TRIP OVERVIEW
Island Peak (6189m) its lies in the center of the Everest Region of Nepal and is the most popular trekking peaks. The trip initiates in Kathmandu where you enjoy the diversity of ancient city before you taking an adventure flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. Along the way, we will visit various cultural sites, including famous Sherpa villages, Monasteries and Sagarmatha National Park which covers the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest at 8848 m, it is the highest National park in the world and also listed on world Heritage Site. Your guides will be the experienced Sherpa’s, who have scaled Island Peak several times, so he will take you to the summit to make your dream come true. This adventure is incredibly scenic I am sure you will bring good memories and stories that will last you a lifetime. In order to join the trip, it requires some basic mountaineering experience and good physical fitness.
OUTLINE ITINERARY:
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu transfer to hotel (Altitude:1370m)
Day 02: Kathmandu to Lukla flight and Trek to Phakding (Altitude:2800m)
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (Altitude:3440m)
Day 04: Namche Bazaar, Acclimatization and Rest day (Altitude:3440m)
Day 05: Trek to Deboche (Altitude:3820m)
Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (Altitude: 4410m)
Day 07: Dingboche, Acclimatization and Rest day (Altitude: 4410m)
Day 08: Trek to Labuche (Altitude:4910m)
Day 09: Labuche, Hike to Kala Patthar (Altitude:5545m) and back to Labuche
Day 10: Trek to Chukhumng (Altitude 4720m)
Day 11: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp-Climbing Training (Altitude:5200m)
Day 12: Island Peak Summit (Altitude:6189m) Back to Chukhung (Alt. 4720m)
Day 13: Trek to Debuche (Alt. 3820m)
Day 14: Trek to Manjo (Altitude 2835m)
Day 15: Trek to Lukla (Altitude 2860m)
Day 16: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 17: In Kathmandu Full day city sightseeing
Day 18: In Kathmandu Day of leisure
Day 19: Final Departure
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu transfer to hotel (Altitude:1370m)
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Waiba Adventure Trek who will drop you to your hotel in Kathmandu. A full briefing will be given after you check in. Overnight at Fuji Guest House or similar in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,651m), 3 hours trek
After breakfast, we drive to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu to take a 35 minutes flight to Lukla in a small Twin Otter airplane. Landing on the narrow, sloping runway high above the Dudh Koshi River in the heart of the mountains is a very spectacular way to arrive. We begin our 3 hours trek to Phakding immediately after landing. An hour’s gradual descent, we will be at a Cheplung village from where we have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila a sacred mountain which has never been climbed. From Cheplung, we continue descending via Thado Koshi and Ghat to reach Phakding. Overnight in Pkakding
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 5 – 6 hours trek
We begin our trek on uphill and downhill trails with multiple crossings the suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi River and a magnificent view of Mt. Kusum Khangkaru (6370m) and Thamserku (6618m) from the Bengkar village. We cross more bridges and reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked. We walk furthermore passing through Jorsale village and crossing highest suspension bridge in Everest region. After we cross the bridge, we start with steep ascending via pine’s tree forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. From here, we get awesome views of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tabuche,Kongde and others more. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Today we have a rest day in Namche Bazar. This is an ideal place to spend the day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading further up. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Khumbu region and is facilitates with bank, internet, ATM, good bakery café, groceries shop, restaurants and a colorful market. We can also take a half day excursion to Everest View Hotel to enjoy stunning views of the: (Mt. Everest 8848m), (Lhotse 8516m), (Nuptse 7864m), (Ama Dablam 6814m), (Thamserku 6618m) and (Tabuche peak 6495m). On our way back to Namche we also visit museum. Overnight in Namche Bazar.
Day 05: Trek to Debuche (3820 m) 5-6 hours trek
After breakfast, we start our trek with easy trail to Phunki Thanga but afterwards ascending to Tengboche will become relatively harder. Tengboche Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries of the Everest region. It encloses within Sagarmatha National Park which is listed in a UNESCO world heritage site. On route today you will have panoramic views of the highest mountain. After we visit the Monastery we descend down throughout beautiful bush of Rhododendron, and Juniper to Debuche. Overnight in Debuche
Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m) 5 – 6 hours trek
From here we descend through a beautiful forest, crosses the Imja River and gradual climb up to Pangboche a typical sharpa village. We move towards the Imja Valley, via Shomare a lunch place,after having lunch here we gradually ascend and crosses the Pheruche River and ultimately climb up to Dingboche. The village is a beautiful windy settlement overlooked by chortens and prayer flags. Overnight in Dingboche.
Day 07: Dingboche: acclimatization day hike up to view point. 4 – 5 hike
This would be our second acclimatization day. After breakfast, we ascend up to view point at the altitude of (5080m) a hill located directly above Dingboche. From this point we will enjoy beautiful views of (Mt. Makalu 8481m the fifth highest mountain in the world), (Ama Dablam 6856m), (Thamserku 6618m), (Tabuche peak 6495m), (Cholatse 6335m), (Kangtega 6783m).And you will have great views of the Chhukhug and Pheriche valley as well. After a short rest, we start descend back to Dingboche . Overnight in Dingboche.
Day 08: Trek to Labuche (4910m) 3-4 hours trek.
From here onward, the trek will be gradually more challenging due to the high altitude. Today we trek across a wide pass which is much-wanted change from walking in a straight line and we Continue ascend through the Yak pasture and just before reaching Thukla cross the Thukla Khola (River) From here, the trail passes through boulder-strewn slopes. As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, and pass by famous memorial place (tombstones) people who died on Everest. After the top the trail goes gradual up to Labuche. Overnight in Labuche.
Day 09: Labuche, Hike to Kala Patthar (Altitude:5545m) and back to Labuche 8-9 hours trek
We start early morning from Labuche for Kalapattar’s altitude is 5550.We take the trail to Everest Base Camp via Gorak Shep Upon reaching at Gorak Shep we will have breakfast and then we start to climb Kala Patthar. We pass through rocky moraine, and streams. The distance between Lobuche and Gorakshep is approximately 2 to 3 hours walk. It is important that we follow our lead guide diligently. The walk up is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude and trail is steep ascending. One fact is that you do not see the top of Kalapattar from Gorakshepe, only we see the lower summit which is much lower.The views from the summit are memorable. Everest views are the best you can get from this place. Descend from Kalapattar is easy, just a quick straight down walk to Gorakshep and we advance towards to Labuche. Overnight in Labuche.
Day 10: Trek to Chukhumng (Altitude 4720m) 5-6 hours trek
After breakfast, we trek down to Chukhumng via Dingboche and ascend gradually to Chukhumng. After Dingboche we follow up Imja Khola valley, which is one of the beautiful valley in Khumbu region. After reaching Chhukung we will also check our equipment in order to get ready for our ultimate climb. Overnight in Chhukung.
Day 11: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp-Climbing Training (Altitude:5200m) 3-4 hours trek
From Chukhumng we will follow the fairly steep route towards the Island Peak base camp, we move south as we walk towards the winding paths below the Lhotse glacier. Next, we continue walk on a pleasant trail along a streamside keeping Famous Imja lake on the right side. Arriving at the base camp, our crew will set up the tents which will give us enough time to observe the surrounding and we get short trainings on peak climbing techniques and using climbing gear such as ice axes, climbing boots and crampons, harnesses, and rope skills. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.
Day 12: Island Peak Summit (Altitude:6189m) Back to Chukhung (Alt. 4720m)
A very early morning 1 AM we start our journey today after having quick breakfast. Because wind during the afternoon is strong this can hamper the summit push so we start early morning. Climbing the steep hill, the trail narrows. Although not very difficult climb, we need to watch out for the rocky steps as we climb. Our Sherpa will take care with the rope fixing with both main rope and fix ropes. From the Summit the views of the Himalayas is breathtaking. We head back towards base camp and then to Chukhung. Overnight in Chukhung.
Day 13: Trek to Debuche (Alt. 3820m) -5 hours Trek
We retrace the trail via Dingboche, Pangboche and to Debuche a beautiful place overlooking mt. Ama Dablam. Here we finally back to tree line; you will have finally plenty of oxygen and as well as good energy. Overnight in Debuche.
Day 14: Trek to Manjo (2835m) 6-7 hours trek
First we ascend to Tengboche Moneastry and then we descend rapidly through pine and Rhododendron forest where we can easily spot mountains goats, pheasants and other wild animals and birds common to the area. The path eventually reaches Sansa from where we can enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Nuptse mountains. We walk on winding trails followed by another walk through a forest before reaching Namche Bazaar. After good lunch at Namche Bazar we continue our trek descends to Dudh Koshi river we cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River to reach Manjo. Overnight in Manjo.
Day 15: Trek to Lukla (2860m) 5 hours trek
Now the trail has become more level and natural. We walk through Sherpa villages noticing their impressive faith in Buddhism and the culture of prayer stones and prayer flags now you feel like back to civilization. After reaching Lukla, we stretch those legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Our memorable trek in the Himalaya ends today. Overnight in Lukla.
Day 16: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Flights to Kathmandu operate in the mornings because in the afternoon there is wind on routes. Flying from Lukla to Kathmandu is as spectacular as the earlier landing. After reaching Kathmandu, transferred to your hotel we can take a rest .Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 17: In Kathmandu: full day sightseeing
After breakfast, you will be going for whole day city sightseeing with the Nepali tour guide to most historical attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed on UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the biggest Stupa in the world. The tour is likely to finish around 4pm and the rest of the day is free to explore around Thamel around your hotel as well as to pack your baggage for the trek starting tomorrow morning. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items not needed on the trek. Overnight at Fuji Guest House or similar in Kathmandu.
Day 18: In Kathmndu
Day of leisure in Kathmandu, do some souvenir shopping to take memory back home. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 19: Final Departure
Our amazing journey in Nepal come to end today. A Waiba Adventure Trek representative will drop you off at the airport 3 hours before your flight time. Have a safe journey back to home. Namaste & hope to see you again.
PHOTO GALLERY