Everest Base Camp and Island Peak
Trek and climb period: 21 days
Region: Everest Region
Dates: March / April / May / October / November
Seen from above Dingboche the mountain does resemble an island in a sea of ice. It was first climbed in 1953 by a very prestigious team in preparation for the ascent of Everest. It is n interesting and attractive summit with a highly glaciated West Face rising from the Lhotse glacier. The mountain itself is an extension of the South ridge of Lhotse Shar and is separated by a small col. Above this gap, rising to the south is a classically beautiful ridge leading to the summit of Imja Tse. As well as providing an enjoyable climb the peak also provides some of the most striking scenery in Khumbu.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel upon arrival.
Day 02: Sightseeing (Boudha, Swambunath and Pashuatinath)
Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding
This is an hour flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport (2,800m). The trail from Lukla, leads north from the airstrip and drops steeply for a bit, then descends gently to Phakding (2,700m), your first overnight stop. This is a two hour trek.
Day 04: Phakding - Namche
From Phading the trail continues north up the Dudh Koshi Valley(Koshi means river in Nepali and it comes down from the Everest glacier). All along this part of the trail, there is a magnificent forest of magnolia, rhododendron and giant firs. On the cliffs above the river it is possible to see musk deer and Himalayan tahr. At Monjo the trek enters the Sagarmatha National Park. The trail follows the river and crosses Dudh Koshi and makes a steep climb to Namche (3,440m). Namche is a very colorful Sherpa village where you will see vendors selling antiques and each Saturday there is an important weekly haat or market.
Day 05: Namche.
We will have a rest and acclimatization day in Namche.
Day 06: Namche - Thyangboche / Deboche: Today we trek to Deboche (3,700m). We stop at Thyangboche which lies on the way and visit the famous Thyangboche monastery.
Day 07: Deboche - Pheriche: Before leaving Deboche, we visit the Deboche nunnery where old nuns live. Climb High completed a restoration project of the nunnery in 2005. We continue our trek to Pheriche.
Day 08: Rest day in Pheriche. W will do a acclimatization hike and climb to see some of the most beautiful views towards the Island peak and Amadablam base camp, Thanserky, Kangtega and the peaks in the Honku valley.
Day 09: Pheriche - Lobuche.
The trail ascends the broad, gently sloping valley to Phalang Karpo at 4,340m.The trail crosses small streams on boulders. The views of Tawachee and Cholatse (6,440m) are outstanding from along the trail. From Dugla (4,620m) the trail climbs higher on the moraine to a row of stone monuments built in the memory of those who have died on Everest. The trail then drops a bit and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche (4,930m). This is a four / five hour trek.
Day 10: Lobuche - Gorakshep.
The ascent becomes steeper and rougher as it crosses several side moraines. The peak of Pumori (7,145m) comes into view. On this lower slope of this mountain a ridge extending to the south terminates in a small peak. This peak, Kalapattar, is 5,545m and it provides the best vantage point for viewing Mt Everest. The trail makes a short descent to Gorakshep (5,160m). You will reach Gorakshep by lunchtime.
Day 11: Everest base camp.
We will trek to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep for the night. This is a five hour trek with a lot of breaks for photos.
Day 12: Gorakshep - Kalapattar - Dingboche (4,410m).
On the lower slope of Mt Pumori a ridge extending to the south terminates in a small peak. This peak, Kalapattar, is 5545m and it provides the best vantage point for viewing Mt Everest. We will climb Kalapattar in the morning and spend some time on the top. Return to Goraksheep for breakfast and trek downwards to Dingboche.
Day 13: Dingboche - Chukkung.
Chukkung is three hrs walk from Dingboche. Hike up the Imja Khola valley to Chukkung, a small summer settlement at 4,730m. The views from Chukkung and further up the valley on the moraines towards Island peak (6,189m) are tremendous. The great southern face of Lhotse towers above to the north.
Day 14: Chukkung - Island peak base camp (5,000m).
From Chukkung, we keep heading up the Imja Khola valley and trek gradually up to base camp. This is total 3 hrs trek.
Day 15: Rest day in Island peak base camp.
We will run a training day today at base camp.
Day 16: Summit day! Island peak (6,189m).
We leave early today for the summit. Return to high camp and we will come down a further 300 m and camp at the base camp. Trek to Pangboche.
Day 17: Trek to Namche.
Day 18: Trek to Lukla.
Day 19: Fly out to Kathmandu.
Day 20: Visit Bhaktapur.
Day 21: Departure.
Services Includes
All meals and accommodations in tea houses and camping during trekking and climbing Island peak, all meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner) with both vegetarian and non vegetarian served, all camping equipment (two person tent, kitchen tent, dinning tent, toilet tent, mattresses) kitchen equipment, high altitude tents, porters and yaks during the trek, all staffs and porters insurance, cook and kitchen boys, climbing Sherpa, group climbing equipment (9mm climbing rope and 400 meters fixed static rope, ices crews, carabineers and snow bars), peak permit to climb Island peak, wages and equipment allowance for climbing Sherpa guide and all staff, equipment for staff and porters, national park entry fees, all domestic cargo clearance, transport to airport and hotel, domestic flights (Ktm / Lukla / Ktm). 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu.
Services Excludes
Insurance (should cover helicopter evacuation in case of emergency), soft and hard drinks, meals in Kathmandu, personal gear, mountaineering boots and any other expenses in case of any political disturbances or natural disaster.