Island Peak Climbing with EBC - 19 Days

On Day 02, you have an extra day in Kathmandu to explore and get some insights about this place. If you have any queries regarding the trek, you may even ask on this day. After your breakfast, you are given the chance to go sightseeing around the UNESCO Sites. Our tour guide will be assisting you throughout the major sites, as you explore places such as Swyambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath Temple, and finally Durbar Square. Make sure to finalise your trekking gear and equipment that are more comfortable for you. If not, renting those items is also possible in Kathmandu. In the evening, stroll around the streets of Thamel and get enough rest, as we begin our journey tomorrow. 

Your Island Peak and EBC trek adventure finally begins on Day 03, as you take a scenic morning flight from Kathmandu. The flight rewards you with the stunning views of snow-capped mountains, green hills, and flowing rivers from different perspectives. As you land in Lukla, you feel yourself being surrounded by high hills, offering a peaceful experience and fresh mountain air. From here, you start your trek towards Phakding, taking you over dense forests and well-marked routes till you reach the final spot. 

On Day 04, you proceed from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the bustling capital of the Khumbu region. As you begin your walk, the route takes you alongside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing over several suspension bridges that are filled with prayer flags. The trail from Monjo can be steep, with some uneven sections at times, so be a bit extra careful. So, after trekking for about 5 to 6 hours, you reach Namche, a place to see the magnificent views of the Himalayas and get a great experience of spending quality time as you explore the area. 

You have an extra day for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar on Day 05, as it gives you enough time to adjust to the higher altitudes. Even on this day, which is provided for rest, you can take short hikes to nearby areas, such as the Everest View Hotel, offering a great place to catch the stunning sunrise views. After you return, spend time at the cafes and take a chance to interact with the local people, as they are very friendly to everyone.

On this day, you trek from Namche Bazaar further towards Tengboche, a perfect place to see clear sights of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam from a distance. The walk can be beautiful and amazing, but some initial sections of the routes can be tough. You pass through highland meadows, where the landscape gets more dramatic and impressive. From here, you can also see the breathtaking river valleys and incredible glacial streams. After trekking for about 5 to 6 hours, you finally reach Tengboche. This place is well-known for its highly spiritual monastery, called the Tengboche Monastery.

On Day 07, you move from Tengboche, higher towards Dingboche, a stunning spot to acclimatize and enjoy the calm atmosphere. The journey starts from passing through vibrant rhododendron forests, offering spectacular views of high mountain peaks, which can make the walk even more beautiful. Along the way, the gradual shift in the landscape amazes you with its beauty, as you encounter fluttering prayer flags in the mountain air. Upon reaching Dingboche, a tranquil mountain village, located in the Imja Khola Valley gives perfect resting place.

On Day 08, you have an extra day to spend and explore more around Dingboche. This day is essential before you head towards the Everest Base Camp, as it reduces the chances of altitude sickness. In spite of this day being for rest, you take a short hike to Nangkarsthang Peak (5,083 m), a perfect place to acclimatize and see the jaw-dropping views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kantega. This peak can easily be reached within 2 to 3 hours from Dingboche Village.

Trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche on Day 09 can be a bit tough, but the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains make it worth it. The route takes you through rocky landscapes in the Khumbu Glacier, giving basic ideas of the trail conditions in the coming days. As you reach Lobuche, the facilities might be basic, yet the views seen from here are something you should experience once. The walk might feel tough at the start, but as you maintain a steady pace with frequent rest stops, the journey gets more comfortable. 

Trekking towards Everest Base Camp from Lobuche on Day 10 is one rewarding parts of the entire journey. The walk starts after an amazing morning breakfast, passing through glacial terrain, high-altitude areas, and rocky trails that might feel tough at times. There are even times when you need to navigate through steep sections with limited oxygen. The total distance is roughly 10 km (6.6 miles), featuring dry and dusty trails, which can even be slippery in winter. 

You finally reach the base of Everest, after trekking for about 3 to 5 hours, as the views from here are something you love it. The vistas are unobstructed with tents, mostly set up by climbers attempting the Everest summit. You get to see major views such as Khumbu Icefall, Nuptse, Everest, Pumori, Khumbuste, and the Khumbu Glacier. Later, you head back to Gorakshep, an excellent place that serves as the resting spot for trekkers. 

On Day 11, you will be making your early morning hike to Kala Patthar to catch the impressive golden sunrise views over the mountain peaks. The route takes you through a gradual climb, steep rocky sections, which can be challenging due to severe cold, high winds, and low oxygen levels. As Kala Patthar is situated at 5,545 meters, the air can be thin, which makes breathing difficult. So, it is highly recommended to take frequent treks when needed. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise views, you descended back to Gorakshep for mouthwatering morning meals. Later, you begin your trek towards Lobuche. 

Making your trek from Lobuche to Chhukung includes passing through rugged paths, mainly alongside gradual slopes. Today’s trek might be challenging, as you cross via the Kongma La Pass, the highest mountain pass in this region. So, having a guide is suggested, as without them, the journey might feel tough. Arriving in Chhukung, a quiet place, offers a great place to rest before making your way to the elevated areas. 

The trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp takes approx 3 to 4 hours, covering 7 km through the Imja Valley. Along the way, the views are dazzling with clear sights of Lhotse and Ama Dablam. The journey traverses through rocky terrain alongside the Imja Khola, so careful footing should be considered. One of the tough parts is the rocky paths, steep moraine slopes, and high-altitude surroundings that make the walk even more demanding. As you reach the base camp, our supporting crew members will set up the camps, where you will spend your overnight. Be sure to acclimatize properly and consider the extremely cold temperature, as it might get below freezing point at times. So, having proper gear and clothing items is required.

The summit of Island Peak starts early in the morning from the Base Camp, between 1:00 AM - 3:00 AM. During this time, the mountain weather is stable and predictable, making it easier for you to reach the summit and descend, giving it a great start to the day. The ascent starts through the Imja Glacier, as you need to navigate through fixed ropes, steep rocky sections, and you should know how to use crampons. Make sure you ascend through and use the fixed rope, as it helps to reach the top of Island Peak. 

After reaching the summit of Island Peak, you get the spectacular 360-degree views of towering peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, and the impressive Ama Dablam. On clear days, you can even spot direct views of the southern face of Mount Everest and Makalu. Afterwards, you descend back to the Island Peak Base Camp, returning with a sense of accomplishment and memories that you truly cherish for a lifetime. The journey then proceeds towards Chhukung, passing through mountain trails that feel easier now.  

On making your trek from Chhukung to Tengboche, the journey might feel more comfortable as you gain some experience of trekking at a higher altitude. So, for you, descending might be easier and rewarding at the same time. The way traverses through steep ascents and descents, offering distant views of the snow-covered peaks. Upon reaching Tengboche, you can visit the Tengboche Monastery, one of the highly spiritual monasteries in the Khumbu region. Take time to talk with the local monks and get some insights about the culture and tradition. This gives a great opportunity if you want to get more information about the Khumbu region. You can explore the nearby areas and share your experience of summiting the Island Peak.

On Day 16, you will be trekking from Tengboche to Namche, the most comfortable and easiest walk till now. The route is well-managed, offering spectacular views of distant peaks. The walk involves moving through rocky and steep sections, mainly around Phunki Tenga. It provides you with a quiet environment, as you get to pass through blooming rhododendron forests. As you descend, the temperatures start to feel warmer compared to high-altitude areas. Reaching Namche Bazaar, you can spend quality time enjoying the surrounding landscape and having a sip of coffee at nearby cafes in the evening.

On Day 17, you trek towards Lukla from Namche Bazaar, covering approx 18 to 19 km of descent, in 7 to 9 hours. The journey mostly includes gradual downhill sections, mainly through Monjo, Jorsalle, and Phakding, with certain uphill trails. As you cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge, you near the Sagarmatha National Park Area, where, after a few hours, you reach Phakding for lunch. After that, you begin your final trek to Lukla, the major gateway to the Everest region. 

You will be taking a short morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu/ Ramechhap, depending on your condition. Most of the flights to and from Lukla are directed to Ramechhap, as the peak trekking season makes the airport too busy. The flight is known to treat you with a different perspective of the snow-capped peaks, green hills, and settlement areas. After you reach Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your designated hotel, where you can rest and unwind from the long journey. In the evening, get ready, as our team has arranged a farewell dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant. Share your experience with the fellow trekkers and taste the real dishes for the last time. 

Your Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek finally ends on Day 19. The team representative will drop you off at the International Airport, as per your flight time. This ensures a comfortable end of the journey, ensuring you are safe and reach the airport on time. Be sure to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight, as during peak seasons, the airport is mostly packed.