21 Days/ 20 nights

The Island Peak trip combines an ascent of Island Peak with a visit to the famous lakes of the Gokyo area. Island Peak (6189m or 20,305ft.) was the name given to the mountain in 1952 by Eric Shipton's party who thought it to be reminiscent of an island in a sea of ice. We ascend by the standard route and although the summit can be reached in one day from base camp, we make use of a high camp. The final ridge is a classic of it's kind and from the summit fabulous views can be enjoyed of many Himalayan giants including the immense south face of Lhotse and Ama Dablam.

Trekking Itinerary Day Location Day 1 Kathmandu Arrival Day 2 Equipment check & sightseeing Day 3 Kathmandu – Lukla, flight Lukla – Phakding Day 4 Phakding – Namche Bazaar Day 5 Namche acclimatization day Day 6 Namche – Dole Day 7 Dole – Machhermo Day 8 Machhermo – Gokyo Day 9 Gokyo Ri Day 10 Gokyo to near Cho La Day 11 Cho La – Dzongla Day 12 Dzongla – Dingboche Day 13 Dingboche – Chhukung Day 14 Chhukung – Island Peak B.C. Day 15 Climbing Island Peak Day 16 Summit day Day 17 Chhukung – Tengboche Day 18 Tengboche – Namche Bazaar Day 19 Namche Bazaar – Lukla Day 20 Lukla – Kathmandu, flight Day 21 End of Trip

Highlights: 17 days trekking, tent camping or lodges 03 nights hotel in Kathmandu Return flight Kathmandu to Lukla Excellent views of Everest. A series of five glacial lakes at Gokyo. Trek through three beautiful Himalayan valleys — Gokyo, Khumbu and Chukkung. Reach three highpoints — Gokyo Ri (5480m), Cho La pass (5090m), and Island Peak.   Trekking Profile (click to enlarge)

Gokyo & Island Peak Expedition

The Island Peak trip combines an ascent of Island Peak with a visit to the famous lakes of the Gokyo area. Island Peak was the name given to the mountain in 1952 by Eric Shipton's party who thought it to be reminiscent of an island in a sea of ice. It is also known by it's Nepali name of Imja Tse.

Island Peak is an extension of Lhotse Shar, and is located between the Lhotse and Imja glaciers, standing at 6,189m/20,305ft. We ascend by the standard route and although the summit can be reached in one day from base camp, we make use of a high camp. The final ridge is a classic of it's kind and from the summit fabulous views can be enjoyed of many Himalayan giants including the immense south face of Lhotse and the huge peak of Ama Dablam. Island Peak is about the same height as Denali (Mt. McKinley), the highest mountain in North America.

The ascent of Island Peak includes little technical climbing (Grade: 4, Alpine PD). Only the last part, a steep (40 degrees) snow and ice ramp requires the use of fixed rope to reach the summit. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking: Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Buruntse. Our return route passes through Tengboche, a magnificent location with a fascinating monastery, where we rest and savor the incredible scenery, including magnificent views of Everest, Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6809m), Kwangde (6194m), Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8511m), to name but a few.

Trip Profile:
21 Day Trip
03 Nights in Kathmandu
17 Days of Everest Trekking

Graded: moderately difficult

ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1200m)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and brought to your downtown hotel. While in Kathmandu we will take you on a fascinating tour of the city, visiting Buddhist and Hindu shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There will be time to explore the city's many charms on your own as well. A traditional Nepali welcome dinner will follow shortly after a pre-trek briefing by the trekking staff manager. Overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day-02: Issue peak permit and checking equipment. Sightseeing.

Day-03: We take flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m), then take an easy walk to Phakding (2550m) Over night in lodge.

Day-04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3445m)

After breakfast in the morning, you walk north up Dudh Kosi valley with gentle ups and downs up to the benker village where one can see a beautiful stone carved prayer wall. Then the trail is interspersed with magnificent rhododendron trees and old growth forest. The trail follows gradually up to the village of Jorsale where an Army check point is located and the national park entrance ticket is issued. The trail goes gradually up to the confluence of two rivers, Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi. Crossing the bridge, the trail goes steeply about 3 to 4 hours till Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is situated in the lap of Khumbu Himal range, about 241km north-east of Kathmandu. This is the home of the legendary Sherpas who have won international renown as being the sturdy climbers to scale the highest peaks with their indomitable will.

Day-05: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3445m)

This day rest for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and excursion around the places. After breakfast, we may take a side trip onto a ridge and to the Everest View Hotel offering some of the best views of the high Himalayas including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. We then come down to Namche Bazaar to enjoy our rest day to allow for maximum acclimatization on our way up to the Everest area. A pleasant day can be spent exploring the surrounding areas, talking to the friendly Sherpa people and simply enjoying the incredible scenery.

Day-05: Namche Bazaar to Dole via Phortse Tanga (3500m)

After having breakfast, the trail climbs gently up to Sanasa and continue towards to the large Chorten on the ridge top at 3973m. Near the Chorten, there are some teahouses at the settlement of Mong (Mohang). This is said to be the birthplace of the Saint Lama Sange Dorje, the reincarnate lama of Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet who introduced Buddhism to Khumbu. From the ridge at Mong, the trail descends in a series of steep switchback down a sandy slope to the Dudh Kosi river. There is an excellent camping spot along the river at Phortse Tanga where we stop for lunch. After lunch the trail climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests, which gives way to fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers as the elevation increases. This portion of the trek is especially beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons are blooming (late April and early May at this elevation). The trail passes through many yak pastures and summer settlements that are used when sherpas bring herds of yak to graze. The views of the Khumbila and Tawache (6542meters) are tremendous throughout the day.

Day-06: Dole to Machhermo (4410m)

From Dole the trail climbs to Lhabarma at 4220m and Luza at 4360m. The trail climbs steeply through scrub junipers to Lhabarma. The trail continues to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river to Machhermo at 4410m. It was in 1974 that a Yeti killed three yaks and attacked a sherpa woman. This is the most credible yeti incident ever reported in Khumbu, so be watchful as you visit this region. There are good camping places at Machhermo.

Day-07: Machhermo to Gokyo (4800m)

From Machhermo to Gokyo the trail climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down valley to Kangtega and up towards to Cho-Oyu (8153m). Beyond the ridge, the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangka at 4390m then descends to the river bank before beginning the climb onto the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. It is a steep climb up the moraine, switch backing alongside the stream to the first small lake at 4650m where a family of Brahmin ducks has resided for many years. The trail now becomes almost level as it follows the valley past a second lake known as Longponga. We finally reach Gokyo on a boulder-strewn path at 4750m. It sits lakeside, a veritable Himalayan resort!

Day-08: This day early in the morning we have a steep hike up to the top of Gokyo Ri (5480m) – ample rewards to ones that attempt this trip. There are stunning views of the Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa Glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, such giants as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu (8481m), Cho-Oyu (8153m) and Gychung Kang (7922m). This day we have for acclimatization, back to the camp in the afternoon and have some tea and biscuits. Hiking up the valley to see the fourth and fifth lakes is great as well.

Day-10 Gokyo to foot of the Cho La pass.

We cross Ngozumpa Glacier which covers the valley floor. After 1½ hours we reach Yak Huts where we rest and have lunch. We continue on a steep trail and camp at the foot of the Cho La where we make ready for an early morning start. Overnight in tented camp.

Day-11 Cho-La to Dzongla (4866m)

In the early morning we ascend steeply to the pass (5090m). We soon reach the snowline and traverse across a large snowfield before descending steeply over rock to the yak pastures of Dzongla. The difficulty of crossing will be determined by the weather and snow conditions. We carry ropes, crampons and ice-axes in case it's necessary to use them. The views are absolutely stunning from the pass.

Day-12 Dzongla to Dingboche (4360m)

An easy day contouring round to Dugla and then to Dingbuche. With Cholatse on our right, the north face of Ama Dablam ahead of us and views down to to the village of Pheriche below, this day of ridge walking is one to remember.

Day-13 Dingbuche to Chhukung (4730m)

This day we have very easy walking on the trail up the valley. The immense – unclimbed – 3800 meter South Face of Lhotse (8511m) towers above on the north side of the valley while Ama Dablam and few other beautiful peaks line the south.

Day-14 Chhukung to Island Base Camp for about 4 hrs.

Day-15 This day set up the high camp for to attempt on the top for next day.

Day-16 Summit Day (6189m)

To the top and back to Chhukung, overnight in the tented camp. Amazing natural highs.

Day-17 Chhukung to Tengboche monastery via Pongbuche village.

Day-18 Tengboche to Namche Bazaar

Day-19 Namche Bazar to Lukla

Retrace your steps to Lukla leaving your footprints in Yeti's country.

Day-20 After taking breakfast in the morning, then we have short walk to the airport and fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel.

Day-21 Free or transfer to Int’l airport for journey out.

Cost includes:

Two nights hotel in Kathmandu, airport arrival/departure transport services land & air transportation as per trek itinerary (Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu air ticket $200USD), meal three times in a day, guide, porters, entrance permit $14USD, peak permit $350USD, insurance for Nepalese staffs, and accommodation in the tents for camping treks and in lodges for Tea House treks.

Cost does not include:

Hard drinks, cold drinks, sleeping bag, tips for guide/ porters, hotel in Kathmandu except two nights offered after upon arrival at international airport and return from the trek, rescue helicopter if used during the trek (travel insurance recommended!), international airfare.

RESERVATIONS

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