Days: 20 / Difficulty: 5 of 5 (Very Strenuous)
Island Peak Climbing is a great first Himalayan Peak in the region of Everest. The route to the summit includes a steep slope and a narrow ridge. Crampons, Ice-axe and ropes are necessary, and it is useful to have a Sherpa guide who knows the best part of the ridge to climb. The term "trekking peak" can be misleading as in fact most of 14 or so mountains given this title by the Nepalese government are proper mountaineering propositions. Island Peak Climbing in Nepal is a spectacular extension to a fabulous adventure into the Everest region. At 6183 meters, Island Peak (now know in Nepal as Imja Tse) is not among the Himalayan giants, but nevertheless provides an exhilarating mountaineering experience to the novice and expert alike. No technical mountaineering experience is necessary to climb Island Peak, simply a high level of fitness the desire to push your limits. Island peak summit is interesting and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier. The mountain itself is the extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar separated by a small Col. The ridge rising to the south from this point leads to the summit of Island Peak. The extension of this ridge descending south-west is the part of the normal route of ascent and leads to the South Summit. Imja Tse not only provides an enjoyable climb but also provides some of the different spectacular scenery of Himalayas in the Khumbu Region including the Mt. Everest 8848m, Mt. Nuptse 7,855m, Lhotse 8,516m, Lhotse Middle Peak 8,410m and Lhotse Shar 8,383m make a semicircle in the north. The views of Makalu 8,475m in the east, Baruntse 7,720m, and Mt. Amadablam 6,856m in the south add more charm for climbing Island Peak. The normal route for Island Peak Climbing is South East Flank & South-West Ridge normally, the Island Peak base camp is set at Pareshaya Gyab 5,087m between Imja Tse and the lateral moraine of the Imja Glacier. Embark on a wonderful adventure with Island Peak climbing and trekking that takes you into the heartland of the Khumbu and Everest Base Camp 5,357m. Island Peak 6,183m is one of the main climbing peaks in Everest Region with an impressive and highly glaciated West Face that rises from the Lhotse Glacier. An ascent of Kala Pattar 5,545m proves a good acclimatization hike and gives you magnificent close-up views of the world's highest mountains including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and more. The magnificent views from the summit, however, are certainly a fitting reward for your efforts. Before climbing Island Peak, we trek up the Dudh Kosi valley from Lukla, passing through Namche and Tengboche on our way to Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp. After being rested and feeling physically fit and acclimatized, we then head up the beautiful Imja Khola valley towards Island Peak. Besides trekking adventure, we also get to witness pristine Sherpa villages and ever-so-serene monasteries. With ponderous memories of the trekking earlier done, we retrace our route back through Namche to Lukla, and from there on we fly back to Kathmandu.
Island Peak Climbing Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and you will be met at the airport by our representative who will be waiting with a Swiss Family Treks sign outside the terminal and transfer to Hotel by private car. Welcome drink and after you settle into the hotel there will be a group briefing with your tour leader. He will discuss the trek details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley by private van.
After brekafast in the hotel, Drive to Swayambhunath Stupa which is very close form the centre of Kathmandu. It takes some minutes to be there. This Temple is also known as Monkey Temple which is considered to be self made Stupa. Then visit to Boudhanath Stupa: the biggest stupa in Nepal and one of the bigger stupa in the world. You can basically experience Tibetan Buddhism, culture and way of life in Boudhanath Area. Boudhanath area is the authentic place to buy Tibetan stuffs. Again you will be visit Pashupatinath Temple and it is one of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world. It is a sacred place where Hindus come to die and to be cremated. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large double roofed, gilt pagoda, decorated with brass, the gateway is plated with silver. There are images of Shiva along with other statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. A circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a sixth-century statue of the Buddha, an eight-century statue of Brahma the creator and numerous other temples. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over south Asia offering ceremonies to worship Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 2840m and trek to Phakding 2610m/3-4 hours,
After 45 minutes fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and will have breakfast and then continue our journey passing many Buddhist monuments during the trail and finally we reach in Phakding which takes about 3 hours. We will have lunch there. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440m/5-6 hours,
In the morning after breakfast; we start from hotel and we reach in Monjo after 3 hours walk passing many suspension bridges with good view of Mt. Thamserku and we should entry our permit and will have lunch in Jorsalle. Then we start to climb steep up slowly passing high suspension bridge till Namche Bazar which takes about 2 and half hour. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day,
In this day, we will hike to Everest view hotel for panoramic and spectacular view of mountains. It takes 2 hours to reach in there and after 1 hour enjoy with the mountains then we climb down to Khumjung village for the visit ancient monastery and Khumjung Hillary School. It takes about 1 hour. We can see Skull of Yeti inside the Monastery. This is the biggest Sherpa village in Khumbu region. Again we continue our trek to Khunde village which takes about 1 hour. We will have lunch there and visit the old monastery and back to hotel in Namche via Syangboche village. It takes about 1 and half hour. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 3860m/4-5 hours,
In the morning, we start our trek like as before days and the trail continues to straight until reaching Kyanjuma village and takes about 1 & half hour walk and then the trail climbs down to the Dudh Kosi River and cross by suspension bridge. We can see a series of picturesque water driven prayer wheel. Then we will have lunch in Phungi Thangna. The steep ascent brings us to Tengboche village. We can visit ancient Buddhist Monastery in evening time to take a meditation with many monks and nuns. The views of the mountains are spectacular in the morning and evening. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche 4410m/5-6 hours,
Today, our trail continues through the Rhododendrons forests until reaching the suspension bridge near the Pangboche village which takes about 2 hours. Then we cross the bridge and we climb up gently steep trail until reaching the Pangboche village. The trail continues a little steeper up till to reach Pangboche monastery. We can visit the monastery and continue our trek till Somare village, it takes about 1 hour. We will have lunch break there. After lunch the trail continues in the isolated pastures and fields till Orsho, left trail goes to Pheriche and right trail continues to Dingboche. Then we continue our trek to following the upstream of Imja Khola. Finally we arrive in Dingboche which takes about 2 hours. Now we have a good view of Amadablam, Island Peak, Lhotse, Tawache, Tsolache, Lobuche and other peaks. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche 4910m/5-6 hours,
In the morning, after breakfast, the short climb brings us to the ridge above Dingboche and past the small Chhorten and descends to the broad terrace above the Khumbu Khola valley. We continue our trail passing the terrace until reaching Thukla which takes about 2 and half hour. We can see a short glimpse of the majestic peak of Pumori, Nuptse, Lobuche, Cholatse, Tawache, Amadablam and other small peaks. We will have lunch break there before climb the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends until reaching at the top of the ridge, is an array of cairn memorials and large heaps of stones with prayer flags, remembering mountaineers who perished on missions to climb Everest. We have a dramatic mountain views like Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, Lingtren, Lobuche, Tawache and Amadablam etc. then your trail continues until reaching Lobuche which takes about 2 and half hour. In the evening time we go to look Khumbu Glacier. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak-Shep 5140m/3 hours and Exploring the Everest Base Camp 5364m.
In the morning after breakfast, we continue our trek in the left bank of Khumbu glacier and steep climb up till Changri glacier, and then short descend to reach Gorak shep. It takes about 2 and half hour. We will have lunch break there. After lunch, we can enjoy great view of Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Nuptse. Today’s journey after lunch is a round trip to Mount Everest Base Camp. First we pass by the glacier lake. Then, we go through the side of moraine and go down to the central part of Khumbhu glacier. We follow the small ups and downs through the glacier until reaching Everest Base Camp which looks desolate surrounding ice, snow and rock faces. We can see from here South Col and the icefalls of the Western Cwn as well as Pumori. Then, we return back to our Lodge which takes about 6 hours for round trip. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 10: Hike to Kala Pathar and trek from Gorak-Shep to Dingboche 4240m (5/6 hours)
Early in the morning, we will hike to Kala Pathar 5550m. The trail steeply ascends until reaching Kala Pathar view point which takes about 2 hours. Kala Pathar means Black rocks. Now we have an excellent view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lingtren, Changtse (Chinese mountain), Amadablam, Thamserku, Lobuche peak and other peaks all around. There is also unobstructed view of sunrise and sunset. Then we climb down till our hotel and it takes about 1 hour. We will have our breakfast. After breakfast we continue our trek passing the Changri glacier until reaching Lobuche which takes about 2 hour. Then we continue again until reaching Thukla which takes about 1 hour. We will have lunch there. After lunch, the trail continues gently descent till reaching Dingboche Overnight in Lodge.
Day 11: Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung 4730m/4 hours,
Today we have a day off to acclimatize. So, our trail continues in the Yak grazing land until reaching Chhukung village which takes about 2 hours. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 12: Hike to Chhukung-Ri 5550m (7 hours side trip) and to Island Peak Base Camp
We continue our steep ascent trail till Chhukung-Ri which takes about 2 and half hour. Now we have a close view of Lhotse, Makalu, Island peak and Baruntse himal as well. Continue until reaching Island Peak Base Camp 4970m. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 13: Climb from Island BC to High Camp 5600m/3hrs, stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 14: Climb from High Camp to Island Peak Summit 6183m and back to Chhukung 4730m/5hrs, stay overnight at tented camp.
Day 15: Trek from Chhukung to Panboche 3930m/4-5 hours,
Early in the morning, we hike to the rocky trail until reaching Chhukung-Ri 5550m which takes about 2 and half hours. We have a great view of Makalu, Island peak,Baruntse Himal, Amadablam, Lhotse and other peaks. Then we keep descending till Chhukung which takes about 1 and half hour. And continue through the passing Yak pasture land until reaching Dingboche. We have lunch here. Then the trail continues till Pangboche village which takes about 2 hours. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 16: Trek from Pangboche to Namche 3440m/5-6 hours,
In the morning after breakfast, we continue our trek to Tengboche through the deep forests which takes about 2 hours. We can visit the monastery which is biggest monastery in Khumbu region. Then we keep steep descends till Dudh Kosi River and it takes about 1 and half hour. We have lunch break here. After lunch, then again we climb up until reaching Kyangjuma which takes about 1 and half hour. We continue our trek to Namche and it takes about 2 hours. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 17: Trek from Namche to Lukla 2840m/6-7 hours,
In the morning, we leave the Namche Bazar and trail descents through pine trees and cross the high suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. Then our trail continues River side and we arrive in Jorsalle and it takes about 2 and half hours. We continue again our trek until to reach Phakding with crossing several bridges about 1 and half hours walk. We have our lunch there. After lunch our trail continues until Lukla with passing up and down which takes about 2 hours. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu,
We fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu early in the morning which takes about 45 minutes. Then transfer to Hotel by car. Refresh and relax. Free day for shopping. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 19: Reserve Day
Reserve day in case of flight delay from Lukla to Kathmandu. Free day for shopping, stay overnight in Hotel.
Day 20: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements and transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport by our private van around 3 hours before your flight schedule and flight back to your home/other travel destination.
Island Peak Climbing Cost Includes:
* Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van / Bus.
* 4 nights accommodation with breakfast at 3*** Hotel in Kathmandu.
* Kathmandu City Tours as per above program, inclusive of all entry fees, tour guide, car / van.
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot water during the trek.
* Tented Camp accommodation during the camping and climbing period.
* 1 experienced, helpful and friendly guide, 1 cook and 1 helper, 1 sherpa (tents), porters (1 porter between 2 people), their food, accommodation, salary, equipments and insurance.
* Round Trip flight from KTM/Lukla/KTM & Domestic airport taxes.
* Camping Equipments (Tents, Kitchen Utensils and Mattresses during the climbing period).
* First Aid Medical Kit.
* Sagarmatha National Park permit and necessary permits.
* Peak Permit, Garbage Deposit and Climbing Guide/Sherpa Equipments.
* Office Service charge.
Island Peak Climbing Cost doesn't Include:
* Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance.
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments.
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays,political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.
Customize Your Peak Climbing: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
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