Island Peak

sland Peak is known as Imja Tse peak of 6,160 meters from sea level. The peak was named Island peak by Eric Shipton?s party in 1953, as the peak resembles an island in a sea of ice when viewed form Dingboche. Later in 1983, the peak was renamed as Imja Tse. The peak was first ascended in 1953 by a British team as preparation for climbing Everest. Tenzing Norgay was one of the members who successfully ascended it. The peak is part of the south ridge of Lhotse Shar and the main land forms a semicircle of cliffs that rise to the north of the summits of Nuptse, Lhotse, Middle Peak and Lhotse Shar. Cho Polu and Makalu lie to the east of the Island Peak. Baruntse, Amphu and Ama Dablam lie to the south.

Climbing Route

To climb Island Peak, one has the option of starting from a base camp at 5,087 metres (16,690 ft) called Pareshaya Gyab and starting the climb between 2 and 3 am. Another popular option is to ascend to High Camp at around 5,600 metres (18,400 ft) to reduce the amount of effort and time needed for summit day. However, adequate water supply and concerns about sleeping at a higher altitude may dictate starting from base camp. Base camp to high camp is basically a hike but just above high camp, some rocky steps require moderate scrambling and up through a broad open gully. At the top of the gully, glacier travel begins and proceeds up to a steep snow and ice slope. From here, fixed ropes may be set up by the guides for the strenuous ascent of nearly 100 metres (330 ft) to the summit ridge. The climb to the summit is somewhat difficult due to steep climbing. On top, while Mount Everest is a mere ten kilometres away to the north, the view will be blocked by the massive wall of Lhotse, towering 2,300 m (7,500 ft) above the summit.

Itinerary Outline

Itinerary Outline

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m.). Arrive at Kathmandu where we are met and transferred to our hotel. In the evening we will conduct a briefing session.

Day 02: Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley on a Private vehicle

SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA also known as the monkey temple, is climbed by a long set of steps and has great views of Kathmandu.

BOUDHANATH STUPA has many traditional Gompas hung with strings of multi-coloured prayer flags; it attracts many Sherpas and Tibetans for the circumambulations of the stupa (koras).

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE is a Hindu temple with burning Ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE is the palace of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city, surrounded with spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries.

Day 03: By Domestic Plane: KATHMANDU – LUKLA (2850m). Trek to PHAKDING (2650m, 3hrs)

Your day begins early as you head for Kathmandu airport to catch to Lukla flight. Assuming the flight departs without much delay, you will have fine weather with stunning views of Himalayan peaks. The trail leaves Lukla through a Kaani or gateway. Soon you are walking down gently descending trails, past rolling farmlands that extends over what seems to be a wide promontory overlooking the canyon of the Dudh Koshi River. The snow peak at the head of the valley is Kumbila (5716m), the mountain sacred to the sherpas. On the way to Phakding, you will notice a huge boulder printed with Tibetan religious mantras (mostly; Om mani padme hum). About 3 hours walk, you will be in Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 04: PHAKDING – NAMCHE BAZAAR (3450m, 5hrs).

We continue north following the Dudh Kosi river and on to Jorsale where we enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. From here it is a short walk to the confluence of two rivers, the lmja Drangpa (Imja Khola) and the Nangpo Tsangpo (Bhote Kosi) followed by a steep climb (for about 2hrs.) to Namche Bazaar, the main town in the Khumbu region. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre with a weekly Saturday market. Distance: 10.5km/6.5miles approximately 5 hours walks.

Days 05: NAMCHE BAZAAR – KHUMJUNG (37840m, 4hrs).

After a breakfast, head to Namche Gompa on the far side of the village and then turn right and ascend the path that curves around and above Namche. Take path that climbs steeply to Syangboche (3760m) often called Everest view point with grassy slopes with Mt. Thamserku as backdrop and before long you are on the edge of the stone paved runway. Enjoy mountains view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Khantega and many more mountains. Now the trail is regular with gentle climb through forest. You will have gentle descend at the end of the trail to Khumjung. Khumjung is big settlement of Sherpa community. It is also known as the “Green village of Nepal”.

Day 06: NAMCHE – TENGBOCHE (4410m, 5hrs).

The trail picks its way through cultivated fields that stretch over a mostly flat terrain. After about 2.5km, the path meets the Namche-Tengboche trail at Sanasa (3600m). The trail descends deep into the Dudh Kosi Valley at Pungki Thanka; from here it ascends the right flank of the Dudh Koshi valley to Tengboche Monastery (3860m). It is the spiritual center of the Khumbu; the climb is long, but more than adequately compensated by views of Mt. Amadablam and on a clear day, views of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 07: TENGBOCHE – DINGBOCHE (4360m, 6hrs)

With mountains at its backdrop, the monastery at Tengboche looks more spectacular in the morning. At this juncture, we can take pictures of the monastery and the scenery around and as usual start the day journey. We choose the upper trail for better views on the way to Pangboche village. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. The place where we stop for lunch not only serves delicious food but also allows a fantastic close-up view of Mt Ama Dablam. In the afternoon, we walk north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Mt Ama Dablam. From here onwards, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. On arrival at Dingboche, we will see beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight at Dingboche

Day 08: DINGBOCHE – LOBUCHE (4940m, 5hrs)

From Dingboche we climb the ridge and cross the flat plain above the Pheriche valley. The trail leads to the bridge crossing a small stream immediately before the small hamlet of Dughla. From Dughla the trail climbs steeply onto the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier for a short section to Chukpo Lari, a beautiful, yet poignant place where there is a line of memorials in tribute to the climbers who have died on Everest. The panorama of all the peaks from this point is beautiful. From the memorial the route descends a little and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche. Lobuche is a cluster of Lodges, teahouses and shops and can be very busy. Tawoche and Nuptse Peaks are particularly spectacular from Lobuche, towering almost two kilometers directly above you..

Day 09: Trek to EVEREST BASE CAMP (5300m). Overnight at GORAKSHEP (5,170m)

Today is a challenging day but will no doubt be very rewarding and the highlight of the trek as you walk to Everest Base Camp. After an early start we follow the undulating trail along the western side of the broad Khumbu valley and glacier. The views today are magnificent as you are totally surrounded by towering snowy peaks. The conical peak of Pumori soon comes into view; it is on a lower ridge of this mountain that we will be going tomorrow morning for the Everest view point of Kala Patar. After approximately 2 to 3 hours the trail descends onto sandy basin to reach Gorakshep. After a light lunch we will set off to walk to Everest Base Camp which is approximately 5 to 6 hour return trek back to Gorakshep where we sleep tonight. After crossing the sandy flat at Gorak Shep the trail climbs onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier and ascends the side of the glacier for two hours before finally descending onto rocky glacial moraine. The trail then winds up and down and through fascinating ice seracs to Everest Base Camp where there are fantastic lose up views of the Khumbu ice fall. In spring season this Base Camp will be packed with many nationalities attempting to climb Everest. After a short stop we will retrace our trail back to Gorakshep

Day 10: Hike to KALA PATAR (5,545m). Trek to DINGBOCHE (5hrs)

In the morning after an early breakfast we climb up to the summit of Kala Patar. It is definitely worth the 2 to 3 hour walk for its great views of Everest and Khumbu Ice Fall (you cannot see Mount Everest from Base Camp) plus the other Himalayan giants of Pumori, Changtse, Nuptse and Lhotse. For many people this will be the highlight of your trip and your highest point that you will trek to. We will spend plenty time on the summit to allow you to sit and reflect surrounded by the majestic beauty of the mountains and ice flutes. After walking up Kalapathar we return to the teahouse at Gorakshep for lunch before making our return journey past Lobuche and descend to Dugla and instead of taking the trail back to Dingboche you descend to the flat, broad valley bottom. From there it is a short walk along the valley to the village of Pheriche which is made up of lots of lodges, tea houses and shops. The village also has a Himalayan Hospital which is well worth a visit to look round.

Day 11: DINGBOCHE – CHHUKUNG (4,730m, 5 hrs)

Our walk today is easy. We walk up for 15 minutes and take a smooth way till to Dingboche for lunch. Then, we hike nother 2 hours to reach Chhukung. Upon on arrival in Chhukung, our climbing guide will check your climbing equipments and brief island peak summit plan. Over night at Chhukung.

Day 12: CHHUKUNG – ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP (5,200m, 4 hrs)

Today after breakfast, we heads further on to the steep way climbing southern part then turning east to the main line of the valley. Continue short pleasant walking along a streamside leads to the Big –rock and the route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast from here. A mid difficult cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads you to a wide valley flanking of Island peak where we will set up our base camp for overnight at tented camp.

Day 13: BASE CAMP – HIGH CAMP (5,600m, 4 hrs)

This morning we packed our camping stuff and we'll head on to the High camp from where we start our climb. As you climb the hill, you will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel nearby where we'll overnight at camp. This is where our guide will fix crampons on your climbing boots and re-check the entire climbing group and personal equipment once again for better safety. If required, you may learn last minute climbing technique with our climbing Sherpa at this stage. If possible, you will be also taken for the ice/rock climbing nearby but subject to the availability. Over night at High Camp.

Day 14: ISLAND PEAK (6,189m) and return back to CHHUKUNG (4750m, 10hrs)

Island Peak Ascent (6,189m/20,305ft) starts early this morning via climb to the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses but it leads without difficulty, to a 100m(330ft) snow and ice slope (40-45 Degree) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. After enjoying the summit views you will descend all the way to Chhukung for overnight.

Day 15: CHHUKUNG – TENGBOCHE (3,867m, 5 hrs)

The trek comes down from Chukkung following towards Panboche. After this, we take a same trail back which is used to trek up. The trail comes all the way down to river. We cross the river and take an hour walk up through the forest to reach Tengboche.

Day 16: TENGBOCHE – MONJO (7hrs)

We descend through forest till to the riverside for approx. of 2 hours, across the river and take a walk up towards a big hill for two hours and will have a nice pleasant walk till to Namche. This is same way as we used before. Descend to Monjo.

Day 17: MONJO – LUKLA (4hrs)

From Monjo we carry on the descent of the Dudh Khosi valley through the villages of Phakding, Ghat and Cheplung. At Chaurikharka we start ascending the final hill of the trek to reach Lukla. On getting to the Numbur Lodge you can relax and enjoy your last evening with the Sherpa guides and wonderful porters

Day 18: By domestic Plane: LUKLA – KATHMANDU and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu

Take flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla after a breakfast. But the flight is depend upon the weather condition and need to wait till evening. Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu and free afternoon.

Day 19: Free day in Kathmandu

Day 20: Departure