Island Peak Climbing – 14 Days

The flight to Lukla is breathtaking with views of endless rows of the greater Himalayan range and lush green forest. Upon landing at Lukla Tenzing Hillary airstrip you will start your trek. After landing at Lukla meet with your climbing guide and the rest of your crew. From Lukla head towards Phakding. Phakding is a small settlement nestled on the banks of the mighty Dudh Koshi River. Once you reach Phakding head towards your accommodation and later explore the area. Overnight in Phakding at Teahouse.

Today you will be heading towards the bustling settlement of Namche Bazaar. Traverse on an uphill trail crossing several high suspension bridges, and sections of dense woodlands. Once you reach the village of Monjo, you will be traversing into Sagarmatha National Park, a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the check post ready your permits for inspection. From Mojo head towards Namche. As you ascend witness views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Tawache, Kongde Ri, and Tawacahe. Namche Bazaar is called the Sherpa capital and is a commercial center in the Everest Region. The settlement is an old trading capital for traders from Nepal and Tibet. The settlement also provides basic to grandeur amenities. Overnight in Namche at Teahouse.

Proper acclimatization is very important as you gain altitude. As your body needs to adapt to the thin level of oxygen. The settlement of Namche Bazaar has various points ideal for acclimatization hikes. Head towards the Syangboche monastery and attend to the monks chanting sacred texts. Next head towards Hotel Everest View and witness the majestic mountain range of the greater Himalayas. Mountain giants of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Mount Everest, and Thamserku. Later head towards Khumjung and visit Hillary School. After a brief exploration heads towards Khumjung Monastery and witness what is said to be the skull of, the abominable snowman Yeti. Later head towards Namche and visit the pubs and restaurants of the area. Overnight in Namche at Teahouse.

Today you will be heading to the settlement of Tengboche. The trail is filled with beautiful landscapes and views of Himalayan giants. As you progress on the trail you will reach high alpine pastureland with views of Ama Dablam in the backdrop. As you progress on the trail you will reach the iconic Tengboche Monastery, visit the Monastery, and discover the legends and cultures of the locals. After spending a brief time at the Monastery head towards your accommodation and rest. Later explore the region and start conversations with the locals. Overnight in Tengboche at Teahouse.

After breakfast head onto the trail again, the trail takes you past birch, conifer, and rhododendron forests, with mesmerizing views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. As you progress on the trail you will reach the settlement of Debuche from here cross the Imja River, and take the upper Pangboche trail, this section of the trail offers spectacular views of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. On route visit the Pangboche Monastery and continue down towards the Imja Valley and the Lobuche River to the settlement of Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.

Today’s trail will take you to Chukkung. The trail is barren with alpine vegetation and patches of shrubs and herbs on dry and arid landscapes. As you gain altitude you will witness magnificent views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Chukkung Ri, and Makalu. Upon reaching the settlement head towards your tea house and after a brief rest head out to explore the area. Witness majestic views at sunset over the mountains. Overnight in Chukkung at Teahouse.

This is your second day of acclimatization. After breakfast head towards the Chukkung Ri. The summit of the Ri is nestled at an elevation of 5,550 meters. The climb is non-technical, but the altitude can be a problem to some, so take it slow and have frequent rest. From the summit enjoy 360-degree views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other endless peaks. Overnight in Chukkung at teahouse.

Today you will be heading towards the Island Peak Base Camp. Following an ascending route, the trail takes you across the Lhotse icefall and Imja glaciers. This section of trail takes you across barren alpine landscapes on rugged terrain. As you progress on this trail you will reach the Island Peak Base Camp. After lunch head on to your pre-climbing training. Organize your gears, and the climbing guide will provide you with techniques and training sessions. The guides will demonstrate the proper use of a harness, ascender, carabiner, rappel device, ice axe, etc. As part of the training session, you will have to climb up and descend using ropes. This pre-climb training is critical, especially for first-time climbers, as it will increase their confidence. Go to bed early as you will have to wake up before midnight tomorrow. Overnight in Base Camp at tented camp.

Today you will be summiting the Chulu Far East Peak. Wake up early around twelve and get going by One. As the mountain weather can get harsh as the day goes on. Follow your climbing guide and after a brief ascend you will reach High Camp. From high camp head towards Crampon Point, the trail from here is slippery and icy so take extra caution. After crossing the crampon, from this section fixed ropes are used. Traverse across a narrow section with sheer drops and narrow pathways you will reach Imja Glacier’s base. Witness 360-degree views of snowcapped mountains. The views of Makalu, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, Mera Peak, Chamlang, and other peaks look magnificent from here. Next, the route from here is on an incline of 45 to 50 degrees, despite the altitude the climb is non-technical. Using fixed rope ascend towards the summit. The last section of the climb takes you to a vertical summit, using a harness, fixed-line, and ladders to cross crevasses towards the summit. From the summit witness grand views of the Mahalangur range a part of the greater Himalayan range. After spending a brief time at the summit head down towards the base camp. Overnight in Base Camp at tented camp.

If your summit attempt on Day 9 is called off due to weather conditions or lack of proper fitness, this extra day has been set aside for summiting, this day can also be used in the case of an emergency, such as flight delays or cancellations and other unanticipated situations. If all goes according to plan, the additional day may be used to take it easy and explore more of the path. Alternatively, you might spend the additional day tour in Kathmandu.

After breakfast head towards Pangboche. The settlement of Pangboche is the oldest and highest permanent Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu region. Following a descending trail traversing across several villages and sections of lush deep wilderness, you will reach Pangboche. Upon reaching Pangboche and after a brief rest head out and visit the oldest Buddhist gompa in the Khumbu Region. Overnight in Pangboche at Teahouse.

Today, leave Pangboche and head down towards Namche Bazaar. Traversing across hilltop settlements and crossing dense woodlands. Upon reaching Namche head towards your tea house, later explore the area, and celebrate the success of your climb with your team members. Overnight in Namche at Teahouse.

Today start walking over rugged terrain, on a downhill trail along the Dudh Koshi River. Cross multiple suspension bridges and pass through various monasteries and settlements to Lukla. Spent the rest of the day exploring Lukla. In the afternoon celebrate your last night in the mountains. Overnight in Lukla.

After an early breakfast head towards Kathmandu. The flight from Lukla is breathtaking with views of endless mountain ranges and lush hills. Upon landing at Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later take a stroll around the city. In the afternoon join in for a special farewell dinner program to mark the success of your adventure. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.