EVEREST ISLAND PEAK CLIMBING

Arrival Kathmandu (1,350m)

Upon arrival meet and assist by Parikrama Treks representative and transfer to hotel. On the way enjoy the view of World heritage Pashupatinath Temple. 

Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Preparation

Today after breakfast guided tour to UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip to Hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Included meals: Breakfast

Fly to Lukla (2,800m) then trek to Phakding (2,652m) 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek

Transfer to the domestic terminal of TIA. Morning flight to Lukla(40min) Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding. 

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 5-6 hours trek

After breakfast, we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar great view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and beautiful lush green pine, fir, and juniper forests throughout our trek. In clear weather, we may see a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge we enter the Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and the main trading center of this region. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): Acclimatization Day

We rest in Namche for acclimatization. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, and we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region. (3 to 4 hours of the hike)

Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,110m): 5-6 hours

Trek to Kyangjuma village on a steep trail. At Kyangjuma we turn off the main trail and begin climbing to the Mong La pass, on the top of a ridge at 3972m. From the ridge, the trail descends to the Dudh Koshi River. At Phortse Tenga our path starts to climb and enter the rhododendron forests. Arriving at Dole we get magnificent views of Khumbila and Tawache. Overnight in Dole. 

Dole to Mahhermo (4,470m / 4-5 hours)

From Dole, we take a steep climb towards passes through Lhabarma (4220m) and Luza (4360m) along the side of the valley, on the way we see great views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku mountains. Machhermo is the last major settlement on the way up to Gokyo. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Hospital for a lecture regarding altitude sickness, its precaution, and primary treatment. Overnight in Machhermo

Machhermo to Gokyo (4800 m / 4-5 hours)

We start the trek by climbing a ridge for an excellent view down the valley to Kangtaiga and also up towards Cho Oyu (8153m). The valley now widens as the trail passes through Phangkha. We then descend to the riverbank before climbing onto the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier on a steep trail. And along the trail, we view 3 lakes' first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m.and after some time the second lake, Taboche Tsho. Little ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two linked by a surging stream. Gokyo village stands by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountain as a backdrop. After lunch, we explore the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. Overnight in Gokyo. 

Acclimatization Day in Gokyo Valley: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,330 m)

An acclimatization day at Gokyo. In good weather, we take the opportunity to climb Gokyo Ri which offers, the best viewpoint of the Everest Region. Climbing Gokyo Ri is obviously strenuous and takes about 3 to 4 hours to the top. But the scenery of Gokyo village, on the edge of the third lake overlooked by Cholatse and the broad Nogzumpa Glacier, is spectacular. Additional panoramic mountains like Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, K 43, Kangtega, Taboche, Cholatse, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Changtse, and Pumori.. However, if the weather is not fit for climbing we visit the fourth and fifth Gokyo lakes. We can also climb on a hill, also called Scoundrel's Viewpoint at the edge of the lakes to get astounding views of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makulu. Overnight in Gokyo. 

Gokyo to Thaknak (4750 m / 5-6 hours)

After breakfast, we climb out of the Gokyo village to a ridge then trek through the Ngazumpa Glacier to the mountain on the other side. Next, traverse along the edge of that mountain and then meander into Thaknak. It will be a short hike today with an afternoon of rest which will prepare us for long hiking days and elevation gain to come. Overnight in Thaknak. 

Thaknak to Cho La pass (5367 m) to Lobuche (4940 m / 8-10 hours)

It’s going to be one of the toughest days of the trip. The Cho La pass is not itself difficult, but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. The trail from Phedi climbs through a ravine and a rocky trail. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake, we reach the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. We pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla and walk further through a grassy trail. The trail curves through the wide river bed before reaching Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche. 

Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and back to Gorak Shep (5170 m / 6-7 hours)

We go further to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. The walk is strenuous due to thin air at a high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We then get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep. 

Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m] and back to Lobuche (4940m / 7-8 hours)

We start for an early morning hike, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C).Upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360-- degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. return back to Gorekshep and return back to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche. 

Lobuche to Kongma La (5,535m) to Chhukung (4,730m / 6-7 hours)

After breakfast, we trek via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m). The ascent to Kongma La pass is strenuous. Then we descend gradually to Imja Khola valley, followed by another descent to Chhukung, a tiny Sherpa settlement. After reaching Chhukung we check and prepare our equipment in order to get ready for our ultimate climb. Overnight in Chhukung.

Note: If we do not want to undertake the Kongma La pass, we can follow another route via Dingboche to Chhukung instead. 

Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m / 3-4 hours)

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. The route goes through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp. 

Pre-Climb on Island Peak Base Camp

We begin our pre-climb training after breakfast. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice ax, climbing boots, and crampons, harness, ascender, etc(for first-timers in Himalaya). The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak Climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. And it's going to be the acclimatization day. Overnight at the base camp. 

Island Peak Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp (5,600m) 10-12 hours

We start around 1 to 2 am and with breakfast prior to our climb. It is important we summit before noon due to strong winds in the high lands might become a barrier to a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep rocky trail. 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 fix a rope 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 Island Peak Base Camp. We celebrate our successful Island Peak climb with our crew in base camp.

Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m) 5-6 hours

The return journey becomes much easier descending to lower altitudes. Following the wide valley of Khumbu Khola passing through Sherpa villages Orsho and Somare. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south, and the Imja Tse River flowing through the wide fertile valley.

Pangboche to Namche Bazaar: 4-5 hours

From Pangboche we step down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. After lunch at Tengboche, we can also visit nuns at Tengboche. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc. after 4-5 hours of journey we arrive at the base camp of Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6-7 hours

We descend down to Lukla leaving National park . After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.

Fly to Kathmandu

Flight to Kathmandu(scenic 40m).On arrival at Kathmandu airport, our representative will Pick and transfer you to the hotel and further you can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the climbers’ successful summit of the Island peak. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Final Departure

An adventure trip to Nepal comes to an end today! Will transfer you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.