Island peak climbing (6189m) – 21 Days

● Island peak is the most popular climbing peaks in Nepal

● Enjoy 360 degree views of Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam from Island peak

● Get real mountaineering experience

● Hike up to Everest Base Camp, Kalapathar, Namche, Dingboche,

● Experience Sherpa culture and Buddhism

● All airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle.

● Four nights accommodation at a 3-Star hotel in Kathmandu with BB plan on twin/double sharing basis.

● All accomodation in a standard tea house during the trekking trails.

● Full board meals during trek & climbing period – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

● An experienced licensed English-Speaking professional sherpa guide, porters and supporting staff.

● Round trip domestic flight ticket(Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu).

● All essential ground transportation by private vehicle as per itinerary.

● Climbing permit for Island Peak.

● All necessary permits (TIMS, Park fees, Restricted area permit, world heritage sites entry fee where applicable)

● All necessary climbing gears.

● Kitchen equipments and camping equipments during climbing period

● Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

● A comprehensive medical kit.

● Insurance for all staff

● All government and local taxes

● Nepal Visa Fee

● International airfare to and from Kathmandu

● Personal Climbing Gears.

● Meals in Kathmandu.

● Any kind of refreshment beverages and alcohol.

● Extra days accomodation in Kathmandu in cases of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountains (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.

● Travel and rescue insurance.

● Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)

● Rescue and evacuation

● Any extra costs resulting from cancellation, landslide, weather, political unrest or illness

● Tips for guide, drivers and supporting staff.

1. Clothing
● Thermal Base Layers – Tops and Bottoms
● Heavy Base Layers
● Trekking Pants
● Hard-shell pants
● Down Pant
● T-shirts – Short and long sleeve
● Mid Layer Top
● Insulated Jacket
● Hard-shell Jacket
● Down Jacket/Parka
● Raincoat

2. Footwear
Double insulated mountaineering boots for climbing Hiking boots (Full and waterproof) for approach lightweight shoes for camp and around town
● Gaiters
● Flip-flops
● Wool/Synthetic socks
● Liner socks

3. Handwear
● Liner gloves
● Mid-weight gloves
● Down mittens

4. Headwear
● Cap/Sun Hat
● Buff
● Balaclava
● Warm wool/Synthetic Hat
● Eye Wear (Full coverage around eyes and nose)
● Ski Goggles

5. Climbing Gears
● Helmet
● Ice Axe
● Crampons
● Harness
● Carabiners
● Belay Device/Figure of 8
● Ascender/Jumar
● Prusik Cord
● Trekking Poles

6. Backpacking
● Small pack (35-40 litres)
● Waterproof duffel bag
● Padlocks for the duffel bag
● Pack cover

7. Accessories
● Water Bottles
● Headlamp
● Camera & Batteries
● Power bank/Solar Charger
● Universal adapter

8. Hygiene and first aid
● Skincare ( Moisturizer ,sunscreen and lip balm)
● Toilet paper and wet wipes
● Personal first aid kit
● Water treatment

Group Size
Peak Climbing and Expedition is a challenging task requiring perfect management and detailed information. We accommodate up to 12 climbers in one climbing and expedition group. We believe this standard size is fit for achieving efficiency and quality and to achieve success. Each expedition group we organize will be provided with one licensed, highly experienced, English- speaking Sherpa Climbing guide and one assistant guide. Other supporting staff will include one porter for each pax, one cook and two kitchen helpers. According to government regulations, one government officer will also accompany the group. Only 20 kg are allowed to each porter. Our field staff will also include one guide who is adept in administering first aid. Helicopter rescue operation, if needed, can be arranged that you

Accomodation.
The accommodations are chosen based on climbing itinerary, comfort level, budget and interests of trekkers and accessibility in terms of scenery and trail. Most arrangements are made on a Bed & Breakfast basis in deluxe – star hotels in cities. Depending upon your interests, a wide range of hotels are available in city areas such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, etc. During the trekking trail, there are plenty of lodges, teahouses, guesthouses and sometimes even hotels for accommodation. A teahouse/lodge trek offers simple to moderate facilities, with simple beds, solar-powered hot water and a limited set of cuisines/meals. During the climbing period, you will be staying in camps/tents and food will be prepared by your kitchen staff in camping sites.

For this peak climbing we offer three types of accommodation, ‘3-Star Hotel’ in the city, ‘Tea Houses/Lodges’ in the trekking trail and ‘Camping’ during the trekking trail. City accommodation will be arranged in Double/ Twin Sharing basis in Deluxe hotel on bed & breakfast plan. We look at the conditions of the inns, local hygiene, quality of food, type of service and more. The location for camping is identified and chosen by trekking Sherpas and the decision is based on pre-designed itinerary and other features including views and accessibility. Camping will include camping tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, sleeping bags, mattress etc. Please let us know beforehand if you exchange double/twin sharing beds for single beds. The availability of beds also depends on seasonality with limited choices available in peak season.

Foods
Major cities in Nepal have no shortage of restaurants, bars and great eateries where you will be able to eat any local or international dishes. The dining experience in cities is of international standards and quality. The choices become limited once you enter the trekking trail. In contrast, there might not be as much variety of cuisines available on the trekking trail. Trekking lodges and small eateries along the trail will offer you basic diets such as Nepali Dal Bhat, sandwich, apple pie and pizza and regular beverages. During the climbing period, our field staff will carry food throughout the trail and will prepare meals and beverages in the camping site. The menu is pre-designed and attached to the program itinerary and shared with you for confirmation before the trekking program begins. Water will be provided for our guests in boiled and purified form.

For this peak climbing we offer you full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trekking trail and climbing period as per menu. Please note that full board meals are not included during your transition stay in city areas, guests will have to pay for the meals (dinner and lunch), alcohol, hot & cold beverages and mineral water.

Our staff will be there to receive you upon your arrival in Nepal at Tribhuvan International Airport. From there you will be dropped to your hotel where you can relax and rest. Later visit our office where you will attend a short briefing about your trip by your trek/tour guide. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Today is allocated for your climbing preparation. Your climbing guide will check your gears and equipment for climbing and give a briefing. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

You will take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This 30 minute flight could not be any more adventurous as you fly over countless hills with views of Himalayan peaks to finally land at Lukla airport, which is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Once in Lukla, your trekking guide will lead on the first day of trek to Phakding. The trail winds away across the hills of pine and rhododendron forests passing the Sherpa villages of Chheplung and Thado Koshigaon. Sighting of mani walls and prayer flags is an indication you are in a Buddhist land. You will reach Phakding by early afternoon. Stay overnight in Phakding.

After a full breakfast, we follow the trail along Dudh Koshi River. Ahead you crisscross forested hills and witness the first glimpses of Kongde Ri Peak and Thamserku peaks. Cross Benkar village enroute to briefly stop at Monjo, which marks the entry to Sagarmatha National Park. Ahead you will pass by Jorsale village and another 20 minutes walk will reach the confluence of raging Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi Rivers. Just over a ridge from here is a perfect point to spot Mt. Everest (8848 m) for the first time. The trail climbs gradually until we reach Namche Bazaar, the main center for the Sherpa community. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

We will use the full day today for acclimatization. Namche is a modern village full of bakery shops, coffee outlets, entertainment centers alongside ancient Buddhist stupas and maniwalls. You can try out Sherpa cuisine and stop by the Sherpa cultural museum.

Take a short hike to Khumjung village or Everest hotel to get the feel of the weather and climate as well as to beautiful views of Everest, Thamserku, Lhotse etc. You can also visit Hillary School in Khunde village. Spend the evening in the warmth and hospitality of Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

You will move ahead leaving Namche behind. The trail is fairly easy and straight as it follows Dudh Koshi River. One of the prominent places you will come across enroute is Phunke Tenga which is the only visible sign of human presence between here and Tengboche. You will be surrounded by rhododendron forest on your approach to Tyangboche Monastery which sits just opposite the gorgeous Ama Dablam mountain. Everest, Lhotse, Kwangde, Tawache, are other mountains visible from here. The 500 year old Tyanboche Monastery is the largest monastery on this side of the Himalaya. It is headed by a Rimpoche and hosts the popular Mani Rimdu festival. Stay overnight in Tengboche.

The trail ahead of Dingboche is devoid of any settlements. It is an open expanse of land that is only surveyed by wild animals such as Musk Deer and Blue Sheep. Today you will experience the Alpine landscape with very scarce vegetation. Explore Pangboche and Somare on the way. The Imja River flows by as you ascend to Pheriche and then Dingboche. The village of Dingboche is a small settlement surrounded by potato fields and offers clear views of Lhotse and Island Peak among others. Stay overnight in Dingboche.

Acclimatization day to acclimate to the high altitude. We will hike to Nagarsang hill to prepare yourself for Kalapatthar and Everest Base camp hike. Stay overnight at Dingboche.

The trek today is going to be even more exciting as we move to higher ground. The lands above have no human presence except for some cattle herds and the occasional maniwalls and chortens. Enjoy walking through glacial valleys while catching rare views of Taboche Peak and Ama Dablam peaks. We eventually come to a place called Dughla, which is the last human settlement. Crossing this section we come across a shrine dedicated to the mountaineers who have lost lives in the mountains. The final section of the trail is a memorable hike over glacial moraines and on your right is spread Khumbu Glacier. Stay overnight in Lobuche.

Today is a special day for you to be heading to Everest Base Camp, the ultimate prize of this trekking. Wake up early and follow your trekking guide carefully. The trail passes over lateral moraines of the Khumbu Glacier, walks over Lobuche Pass and heads down to Gorakshep. It will take another 2 hrs from here to trek to Everest Base Camp. You will spend some quality time at Everest Base Camp observing Mt. Everest and glaciers nearby. Return and stay overnight in Gorakshep.

Wake up early in the morning and be ready to hike towards Kala Pathar hill. Enjoy the mind blowing views from Kala Pathar. Today we will retrace our steps back to Dingboche. On the way you will pass through the village of Dingla and crisscrosses few streams. Stay overnight in Dingboche.

After breakfast, we leave Chhukung behind. The trail slowly climbs passing by meadows which are used by yaks for grazing. Enjoy the mountain views while taking in chilled fresh air. Chhukung is a relatively small Sherpa village which is very peaceful. You can easily capture views of Everest, ImaTse, AmaDablam among others. Stay overnight at Chhukung.

Prepare yourself to begin your actual mountaineering adventure. Today you will head to the base camp of Island peak which will take about 3 hours. The south face of Lhotse towers over the entire journey before approaching the beautiful Imja Glacier that feeds Imja Khola. Island Peak soars above the glacier and ice. Stay overnight.

After the climbing of Island peak, we start our return journey. Follow the trail to Chukhung village and from there on to Dingboche and finally to Pangboche. Stay overnight in Pangboche.

Today we will return to Namche Bazaar by the same route. As before we will follow Dudh Koshi River. You will continue to enjoy beautiful views of mountain peaks, explore gompas and forests. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Retrace your trail back to Lukla. The trail descends from Namche passing through Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi River. Pass by suspension bridges, mani walls and prayer wheels. Stay overnight in Lukla.

Take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport. The flight lasts for about 30 minutes and offers scenic views of rolling green hills and crisp Himalayan peaks. Once in Kathmandu, our staff will receive you and take you to your hotel. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

This day will be an extra buffer day just in case the flight from Lukla gets cancelled due to bad weather. In the evening we will organize a farewell dinner for you.

Time to bid you farewell. Our staff will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport to catch international flights for your onward journey.