Day 01
Arrive Kathmandu.1,300m.
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be received by our staff and escort you to the Hotel, where our guide will give you a brief orientation of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trek /Camping, do's and don't and other related information that you might require while in Nepal.
Day 02
Half day guided tour
After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about the time for your half day guided sightseeing tour of Boudha & Swoyambhu in private car with all the entrance fees.
Day 03
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding 2800m 3-4 hrs
Early morning after breakfast you will be transferred from the Hotel to domestic Airport with a short drive of half an hour, after the necessary security formalities (keep your pen-knife-lighter-matches and other sharp cutting items including scissors and other knife in the bigger baggage not in hand bags) board in the Twin Otter, Dronier or similar type of plane for the sweeping panoramic flight to Lukla, on arrival you will be received by our trekking guides. In Lukla you will have time to wander around, while the Sherpa crew sort and divide the load baggage on the Ghopkyo (mix breed of Yak & normal cow, as the Yak cannot survive below 3000m) some loads are carried by porters. Lunch, depending upon the time of arrival at Lukla either in Lukla or few walks farther down on route to Phakding. The walk is gradual and most of the way, with few ups from Tarhe khola, where you can have a superb view of Kusum-Kangru 6,369m crossing a short suspension bridge, from here after a short climb brings us to the Ghat village, another 1½ hr of gradual walk brings you to Phakding village for the overnight stop near the bank of the Dudh-Kosi river.
Day 04
Trek to Namche Bazaar 3440m 5-6 hrs
From Phakding, the walk is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill and re-crossing the same river again, with magnificent view of Thermasarkhu 6,608m, from the village of Benkar, cross the long suspension bridge over the Dudh-Koshi river, then reaching to a small village of Monjo. On the way you can observe an interesting water-mill grinding roasted corns and barley for Tsampa, one of the staple foods of the Sherpas, Tibetans and other mountain people. Monjo is situated below the magnificent peak of Thermasharkhu and near the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park.
From here a short descend and a gradual walk brings you to the last village at Jorsalle before Bazaar is reached, after a short walk, a second bridge is reached over the same river, the walk is pleasant on the river bed till the last bridge over the Imjatse river is reached, from here the walk is along the winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with magnificent view of Kwangde peak and it other sister peaks towards east, with Kusum Khangru on the back as you climb higher, view of Mt.Everest- Nuptse wall, Lhotse and the closer view of Taweche peak can be seen all the way up to Thop Danda, where there's a resting stone wall for the porters and trekkers, from here another one to two hours walk brings you to the famed Namche Bazaar, the colorful houses are situated in an amphitheatre U shaped bowl.
Day 05
Acclimatisation Day
We will have an easy day today. As an acclimatisation process, we will hike upto Everest View Hotel from where we can have good view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam and other adjoining mountain.
Day 06
Trek to Tengboche 3867m 5 hrs
The walk is fairly easy for the first half, with few minutes climb to the top ridge of Namche Bazaar. Once at the top the walk follows on the gradual trail with few short up and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great giant snow peaks from Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thermasharkhu and Kwangde-ri peak after a pleasant walk of two hours coming to a small place at Shanasa, on this area there is chances of seeing the beautiful colorful Danphe pheasant (Impeyan Pheasant) national bird of Nepal and the elusive musk deer, and sometime even herd of Himalayan Thar (mountain goat like large antelope) from Shanasa with short up and downhill, the trial descend to Imjatse river at Phungitenga 3250m, a small settlement with couple of teahouses in the midst of the alpine woods of mostly silver fir blue pines, rhododendron and some few magnolia and birch trees. From here the walk is all uphill for an hour or two with great view of Thermasarkhu and Kantenga, Kantenga from this angle it looks more like an icy Sphinx or a big cat on a sitting position, the walk finally reaches you at the great spot of Thyangboche. This is one of the most beautiful spot in the Himalaya, the first thing that comes to your eye is the big Monastery, then the large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic peak Ama Dablam with Everest looming above the Nuptse wall in the north with
Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse Shar towards north east with more peaks all around you.
Day 07
Trek to Pheriche 4243m 5 hrs
From here the path descend steeply through woods, then crossing the Imja Tse Khola and climb steadily to the village of Pangboche. This is directly opposite of Ama Dablam (6,856 m.), and is a good place to stop for a break. Pheriche is a good two / three hour's walk beyond and is situated beneath the impressive spires of Cholatse (6,440 m.) and Taweche (6,542 m.). From Pangboche the walk is on the gradual winding path above the Imjatse River then with a short climb to Somare for lunch, from here the walk leads to a good trail before the short climb towards Pheriche. After the good climb the path descends towards the Pheriche Valley and to the village
for the overnight stop. Pheriche is quite windy with great views of Mt.Ama Dablam, Tawache, Cholatse and as far as to Cho Oyu in the distance.
Day 08
Acclimatisation Day
Today you will have full day of leisure time to rests and relax here or you can discuss an activity like day's hike to nearby higher point. Overnight at teahouse lodge.
Day 09
Trek to Lobuche 4930m 5 hrs
Our route continues up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawoche on the left. Then turning right with a steep climb towards Thugla at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The tea house at Thughla is a good spot to have lunch, before the steep climb zig-zagging up through the boulders of the glacier terminal moraine. The top of this climb surprises us by numerous stone cairns-memorials to the many sherpas who have died while climbing on Mount Everest. The path then continues more easily on the left side of the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at
Lobuche for the overnight halt in teahouse lodge.
Day 10
At Lobuche with trek to Gorakshep 5,140m / Kalapatthar 5545m 6-7 hrs
Walk follows the Khumbu Glacier which is straight forward at first, but later the path becomes rocky and awkward, as the path climbs across the moraine. As the going gets closer to the world’s highest mountain. The sugar loaf dome of Pumori (7,145 m.) lies directly ahead and on the opposite side of the glacier, Nuptse rises in a sheer spire. Just behind it, to the left is Mt. Everest. Finally reaching at Gorak Shep after a good two to three hours walk. Gorakshep has two large tea houses. Directly above Gorakshep is Kala Pattar (5,545m) climbing starts to Kalapatthar. It takes about two hours or so. Kalapattar summit is the best view point for close-up view of the Mt. Everest 8,848 m. After a grand atop Kalapattar, we retrace the journey back to Loboche for the overnight.
Day 11
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp 4970m 7-8 hrs
Retrace the trek back to Thugla, from Thugla a pleasant trek leads to Dingboche into the Imja-Tse valley with great views of the surrounding snow capped peaks, including the classic view of Island peak. Island Peak on close inspection it reveals itself to be an interesting and attractive summit with a highly glaciated West Face rising from the Lhotse glacier. The mountain itself is an extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar and is separated from it by a small col. above this gap, rising to the south, is a classical beautiful ridge leading to the summit of Imja Tse. The continuation of this ridge, descending south-west, provides part of the normal route ascent and leads in turn to the South summit, when viewed from near Chhukhung.
The route to Base Camp, the path at first climbs quite steeply to the south before following the moraine east along the main valley below the southern or true left bank of the Lhotse Glacier. The trail then follows glacial streams to the snout of the Imja glacier. At this point the path swings north-east and crosses a dried up lake bed between the Lhotse and Imja Glaciers. From a base camp at Pareshaya Gyab, a well acclimatized party in good condition can make the summit and return in a day back to Base Camp.
Day 12
At Base Camp Rest day
Acclimatization and necessary preparations like sorting the gear for the ascent. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 13
Climb to the Summit at 6189m
From a high camp on the left-hand ridge scramble across the broad open gully and gain the right-hand ridge. Following this, this gives easy scrambling to the snow-covered glacier above. A route needs to be found out leftwards, avoiding seracs and crevasses before turning back northwards over snow covered scree in the margin between the glacier and the base of the main summit ridge. After crossing a gully with some stone and icefall danger, a steep snow and ice ramp leads upwards for nearly 100 meters (300ft), to the summit ridge. The last moves on to the ridge often prove difficult and many climbers leave a fixed rope in place to aid descent.
The ridge itself is a classic and undulates towards the main summit which is reached by a final tricky snow pitch. Standing atop we have the stunning close-up view of the South face of Lhotse (8501m) in vastness that looms before us. We have the impressive dramatic views of the mountains: Amadablam (6856m), Chamlang and Baruntse in the far horizon. Descent is made by the same route to the low base camp and then further down to Chukung for overnight stay in teahouse lodge.
Day 14
Trek to Namche Bazaar 7-8 hrs
Today we have tough day with descend to Pareshya Ghyab, and then continue further along (4,343 m.) the easy trail to Chukung bringing us at Dingboche in an hour time. From here the path descends all the way to Pangboche. After lunch here, then walk towards the bridge, a small climb through the cool shade of the forest reaching to nice spot at Deoboche, from here another 30 minutes of climb to Tengboche. After short rest here take an easy downhill walk to the bridge, from here a steep climb for a while and then reaching the level path towards the village of Shanasha, from here one can take an optional walk to Khumjung and Khunde village before Namche Bazaar. From this village another two hours of good walk leads to Namche Bazaar. Overnight at teahouse lodge.
Day 15
Trek back to Lukla 6-7 hrs
Last day of this great trek will be one of the good walk to Lukla, you can walk at your own best pace, leisurely and enjoying the lush green scenery around. Apart from few short uphill the only long climb will be just before Lukla which will take approximately 45 minutes from a place called Choplung or from the old big oak tree. On reaching Lukla, prepare for the last day great dinner and a party with the fellow Sherpa crew, porters and trekking members.
Day 16
Fly Lukla-Kathmandu
The flight time are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our control. After getting the boarding pass depending upon the flight time, make your way to the terminal for security check, this scenic flight from Lukla takes about 30 to 40 minutes to Kathmandu, a panoramic view of the snow capped peaks can be seen from window of the plane. Arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal, our staff will receive and escort you back to the Hotel.
Day 17
Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
A free day in Kathmandu please let our staff know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or for scenic mountain flight.
Day 18
Transfer to Airport for the International departure
Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket and your passport handy. Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Island Peak Climbing
In the world’s scenic high valleys with an adventurous climb’
Adventure begins from Lukla after a spectacular mountain flight from Kathmandu. This adventurous route leads first to Namche Bazaar and then to Tengboche with two nights here for good acclimasation, then heading into the high valleys of Khumbu. At Gorak Shep in the Khumbu valley, an opportunity to be up at Kala Pattar [5,545m.] for the classic panoramic view of Everest South West Face and array of other giant snow capped peaks. Finally the trek heads for the Imja valley and Island Peak Base Camp, where we set up our own base camp at the foot of the mountain’s South ridge, surrounded by stunning ice scenery beneath the immense Nuptse-Lhotse wall which towers above.
Island Peak / Imja Tse (6189m/ 20305ft) located at the top of the Imja valley in the Khumbu region, just above the summer settlement of Chhukung, surrounded by Lhotse and Lhotse Shar glaciers. It offers a worthwhile challenge to the experienced winter mountaineer, competent in using ice axe and crampons, being technically straight forward.
There are some of the difficult sections being a mixed rock and ice wall at a slope of around 45 degrees leading to the narrow summit ridge, approximately Scottish winter grade 2. The climb will be undertaken towards the end of the trek when everyone will be fully acclimatised.
For those not attempting the climb of Island Peak, there is an opportunity to explore the Imja Khola Valley. This trip is highly recommended, even if you have no intention of climbing Island Peak. It will take you into high valleys, with plenty of time to visit Sherpa villages and monasteries and photographs the ever exciting moments from stunning view points.
From Island Peak base camp our route descend along the Imja Khola to Dingboche and make way to Namche Bazaar, passing through Pangboche village with time to visit the old gompa of this area and at Thyangboche as well. After the great long descent from Namche, then following the Dudh Kosi valley to Lukla where a spectacular mountain flight brings you back to Kathmandu.
