Island Peak Climbing via EBC

As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the snow capped mountain peaks in Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. As per your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.

Overnight in Hotel

Today after the breakfast we will proceed for sightseeing tour in and around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath temple are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed in a world heritage sites. The Durbar Square shows us the regal life of ancient periods. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. Swoyambhunath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is the Buddhist temple which is very popular around the globe. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It can also be known as the viewpoint of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chhorten ever made around the world.

Overnight in Hotel

We take a stunning early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, Gateway to the Everest region, perched above the Dudh Kosi or River of Milk so named because of the pale milky appearance of the glacier melt-water. We are now in the region of the legendary Sherpas and you will notice the difference in the faces of the people you meet here and those from the Kathmandu valley.

After lunch we trek north down towards Phakding along a meandering trail which is lined with mani stone walls, made with hundreds of stone tablets and giant carved boulders, brilliantly decorated with brightly colored paints. The Buddhists believe these to be sacred and so as a sign of respect to the local culture we pass them in a clockwise direction.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about five and half hours. We head onwards and upwards as the trail starts to rise through a forest of rhododendron, magnolia and giant fir-trees. Our target this evening is Namche Bazaar, a delightful mountain village and the Sherpa capital, but first we must ascend Namche Hill; walking at a gentle but steady pace we finally arrive at the town that is itself an important meeting and trading point for the local people.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is a colourful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An early hike above town, before the clouds move in, reward climbers with a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world), and the beautiful Ama Dablam. On the way down, we can visit the Sherpa Museum that houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist. One room highlights the Sherpa traditions and in another, Sherpa high altitude climbers are presented.

It is important to note that acclimatization is extremely important and that by using these acclimatization days correctly we greatly improve our chances of reaching our goal of Kalapatar, which lies at an altitude of 5545m.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

After having breakfast, you begin to climb through the ups and downs route, passing the Mani wall. Continuing the trek, you pass the small settlement of Sanasa from where the trail drops towards Phunki Tenga (3250 m.). The steep trail begins through pine forests and around Mani stones as it follows the side of a hill to the saddle on which the monastery of Tenboche situated at 3867 m. The excellent views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kwangde will accompany you.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You descend downhill through a forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb steadily to the village of Pangboche (3,930 m/12,894 ft). This village is directly opposite Ama Dablam (6,814 m/22,356 ft) and has exceptional views of the mountain with the monastery, mani walls and scattered pine trees in the foreground. A further two hours’ walk-through scrub junipers bring you to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft). Dingboche is a summer settlement surrounded by some of the region’s most iconic peaks: Ama Dablam, the Nuptse-Lhotse ridge, Tawache, and Chalotse.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A full day has been allocated for acclimatization. You get to wander up the valley to the summit of Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m/16,677 ft), from where you can get the stupendous 360-degree view of the mountains including Mt. Makalu (8,463 m/27,766 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,490 ft), Cho Oyu (8,201 m/26,906 ft), Imja Tse (Island Peak) (6165 m / 20226 ft), Ama Dablam (6814 m / 22356 ft), Khangtega (6,783 m/22,254 ft), Thamserku (6,623 m/21,729 ft), Tawoche (6,501 m/21,329 ft) and Cholatse (6,423 m/21,073 ft).

Overnight in tea house.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawoche on the left. Then turn right and take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The tea house at Thogla (Dughla) (4,620 m/15,157 ft) is a good spot to have lunch. The trail zigzags up through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb there are many stone cairns, built as memorials to many Sherpas and international climbers like Scott Fisher who have died while climbing Mt. Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109 ft).

Overnight in tea house.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A very early start is required to reach Gorak Shep. The trail offers superb views of the surrounding mountains, especially where the path is forced to rise to cross a tributary glacier. You stop for lunch at Gorak Shep (5,140 m/16,864 ft). Later in the afternoon, you make your way to the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft). It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. On the return leg, you can take a higher route to get a spectacular view of the Khumbu Icefall and the route to the South Col. You will return back to Gorak Shep (5,14o m/16,864 ft) for the overnight stay.

Overnight in tea house.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Early morning, you make your way to the top of one of the finest viewpoints in the Everest region, Kala Patthar (5,550 m/18,209 ft). Way to Kala Patthar is steep trail so you will take comfortable pace to reach on the top. The view from the top of Kala Patthar is one of the finest views of mighty Everest. You can also see Lintren (6,713 m/22,024 ft) and Khumbu Tse (6,639 m/21,782 ft) and Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft) mountains. You will spend some time on the summit and stroll back to Gorak Shep and continue down to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft).

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Today you’ll have an easy walk today as it’s just about 3 hours’ hike on flat trail. You’ll start your trek from Dingboche to Chhukhung Village – the last village in Imja Khola Valley. As you set off, you’ll walk through fields bordered by traditional stone walls, making your way through the Imja Khola valley. From here, the trail takes you into rugged glacier moraines, with towering peaks like Lhotse and Ama Dablam flanking you on either side. As you continue, you’ll pass through the village of Bibre (4,570 m/14,993 ft), and beyond it, you’ll get the glimpse of Island Peak, rising majestically above you. The trail ahead crosses icy streams, adding a touch of adventure to the landscape. After about half an hour of walking from Bibre, you’ll reach Chhukung (4,730 m/15,518 ft), a small settlement situated in the valley. From here, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view directly across the valley of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsta, two of the most spectacular mountains in the region. After reaching Chhukhung Village, you can either explore the village or relax at your lodge. This peaceful stop offers the perfect opportunity to take in the stunning views and prepare for the days ahead.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Today’s trek to Island Peak Base Camp follows a relatively steep trail. You’ll begin by climbing south before turning east towards the main line of the valley. From there, the path winds its way below the southern edge of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier, giving you a sense of the rugged, icy terrain that characterizes this part of the region. As you continue, the trail becomes more pleasant, winding alongside a stream. The route towards Amphu Labsta lies to the southeast, but your path takes you on a crisscross trail through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines, leading you towards a broad valley at the base of Island Peak. Once you arrive, you’ll be at the Island Peak Base Camp, located on the southwest side of the peak. The views here are stunning, with the surrounding glaciers and towering peaks creating a dramatic backdrop. After a long day of trekking, you’ll spend the night at the Base Camp, resting and preparing for the next steps in your adventure. Today also marks the start of your pre-climb training in preparation for the ascent of Island Peak. Your experienced guides will lead a comprehensive session on peak climbing techniques and the proper use of essential climbing gear. You will learn how to handle equipment like the ice axe, climbing boots, crampons, harness, ascender, etc. Additionally, the training will cover the fundamentals of rope techniques, including how to safely ascend and descend using ropes. While prior climbing experience is not mandatory for summiting Island Peak, we strongly believe that having some basic training beforehand will significantly enhance your confidence and climbing skills. This will not only increase your chances of reaching the summit but also help you enjoy the experience more fully and safely. During the climb, you’ll typically ascend rocky terrain up to around 5,770 meters (18,930 feet). Beyond this point, you will encounter ice, and ropes will be used when necessary, depending on the conditions. The need for ropes, and their length, will largely depend on the season and the presence of crevasses along the route. After your training session, you can spend the rest of the day to rest and recover for the big climb the next day.

You’ll stayOvernight at the Base Campreadying yourself for the challenge ahead.

Today is the big day! You’ll wake up very early, around 12 to 1 am, to have a light breakfast before beginning the climb. Reaching the summit before noon is crucial, as the winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, which can make a successful ascent much more difficult. The climb begins just beyond Base Camp, moving up for several hundred meters before veering off to the steep hillside. Initially, the trail is sandy, but soon it transitions to grass and then becomes rocky and boulder-strewn as you gain altitude. As you climb higher, the slope narrows and the path leads into a steep rock channel. This section is manageable, but you’ll need to navigate several short rock steps before reaching the right side of the gully. Once through the rock gully, the route continues along a ridge leading to an exposed, exhilarating traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. At this point, your guides will fix ropes where necessary to help with the ascent. A steep snow slope takes you further onto the summit ridge, where both fixed ropes and man ropes will be used for safety. After successfully climbing on rock, you will transition to using the fixed ropes, which are typically about 350 meters long. However, the length may vary depending on the season and the condition of the crevasses. As you continue, you’ll encounter two newly formed crevasses, approximately 3 to 4 meters wide. These will be crossed using ladders, a standard safety measure for these sections. After you successfully cross the crevasses, you’ll be just a short distance from the summit. Once at the top, take time to enjoy the stunning views and capture the moment with photographs. The summit of Island Peak (6,165 m/20,226 ft) is incredible, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. After soaking in the views and taking photos, it’s time to descend. You’ll carefully retrace your steps back down to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200 m/17,060 ft. Upon arrival, you’ll celebrate your successful ascent of Island Peak

A spare day is kept if you miss the summit the day before. It’s essential that you wait if the weather condition worsens. Keeping an extra day ensures that you can summit the peak one way or other.

Today’s trek will be much easier as you begin your descent to lower altitudes, allowing your body to gradually adjust to the changing elevation. You’ll follow the same route back through the wide Khumbu Khola valley, retracing your steps as you pass through Sherpa villages like Chhukung (4,730 m/15,518 ft), Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft), Orsho (4,190 m/13,747 ft) and Shomare (4,010 m/13,156 ft). If you’d like to take a detour, you can opt for a different trail that leads you to the Gumba in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region. Alternatively, you can stick to the regular trail, which will take you directly to Pangboche (3,930 m/12,894 ft). Pangboche is a beautiful and scenic village situated in a stunning valley. Surrounded by the towering peaks of Everest to the north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Khangtega to the east, and the Kongde range to the south, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. The Imja Tse River flows through the fertile valley, adding to the serene landscape. It’s a peaceful and scenic stop, where you can relax and take in the stunning surroundings.

From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Take the downhill trail to Lukla. We will follow the descending trail and walk through rocks and boulders to the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River. On reaching Lukla, you head to a local teahouse where you will stay overnight. In the evening, you celebrate the completion of your trip with your trekking crew.

There will be singing, dancing, and endless local brew rounds with the porters, guide, and assistant guides. This is an excellent time to thank the local crew for helping you realize your EBC dream. Offer them tips before retiring for the night and bidding goodbye to most of them.

Overnight in teahouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You successfully conclude the trek and proceed for flight to Kathmandu. We will enjoy our last view of the high mountains while flying back to the Kathmandu from Lukla. The snow-capped mountains will be worth to watch. After 25 minutes of flight, our representative will be waiting for you at domestic airport to take you back to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at your leisure; feel free to relax or explore the local markets.

Overnight in teahouse.

This is a contingency day in case of Lukla flight delays. If you have free time, you can let go the strains of your trekking in the Himalaya. You can explore around the Heritage sites in the city, stroll down the streets of Thamel for local cultural experience, visit nearby monasteries, relax at a nearby spa centers or do some souvenir haunting in the local bazar.

Overnight in Hotel

As per your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or any other destinations. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM.

Or inform us if you want to stay longer for short tours such as Jungle Safari at National Parks, Mountain Biking, Rafting, a Tibet tour, a Tour to Bhutan or India Tour. We will be happy to assist you.