Island Peak Climbing Experience 16 Days

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, a representative from HAT will be present to welcome you and accompany you to your designated hotel. After taking some rest, there will be a pre-trip discussion at your hotel for last-minute preparations. Everyone will be notified in advance about the meeting time and location at the hotel. It's during this time that you will have the opportunity to meet your leader and fellow group members and seek clarification on any queries. If time allows, you can leisurely explore the streets near your hotel and observe the vibrant city life without experiencing any cultural surprises. Get a good night's sleep to feel refreshed for the exciting adventures that lie ahead.

Today, our trekking journey proceeds alongside the breathtaking Dudh Koshi River towards the historic trading center. Following an hour of walking, you will encounter the shimmering Mt. Thamserku and the revered Khumbila peak. Throughout the route, you will also come across charming Sherpa villages and be immersed in the tranquility of pine, fir, and juniper forests. If the weather permits, there is a chance to catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. The journey continues until you reach Namche Bazaar, renowned for its lively Sherpa community.

Today marks the beginning of our three-day acclimatization period on the journey. It is crucial for adjusting to the decreasing oxygen levels as we ascend to higher altitudes. Namche, specifically, serves as the Sherpa capital and the economic center of the Everest region, housing government offices, Internet Cafes, restaurants, shops, ATMs, and a renowned 'Saturday Market'. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the Tourist Visitor Center, where they can find souvenirs related to the first Everest climbers, the Sherpa culture, and the diverse flora and fauna of the Everest region. Then, a climb to the well-known airstrip at Syangboche is in order. Situated just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, offering stunning views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and the beautiful Ama Dablam. Following this, the return journey to Namche via Khumjung valley is on the agenda. Along the way, a visit to a revered monastery, which is said to house a yeti scalp, and the Hillary School is scheduled.

We start our journey right after a satisfying breakfast. The walk from Namche to Phunki is straightforward, crossing the Dudh Koshi River and passing various bridges and charming villages. From Phunki, you climb for around two hours towards Tengboche, a village that is home to the renowned Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region. This monastery is well-known for hosting the Mani Rimdu festival, housing a large Buddha statue, and displaying intricate wall paintings. Situated within the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value"), it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kantega, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam.

Leaving behind the magnificent sunset and sunrise, we shall proceed further to another village of Dingboche. First, you trek for 3-4 hours through birch, conifer and rhododendron forests on an easy path where you may see musk deer and blue sheep grazing. This picturesque trail then dips down to Deboche village crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche. Here, you visit the Pangboche monastery. The trail is fairly moderate as you enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as you approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. You descend into the river and begin the climb up to Dingboche.We start our journey right after a satisfying breakfast. The walk from Namche to Phunki is straightforward, crossing the Dudh Koshi River and passing various bridges and charming villages. From Phunki, you climb for around two hours towards Tengboche, a village that is home to the renowned Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region. This monastery is well-known for hosting the Mani Rimdu festival, housing a large Buddha statue, and displaying intricate wall paintings. Situated within the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value"), it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kantega, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam.

The climbing guides will conduct a final equipment check and arrange for any necessary gear rental after breakfast to ensure everyone is prepared for the upcoming summit in two days. Today, we will traverse a moderately steep trail to reach the Island Base Camp. The route involves walking along the main line of the valley and then following a winding path below the moraine from Lhotse glacier. We will trek alongside a stream and through the Imja & Lhotse glacier moraines, leading to the wide valley on the southwest side of Island peak. Take in the serene surroundings of Imja Tsho (lake) and take a brief rest. Following lunch, you can take a short hike around the area and admire the stunning mountain views of Choplu, Amphu Lapcha, and Baruntse. This area also offers fantastic opportunities for photography.

Today marks the final of our three acclimatization days. Our plan for the day involves essential pre-climb training at Island Base Camp. It is crucial for all participants to have prior training for Island peak climbing, even experienced climbers, as it helps in boosting confidence and developing climbing skills necessary for a successful summit. Our highly experienced climbing guides will conduct training on the correct usage of climbing gear such as ice axe, harness, ascender, climbing boots, and crampons, which are essential for scaling Island peak. Additionally, comprehensive instruction on peak climbing techniques will be provided. The day will be dedicated to resting and re-energizing for the upcoming summit the following day.

Today is the most anticipated day of the entire trip. It's the day we'll be climbing to the peak. We'll be waking up really early, around 12-1 AM, so that we can reach the summit by noon, before the strong afternoon winds pick up. After breakfast, we'll get ready for our adventurous climb to Island Peak. The total distance we'll cover is around 7 km, from the base camp all the way to the summit and back.

We ascend a steep, green slope until we reach the High Camp, and then proceed along a rocky trail. As we make our way up the hill, we encounter narrow slopes and follow a steep rock channel. Stepping on several short rocks, we emerge on the right side of the rock gully to continue our ascent. Subsequently, we encounter a terrain covered in snow and ice. A steep snow slope takes us to the summit ridge. We will carefully apply the techniques we learned the previous day as we climb the peak, with guidance from our climbing guides. There are four newly formed crevasses, each approximately 2-5 meters long. We will use ropes around 300m in length and walk across a ladder to traverse the crevasses. However, the length of the ropes depends on the season and the size of the crevasses.

After our thrilling ascent, we finally reach the summit of Island Peak and commemorate our success by capturing photographs. Take in the delightful ambiance from the peak, enjoying breathtaking views of some of the tallest peaks in the world, such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and the majestic Everest. Following a rewarding time at the summit of Island Peak, we descend back to the base camp and spend the night in a tent at Island Peak Base Camp.

After successfully climbing Island Peak, it's time to return to Lukla. Our journey back first leads us to Pangboche. Descending to lower altitudes now, which is relatively easier, we pass through the beautiful villages of Orsho and Shomare along the Khumbu Khola valley. Besides the regular trail to Pangboche, we might choose an alternative route to visit the oldest Gompa in the Khumbu region, in Upper Pangboche. Spend some quality time in the village, admiring the surrounding beauty as we are encompassed by Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtaiga, Kongde range, and the pristine Imja Tse river flowing through the lush valley.

Starting from Pangboche, our journey leads us towards Namche, initially crossing a brief suspension bridge over Imja Khola, followed by a gradual climb to Tengboche. Next, we descend to Phunkitenga, passing through beautiful juniper and fir forests. As we conclude the descent, we cross a lengthy suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river, possibly encountering yaks along the way. Finally, we reach Namche, where we will spend the night

Today marks the end of our trek to Island Peak. We will retrace our route back to Lukla, a perfect place to unwind and commemorate our journey to the base camp. We will walk alongside the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, crossing numerous suspension bridges and passing through Sherpa settlements and monasteries before reaching Lukla. Since the local staff will not be joining us on the journey to Kathmandu, today will be our last opportunity to celebrate our achievements together.

Today, after an adventurous journey at the Island peak, you take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Your trip leader will drop you off at your hotel and you will have the rest of the day at your leisure. You may stroll around in the streets of Thamel, a popular Tourist hub in Kathmandu for some worthy souvenir shopping. You may also visit surrounding popular tourist attractions nearby. Either way, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate your achievement in the evening for successfully climbing the Island peak.

Your trip to the stunning Khumbu region and Island Peak concludes today. A representative from HAT will escort you to the airport around 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Our representative will help you with your departure. As you journey back home, you'll have ample time to plan your next adventure in Nepal. We trust that your experiences in this enchanting land have left a strong and positive impression, and we hope to welcome you back again. Wishing you a joyful and safe journey ahead!