Fixed Departure: Sept 10, Oct 2 & 18
Imja Tse peak, at a height of 6,160 meters, is more popularly known by the name of Island Peak. 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. This will be a great experience for all types of people, who is in search for moderate, adventurous climbing experience. All you need for this trip is your positive attitude and in sound physical health, as this trip takes you to the high popular route of Everest with ample time to get acclimatised and to be in the high mountain spirit before the ascent to Imja Tse 6199m. It offers a worthwhile challenge and competent in using ice axe and crampons, being technically straightforward.
Trip Duration: 20 Days
Day 1 - Welcome to Kathmandu 1350m
Arrive in Kathmandu airport. You'll be met at the airport by our representative and transfer to hotel.
Day 2 - Kathmandu 1350m
The day to explore the sights of Kathmandu and the valley with a tour guide. You will be visiting temples, stupas, secret site, architecture and cultural things.
Day 3 - fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding 2660m
We take a spectacular 35-minute flight to Lukla. Our first real day of trekking is an easy day with plenty of time to soak up the rustic atmosphere. The trail traverses the side of Dhud kosi and Sherpa village then we arrive to Phakding.
Day 04: Namche 3450m
Crossing the Dhud Kosi river few times and Sherpa settlements we then arrive at
Jorsale, a fitting gateway, we enter Sagarmatha National Park. It's not a long day but it is finished with a steep hour and a half or so climb to Namche.
Day 4 - Namche 3450m
An acclimatisation day, so you are free to explore and relax. Visiting Thame and its gompas, explore the Bazaar or simply eating and relaxing.
Day 5 - Tengboche 3860m
From Namche it is pleasant half-day walk to Tengboche. Before we get to Khumjung and after, in the forest en route we often see Himalayan Tahr, pheasants, barking deer and musk deer. The trail ascends an hour from Phunstetang to Tengboche, from where we have an extensive panorama including the tip of Everest.
Day 6 - Friche 4226m
The trail descends through rhododendron forest to suspension bridge over the Dhud Kosi and gentle climb up to Pangboche, a highest year-round inhabited village with an old gompa, rich in history. From here, we begin passing through high altitude cropping and grazing areas viewing Ama Dablam. A day walks brings us to Feriche.
Day 7 - Thuglha 4600m
As it is better to go easy and slow to higher altitude, a relatively short and easy day, visiting Pheriche and the Himalayan Rescue Association post. Less than two hours walk bring us to Tuglha for the overnight.
Day 8 - Lobuche 4940m
From Tuglha, it is only a few hours walk to Lobuche but the altitude makes it tougher. After Tuglha, we pass a series of memorials to some of the lives that the mountains around have claimed. The trail follows the ablation valley so we can peer over the moraine and eyeballs the glacier close up. Once at Lobuche we have time to explore or relax.
Day 9 - Lobuche 4940m, climb Kala Pattar 5600m-Gorakshep
The day of achievement of the goal! The usual option is the rewarding climb of Kala Pattar (5600m). We rise early and wrap up warm for the tough trek. From Kala Pattar the panorama in every direction is staggering, and of course includes Everest. We retrace our steps to Gorakshep for overnight.
Day 10 - Dingboche 4350m
We descend through the same trail and just above the feriche viewing Ama Dablam. A long day walk brings us to Dingboche a higher farmland and a good base for exploring.
Day 11 - Chukhung 4750m
It is an easy walk through the chhukung valley to Chhukung. A short day walk so that we have time to prepare and/or relax for tomorrow.
Day 12 - Island Peak High Camp 5300m
Another relatively easy day, the trail crosses the river and follows the valley for approx 2 hours, passing beneath the magnificent south face of Lhotse. Base camp is by the side of the Imja glacier, below steep grassy slopes, which mark the start of the climb on Island Peak. We will climb an hour or so higher to the high Camp, since we are already partially acclimatised.
Day 13 - Ascent of Island Peak and camp at High Camp
Crossing the gully above the camp the trail makes a climb for another hour to a narrow ridge, leading on to the glacier. Here it is time to rope-up and put on our crampons as the most interesting part of the climb begins with the glacier crossing. This is followed by the steep snow slope that leads onto the summit ridge. This ridge is wonderfully airy and on reaching the summit we have stunning close-up views of the south face of Lhotse looming over us whilst in the other direction, there are more dramatic mountain views. We descend along the same route, down to base camp.
Day 14 - Dingboche
From Base Camp we should be able to reach to Dingboche
Day 15 - Khumjung
Heading down feels like you are floating on air. Once we are at Pongboche, we have a choice of routes: via Phortse or via Tengboche. We normally choice route which brings us to Khumjung through some climb up and down hills.
Day 16 - Manjo
Less than tow hours walk to Namche where we have lunch. We then descend to suspension bridge and easy walk to Jorsale for tea break and rest for a while. From here ½ an hour walk brings us to Manjo.
Day 17 - Lukla 2850m
Crossing the Dhudh Kosi river we leave Phakding behind and arrive at Choplong for the lunch and another an hour brings us to Lukla where hot shower and beer is waiting for you.
Day 18 - fly to Kathmandu
We fly by plane to Kathmandu in the morning. Occasionally flights are delayed by bad weather however we are supposed to be in Kathandu by 12 noons.
Day 19 - Kathmandu
A free day for washing, shopping and a last look around Kathmandu.
Day 20 - Farewell - trip ends
We take you to the airport with transfer provided for your flight home.
Cost: USD 1100 per person.
All land and domestic air transfer as per itinerary
Arrival and departure transfers
Accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu.
1/2 day sightseeing in Kathmandu
All accommodation and 3 meals while on the trek in Tea Houses
Fully escorted trek with English speaking guide and 1 porter between each 2 person
Entry permit and National Park Fees
Wages, equipment, insurance and other facilities to staffs
Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges
Other meals not stated (Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu)
Items of personal nature i.e. Soft/hard drinks, mineral water, dessert, tips etc.
Travel / medical Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking)
Medical evacuation in case of emergency
Extra cost (dividable):
(a) USD 200 for the climbing Sherpa fee
(b) Peak Permit:
For 1-4 members: USD 350.00
For 5-8 members: USD 350.00 + USD 40.00 per person
For 9-12 members: USD 510.00 + USD 25.00 per person
Note : Maximum number of members in one team is 12.