Island Peak Expedition is a popular and admired peak expedition in the Everest region. The peak has 6189m/20,305ft is located in Chukung valley located in the middle of Chhukung valley, on top of the Chukung Glacier between Mt. Lhotse and Ama Dablam. This peak ranges from the southern end of Lhotse Shar, situated like an island in the sea of ice. Therefore, it was named Island Peak by a climbing team of Eric Shipton in 1953. This peak is the best trekking peaks for adventure climbing. The Island Peak summit offers a majestic view of peaks like Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Middle, and Lhotse Shar Mt. Makalu greet you in the east and Baruntse and Ama Dablam in the south. The trail also offers an exclusive opportunity to experience glacial moraines suspension bridges on the Dudh Koshi River, monasteries, prayer rocks, and prayer flags with different colors.
It is designed climbing itinerary takes you to the acclimatization hike to the most popular trekking destination of Everest Base Camp 5,357m/ and Kala Pattar first destination before scaling the Island Peak. In the springtime, the peak is crowded due to the Everest expedition acclimatization and it is the peak which is the highest group of mountaineer climbs it. Chukung is the last settlement area of Island peak route. One night we stay in a tent one night at Island Peak Base Camp. One day extra reserve at the Base Camp in case weather is not in favor of us.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu
- Day 02 Rest day or sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Day 03 Lukla to Phakding (3-4hrs) (2680m)
- Day 04 Phakding to Namache Bazaar (6-7hrs)
- Day 05 Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
- Day 06 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (4-5hrs)
- Day 07 Tengboche to Dingboche
- Day 08 Acclimatization day in Dingboche
- Day 09 Dingboche to Lobuche
- Day 10 Lobuche to Gorak Shep (3hrs) (5116m) To EBC (5356m)
- Day 11 Gorak Shep to Dingboche(6 -7hrs) (4420m)
- Day 12 Dingboche to Chukung (3hrs)( 4800m)
- Day 13 Chukung to Island Base Camp(5200m) (3-4hrs)
- Day 14 A reserve day in case unforeseen of weather
- Day 15 Summit and back to Chukung (6189m) (10-12hrs)
- Day 16 Chukung to Kyangjuma (7-8hrs) (3550m)
- Day 17 Kyangjuma to Phakding (6hrs)( 2680m)
- Day 18 Phakding to Lukla (3-4hrs) (2800m)
- Day 19 Lukla to Kathmandu
- Day 20 Rest day in Kathmandu
- Day 21 Departure from Kathmandu
Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport transfer to your hotel. A short briefing is given about your sightseeing and trekking route.
Day 02 Rest day or sightseeing in Kathmandu
On this day you are busy sightseeing in Kathmandu valley tour of Buddhist and old Hindu temples which are regarded as a shrine and local tradition.
Day 03 Lukla to Phakding (3-4hrs) (2680m)
Lukla to Phakding trail is easy and gentle. As you head to through the north of Lukla you are asked to register permit and belonging value able things. Leaving back Lukla the trail enters the village of Cheplung where Jiri trail joins. Just beyond Cheplung, the path enters through a forest then to Thado Koshi has a cluster of trekking lodges. From Thado Koshi you can see views of Kusum Kanguru(6387m). Its flat walk to Ghat village is situated on the bank of the Khola. The village has many lodges and guesthouses along the trail. At the top of Ghat you see mani walls stone carved with black and white with Tibetan mantras, white chortens, and prayer wheels. From here the trail climbs down then flat along the Dudh Koshi Khola. A short climb up into the village of Phakding has a dozen lodges. It is divided into two parts by the Khola (River). If there is extra time then about 40 minutes steeply side trip Rimjung village and Pema Choling Gompa.
Day 04 Phakding to Namache Bazaar (6-7hrs)
Today’s walk is relatively longer than yesterday. As you start the trek a suspension bridge is crossed over the Dudh Koshi River and the trail follows up along the river through forests of pine. The gentle trail past Zumpute then a short climb to a distance good view of Thamserku Peak (6608m) can be seen to the east. The trail enters to Benkar where there are a few lodges and huge cliffs above the village. From Benkar heading north re-crosses the Dudh Koshi River. The route leads village of Monjo is a pretty settlement where lodges and guest houses are available. Just above Monjo is the entrance check post for Sagarmatha National Park. From the check post, the trail dropping to re-cross the river and then to Jorsale is for mainly lunch spot and also the last settlement before climbing to Namche Bazaar. Jorsale has about half a dozen nice lodges along the trail. Passing Jorsale the path re-cross the river then enters through a grove of pine on the bank of the river and finally you see a confluence of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers. From the confluence steep trail crosses a long suspension bridge festooned with prayer flags. The trail to Namche Bazaar climbs zigzagging through forests of pine and about halfway up is Everest Viewpoint where there is a public toilet. The gentle climb and wide path leads you to a check post then continue up about 20 minutes to Namache Bazaar.
Day 05 Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a big and beautiful Sherpa town gateway to Everest, Gokyo Lake, and Thame. Acclimatization day is important for trekkers who prepare to go high altitude. One day acclimatization will improve fitness and help adjust altitude in a further trek in elevation. In Namche, there are numerous cafes, trekking gear-shops, grocery stores lodges and hotels. It has internet access, wifi, money changer cash, banking service changer cash and the accepts visa and Master Card. In the main trekking season crowded of foreigners are at shops, lodges, cafes, and streets.
Day 06 Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (4-5hrs)
The trail to Tengboche starts from just above Namche Bazaar on the right side. The slop trail out and in passes ridges at the end of the bluff memorial chorten to Tenzing Norgay. From this memorial place is for grand panorama views of Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. The path continues to Kyangjuma (3550m) where there are two nice lodges and closer views of Ama Dablam. From Kyngjuma the trail descends to Sanasa just before it a signpost directs Gokyo Lake to hillside and downhill to the river Phunki Thenga. The downhill route past Lawichasa and Tashingma and finally Phunki Thenga from here two hours climb to Tengboche, A suspension bridge is crossed to climb a hill, on the way beautiful rhododendron flower in the season. Tengboche has a wide grassy land, lodges and Tengboche Gompa is a large and most popular monastery in Khumjung region. Mountain views are seen in every direction.
Day 07 Tengboche to Dingboche
From Tengboche, the route crosses down through forests of rhododendron Debuche where there is a cluster of lodges among the forest. The route continues through a dense forest of rhododendron and birch dripping with white Spanish moss. The path reaches Dudh Koshi river over on it a wooden bridge is crossed. From the river climbs the eroded area Pangboche village (3860m) where there are several lodges and guest houses scatter throughout the village. The east side Ama Dablam soars with snow. Above Pangboche the trail enters on arid landscape and alpine meadows along the Imja river. The gentle path leads you Shomare(4000m) has five lodges serve to stay a night. A little walk up finally Orsho place comes beyond on arid the route separates upper and lower. The upper route is to Pheriche. The lower route ascends to Khumbu river over it a bridge is crossed and then climb up through alpine meadows passing chortens and cairns to Dingboche village from where Lhotse (8501m) Island peak and Ama Dablam can be seen. Dingboche village is pleasant and agreeable. There are internet service, bakery, cafes, and grocery stores. Several lodges and guest houses are though out of the village.
Day 08 Acclimatization day in Dingboche
It is important to do acclimatization at 4410m. Many trekkers love to spend to explore in Dingboche village. There are several interesting hiking spots are Nangkar Tshang, Chukung, and opposite side up at the bottom of Ama Dablam. Nangkar Tshang is the best viewpoint (5075m) walk is two hours just above Dingboche on a ridge that offers panorama views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Taboche, Cholatse and even Makalu(8465m). Valley views are enjoyable and fantastic. From Dingboche to Chukung it takes about 2 hours. The path is agreeable through on arid along the Imja Khola. Chukung is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. There are enough lodges. Two hours walk to popular Island Peak Base Camp from Chukung.
Day 09 Dingboche to Lobuche
From Dingboche, the trail to Lobuche goes left side passing above Pheriche at the top of the ridge. On the way, there are outstanding views of Taboche, Cholatse and Ama Dablam. The path passes through opened and arid yak pasture lands. At the end of the trail, a glacial stream is crossed and then reaches Dughla (4620m) has Yak and Kala Pathar lodges. From here the trail climbs up the gravely ridge which is covered with memorials who lost their lives while climbing Mount Everest. A gentle walk to the north Dzonghla trail meets from this point it is 40 minutes walk to Lobuche where you get enough trekking lodges.
Day 10 Lobuche to Gorak Shep (3hrs) (5116m) To EBC (5356m)
The starting trail from Lobuche follows through a gorge between glacial and mountain wall. It is gentle walk up to at the edge of the trail before a climb up then walking on the ridge through glacial boulders. Famous Khumbu Glacier lies down south to north and sometimes avalanche sounds take trekkers’ attention while walking. Finally, steep climb reaches Gorak Shep is a flat and sandy wide destination night. There are 4 lodges and a porter shelter. The lodges are almost packed every day. Just left side above Gorak Shep soars Kala Pathar and flat right trail historical place EBC. The Everest is not possible to see from Gorak Shep. It is blocked by Nuptse. North direction Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changes are grand views. Khumbu Glacier is awesome. After a lunch side trip to Everest Base Camp takes about six hours to return 200m ascent. The walking path is across the Khumbu Glacier at the north end of the sandpit at Gorak Shep. Glacier path makes to walk difficult and tired. The atmosphere at the Base Camp can be fantastic with international Everest climbers and local Sherpas. Prayer flags and banners festoon rocks and stones.
Day 11 Gorak Shep to Dingboche(6 -7hrs) (4420m)
Most of the groups climb Kala Pathar early in the morning to see the sun rise and best views of Mt Everest. Mornings are usually clear and the best time to make an ascent. For many people. This is the highlights of the trek. The path to Kala Pathar climbs up the grassy land above Gorak Shep. Just follow the long line of snaking hillside. To reach Kala Pathar (5546m) from Gorak Shep takes about 2hrs which is marked by prayer flags. As you reach the top of Kala Pathar amazing views of Pumori, Lobuche west, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. Descending to Gorak Shep make you feel easy and enjoyable south to the lower ridge. From Gorak Shep heading down through gorge past Lobuche, Doughla then to Pheriche. From Pheriche valley gentle walk down to Pangboche.
Day 12 Dingboche to Chukung (3hrs)( 4800m)
After breakfast, we head to northeast direction from Dingboche. The trail is steady climb through barren moraines and alpine bushes along the Imja Khola where you see yaks are grazing other sides mountain views are surrounding you. While we are walking to Chukung there are views of Twache, Cholatse, Ama Dablam and Nuptse. We walk through the gorge along the Imja Khola. A few hours later, beyond Bibre where busy season tea shop serves hot drinks. Beyond Bibre is icy streams if severe cold. Finally, after three hours of walking, we reach Chukung village which is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It is the last settlement where there are about half dozen lodges are available and also peak gears are available on rent. From Pangboche reverse down to the same trail. The trail drops to Imja river then climb up to Tengboche. From Tengboche step down to Phungi Thenga then climbs up Kyangjuma. Towards it the level trail in and out ridges leads to Namche.
Day 13 Chukung to Island Base Camp(5200m) (3-4hrs)
The trek to Island Peak Base Camp starts along the moraines. First, we climb south then turn east to the mainline of the valley. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. The trails appear along a streamside on flat lands in some places are found big bolder stones. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide path to Island Peak. The base camp where tents are full of a different color. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp in a tent. On the left side of the base camp is Imja Lake which is danger level due to global warming.
Day 14 A reserve day in case unforeseen of weather
Day 15 Summit and back to Chukung (6189m) (10-12hrs)
We get up early midnight late and breakfast. It is due to the summit before noon and also to avoid strong winds in the highlands high. As we climb up the hill. We climb the rocky trail and there are found several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. As we reach the Crampon point the route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix a rope when required onto the summit ridge. Usually, 350m rope is used but depends on the time of the season and the crevasses some times to cross the crevasses ladders are used. Final is the summit and enjoys views, and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where we have some rest and back to Chukung.
Day 16 Chukung to Kyangjuma (7-8hrs) (3550m)
The rails to Kyangjuma are easier and most of the routes are descent and lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we pass through the beautiful villages Dingboche, Shomare Panboche and Tengboche. Today’s climbing up the path is from Phungi Thenga bridge to Kyangjuma approximately 2 hrs. Kyangjuma offers beautiful views of Amadablam, Tawache, Nuptse, and Everest.
Day 17 Kyangjuma to Phakding (6hrs)( 2680m)
One hour walking on the zigzag path we reach Namche Bazaar and the trail descend to Dudh Koshi River is unusual. Using trekking poles will help if knees problem appears. When the high suspension bridge is crossed then a short walk down to confluence and then the trail level to Jorsale then climbs to Monjo. From Monjo to Lukla the trail is easy through Banker, Phakding.
Day 18 Phakding to Lukla (3-4hrs) (2800m)
A long day of preparation and curiosity, today is the last day of the trek. We reverse to the trail a little climbing up very often hearing planes are landing and taking off. Ghats, Cheplung and finally Lukla is waiting for us our ending trek. Congratulations!!!!!
Day 19 Lukla to Kathmandu
Lukla to Kathmandu by plane in the morning
Day 20 Rest day in Kathmandu
Day 21 Departure from Kathmandu
You are assisted to reach at the airport by our staff. You have to reach at the airport 3hrs before your plane leave.
Cost Includes
- Airport pickup and drop off.
- 4 night hotel accommodation and breakfast in Kathmandu
- Licened trained trekking guide
- Experienced climbing guide and porters
- Porters to carry backpack/good
- Accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner) included coffee & tea.
- Transportation by land and air
- Sagarmatha National Park fee/ Area Entry Permit
- Peak climbing Permit
- City tour guide
Cost Excludes
- International air fare
- Travel trekking insurance
- Major meals, lunch, dinner during stay in Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charge more than air lines allowed both domestic and international
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, drinks, phone & laundry
- Visa fee (easily get on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Sightseeing entry fees
- Personal climbing gears and clothes
- Tips and gratuities for staffs
- Travel insurance
- Trips cancellation costs
- Accident or health emergency
- Lost theft and damage to baggage
Equipments & Gears
Ice axe
- Crampons
- Harness
- Tape slings (2)
- Screwgate karabiners (2 locks, 2 unlock)
- Descender/eight figure
- Plastic mountaineering boots
- Ascender/ Jumar
- Helmet
Group Climbing Gears:
- Ice crew
- Snow bar
- Rope
- Ice hammer
Head clothes
- Light balaclava
- Sun hat
- Neck cover
- Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- Sunglasses with UV protection minimum 50+sun block lotion
Clothing lower Body
Hiking shorts
- Lightweight cotton long pants
- Polypropylene shirts
- Light expedition weight thermal bottoms
- Fleece or wool pants
- Waterproof shell pant
Clothes upper body
- T-shirts
- Light expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Waterproof breathable fabric shell jacket
- Down vest/jacket
Feet clothes
- Thick warm wool socks
- Thin lightweight inner socks
- Hiking boots
- Light camp shoes or sandals
- Gaiters
Hands clothes
- Lightweight poly-liner gloves
- Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- Mittens waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner
Accessories
- Sleeping bag rated -30 degrees (extra sleeping bag rated -15-20 for base camp)
- Fleece sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Large plastic to keep clothes dry
- Daypack/backpack waterproof of 35kg to 50kg
- Large waterproof rucksack/ duffel bag
- Trekking Poles
- 2 water bottle contains more than 1 ltr for cold and hot water
- Toilet papers
- Earplugs
- Electronic charging devices
Medical
- Basic first aid kit
- Pills Anti-headache
- Pills anti-diarrhea
- Water purification tablets
- Aspirin
- Diamox
- Cough and cold medicine
- First-aid tape
- Sunscreen
Free time (your choice)
- Binocular, camera
- Pen and notebook
- Reading books
- Indoor games
Additional Info
Climbing Gears (personal)
Ice axe
Crampons
Harness
Tape slings (2)
Screwgate karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock)
Descender/eight figure
Plastic mountaineering boots
Ascender/ Jumar
Helmet
Group Climbing Gears:
Ice crew
Snow bar
Rope
Ice hammer
Head clothes
Light balaclava
Sun hat
Neck cover
Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
Sunglasses with UV protection minimum 50+sun block lotion
Clothing lower Body
Hiking shorts
Light weight cotton long pants
Polypropylene shirts
Light expedition weight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wood pants
Waterproof shell pant
Clothes upper body
T-shirts
Light expedition weight thermal tops
Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
Waterproof breathable fabric shell jacket
Down vest / jacket
Feet clothes
Thick warm wool socks
Thin lightweight inner socks
Hiking boots
Light camp shoes or sandals
Gaiters
Hands clothes
Lightweight poly-liner gloves
Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
Mittens waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner
Accessories
Sleeping bag rated -30 degree
Fleece sleeping bag liner
Headlamp with spare batteries
Large plastic to keep clothes dry
Daypack/backpack waterproof of 35to 50kg
Large waterproof rucksack/ duffel bag
Trekking poles
2 water bottle contain more than 1 ltr for cold and hot water
Toilet papers
Ear plugs
Electronic charging devices
Medical
Basic first aid kit
Pills Anti-headache
Pills anti –diarrhea
Water purification tablets
Aspirin
Diamox
Cough and cold medicine
First-aid tape
Sun screen
Free time (your choice)
Binocular, camera
Pen and note book
Reading books
Indoor games
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