 2-3 hour walk through the narrow slopes and rigid path will lead you to your goal. On reaching the High Camp, your tent is set, gear and equipment will be rechecked, your boots will be fitted with crampons, and you will go over the climbing techniques discussed over the previous two days in preparation for tomorrow’s climb. The night is spent inside the tent at the High Camp of Island Peak.

Overnight in a Tented Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

ISLAND PEAK SUMMIT AND RETURN TO CHHUKUNG (6,189M)  |  CHHUKUNG RESORT

8-10 HOURS WALK

Today is the main day of the trek and the day that takes you to the highest point of the entire expedition– the summit of Island Peak. You will start as early as possible, using the techniques taught by the climbing leader earlier. You will make your way through short rock steps, crevasses, sera’s, 40-45 degree slopes, ridges of summit glacier, and finally to the summit. You will spend some time here taking photos and making memories that will last a lifetime before walking downhill back to the High Camp. You will collect your belongings and any remaining gear and trek back to Chhukung Valley. Today’s walk is probably the longest walk in the entire trail. Therefore, you can relax your tired muscles in the lodge & celebrate your incredible achievement. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukung.

Overnight at Chhukung Resort (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

TREK TO KYANJUMA (3,780M)  |  AMADABLAM LODGE

5-6 HOURS WALK

Your destination for the day is Kyanjuma. You will walk down towards Kyanjuma, leaving Pangboche and Tengboche behind, making your way through the rhododendron and pine forests and suspension bridges. On reaching Kyanjuma, you will check into the lodge, where you can finally enjoy a hot shower to relax your tired muscles. The night will be spent at a lodge in Kyanjuma.

Overnight at Amadablam Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

TREK TO NAMCHE (3,440M)  |  GREEN TARA GUEST HOUSE

4-5 HOURS WALK

You walk through the ridge and the fairly easy trail will lead you back to Namche Bazaar. The remaining days can be spent visiting different attractions in Namche Bazaar or simply enjoying coffee and some food at the cafés. You can also rest in the lodge itself, if you don’t wish to walk any longer. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Overnight at Green Tara Guest House (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

TREK TO LUKLA (2,652M)  |  EVEREST MOUNTAIN HOME

7-8 HOURS WALK

This is the last day of the trek, and your destination is Lukla. Starting from Namche Bazaar, a 7-8 hour walk will finally take you to Lukla. The trail continues downhill toward the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, close to the junction of the Dudhkoshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers. On crossing this bridge, you walk towards Monjo. After a short lunch break, you will continue the trail that finally leads you back to Lukla. Today, after reaching Lukla, you will have a celebration of your achievement of climbing an epic 6000m peak. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lukla.

Overnight at Everest Mountain Home (Breakfast and Dinner) or Similar.

FLY TO KATHMANDU (1,300M)  |  ROYAL SINGI HOTEL

The second to last day of the trek is your last day in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Our Sherpas will carry your luggage to the airport while your team leader takes care of other formalities. Once the plane lands at the airport, you will directly board the plane and fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning, enjoying the scenic view once again from the sky. A comfortable private vehicle will be waiting for your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, which will safely escort you to the hotel. In the evening, you and your group can meet up to discuss your trek and celebrate your achievements. 

Overnight at Royal Singi Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) or Similar.

DEPARTURE

Today is the last day of your trip to Nepal. If your flight is scheduled for early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. If your flight is scheduled for later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or hang around the shopping areas in Kathmandu.