Tour Highlights
Grade
12 Days
Accommodation
Hotel
Transportation
Bus
Max Altitude
6,189 m
Area to Visit
Kathmandu, Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung, Chhukung Ri, Island Peak Base camp, Island Peak Summit
Price from $3490/pp
Many of us only dream of standing on a tall peak looking down on the world. This is a great climb that will satisfy this desire. Island Peak, also referred to as Imja Tse, is a 6187-meter high peak in the Sagarmatha National Park of the Himalayas in the eastern region of Nepal close to the Tibetan border. It was officially named Island Peak in 1953 by members of the British Mount Everest expedition because it looked like an island in a sea of ice when viewed from the village of Dingboche. In order to climb Island Peak you will need to be physically fit and preferably have some previous climbing experience, or alternatively do some training that will prepare you for climbing at high altitudes.
This peak is considered a technical climb and is challenging but with the use of fixed ropes it is a relatively safe climb to the summit. The high altitude is the biggest threat to climbers. From the summit you will have astonishing views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Mera Peak. This is a true climbing expedition that may be the first for many of you, but may inspire you to seek other mountains to climb in the future. This is an opportunity to go beyond trekking and take it to the next level and feel like you are “king of the mountain” as you traipse through the snow to the summit of Island Peak
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking pride themselves on taking excellent care of their clients, providing all permits, meals and accommodation on the trek. There will also be time set aside for preparation prior to the day you climb to the summit.
Day 1 : Arrival Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft) & transfer to hotel.
A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will be there to meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Thamel. Kathmandu is a city full of lively markets, hectic streets, colorful temples and impressive pagodas.
The remainder of the day you will can wander around Thamel and catch up on some last minute shopping for equipment. This evening, your guide will brief you and provide valuable information about the trek. This evening you will meet the rest of the group at a welcome dinner at a local Nepali restaurant.
Day 2 : Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) & trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we take a short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trek to Phakding (2610m), a small village located in the Khumbu region of Nepal in the Dudh Kosi River valley.
Day 3 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River before trekking through the villages of Tok-Tok, Benkar, and Monjo before arriving at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate where you will be asked to show your trekking permit.
After following the river bed for a few hours and then crossing the last Hillary suspension bridge, there is a steep uphill climb to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar has a good selection of restaurants, an internet café, pubs, post office, ATM and banks.
Day 4 : Exploration & Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar.
Acclimatization is a necessary exercise before climbing to higher altitudes. Health professionals strongly suggest that you stay active during the day, so today we will trek to the villages of Khunde and Khumjung and have a spectacular view of Mt. Everest before heading back to Namche Bazaar.
At Namche Bazaar you may wish to view what is said to be a Yeti skull! Namche Bazaar is proud to say it has a bakery! Strolling around Namche Bazaar is another way to remain active. Sitting still for too long is not a good idea.
Day 5 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.
This morning we follow the trail along the banks of the fast flowing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi River. On the trail you will have some superb views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Taboche and Amadablam. We will attain an altitude of 3,800 meters at Tengboche.
The Tengboche monastery has beautiful ornate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of various poses of the Buddha, musical instruments and robes worn by the Lamas. You will observe a prayer ceremony, either in the evening or in the morning, depending on how the trekking goes today. The chanting is comforting to the soul.
Day 6 : Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today we head downhill on a three to four hour trek on a trail that passes through forests before crossing the Imja Khola (river) and on through the village of Pangboche, with its distinct fields surrounded by rock walls. Tonight we stay at Dingboche.
Day 7 : Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) Duration: 3-4 hours.
Dingboche is surrounded by the peaks of Ama Dablam, the edge of Nuptse-Lhotse, Tawache and Cholatse. Today we trek to Chhukung passing through stone-walled fields and the Imja Khola Valley before having to cross the icy moraines. Just beyond the village of Bibre we can see Island Peak. The trail crosses several streams before coming to Chhukung. From Chhukung we can see Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labtsa mountains.
Day 8 : Hike up to Chhukung Ri (5,546m) and trek back to Chhukung (4,700m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
From Chhukung you will appreciate the superb view of Mt. Ama Dablam. The views of Island Peak from Chhukung (and further up the valley) are quite stunning. We will scramble up to Chhukung Ri from where you will have views of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labtsa.
Day 9 : Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp (5,200m/17,060ft) Duration: 3-4 hours.
Today we follow a steep trail up to Island Peak Base Camp. We pass below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier and then follow the trail next to a stream until reaching Island Peak Base Camp where we stay overnight.
Day 10 : Climb from Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit (6,189m/20,305ft)& back to Chhukung and fly back to Lukla By Helicopter; Duration: 10-12 hours.
Today is the day you have been preparing for and as long as the weather is suitable we will head off very early in the morning to climb to the summit of Island Peak (6,187m). We initially climb up through a gully and veer to our right.
We then cross a very rocky area and a ridge from where we have some fantastic views of glaciers and crevices. After some time at the summit taking in the views and madly taking photos, we will head back down to Chhukung and we will take a sharing helicopter to Lukla for an overnight stay.
Day 11 : Fly to Kathmandu from Lukla.
Early this morning we fly over the mountains back to Kathmandu. Most flights depart in the morning so as to avoid the gustier and unpredictable weather that sometimes develops later in the day. During the flight you can look down on the magnificent Himalayan Mountains that we are now familiar with.
After arriving at Kathmandu you can rest or do some last minute shopping around Thamel. Alternatively you can catch up on seeing places you missed in Kathmandu. Your guide will be available to help and direct you with souvenir shopping or sightseeing. This evening we will have a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant along with a traditional cultural dance show. This is your chance to say farewell to your guide and fellow trekkers.
Day 12 : Transfer to the International airport for your final departure.
A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport around 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you may already be planning on another climbing expedition to Nepal. There are enough mountains to satisfy any climber.
- Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both domestic and international flights as per itinerary.
- 2 Night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.
- Trekking Lodge/teahouse and tented accommodation during trekking and climbing session
- Experienced and government licensed high altitude trekking guide during the trekking and climbing period
- Schedule flight tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu to all the climbing members, Sherpa guide.
- 3 meals a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee are available in the tea house/hotel/lodge during the trek.
- 3 fresh & hygienic meals a day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at base camp.
- Helicopter flight from Thukla to Lukla
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Trekking permit (Sagarmatha national park entry fee).
- TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System).
- Climbing permit of Nepal government to Climb Lobuche Peak
- First aid medical kits for the group and the staff.
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Helicopter rescue insurance for high altitude staff.
- Trekking and climbing map of Lobuche peak.
- Our service charge and government taxes levied in Nepal.
- Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a domestic culture show in Kathmandu.
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner).
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, health bars.
- Items of personal nature – laundry expenses, tips.
- Rescues, repatriation, medicines, medical tests, and hospitalization expenses.
- Medical insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Travel insurance and helicopter rescue.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $25 USD for 15-day visa.
- Personal climbing gear.
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
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