Island Peak Expedition

Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with EverTrek. Once you’ve passed through passport control and collected your bags, you’ll head out to the front of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to be greeted by one of our friendly team members  - look for the EverTrek sign, you won’t miss them! They will be there to pick you up and transport you to your hotel in Thamel.

Today, the itinerary is clear, as EverTrekkers will be arriving throughout the day at differing flight times. This means that you will have a chance to rest and relax after your journey to Nepal, and may also have the opportunity to meet some of the team and fellow trekkers, to discuss details of your upcoming trek.

Kathmandu Valley is a fantastic place with numerous natural, cultural and historical sites. Today, you will be taken on a tour around Kathmandu to visit some of these major attractions. Kathmandu lies at 1300m above sea level so it’s important to get out and about today and let your body acclimatise. After spending a few hours observing these wonderful sites, you will meet with the team and guides to finalise your equipment and trekking gear required during the trek, if you haven’t already checked these on Day 1.

In the evening you will enjoy a delicious welcome meal with your fellow EverTrekkers. In previous years this had been on the first day of the trip, however it has recently been moved to Day 2 to ensure that those trekkers on later flights don’t miss out on this enjoyable experience. If in Kathmandu, (see below), you'll be taken to one of the most popular local restaurants where you can enjoy Nepali food along with cultural music and ethnic dance.

Today also gives you the opportunity to grab any last-minute items in the trekking hub of Thamel and get an early night ready for the trek tomorrow.

*Something to note*

Due to ongoing development and important maintenance at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, your flight to Lukla may be rerouted to Ramechhap Airport. This is because the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) ruled that flights to and from Lukla during the 2019 post-monsoon season would operate through Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. This action has been prolonged longer than expected and the CAAN is looking at permanently moving all flights that go to Lukla from Ramechhap. While some flights will certainly still go from Kathmandu, they are not always guaranteed, even when booked in advance and can be subject to unplanned and prolonged delays.

If flying to Lukla from Ramechhap Airport, the journey to Ramechhap will start on day two of your itinerary. After a part-day tour of Kathmandu, you will drive for approx. four to five hours to the town of Mulkot where EverTrek will provide accommodation and your evening meal. As with all Nepalese roads, the journey will be a bumpy one, but it’s necessary to ensure your dream of Base Camp becomes a reality! It will be an early start on day three, as you wake up at 3:30/4:30 am and take a short 30-minute drive to the airport. The flight to Lukla is shorter from Ramechhap than from Kathmandu which means we can monitor the weather windows with greater accuracy. EverTrek will get you on one of the first flights to Lukla where you can have a hearty breakfast and celebrate the start of your trek!

On the return journey, you will fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and then take the long bumpy adventurous drive back to Kathmandu. The traffic going into Kathmandu can be severe, so this may take approximately six to seven hours (with breaks for food and a stretch).

Although this has been an enforced change for everyone from CAAN, our ultimate aim is to get you on the trek safely and to make it to Everest base camp so we have made plans to make sure there will be as minimal disruption as possible. We will provide all the additional staff and accommodation for the diversion, absolutely no cost will be passed onto you, our awesome EverTrekkers, but we do ask for your patience with the potential change with the itinerary.

(Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square (a historical structure offering architectural wonders), the Pashupatinath temple (a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- lord possessing the power of destruction), Swyambhunath and Boudhanath (a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha- Light of Asia.

It all starts here!
The flight to Lukla is one of our favourite parts of the trek. Landing at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla is on many people's Bucket List.

You will be escorted in a private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport* (*See Day 2 for potential changes to be aware of), to board an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m). After a 30-35 mins flight, the plane will land at Lukla Airport (Tenzing Hillary Airport). Here, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast and will be introduced to other team members awaiting your arrival. At the same time, your luggage will be prepared for the porters.

Once everything is ready, the ultimate trek finally begins towards the destination of the day, Phakding. Leaving Lukla behind, you will descend for around four hours of downhill and flat trail experience, before finally reaching Phakding - also known as the ‘Lodge City’, which sits on the Dudh Kosi River. You can freshen up and rest for a while, before following your guide on a short walk to explore the village of Phakding or even stretch your legs with a hike to nearby Gompas (monasteries) which will aid your acclimatization. The night will be spent at a lodge in Phakding.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Wonderful aerial view of the terrain from the plane, colorful Lukla village, ‘Mani’ prayer rocks, Phakding Village and ‘Gompas’ monasteries, downhill and flat trail)

Today is the second day of the trek. After having a delicious breakfast at your lodge in Phakding, you will leave the village and head towards your destination for today, Namche Bazaar. You will follow the train along the Dudh Koshi River, taking in the views and soaking up the energy of the Khumbu region. You will cross three suspension bridges and, with plenty of rest stops in local tea houses along the route, will hike uphill through the settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, all the way to Monjo. Monjo is recognised as the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park and here the group leaders and guides will take care of the necessary entry formalities whilst you enjoy a hot drink and the chance to browse the local shops. Once the formalities are completed, you will continue with your journey on a steep descent, passing over more suspension bridges until your trail starts to lead upward toward Namche Bazaar. It is a tough two hour hike to reach Namche Bazaar but here you will have your first view of Mt. Everest along with other incredible peaks.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: small settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa and Monju, Sagarmatha National Park, small tea houses and shops, suspension bridges, steep trail, Namche Bazaar and the very first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Kusum Khangru.)

Today, the third day of the trek, you will get involved in activities that help you to adapt to the change in altitude and thinning air. Remaining active is the best way to acclimatise, so instead of resting, you will hike to Thame, an amazing old Sherpa village. You also have an option to visit Khumjung, Khongde or Khunde which further aids in acclimatisation. Namche Bazaar offers a variety of options to spend the day. Hence, remaining days can either be spent visiting the National Park Head Office, Museum and other nearby monasteries, or, you can also spend some quality time at cafes and bakeries or talking to your family making internet calls. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Thame - an old Sherpa village, Khumjung/Khunde/Khongde, National Park Head office, Museum, monasteries, cafes, bakeries, shops, restaurants, post office, hospital, government health post, 24 hour electricity and water supply and high speed internet access)

Today is the fourth day of the trek. You will first walk along the glacial water of Dudh Khoshi, enjoying the views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and Ama Dablam. You'll continue towards the famous Rhododendron Forest Walk through the forest before you finally reach Sanasa – a major trail junction to Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp. From here, you take a steep ascent that will eventually take you to Tengboche Monastery. The night will be spent at a lodge in Tengboche.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: The Dudh Khoshi River, spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Themserku, Rhododendron forest, animals and birds like musk deer, multi-coloured pheasant and Thar, and Tengboche – the largest Gompa in the Khumbu region.)

Today is the fifth day of the trek. For the first half an hour you walk downhill towards the river and then continue the walk through green forest, crossing the river and ascending up to Pangboche. From Pangboche you again increase in altitude, climbing up to Pheriche. From Pheriche the walk is moderate and the trail will lead you to the Imja Valley. From here, you will hike the last vertical climb of the day that will finally take you to Dingboche. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dingboche.

Meals include: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Lush forest, steep climbs, and magnificent Chortens and Mani walls.)

Today is the sixth day of the trek. It is highly recommended to first adapt to the change in altitude and thinning air, before conquering the peak. Therefore, this is the second acclimatisation day before heading towards the Island peak. We climb the ridge on the north behind the Dingboche village to observe the view of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and other mighty peaks. You can also enjoy the internet café or spend some time in the billiard parlour. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dingboche.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Dingboche-summer settlement, view of Mt. Lhotse and Mt Ama Dablam and Imja River from the ridge on the north of the village, Kilometers of stone walls covering the Imja valley, internet cafes and world’s highest billiard parlour.)

Today is the seventh day of the trek and your destination is Chhukung Valley. You make your way from the Imja Khola Valley towards the east of Chhukung Valley, walking along the rocky trail to get to the valley. On reaching Chhukung, you will check into the lodge and meet your climbing guide as per the schedule. After a round of briefing regarding the next day’s climb, you will check over all of the essential equipment and gear that will be required for the next day. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukung.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Stoned walled fields, Imja Khola valley, Chhukung valley, rocky trail, view of Lhotse and Ama Dablam.)

Today is the eighth day of the trek and your destination is the base camp of Island Peak. You will first head south and then walk towards the main valley in the east. After walking on a pleasant trail along the stream, the trail directs towards a huge rock. From here this rocky trail becomes glacial as you cross Lhotse and Imja glacier moraine. After crossing these glacier moraines you finally reach the destination set for the day. Today, you will spend a few hours in training to practice the following day’s climbing techniques, using fixed ropes and crampons. The night is spent in a tent at the base camp of Island Peak.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Rocky and glacial trail, glacier moraines (Imja and Lhotse), a night in a tented camp, and southwestern face of Island peak.)

Today is the ninth day of the trek and Island Peak High Camp is the destination set for today. A 2-3 hours walk through the narrow slopes and rigid path will lead you to your goal. On reaching the High Camp your tent is set, gear and equipment will be rechecked, your boots will be fitted with crampons and you will go over the climbing techniques discussed over the previous two days, in preparation for tomorrow's climb. The night is spent inside the tent at the High Camp of Island Peak.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Narrow, rigid trail, view of mountains and glacier surrounding the Island Peak, tented camp experience.)

Today is the tenth day of the trek and the day that takes you to the highest point of the entire expedition– the summit of Island Peak. You will start as early as possible, using the techniques taught by the climbing leader earlier, you will make your way through short rock steps, crevasses, seracs, 40-45 degree slopes, ridges of summit glacier and finally to the summit. You will spend some time here taking photos and making memories that will last a lifetime before walking all the way downhill back to the High Camp. You will collect your belongings and any remaining gear and trek back to Chhukung Valley. Today’s walk is probably the longest walk in the entire trail. Therefore, you can relax your tired muscles in the lodge & celebrate your incredible achievement. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukung.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Island peak summit, experience of seracs, crevasses, icy slopes 40-45 degree according to the angle measurement, view of surrounding peaks like Lhotse, Lhotse Middle, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse in the north, Makalu in the east, and Baruntse and Ama Dablam in the south.)

Today is the eleventh day of the trek and your destination for the day is Khumjung. You will walk down towards Khumjung leaving Pangboche and Tengboche behind, making your way through the rhododendron and pine forests and suspension bridges. On reaching Khumjung you will check into the lodge where you can finally enjoy a hot shower to relax your tired muscles. The night will be spent at a lodge in Khumjung.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Vertical descent, village of Pangboche and Tengboche, suspension bridges and rhododendron and pine forest.)

Today is the twelfth day of the trek and your destination for the day is Namche Bazaar. You walk through the ridge and the fairly easy trail will lead you back to Namche Bazaar. The remaining days can be spent visiting different attractions in Namche Bazaar or simply enjoying coffee and some food at the cafés. You can also rest in the lodge itself, if you don’t wish to walk any longer. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: National Park Head office, Museum, monasteries, cafes, bakeries, shops, restaurants, post office, hospital, government health post, 24 hour electricity and water supply and high speed internet access.)

This is the last day of the trek and your destination is Lukla. Starting from Namche Bazaar, a 7-8 hour walk will finally take you to Lukla. The trail continues downhill towards the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River close to the junction of Dudhkoshi and Bhote Koshi River. On crossing this bridge you walk towards Monjo, fulfill the exit formalities at the check post of Sagarmatha National Park and continue the walk that leads you to Phakding. After a short lunch break, you will continue the trail that finally leads you back to Lukla. Today, after reaching Lukla, you will have a celebration of your achievement of climbing an epic 6000m peak. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lukla.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Colourful Lukla village, ‘Mani’ prayer rocks, Phakding village and ‘Gompas’ monasteries, flat trail small settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa and Monju, Sagarmatha National Park, small tea houses and shops, suspension bridges, steep trail, Namche Bazaar and the very first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Kusum Khangru.)

Today, the second to last day of the trek is your last day in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Our Sherpas will carry your luggage to the airport while other formalities are taken care of by your team leader. Once the plane lands at the airport, you will directly board the plane and fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning, enjoying the scenic view once again from the sky. A comfortable private vehicle will be awaiting for your arrival in Kathmandu Airport which will safely escort you to the hotel. In the evening you and your group can meet up to discuss your trek and celebrate your achievements. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Wonderful aerial view of the terrain from the plane, tourist standard hotel)

Today is the last day of your trip in Nepal with EverTrek. If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. If your flight is scheduled for later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around the shopping areas in Kathmandu.

(The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7:30am. In case of special days, our guides will wake you up early in the morning at around 5:00am. A western breakfast like porridge, oats, toasts, etc. will be served at around 8:00-8:30am. The lunch will be served from a tea-house menu at about 12:00-1:00pm. However, the lunch time can also be postponed on request. The dinner will be served at around 8:30-9:00pm. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge or in a tented camp (two days) where we stop for overnight.